Following years of planning and a supposed £120 million loan from China, Zimbabwe finally opened its landmark Victoria Falls International Airport back in 2016.
Even more recently, it was announced that Brits would be able to board direct flights from London, creating a portal into a world of unheralded adventure and relatively unspoiled landscapes. It’s also seen demand soar for africaodyssey.com African safaris, which help you to navigate some of the wildest terrains safely and securely and depending what you opt for, even in luxury.
If you’ve yet to discover Zimbabwe as a viable holiday and safari destination, however, you’re missing out on an incredible escapade. To confirm this, here are three reasons why you should consider booking Zimbabwe for your next safari excursion.
1. See the iconic Victoria Falls
The development of the new airport tripled the capacity to around 4.5 million passengers each year, meaning that more people from across the globe could see the iconic Victoria Falls.
Offering one of the very best reasons to visit Zimbabwe, it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and serves as the greatest mass of falling water anywhere across the globe.
Towering 5,633 feet wide and a staggering 343 feet tall, it’s provides a stunning backdrop to any holiday and represent a true must-see destination.
While it’s possible to view this wonder from a number of neighbouring locations, Zimbabwe offers up to 16 viewpoints including a particularly unspoiled vantage point above the thunderous Devil’s Cataract.
2. The Diverse Range of Available Lodges and Accommodation
Whether you want to stay in town or enjoy a more rustic travel experience on the outskirts, you’ll find that Africa, and particularly Zimbabwe, has an incredible range of options on offer.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is particularly beguiling, as it offers tremendous luxury and is in close proximity to the iconic water fall. It also enables you to see of the so-called ‘Big five’ game in their natural habitat, which is the whole point of booking on a safari in the first place!
If you’re in search of a more intimate experience and wish to stay on the outskirts of town, the Zambezi Sands bush camp offers the ideal getaway. Located on a remote and unspoiled stretch of the Zambezi river, it was created by conservationist Mark Butcher and provides a unique insight into Zimbabwe’s beautiful wilderness.
In addition to heading out on safari, you can also arrange a host of activities here, including fly-fishing and photographing the lunar rainbows that are cast over the falls at night.
3. Enjoy Several Different Species of Wildlife at the Hwange National Park
Another iconic location in Zimbabwe is the Hwange National Park, which covers an incredible 5,625 square miles and is approximately nine times the size of Greater London.
In addition to its vast expanse, this location is also home to a wider variety of wildlife than anywhere else in the world. More specifically, there are an estimated 50,000 elephants in the region (who often roam in herds as large as 400), along with more than 100 species of mammal and 400 different types of bird.
The type of game that you see depends on the precise area that you visit, with the hilly, north-west region home to several species of wild dog. In the central area, lions are frequently spotted, including select prides that have perfected the art of elephant hunting.
Regardless, the Hwange National Park is a great location for any true wildlife lover, particularly if you want observe species’ in their natural habitat.