Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
A land of ancient wonders
About Zimbabwe
Long before the wider world knew its name, the people here called it Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke that Thunders”.
This is Victoria Falls, a colossal curtain of water that crashes into the Zambezi gorge, sending a plume of mist into the sky that can be seen for miles.
This roaring spectacle is the heart of Zimbabwe, a nation of profound natural beauty and a deep, ancient soul.
The power of the Zambezi River permeates the country’s wild spaces. It pools in the vastness of Lake Kariba, a man-made sea dotted with petrified trees, and nourishes the floodplains of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk and canoe among titans.
Away from the river, the landscape unfolds into the legendary plains of Hwange National Park, famed for its monumental elephant herds.
But Zimbabwe’s story is also etched in stone. It is the story of the city of Great Zimbabwe, the largest ancient stone structure south of the Sahara and the seat of a powerful African empire.
With a heritage of world-class guiding and a wilderness that remains truly wild, Zimbabwe offers one of Africa’s most authentic and adventurous safari experiences.
Top travel tips for Zimbabwe
Did you know
The country has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, a legacy of its post-independence focus on education.
Bring US dollars in cash: the currency situation in Zimbabwe is complex. Dollars are the preferred currency for tourists, for everything from hotels and park fees to restaurant meals and tips. It is essential to bring sufficient cash in small denominations, as credit card facilities can be unreliable and withdrawing cash is difficult
Consider the KAZA UniVisa: if your trip includes a visit to Zambia (on the other side of Victoria Falls), look into the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) UniVisa. It allows entry into both countries for 30 days, saving you time on border crossings
Trust your guides: Zimbabwean professional guides are legendary and widely considered among the best-trained and most knowledgeable in Africa. Trust their expertise, especially in parks such as Mana Pools, where walking safaris are common, for an incredibly safe and immersive experience
Book domestic travel in advance: the best way to travel between remote national parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools is by small charter flight. These flights are limited and book up quickly, so it is crucial to arrange them well in advance with your Travel Architect
Take malaria precautions: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and other low-lying safari areas are in a malaria zone. It is vital to consult your doctor for appropriate anti-malarial prophylaxis before you travel.
Image courtesy of Singita, taken by Ross Couper
Scenes so lovely must have been gazed ”
upon by angels in their flight.
