Zimbabwe is a captivating land of spectacular scenery, dramatic natural attractions, mysterious ancient civilisations and wonderfully diverse wildlife destinations. Zimbabwe is renowned for its beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, including Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Matopos National Park and Matusadona National Park. Zimbabwe is equally famous for Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, as well as the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the bustling city of Harare.

Hwange National Park	Hwange National Park Zimbabwe’s largest national park was established in 1929, in an area that was unsuitable for agriculture. Hwange ranks among the finest of Africa's game reserves, and has as great a diversity of wildlife as any conservation area in the world. Hwange is situated on nearly 2 million hectares of Kalahari Sand, and holds no permanent water. Game viewing is excellent, with large populations of large and small mammals, and particularly high concentrations of elephant and buffalo.
Matusadona National Park	Matusadona National Park Situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park is one of the last wild sanctuaries of the endangered black rhino, and has the highest natural population density of lions in Africa. Matusadona is ideal walking safari territory. Over 50,000 animals were relocated during the filling of Lake Kariba, in a project called Operation Noah.
Mana Pools National Park	Mana Pools National Park The magic of Mana Pools, a magnificent national park along the Zambezi River, stems from its remoteness and pervading sense of the wild and natural. The word 'mana' means four in the Shona language, and refers to the four pools here that are popular with crocodiles and hippos. The central difference everywhere in Mana is that nowhere is fenced in, so there can be elephants strolling by while you have your breakfast. This is what sets Mana Pools apart from just about any other safari park in the world and makes it a truly magical experience. You're also allowed to walk around without a guide, as you can see for miles around.
Victoria Falls	Victoria Falls National Park Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The falls, flowing at just under 33 million cubic meters per second at peak during April, are truly spectacular, and represent the largest curtain of falling water on earth. The Zambezi River enters a gorge on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, creating Victoria Falls. The falls are over a mile wide, and drop as much as 420 feet. Locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders).

From classic tented camps, to mobile safaris, to luxurious lodges, Zimbabwe offers a wide range of accommodations.

Matetsi Safari Camp	Matetsi Game Lodges Set on the lush banks of the great Zambezi River, Matetsi Water Lodge comprises three separate intimate camps, each with just six elegant suites with private plunge pools and decks. Separately, with twelve luxurious canvas suites, Matetsi Safari Camp is set at the edge of an open grassland and elevates luxury tented safaris to new heights.
The Hide	The Hide The Hide offers the ultimate African experience, and is situated on a private concession within Hwange National Park. Accommodations are luxurious East African style canvas tents, each ideally positioned for wildlife viewing at the pans (shallow dry lakes). Guests can also spend a night at Dove’s Nest, nestled in a large Leadwood Tree in the open plains. Meals are served in elegance and style. Two photographic hides assure close-up images for photographers. Accompanied by a professional guide, guests begin the day with an early morning walk or drive, and conclude each evening with an unforgettable night drive, to watering holes at the pan.
Musango Safari Camp	Musango Safari Camp Musango Safari Camp is located on its own private island, near Matusadona National Park. The lodge is built under thatch, with luxurious, well-appointed safari tents. Musango also operates an eight-bed private tented bush camp, called Maronga, inside Matusadona National Park. Boasting the highest ratio of guides to guests on Lake Kariba, Musango offers game walks and drives into Matusadona National Park, wildlife cruises and canoeing trips on Lake Kariba, fishing trips for the famous fighting tiger fish, cultural village trips, and visits to the black rhino orphanage.

Zimbabwe has hundreds of stone ruins, including Great Zimbabwe. The Shona tradition of carving green and brown serpentine stone has inspired a thriving modern industry. Traditional Shona music, which makes use of the mbira and the marimba, has been revived since independence. Shona and Ndebele art forms are becoming well-known outside of Africa.

