There are so many reasons why Zimbabwe is still one of the leading safari destinations on the planet, but possibly the paramount is its raw, natural, untamed wilderness areas that are just waiting to be discovered.
Safety not an issue
Political and economic turmoil have left a gaping hole in the tourism sector and this effectively means it is the perfect time to enjoy the pristine bush. Although safety compromises were said to have been a detracting factor in the past, there have not been any reported incidents of violence against tourists for several years.
Zimbabwe is blessed with a more-than-adequate infrastructure and an excellent road network, so getting around this small landlocked country is not difficult.
Value for money destination
Accommodation in the urban centres and wilderness is renowned for its elegance and excellent service and, although we would like to see an end to the economic meltdown, it does mean that a Zimbabwe safari is the best value for your hard-earned cash by far.
The climate is unsurpassed with warm summers and temperate winters and the average daily sunshine of between 4-10 hours is arguably enough to attract any intrepid traveller, especially from the cold climes of the northern hemisphere.
Superior natural attractions
But it is the physical beauty and cultural attractions of this tempestuous nation that is the real pull. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the grandiose Victoria Falls, graces this tiny slice of Africa and some of the most premier game watching in the world can still be enjoyed at the plentiful array of national parks that dot the landscape with precise regularity.
Premier game viewing
The world famous Hwange National Park is the largest conservation area in Zimbabwe. Its supreme game viewing includes large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra and elusive sable antelope, as well as the shy brown hyena and one of the biggest groups of wild dogs in Africa today.
Teams of unpaid conservationists have banded together in an effort to curb the rampant poaching that has decimated the wild life population over the years and they are making a huge difference. Bear in mind that the more people who visit these conservation areas, the more money is available to conserve Africa’s heritage for many generations to come.
The burly Motobos Hills – raptor’s paradise
The burly Motobos Hills is also worth a visit. As a colonial burial site where the remains of Cecil John Rhodes lie undisturbed, it is also an area that boasts the largest concentrations of leopard and raptors in the world.
Keep a watchful eye out for the glorious bataleur eagle with its post-box red beak and feet, and the distinctive martial eagle, the largest eagle in Africa. Also try to catch a glimpse of the black eagle with the distinctive white V on its back - there are in the region of 60 breeding pairs in the area.
Long lost civilisations
Other attractions include the wonderfully preserved Zimbabwe Ruins that formed the focal point of a vast, undiscovered empire, the Munhumutapa Empire; the 290 km long, man-made Lake Kariba where game viewing is done by boat; and then there’s the cool Eastern Highlands where fishing and hiking are the order of the day.
Zimbabwe remains a land of extreme beauty, warm people and affordable getaways and, once the unenviable turmoil has been settled once and for all, Zimbabwe will go through a catharsis of epic proportion!
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