Tucked between the mighty Zambezi and the rolling Limpopo River, Zimbabwe is best known for the magnificent spectacle of the Victoria Falls. But Zimbabwe is full of many jaw-droppingly beautiful and diverse landscapes, superb national parks, World Heritage Sites (5 in total), ancient cultures and oh yes, the wildlife is not just incredible, it’s spectacular, top notch and completely out of this world.  Here are our favorite reasons to explore this African jewel.
 
Our route starts in the heart of the Matopos World Heritage site known for its rich history and brilliantly-preserved rock art. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys. A Jurassic-like landscape filled with fascinating domes, spires, and balancing rock formations - a feast for the eyes and home to an impressive range of African wildlife.

From the Matobo National Park we head to what once was a thriving Iron Age African city – the Great Zimbabwe ruins in the south-eastern hills of Zimbabwe close to Masvingo.  The Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are without doubt the most impressive ancient structures in Sub-Saharan Africa and a source of considerable pride for Zimbabweans being the largest and most culturally important archaeological site of its kind in Africa. 

Masvingo and tackling the long drive north to Mana Pools requires breaking the journey at Lake Chivero on the banks of the Manyame River southwest of Harare. The Lake itself and the mysterious Chinhoyi Caves just outside the little town of Chinhoyi have both been designated Ramsar Wetland Sites of international importance (two of 7 in Zim).  There is a great story and history related to the caves cobalt blue waters which are so phenomenally clear that silver-hued fish and underwater rock formations can be seen far below the surface. It makes sense to stop and enjoy!

From the hauntingly beautiful caves, we hit the road to Mana Pools National Park, our home for the next three magical nights 

Another of Zimbabwe’s 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mana Pools offers a truly remote and rugged wilderness experience.  Expect encounters with a plethora of wildlife ranging from large mammals to over 400 bird species. The four permanent pools are a popular gathering place for massive herds of elephants and buffaloes to zebras, antelopes, and large populations of hippos and crocodiles and in July / August, the action around these pools intensifies, attracting predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs, making them the perfect place for wildlife encounters. 

Mana Pools is a truly magical place and for photography enthusiasts, a dream.  During the early mornings and late afternoons, the sunlight filters light streams through the trees presenting a blue haze known as the ‘Mana Blues’

Leaving Mana it’s easy to understand why one would experience their own blues – Mana is magic.  And as we head towards the world’s largest man-made lake in the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi River Basin, its sheer size makes you forget it’s a dam.  In some places Lake Kariba almost feels like an ocean!   It’s islands are sprinkled with wildlife, a healthy variety of birdlife as well as large numbers of elephants and other big game - the presence of water drawing them to the lake’s shores, providing vital nourishment in the arid landscape.  

And onto Hwange National Park lauded as the best, and largest, park in Zimbabwe just waiting to be explored. Its location on the edge of the Kalahari Desert gives the park a selection of diverse landscapes and a semi-arid climate. Supreme beauty aside, the animals found in Hwange National Park are typically the biggest lure – from the thunder of elephants and the rumbling roar of lions, to the carrying cackle of hyena and the chorus of endless birdsong. It’s also ours for the next two nights!

There is no doubt, Zimbabwe is full of hidden gems.

Today, the economy and social system in Zimbabwe are recovering, prompting many travelers to ask if it’s worth making the trip and whether the country is safe and well-stocked again. The answer is an unequivocal: ‘YES!' If you haven’t been o to Zimbabwe, now is the time. Travelers have already begun trickling back to enjoy the mega elephant herds in Hwange National Park, the vast and wonderful landscapes at Matabo National Park and the magic of Mana Pools.

Quite simply, a trip to Zimbabwe should be on everyone's bucket list. With so much to explore, discover and experience, the reasons to travel to Zimbabwe are truly endless!

Stay tuned for more!

MJ