F A C T S H E E T Z I M B A B W E

O V E R V I E W

Zimbabwe is the stuff of historic travelling legend, typifying the romance of Africa. However it is by no means limited to its iconic highlights of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools but is a country with an enormously varied offering. Topographically it ranges from big fossilised forests, mountain highlands, savannah plains to some of the most dramatic waterways in the world. It has correspondingly diverse and sophisticated guest appeal - from high octane adventure such as white water rafting or bungee jumping over the Falls; to more sedate and refined experiences such as Art or Steam Train Safaris. Eclipsing all these, of course, are the rich and authentic wildlife opportunities, both land and water based, benefitting from the large animal populations which roam the incredible wilderness Zimbabwe has to offer. K E Y F A C T S A C C E S S I B I L I T Y

C A P I T A L H a r a r e Flights: Three international airports: Harare, Buluwayo & Victoria Falls. Ordinarily the country is C U R R E N C Y U S D o l l a r serviced by Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya T I M E Z O N E G M T + 2 h r s Airways amongst others. Extensive domestic flight schedules to key tourist regions and the option for L A N G U A G E E n g l i s h , t r i b a l l a n g u a g e s chartering as well. Good road network, depending i n c l u d i n g S h o n a & N d e b e l e on distances between guests can be transferred by P O P U L A T I O N 1 4 m i l l i o n road or self-drive. ( 3 8 p e o p l e p e r k m 2 ) K N O W N F O R W H O F O R

V i c t o r i a F a l l s – w o n d e r o f t h e w o r l d F i r s t t i m e r s a n d s a f a r i a f i c i o n a d o s a l i k e E x c i t i n g h i g h a d r e n a l i n e a c t i v i t i e s P h o t o g r a p h e r s : w i l d l i f e , l a n d s c a p e & n a t u r e U n t o u c h e d w i l d e r n e s s e s A d r e n a l i n e s e e k e r s C o n t r a s t i n g a n d w i d e r a n g i n g t y p o l o g y H o n e y m o o n e r s H u g e e l e p h a n t p o p u l a t i o n s F a m i l i e s Y e a r r o u n d t e m p e r a t e c l i m a t e W H E N T O G O P A C K I N G

April & May, is the end of summer, the weather is L i g h t l a y e r s o f c l o t h i n g i n n e u t r a l c o l o u r s . still quite hot but the rain is drying up. June to B r i g h t c o l o u r e d c l o t h i n g i s n o t s u i t a b l e f o r October is the dry season and considered the best w a l k i n g s a f a r i . P a c k i n g c h e c k l i s t : L a y e r s – for game viewing. Cooler nights and mornings mean l o n g a n d s h o r t s l e e v e s h i r t s a n d t r o u s e r s | a jumper or two should be packed. November to W a r m f l e e c e o r j u m p e r f o r c o o l e r e v e n i n g s March is the wet season, humidity is high now as are | W a t e r p r o o f j a c k e t | C o m f o r t a b l e , s t u r d y the temperatures often over 30°C during the day. s h o e s | F l i p - f l o p s / s a n d a l s S w i m m i n g Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec a t t i r e | h a t / b a s e b a l l c a p | S u n g l a s s e s &

Hwange S u n - c r e a m | P e r s o n a l i t e m s – t o i l e t r i e s , s m a l l m e d i c a l k i t e t c | T o r c h , p l u g a d a p t e r s Victoria Falls a n d c h a r g i n g e q u i p m e n t | B i n o c u l a r s a n d

Mana Pools c a m e r a | B o o k s e t c f o r s i e s t a t i m e P l e a s e s p e a k t o a h e a l t h c a r e p r o f e s s i o n a l Okay Better Best a b o u t v a c c i n a t i o n s a n d m a l a r i a m e d i c a t i o n

