With a population of 16 million and sandwiched between almost every country in southern Africa, landlocked Zimbabwe boasts an impressive variety of habitats. In years gone by, it was a bustling tourist mecca boasting a rich cultural and wildlife heritage and infrastructure that was the envy of its neighbours. Despite all the alarmist headlines, the quality of its lodges and, to a great extent its wildlife has been surprisingly unaffected. In fact, with the main attractions far from the cities, today’s tourists would be hard pressed to guess of the problems that have afflicted its people and most visitors insist it is hands down one of the safest, friendliest and most spectacular countries in Africa.
Zimbabwe as a Destination
Home to abundant wildlife, some of Africa’s best guides and fantastic value lodges, Zimbabwe has all the ingredients for the perfect safari holiday, but it is the incredible variety of scenery that really sets the country apart.
A journey here will take you through an attractive patchwork of landscapes, from highveld, balancing boulders and flaming msasa trees to sandy savannahs, lush mountains and a sea-sized lake, all interspersed with the occasional laidback town. Here you can spot the Big Five in its national parks, discover World Heritage-listed archaeological sites and stand in awe of one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Along the way, you’ll receive a friendly welcome from locals, famous for their politeness and resilience in the face of hardship. Zimbabwe has an abundance of National Parks. Popular places to visit are Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba.