Zimbabwe Fact File

Getting there

Zimbabwe is 10 hours fight time from London with just two hours time difference.  Air Zimbabwe flies direct from London to Harare three times a week.

Seasons

Like other central African countries, Zimbabwe receives most of its rain between mid November and March.  The rest of the year is very dry and as the dry season advances so the game viewing becomes more spectacular with enormous herds of elephant and plains game gathering around scarce water sources in Hwange.  At this time the Zambezi acts like a magnet, drawing antelope, elephant and big cats to the water’s edge in Mana Pools.   While the summer rainy season disperses the big herds, it is a time of refreshment and abundance, a time when animals give birth to their young and migrant birds arrive from Europe and Asia.

Is Zimbabwe for you?

Political considerations apart, Zimbabwe is one of the great African safari destinations, particularly if you enjoy walking safaris, canoeing, open vehicles and terrific guiding.   To become a qualified walking guide requires a long apprenticeship and years of examination, making Zimbabwean guides the best in Africa.   Many of the best camps in Zimbabwe like Musango in Kariba and Vundu in Mana Pools are privately owned and blend of comfort with remoteness and a real sense of adventure.  Zimbabwe also has a rich history, and you can see the 13th century Great Zimbabwe ruins and amazing Bushmen rock art in the Matopos Hills.  Safari areas and Victoria Falls are considered very safe, and Zimbabwean people are extremely friendly.  In our view, to visit small privately owned camps in Zimbabwe brings real benefits to the people and it seems inappropriate to boycott the country now that political change is underway.

Combining Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe combines easily with Botswana, Zambia and Cape Town.  It is only 90 minutes from Johannesburg which acts as a hub for flights to Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique.