Zimbabwe is currently fast tracking its way to the top of the safari world. Zimbabwe was once King of the safari world, the game viewing was incredible, the people warm and welcoming, the landscapes diverse and the guides were without doubt the best in the business.
Then came the decades of political uncertainty, which all but killed off tourism in Zimbabwe. The country was deemed unsafe and the animals were heavily poached. Today, it’s a very different story, Zimbabwe is once again returning to its former glory. Tourists are returning in their masses and the wildlife has recovered, camps and lodges are back in full swing and once again Zimbabwe is able to offer a premier safari experience that can rival any other destination in Africa.
Zimbabwe is renowned for its 2 phenomenal wildlife regions which include Hwange National Park and Mana Pools which is a world heritage site. Both these regions offer game viewing of the highest order and both are a “must visit” on any safari to Zimbabwe.
Hwange National Park is renowned for its huge Elephant and Buffalo herds and excellent Lion sightings. The terrain is arid consisting of desert sand, open woodlands and grasslands. Mana Pools in contrast is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The wildlife viewing at Mana Pools is spectacular and one can undertake an array of activities including game drives, bush walks, fishing, canoeing and boat cruises. Both these 2 magnificent parks offer a more exclusive safari experience than in most parts of Africa with the exception of arguably, Botswana.
Another excellent wildlife region is Matusadona National Park. This wildlife rich region is located on the banks of the massive Lake Kariba and offers unrivalled scenery and great game viewing. Boat cruises on Lake Kariba are a speciality in this region as are game drives in this excellent wildlife area.
The best time to safari in Zimbabwe is from June until October. This is the dry Winter season and when wildlife viewing is at its peak, especially in the months of August and September. Game viewing at this time is often spectacular at all 3 wild life regions.
The perfect Zimbabwe Safari would be to travel in the dry season and incorporate a couple of nights at the Victoria Falls either before or after your safari and visit Zimbabwe’s finest safari parks of Hwange National Park, Matusadona and Mana Pools.
By Stuart Parker