Daily Life	Daily Life Zimbabwe has inherited many traits from its colonial past, but traditional rondavels (round thatched huts made of wood) are still preferred in rural areas. Sadza, a stiff porridge made from maize meal, is served at almost every meal. Various local vegetables (muriwo) are served as garnishes, and chicken (huku) and goat meat (mbudzi) are eaten when available. Locally grown fruit, such as mangoes, bananas, melons, guavas, and papayas are enjoyed at various times of the year. In rural areas it is customary to eat with the fingers. Alcohol consumption is heavy. Although bottled beer is available, most rural inhabitants prefer chibuku, locally brewed and served in large cardboard containers. Shona greetings include lengthy inquiries about family members. It is common to clasp a friend’s hands, when asking about his or her welfare. In rural areas, direct eye contact during conversation is considered disrespectful. Traditional greetings include Mangwanani! Marara se? (Good morning), Masikati, maswera se? (Good afternoon), and Moroii, makadini wo? (Hello stranger).
Shona	Shona The origin of the Shona people is unknown, although they were the first Bantu-speaking people in the area. The Shona hold most important political positions in modern Zimbabwean politics. Shona sculpture, produced by contemporary Shona artists, has gained international recognition as a fine art form.
Ndebele	Ndebele The Ndebele speak a language similar to Zulu. The ancient Ndebele founder was Chief Mzilikazi. Mzilikazi led his men to the area around present-day Bulawayo, in the region known as Matabeleland. Most Ndebele live in villages, grow maize and other subsistence crops, and herd cattle. The Ndebele represent 15 percent of the population. They have recently become renowned for their artwork, including brightly colored geometric murals painted on the exteriors of their homes.

Most of Zimbabwe is covered with savanna grassland, and dotted with low masasa trees. The river valleys include baobab, acacia and teak trees. Many higher elevations contain dense forests, and patches of rain forest. Wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, hippos, lion, leopard, hyena, impala, giraffes, and baboons. Rhinoceros and cheetah are among a handful of endangered species.

Thornicroft's Giraffe	Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands This habitat features diversity of large mammal populations that make up the well-known savanna fauna. Much of the region remains sparsely settled and the resulting human population pressures are minimal.
Bushfire	Montane Grasslands and Shrublands This habitat of the Chimanimani Mountains supports a rich array of plants and animals, including some species that are restricted to a single mountain. The ecoregion supports large numbers of endemic grassland plants.

• How do I get to Zimbabwe?
  
  
  There are daily scheduled flights linking neighbouring countries with Zimbabwe. Domestic flights link Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. There are daily flights of one-and-a-half hours' duration from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Victoria Falls.
  
  
• What types of wildlife will I see?
  
  
  Zimbabwe boasts magnificent National Parks which feature a wealth of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, kudu, impala, warthog, spotted hyena, African wild dog, sable, hippo, Nile crocodile and abundant birdlife.
  
  
• What should I wear?
  
  
  You will need to pack comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your Zimbabwen safari. Bright colors are not suitable for wildlife-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
  
  
• How safe is Zimbabwe?
  
  
  Your safety is of paramount importance, and even though Zimbabwe is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
  
  
• What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
  
  
  Travel to Zimbabwe poses no medical threat, but there is malaria in certain areas. Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions when travelling in Zimbabwe.
  
  Our leaders are the common thread as you move through your journey. They are your link to discovering exciting new places and cultures. They are your key to an exceptional experience. You'll learn more from them than from any guidebook. And their expertise, undying enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. They'll show you scenic wonders you'd never find on your own, and they'll make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
  
  
• Which is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
  
  
  Zimbabwe offers excellent game-viewing opportunities throughout the year. Hot summers occur from October to April and days are generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thundershowers. Daytime summer temperatures range from 58°F to 86°F. Winter occurs from May to September and days are sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Winter temperatures range from 41°F to 68°F. Please note that cold spells can occur but this is the exception rather than the rule, therefore warm clothing is recommended. For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December. Best botanical months are from December to May.
  
  
• When is the rainy season?
  
  
  The main rains fall between November and March, although the Eastern Highlands are damp for most of the year. The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season.
  
  

Africa Guide
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Lonely Planet: Traveler Reports
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World Wildlife Fund: Global Ecoregions
Fourteen major habitat types showing diversity of life on land.