Welcome to Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park | Mana Pools National Park | Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park | Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park |
Despite its political past and its economic challenges, Zimbabwe has kept intact its most extraordinary tourist credentials: dramatic landscapes under a perfect climate, friendly and welcoming people, a wide range of historical and cultural attractions, a number of thrilling adventure activities, and some of the best wildlife encounter worldwide.
About the political situation
Fifteen years ago, Zimbabwe was considered the safari holiday destination par excellence for its unique array of assets; political unrest followed by economic collapse had, to a large extent, ruined this reputation – but not the attractions. African Bush Camps have continued operating in Zimbabwe throughout the hardships, supporting its people, maintaining its natural assets, and not least sharing with our guests the beautiful wonders of the wildlife. As stability to the country has returned, so too have the travelers and slowly but surely Zimbabwe is once again earning its reputation as the top Safari Destination of choice.
Before engaging into political discussions though, be aware Zimbabweans are sensitive to issues related with colonialism and the image of their country abroad; opinions are sharp and contrasted over the current political situation and it is advised to avoid giving opinions on their leaders. The dollarization of the economy has sparkled a new sense of optimism and entrepreneurship among local business and has even attracted foreign investments. Life remains difficult for many Zimbabweans, but the new economic recovery and the return of tourists are both a positive factor.
Is it not amoral to travel in Zimbabwe?
Mostly raised before the formation of the all-inclusive government, this issue still worries some fellow travelers. At African Bush Camps, we believe tourism has and will always be a positive factor in the development of the country. The Zimbabwean people have been and are going through hard times and an uncertain future; many of them desperately need support and protection to make their living, keep open to the outside world, and continue to preserve the beautiful country and wildlife. We remain dedicated to provide those living along the national parks employment opportunities, to support community-based development and conservation initiatives, and enable Zimbabweans to develop cultural exchange around their passions, in a friendly atmosphere with people from around the world.
Wildlife & Safari
Dramatic landscapes, teeming with wildlife, beautiful national parks, rugged mountains and lush forests, provide the greatest wilderness experiences, thus making Zimbabwe a prime safari destination. Zimbabwe is renowned in Africa for the high quality of its guides, and the standard of lodges. The decline in tourism in the past years in Zimbabwe provide even greatest opportunities for unparalleled wilderness experiences, far from the safari highways known in South Africa, Kenya or elsewhere. Zimbabwe’s national parks offer great opportunities for game viewing. There is a good chance you will see several the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino), as well as giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, monkeys, antelopes… Zimbabwe is one of the last rhinoceros havens with both white and black rhinos. Other rare species to be found in Zimbabwe include the wild dog, nyala, the king cheetah and the samango monkey.
Good infrastructure make it relatively easy to move between different parks and enjoy different environments. Hwange national park is just about one hour south of the Mighty Victoria Falls, in the northwest corner of the country. On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, it features desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and granite outcrops, and hosts over 400 species of birds, more than 100 different mammal species including up to 30,000 elephants. Further South to Bulawayo, Matobo Hills National Park is also easy to access; another World Unesco heritage site, it features not only valuable game viewing, but also amazing landscapes of granite constructions, and interesting history. More difficult to reach but highly rewarding is Mana Pools by the Zambezi river, in the North of the country. It has some of the most spectacular river scenery and game-viewing, with superb opportunities to get close to game coming to the Zambezi to drink. Another great water-based safari experience is at Matusadona Park, on the Southern shore of Lake Kariba, between Victoria Falls and Mana Pools.
Zimbabwe at a Glance
Location: | Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. It borders South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east. |
Country Size: | 150 803 mi² |
Capital: | Harare |
Provinces: | 8 provinces - Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands |
Independence Day: | 18 April 1964 |
Head of State: | Robert Mugabe |
Population: | 13.7 million |
National Language: | - |
Official Language: | 16 official languages with English, Shona, and Ndebele the most commonly used |
Currency: | USD$ |
Ethnic groups: | African 99.4% (predominantly Shona; Ndebele is the second largest ethnic group), other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2% |
Economy: | Zimbabwe's economy depends heavily on its mining and agriculture sectors. Following a decade of contraction from 1998 to 2008, the economy recorded real growth of more than 10% per year from 2010-13, before slowing to roughly 3% in 2014 due to poor harvests, low diamond revenues, and decreased investment. Infrastructure and regulatory deficiencies, a poor investment climate, a large public and external debt burden, and extremely high government wage expenses impede the country’s economic performance. |
Electricity: | 220 Volts AC 50 Hz |