"Zimbabwe is a land-locked country blessed with fertile soils...and wonderful scenery!" Its magnificent Victoria Falls are classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! If this were not reason enough to visit, Zimbabwe is home to 4 World HeritageSites (Victoria Falls, Mana Pools National Parks, Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Khami Ruins) and Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, with excellent angling; and features world renowned national parks (Hwange and Victoria Falls) as well as captivating scenic areas in the Eastern Highlands! Zimbabwe even makes the perfect destination for adventure junkies, with the Zambezi ideal for canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, and other exhilarating pursuits like bungee jumping available in the Victoria Falls area! Why not look at our recommendations on places to stay below...BUT don't forget that we can arrange accommodation anywhere, just contact our dedicated Seyexclusive team.
Ruckomechi Camp, situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, is a photographer's paradise! The camp lies on the banks of the Zambezi River, shaded by a grove of acacia and mahogany trees and with wonderful views across the river of Africa's Great Rift Valley! Varied habitats in this area, from open floodplains to mopane woodland and dense forest, mean that it has become renowned for large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo, eland and spectacular riverine and woodland species of birds. Indeed there are fairly regular sightings of 4 of the Big 5 in the area! The Ruckomechi Camp dining, bar and lounge areas all overlook the floodplain and river. Guests are accommodated in 10 en-suite luxury tents with river views: 7 twin-bedded, 2 doubles and 1 family tent with adjoining rooms but shared bathroom. The camps added luxuries include a library, stargazing deck, gorgeous infinity pool with hammocks and infamous "bath with a view!"
Makalolo Plains, is one of only a handful of camps within the vast Hwange National Park, and lies in a remote, private concession! Hwange is legendary for its array of wildlife BUT particularly its predators - lion, leopard, cheetah being sighted regularly! The camp is built on raised teak decks, providing a panoramic and unique view over the Somavundla Pan and the wildlife it draws to it. The battery powered lighting within the camp means that the 10 large en-suite tents, including a honeymoon and family tent, afford guests peace and quiet and the true sounds of the bushveld! The main area includes a luxurious lounge, library, pool and dining area but the camp also has the added bonus of a game viewing platform and well-situated hides, both underground and in the trees, from which to watch the wildlife at the waterholes and on the plain!
Little Makalolo Camp lies in the heart of Hwange National Park's best wildlife viewing areas, overlooking a busy waterhole. One of only a handful of camps within the park, Little Makalolo offers privacy to those guests who enjoy smaller, remote camps. The area is ecologically diverse, ensuring good wildlife viewing year-round BUT Hwange is particularly well known for its herds of elephant and buffalo, and predators - notably the lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog! Birdlife too is prolific in the area with 400 plus species frequenting both woodland and plains. The camps 6 spacious en-suite tents (with both indoor and outdoor showers) including a family tent comprising two adjoining bedrooms and shared bathroom, lie nestled in the tree line; while a large false Mopane tree shades the dining and living area. Little Makalolo also has the added bonus of a well positioned log pile hide overlooking a waterhole often teaming with wildlife!
Zimbabwe offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing an all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travellers. Birding is fantastic from Nov - Mar when the waterways of the Zambezi and Lake Kariba are home to the many migratory birds during their breeding season. Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. Photography is excellent year round, BUT depending on what your main interests are, note that: scenery is most spectacular from Sept - Feb during the first rains; and for wildlifephotography the winter months from May - Sept are best, as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing is generally more prolific. For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low – generally from Aug - Dec. The Victoria Falls and Zambezi are spectacular Apr - May just after the rainy season, although the thick spray may obscure your view (a helicopter or micro-light is an amazing way of viewing the falls) BUT Oct - Dec when the water levels are low will also allow you to see the magnificent rock formation of the falls.
High Season Jul-Oct: Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Zimbabwe lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
Shoulder season May-Jun: This is also a ‘busy time’ in Zimbabwe’s national parks and reserves.
WINTER May-Oct: Dry and most comfortable for travelling, and game tend to concentrate close to water holes so game viewing is particularly good.
SUMMER Nov-Apr: Wetter season characterised by green landscapes.
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Our ATOL number is ATOL 9318. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk
