Zimbabwe has it all. A canny safari traveller can be thrilled by the crashing crescendo of the Victoria Falls, enjoy highly productive game drives in northern Hwange and float gently on a houseboat on the limpid waters of Lake Kariba in the space of just a few days. And that’s before you head to more remote regions like Mana Pools and truly off-the-beaten track secrets like the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs along the Runde River, the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (which is home to one of the most awe-inspiring lodges in the country) and inspiring conservation success story, Gonarezhou National Park. First-timers will love the north while more seasoned adventurers will revel in heading more south. An aspect that almost everyone who visits Zimbabwe comments is in the patience, good humour, resilience and innovativeness of ordinary Zimbabweans. Despite facing huge challenges, time with Zimbabweans is both humbling and joyful. Zimbabwean safari guides and rangers are generally acknowledged as among the best in the business, with rigorous training and intense discipline that allows the cream of the crop to shine. Add a very moderate climate and gorgeous landscapes and you have a destination that ticks virtually every box. Lodges and camps are generally comfortable without being over the top or extravagant: this is a place where you can rediscover the fun of taking a bucket shower under the stars or really breaking away from technology and getting a genuine digital detox.
Vera: Having lived and travelled in Zimbabwe, it holds a special place in my heart. Mana Pools offers incredible wildlife experiences, adventurous walking safari, beautiful landscapes and unbeatable golden light. I’ve been to Vic Falls five times and still haven’t done everything there is to do! A real hidden gem is Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands, which comprises spectacular mountains, stunning rivers and dense forests, and is a birder’s paradise.
