Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
It is the country’s wonderful wildlife, the extraordinary level of guiding and varied national parks – along with Victoria Falls – that are most famous, and why thousands upon thousands of safari lovers flock here every year. The country takes conservation seriously and has a network of sizable reserves.
Zimbabwe’s safari guides are considered among the best in the world thanks to their extremely rigorous training. It takes at least five years to complete the course, which involves everything from learning all the Latin names of birds, plants, insects and animal species to basic first aid, advanced driving skills and weapons training. It is so tough that it is estimated that in some years only five percent of the incoming class make it to the final written exams. This exceptional knowledge of and passion for the bush, combined with the fun-loving Zimbabwean sense of humour, put Zimbabwean guides at the top of their field.
The country’s commitment to conservation also makes it part of two gargantuan cross-border parks. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) is the size of France and includes Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is the size of the Netherlands or Taiwan and takes in Gonarezhou. These transfrontier areas show close cooperation between Southern African countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia to preserve natural and ancient migratory channels for animals and maintain their traditional habitats.
In addition to game drives, nature walks and water-based safaris in the national parks, Zimbabwe offers a lot of other outdoorsy activities for adventurous travellers.
No matter where you go in Zim – from the rush of Vic Falls to the dry bush of Hwange – you will always have the Milky Way above you, the sun to greet you in the morning and the incredible hospitality of Zimbabweans to look forward to.