Zimbabwe
CAPITAL CITY
Harare
BEST TIME TO GO
April – October
TIME ZONE
GMT +2hrs
GETTING THERE
Daily flights from London Heathrow to Harare via Johannesburg, 12hrs 20mins
A landlocked country of 151,000 square miles, Zimbabwe’s charm lies in its tracts of unspoilt wilderness, moderate climate and diversity of landscape. You view game in unfrequented areas, walk, ride, or follow a leisurely canoe trail. White-water raft down the Zambezi, play golf on challenging sun-drenched courses, trek among the mountains and crystal streams of the Eastern Highlands.
Victoria Falls, ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ a true natural wonder, especially when in full flow, where a curtain of water 1,700 metres wide, thunders over a basalt lip and plunges into a rocky chasm far below. There are lots of ways to experience their impressive power – sunset cruises, whitewater canoeing trips, and the ultimate helicopter ‘Flight of Angels’ which provides you with an aerial view. The more adventurous can whitewater raft in the gorges below, with heady excitement of negotiating rapids.
Wildlife Safari
An early sunrise start is the best time to spot animals – lion in particular – the nocturnal animals are heading to a resting spot after a hard night’s hunting, while the diurnal fauna are beginning to stir. The light is lovely and gentle for photographs. Spend the morning with your guide, listening, observing, and tracking while being gently warmed by the sun. Silent and elusive, you will be surrounded by animals even if you can’t see them! Return to camp for a delicious breakfast, or have it alfresco under the trees. Rest and relax during the heat of the day. Later, after a refreshing cup of tea you set out in again in an open Land Rover, to see the animals in the golden afternoon light, stopping to enjoy an evening drink as you watch the sunset over the grasslands. Game viewing at night is exciting, when the nocturnal animals with their amazing shining eyes emerge. Dine beneath the stars, discuss the day’s highlights around a campfire, and drift off to sleep to the sounds of the African bush.
