Zimbabwe Holidays

Hwange National Park, famous for its large concentrations of game and diversity of mammal species is Zimbabwe's largest, and oldest, national park. Almost the size of Belgium (5,656 square miles), it lies south of Victoria Falls in the north west of Zimbabwe on the border with Botswana. The area gets very low rainfall and has a number of privately maintained manmade waterholes, boreholes and dams meaning that the game has remained healthy and within the park during the winter. Consequently the game viewing on Hwange holidays is spectacular, particularly during the dry season (July to October). Renowned for large numbers of elephants and buffaloes, lions are also commonly seen and the park also has one of the largest populations of wild dogs in Africa. There are black and white rhinos with over 100 species of mammals and over 400 birds in total recorded. There are also varied ecosystems within the park ranging from huge open plains to teak forests with an attendant variety of birds and mammals. It is a wonderful combination with the majestic Victoria Falls (a short drive away) and its adrenaline inducing activities, and perhaps a coastal addition in Mozambique or the Indian Ocean beaches in South Africa. Walking and game drive safaris are possible which also makes it an excellent combination with Mana Pools to the east where you can also spend peaceful days canoeing down the Zambezi River in the north of the country.

Mana Pools National Park, in the north of Zimbabwe, stretches from Lake Kariba to the border of Mozambique in the east, in the heart of the Zambezi River Valley. A World Heritage Site, Mana Pools is a perennial favourite with visitors and it is not difficult to see why with its rich variety of ecosystems, game and activities and the Zambezi River running its border for the length of the park. The name 'Mana' means four in the local Shona language, and refers to the four large pools that lie inland from the river. They are ox bow lakes that remain from when the Zambezi changed its course and are host to a great variety of wildlife; populations of hippos and crocodiles and large herds of elephant that appear from the thickly vegetated areas in the south to drink. In the dry season Mana Pools holidays are even more special because the game is particularly concentrated and congregates along the river and around these pools.

The name alone conjures up visions of exploration and adventure. David Livingstone "discovered" the Falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria but its other name, Mosi oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders), is perhaps more evocative. Almost exactly halfway along the Zambezi River's 1,700 mile journey to the Indian Ocean the spray from the huge sheet of water as it plunges over 350ft into the gorge below can be seen from 30 miles away. Said to be the largest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls are considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is the home of a huge variety of adrenaline activities from heli flips (Flight of Angels) over the Falls, white water rafting, microlighting and boogie boarding but if you want slightly less excitement there are rather more gentle river cruises and game viewing, cultural visits and riding. The iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, otherwise known as the 'grand old lady of the Falls', is one of the places to stay in Southern Africa and the perfect place to contemplate the Falls, which are visible from the hotel and only a ten minute walk away along their private pathway. A Victoria Falls holiday is the perfect starting point for a Southern African safari; from here you can begin a trip through Zimbabwe incorporating Hwange and Mana Pools or hop across the border into Zambia or Botswana or continue your journey in South Africa or Mozambique.