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Hwange National Park
Photograph by Wilderness Safaris |
National Park, in the northwest of Zimbabwe, ranks among the princes of Africa's great game reserves.
It covers nearly 15,000 square kilometers of Kalahari sand country, mixed in with grassland plains with scattered bush and teak forests and sustains a great variety and density of wildlife.
The northern sector of Hwange is characterized by rocky outcrops, extensive teak forests and mopane woodlands.
The rest of the terrain is fairly flat and open which is, of course, ideal for game viewing.
Around 400 bird species have been identified in the park, among them a splendid variety of raptors.
Many of Hwange's trees are worth more than a passing glance.
There are a lot of camps and lodges along Hwange's northern border of the park but this area becomes quite crowded and there are significant restrictions on activities so we recommend choosing one of the following luxury tented camps located on private concessions in the heart of the park:
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Makololo Plains and Little Makololo
One 16 bedded camp and one 8 bedded camp in the concession adjacent to Linkwasha.
The area is ecologically diverse; including open palm-fringed plains, grasslands, acacia woodlands and mopane forests.
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Kariba and Matusadona National Park
Kariba Town
Kariba town is the gateway to Matusadona National Park.
Lake Kariba is 180 miles long and 20 miles wide and is surrounded for the most part by untouched wilderness areas.
Fishing is excellent and birdlife is prolific but the highlight is the large game concentrations along the fringes of the lake.
Matusadona is situated on the southern shore of Lake Kariba, this scenic 600 square mile park has an abundance of lion, elephant, kudu, impala and buffalo - especially along the shoreline in the dry season.
This is one of the best parks in Zimbabwe to see black rhino while on escorted walks.
For those looking for excitement in the bush, encountering black rhino on a walking safari is a unique experience.
Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets when the skeletons of long-dead trees are silhouetted against the firey sky.
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Mana Pools National Park
During the dry season (May to October), Mana Pools National Park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent.
The park is situated on the southern side of the Zambezi River downstream from Lake Kariba.
Species commonly seen in the park include elephant, kudu, zebra, lion, leopard, jackal, hyena and crocodile.
Large pods of hippo are sometimes seen lying on the sandbanks soaking up the morning sun.
Many varieties of woodland and water birds are present.
A canoe safari through Mana Pools National Park is a highlight for everyone with a sense of adventure.
These safaris can be fully catered, with stays at luxury permanent camps or "roughing" it under the stars... your choice.
There are two wonderful camps in the Mana Pools area:
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Ruckomechi Camp
Sleeps a maximum of 20 people in 10 luxury thatched chalets.
The central dining, pub and lounge area is under cool thatch on the river's edge.
Activities include drives, canoe trips, walks and fishing.
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Bulawayo and Matobo National Park
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city.
Located in the south-west of the country it offers a variety of cultural attractions including the Natural History Museum, a Railway Museum, the Bulawayo Art gallery, the Mzilikasi Art and Craft Center and the Amakhosi Cultural Center.
Less than an hour from the city is Matobo National Park which is known for the many fantastically shaped granite rock outcroppings that dot the landscape, for the large numbers of rock paintings and for the world's largest concentration of black eagles.
The game viewing is also excellent.
Both black and white rhinoceros are present and the park boasts a large number of leopard for its size.
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Matobo Hills - Camp Amalinda
Tucked into an ancient bushman's shelter, this luxurious camp is very much a part of its surroundings.
Activities include gameviewing by vehicle, foot, elephant and horseback, walking and rock climbing in the Matobo Hills and visits to a local village and school.
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Matobo Hills - Big Cave Camp
Built on top of an enormous whale-back rock formation, this camp offers stunning views from its seven A-frame granite chalets. |
Harare
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Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It is an open, manageable city that offers interesting museums & galleries, the Tengenenge sculpture park and a large botanic garden.
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