Discover Zimbabwe’s History, Grandeur and Wildlife

Zimbabwe is becoming a hot safari destination again.  Its praise is deserved because “Zim” is home to some of Africa’s best guides, most amazing landscapes and some surprising history.  This rough planning guide explores the breadth of Zimbabwe’s historical and native wonders.

Victoria Falls
Start your trip at Victoria Falls: the Smoke that Thunders.

You will marvel at the immensity of the Falls themselves: from the ground, the air or the mighty Zambezi River.

This is also the playground of Zimbabwe.  Thrill seekers will love the bungee jumping, hydro-speeding and a host of other adventures.  How long you stay will depend entirely on the length of your bucket list.

Victoria Falls

Hwange National Park

The largest game park in Zimbabwe, Hwange stretches south of Victoria Falls to Bulawayo and west to the Kalahari Desert.  It is home to a stunning array of wildlife and famous for its massive herds of buffalo and elephant.

We suggest you try out a couple of the intimate tented camps scattered through the park.

Somalisa and Little Makalolo are both exclusive tented camps, situated in the middle eastern section of the park.  Somalisa offers breathtaking views of savannah grasslands, while Little Makalolo overlooks a vibrant waterhole.  Both offer guided walks, game drives and birdwatching.

Camp Hwange is further west set on a rise in a private concession, overlooking the Shumba Pans.

Lion spotted near Little Makalolo

Matobo National Park

The oldest national park in Zimbabwe, Matobo is as much about history as it is about wildlife.

Discover a rich heritage of ancient rock paintings amongst the granite kopjes of this ancient landscape.  Created over 2,000 years ago by the San (bushmen) there are beautiful friezes of giraffes, elephants and kudus.

These hills were also the scene of the famous indaba between white settlers and Ndebele leaders in 1896.

We recommend either Big Cave Camp or Camp Amalinda which both offer comfortable accommodation and sweeping views of the Matopos Hills.

Rock Art at Matobo

Great Zimbabwe

Prepare to be surprised!  Great Zimbabwe is a ruined, walled city in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe.  Once the royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch, much of the grandeur of the place remains despite the crumbling walls.

While visiting Great Zimbabwe you can stay at Norma Jeans Lakeview Resort, quaint B&B style accommodation that makes a homey change from safari camps..

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

More Wildlife?

If you’re up for a little more wildlife than consider heading to Gonarezhou National Park on the Mozambique border.  Stay at the luxurious Chilo Gorge, with its spectacular views and first class guiding, or Singita Pamushana.

This is just a rough guide.  Let us create a personalized itinerary that is perfect just for you.

Indulge in Singita’s ‘Six Star’ Safari’s

Singita has created a wholly new type of luxurious, high-end African experience, offering what I consider to be “six star” lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
On a recent trip to South Africa I visited three Singita lodges: Ebony in the Sabi Sands area, Lebombo and Sweni in Kruger National Park. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it before!

  • Each lodge is different, but all are discerningly designed and decorated to blend seamlessly into their environment and provide genuine comfort.  This is as close to a six star hotel as you will ever get in the African bush.

Sweni Lodge

 

  • With a light touch, the staff caters for your every whim from the moment you arrive.  It’s almost as though you get what you want before you realise you want it.

Castleton

 

  • Unlike most safari lodges, there is no regimentation or routine: you set your own agenda.  Get up when you want.  Dine when and where you want.  Set your own times and methods of exploration.

Ebony Lodge Safari

 

  • A foodie’s heaven, each lodge offers fine dining and excellent wines.  All wines are African (except for the French Champagne).  A highlight of my stay at Ebony Lodge was a surprise 5-course wine & food matching dinner set up on the airstrip.  The glow of bonfires and lanterns was the only light to compete with the wonder of the African sky.  The food was mind-blowing.
  • The guides are exceptional.  And if you are visiting more than one of their South African lodges you can choose to retain one guide for your entire stay.

Lebombo Lodge

 

  • I was surprised to discover incredible on-site markets, ensuring that even shopaholics are catered for at Singita.  You can buy the luxurious linens, shampoos and other items found in your suite and spend hours browsing through an incredible gallery of African art and craft.
  • As a lover of Africa, I was particularly pleased to discover that Singita is deeply involved in wildlife conservation and community development projects.  In Sabi Sand, Singita supports a pre-school development program.  At Kruger National Park they offer the Singita School of Cooking.  In Zimbabwe, where the need is greater, Singita are currently helping to feed 19,000 children affected by drought.

Pamushana Feeding Program

 

I highly recommend Singita lodges to all of our clients who seek true luxury.  If you look for the finest quality and most personal care then please talk to me about including Singita in your itinerary.