ZIMBABWE
In a Nutshell
A fantastic year round safari destination, with potentially the best combination of wildlife viewing and range of activities in Africa. Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and is
the adventure capital of Africa.
But, sadly politics has dominated the country's news recently and led to a huge downturn in visitors.
Climate
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
c |
mm |
31 |
190 |
30 |
180 |
30 |
90 |
29 |
38 |
29 |
5 |
25 |
2 |
25 |
0 |
28 |
0 |
33 |
3 |
34 |
20 |
31 |
85 |
31 |
185 |
(average high temp in degrees c and average rainfall in mm)
for Victoria Falls
Facts
Size: 390,245 Sq Km
Population: 13.5m
Capital: Harare
Flying Time: Harare 10 hours 30 mins
People: Shona (76%), also Ndebele and
others
Languages: English (official), also Shona and Ndebele widely spoken
Major Industries: mining, some agriculture
Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$)
Visa: Required for UK passport holders
Time: GMT +2
Budget: From £2600 for 2 weeks
Background
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa bordering Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. Most of the country is a high rolling plateau and it is dominated by the Zambezi River and is famous for the Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe is 2 times bigger than the UK.
National Parks, Reserves and GMA's comprise over 13% of the country.
Principal Parks and Reserves
Hwange NP
Matusadona NP
Mana Pools NP
Chizarira NP
Gonarezhou NP
Matabo Hills NP
Victoria Falls and Zambezi NP's
Highlights
Victoria Falls - one of the wonders of the natural world
Lake Kariba - for exquisite serenity and a source of countless watersports
Zambezi River - for adrenalin-pumping excitement
Great Zimbabwe ruins - the second greatest stone structure in Africa after the Pyramids
Eastern Highlands - for tranquility, fantastic topography and outdoor activities
Hwange - Zimbabwe's largest National Park and best game-viewing
Activities
Game drives and walks
Boat trips
Hiking and trekking
Fishing
Sailing
Horseback and elephant-back safaris
Golf
Canoeing safaris
White water rafting
Houseboats
Bungee jumping
Best for
Activities around the Victoria Falls
Best one day white-water rafting in the world
Best canoe safaris (in Mana Pools area) in the world for game viewing
Some of the best game viewing (for variety and quality) in Africa
Quality of the professional wildlife guides
Tracking rhino and lion on foot in Matusadona NP
High concentrations of elephant
When to go
All year
Nov-Jun = low season
Jul-Oct = peak season
Oct-Feb = summer, May-Aug = winter
Dec-Apr = rains
Sep-Oct = driest, Dec-Feb = wettest
Oct-Nov = hottest, Jun-Jul = coolest
Sep-Oct = best game-viewing
Jan-Mar = best birding
Dec-May = best flowers
Aug-Nov = best white-water rafting
Feb-Mar = best for viewing Victoria Falls