W W W . S M A L L W O R L D M A R K E T I N G . C O . U K / T H E A F R I C A H U B K E Y R E G I O N S

V I C T O R I A F A L L S

Victoria Falls is a small town centred inside a national park. The name alone conjures up visions of explorations and adventure and the destination offers exactly that. The town’s defining feature is of course the famous falls which are considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the national park, a World Heritage Site. The wide variety of activities here, namely those which get the adrenaline pumping, mean travellers should certainly stay a few nights. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, scenic helicopter flights, micro-lighting and boogie boarding to name a few. For those wanting something gentler there are river cruises, cultural visits and even steam train safaris. With great connectivity, Victoria Falls is often used as a starting (or ending) point of a wider Southern African itinerary whether heading further into Zimbabwe or to Zambia, Botswana, South Africa or Mozambique.

H W A N G E N A T I O N A L P A R K

Famous for its large concentrations of game Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest and oldest National Park (it is almost the size of Belgium). The park has one of the largest populations of wild dog in Africa and lions are commonly seen here. There are also high concentrations of elephant and buffalo and even white and black rhino here. Hwange offers an incredibly wildlife and birding experience with over 100 species of mammal and 400 types of birds. Hwange receives very little rain during the winter so the game here remains healthy and within the park due to a number of manmade waterholes which are privately maintained. Therefore, as with many regions, the best time to view game here is during the dry winter months when the animals congregate around these few water sources.

M A N A P O O L S

This World Heritage Site National Park is an enduring favourite of visitors to southern Africa, and it is easy to see why. The abundance of activities on offer due to the meandering Zambezi River running as the park’s border and a rich variety of game draws people to this park, for perhaps longer than the average safari stay. The name Mana Pools comes from the local Shona language and means 4 pools. This refers to the four ox-bow lakes which remain from when the Zambezi changed its course and lie inland from the river. Host to a huge variety of wildlife including hippo, crocodiles and used by elephants as well. The game viewing in the dry season is particularly impressive as the animals congregate around these pools. Many camps in Mana Pools are situated on the river banks, meaning there is excellent game sightings very nearby and often from the camps themselves. This also contributes to the variety of activities including; walking safaris, canoe safaris, boat cruises and fishing... and of course the usual game drives.

W W W . S M A L L W O R L D M A R K E T I N G . C O . U K / T H E A F R I C A H U B K A R I B A Lake Kariba is the world largest man-made lake and reservoir, located on the Zambezi River it lies between the border of Zambia & Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba was filled between 1958 and 1963 following the completion of the Kariba Dam, flooding the Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River. The town of Kariba was in fact built for the construction workers on the dam project but is now used as the starting destination for guests visiting the surrounding areas and camps. Before the area was flooded the existing vegetation was burned, leaving a thick layer of fertile soil which became the lake bed. The result is the extraordinary ecology which lies beneath Lake Kariba’s waters and attracts many animal and bird species. This area is spectacular for game viewing and also provides an incredible canvas for photographers.

M A T O B O H I L L S Another of Zimbabwe’s 5 world heritage sites is the Matobo Hills. Considered largely underrated despite being within driving distance of Zimbabwe’s second city Bulawayo, The Matobo Hills, covered with red-hued kopjes, is a park of dramatic and incredible natural beauty. However, it is not only this park’s breath taking beauty which makes it so special, the area has evidence it has sustained life here since the stone age. In the caves created by the huge boulders over 3000 rock art sites can be found with ancient San paintings. Considered the spiritual home of Zimbabwe the site has particular importance to the Ndebele people. Also here, with spectacular views over the hills is the final resting place of Cecil Rhodes who’s grave can clearly been seen here in a spot known as “World’s View”. While the landscape and cultural importance of Matobo Hills is its main draw, the park is also home to a variety of game including a high concentration of leopards as well as sable and springer, while both black and white rhino can also be seen in a protected fenced area of the park.

W W W . S M A L L W O R L D M A R K E T I N G . C O . U K / T H E A F R I C A H U B