Destination 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 Fall
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 | • Golf | |
| • Horseback safaris | • Elephant-back safaris | |
| • 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. Aug-Nov = best white-water rafting | ||
| 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 | Feb-Mar = best for viewing Victoria Falls | |
| Back to destinations |