Zimbabwe

“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

It’s no wonder David Livingstone was struck poetic when he first laid eyes on Victoria Falls in 1855. Certainly, every traveler since then who has peered through the rainbow-smudged mist for their first gasping view of the Falls has experienced the same sense of wonder.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-tunya (‘the smoke that thunders’), Victoria Falls, at 1,708 meters wide, is earth’s largest single sheet of falling water. It’s officially one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and unofficially Mother Nature’s party trick. Every minute during the rainy season, 5 million cubic meters of water plunge 108 meters into the gorge below in something of a dramatic stage bow. And as an encore, in the dry season, the Devil’s Pool – a natural rock pool precariously nudged up against the lip of the falls – attracts its own audience of thrill-seekers. Only the brave dare to jump in for a swim… and a selfie. Above the Falls and bordering Zambia, the Zambezi River meanders, teeming with life. You’ll find crocodile, hippos and tigerfish in its waters and on the lush green banks you’ll find some of Africa’s most romantic luxury safari lodges  perfect for an unforgettable African honeymoon safari.

But when you’re standing in the thick of it; when the spray of the Falls speckles your skin, when your heart skips a beat at the might and roar of it all, and your adrenaline rears its head at the sniff of adventure, nothing else matters than the moment, now. It’s epic. And it’s yours.

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls:

The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the region’s summer rains, when you’ll see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume. If you’re keen on taking a dip in the Devil’s Pool, late August to early January.

At 15 000 km², Hwange National Park is the largest of Zimbabwe’s National parks and renowned for its Big 5 viewing and the dense population of wildlife it accommodates.

Located in Northwestern Zimbabwe, bordering Botswana, Hwange is easily accessed by air (30 min flight from Victoria Falls) or road, and is the perfect safari vacation add-on after exploring Zimbabwean attractions like the Great Zimbabwe ruins, the mighty Vic Falls or the 2000 million year old Matobo Hills. Its location also makes it convenient to combine with an African safari tour itinerary including Botswana or South Africa.

Hwange’s vast reserve is known for its diversity of wildlife, particularly the large herds of buffalo and impressive concentration of elephants that inhabit its dramatic landscape. The reserve is the home to between 20,000 to 50,000 elephants. Lions are also a prominent feature within the Hwange National Park.  There are as many as up to 700 lions within the greater Hwange ecosystem. There is a wide array of accommodation available to suit any budget. The options range from affordable tented camps, to luxury eco-lodges and exclusive hotels.

Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park on Safari:

Wildlife viewing is optimal in the dryer months from April to October. The waterholes attract animals of all kinds and the scrub is less dense. However, the wet summer months from November to April present interesting opportunities for birders. This is when the migratory birds are present and the lush vegetation vibrates with over 420 species of birds, including raptors and grassland birds.