Zimbabwe
Africa
Zimbabwe : A World of Wonders
Adventure lovers will feel at home in Zimbabwe, the experience of wildlife by canoe or on foot safari in Mana Pool and the beauty of the Zambezi River is breathtaking.
Historically known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe derives its name from Shona after the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, an ancient ruined city located in the southeast of the country.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve and home to the late Cecil Lion.
The impressive Mana Pools is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attracts large animals in the dry season, such as hippos, buffaloes and elephants. Islands and sandbanks break the river as the water recedes in the dry season.
Matobo Hills in southern Zimbabwe is an area of granite kopjes, hills formed for more than 2 billion years when granite rocks were forced to the surface and then eroded over time. They are a popular attraction due to their interesting shape and local wildlife. Cecil Rhodes was buried here in Matobo Hills.
Highlights
A natural wonder, Victoria Falls is the «smoke that thunders.» Its magnificent landscapes and adventurous wildlife on the mighty Zambezi River feel close and personal. The powerful rivers, majestic waterfalls and spectacular views of the wildlife are just some of the windows of Zimbabwe’s diversity. Whether it’s a houseboat on Lake Kariba or a canoe safari in the Zambezi Valley, it’s an adventure with the amount of wildlife you’ll be able to observe. Mana Pools, located in the Zambezi Valley, has some of the best wildlife sightings in the country. Along the edge of the river are large concentrations of buffaloes and elephants, it is something that you cannot miss. Ana’s trees shed their protein-rich pods that are vital for many species. The panoramic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley escarpment can be seen over the border in Zambia. Locally known victoria Falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You see large amounts of dew from miles away due to the amount of water that falls. The falls surround Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Highlights of Zimbabwe
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, “The Smoke that Thunders” is a must-see. The breathtaking waterfall, shared with Zambia, offers thrilling activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and scenic helicopter flights.
Recoiling towards the edge of the eastern area of the Kalahari Desert, Hwange National Park occupies more than 14,000 square kilometers. Zimbabwe’s largest national park and about an hour from Victoria Falls. Hwange is home to a variety of wildlife including 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and one of the largest elephant populations in the world. The national park is not only for elephant lovers, visitors will also see concentrations of buffaloes, zebras, rhinos and giraffes. All animals from Zimbabwe are usually found in Hwange and it is in this area where herds of brown hyenas can roam freely. Enjoy a variety of activities in Hwange including daytime walks, night walks or just relaxing at the campsite. Behold the surrounding area of the park, one of Zimbabwe’s most councing and unspoiled destinations. Your itinerary may be incomplete if you do not visit the park.
Famous for its dramatic granite rock formations and ancient San rock art, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers historical significance, wildlife encounters (especially rhinos), and stunning landscapes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is perfect for walking safaris, canoeing, and spotting elephants, lions, and wild dogs.
One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, Lake Kariba offers fishing, houseboat trips, and stunning sunsets over the water. It’s a serene spot for wildlife watching, especially for crocodiles and hippos.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, “The Smoke that Thunders” is a must-see. The breathtaking waterfall, shared with Zambia, offers thrilling activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and scenic helicopter flights.
Recoiling towards the edge of the eastern area of the Kalahari Desert, Hwange National Park occupies more than 14,000 square kilometers. Zimbabwe’s largest national park and about an hour from Victoria Falls. Hwange is home to a variety of wildlife including 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and one of the largest elephant populations in the world. The national park is not only for elephant lovers, visitors will also see concentrations of buffaloes, zebras, rhinos and giraffes. All animals from Zimbabwe are usually found in Hwange and it is in this area where herds of brown hyenas can roam freely. Enjoy a variety of activities in Hwange including daytime walks, night walks or just relaxing at the campsite. Behold the surrounding area of the park, one of Zimbabwe’s most councing and unspoiled destinations. Your itinerary may be incomplete if you do not visit the park.
Famous for its dramatic granite rock formations and ancient San rock art, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers historical significance, wildlife encounters (especially rhinos), and stunning landscapes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is perfect for walking safaris, canoeing, and spotting elephants, lions, and wild dogs.
One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, Lake Kariba offers fishing, houseboat trips, and stunning sunsets over the water. It’s a serene spot for wildlife watching, especially for crocodiles and hippos.
General
- Official Name
- Republic of Zimbabwe
- Official Languages
- English, Shona and Ndebele
- Capital
- Harare
- Religion
- Christianity, traditional religion
- Time Zone
- GMT+2
- Currency
- USDollar, South African rand, etc.
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Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a breathtaking marvel on the mighty Zambezi River. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders,” the falls cascade over 100 meters, creating a roaring spectacle of mist and rainbows visible from miles away. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet. Visitors can experience its grandeur through thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, helicopter rides, and some of the world’s best white-water rafting.
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Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation occurred in the late 2000s and was one of the worst economic crises in history. It was triggered by government policies, particularly the land reform program, which confiscated large commercial farms from white landowners, leading to a collapse in agricultural production. This resulted in severe food shortages and a sharp decline in export revenue.
To address the economic downturn, the government began printing large amounts of money, which drastically devalued the Zimbabwean dollar and caused prices to skyrocket. At its peak in 2008, inflation reached an astronomical rate of about 79.6 billion percent, rendering the local currency nearly worthless. The government even issued a 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollar note, which had little real value. Ultimately, Zimbabwe abandoned its currency and adopted foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, to stabilize the economy and end the hyperinflation crisis.
Weather
The climate in Zimbabwe is influenced by the tropical climate of North Central Africa and more the high temperatures of southern Africa. It is a diverse habitat and is seen as the country of flora and fauna. The seasons are usually divided into two seasons, green and dry, although Zimbabwe has a transition season between April and May. The green season sees the birth of antelopes and zebras. In the transition season in the highveld and the southern areas of the country, overnight temperatures begin to drop. Zimbabwe is a popular destination to visit all year round, however, wildlife is more abundant in the dry season. The Zambeze wetlands in Mana Pools attract large concentrations of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, antelopes, elands and kudus.
Seasons to travel
The summer season is when Zimbabwe receives most of the rains. Due to the altitude of the eastern Highveld it will receive more than its western counterpart. In the north the rains bring a touch of green to areas where wildlife is found like Hwange National Park.
Between April and May the rains begin to decrease in green areas of wildlife. The waters of Zambezi begin to rise in level, the water beginning to fall towards the gorge below, creating a magnificent haze of dew over Victoria Falls.
With the dry season in full swing, it’s the best time to enjoy the wildlife. Vegetation is scarce, grass is dry and trees lifeless, Camouflaged Predators are now easier to spot, making photography spectacular. The months of October and November are humid and summer rains are expected.
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