Zimbabwe Safari

One of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Victoria Falls are the greatest jewel in Zimbabwe's impressive crown. Audible long before you see them, their steady rumble earned them the names Mosi oa Tunya - ' the smoke that thunders ' - and Amanza Thunquayo - ' water rising as smoke '.

Today, you can fly angel-like over the Falls in a light aircraft or helicopter, whitewater raft below them, canoe above them, or even throw yourself over them on the end of a bungee cord! Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, Victoria Falls are totally awe-inspiring. The 545,000 litres of Zambezi River that thunder over them each minute create a spray, giving rise to rainbows and a unique micro-climate that rings the Falls with a band of lush, shady rain forest through which you can walk.

You can choose to step back in time with a stay at the atmospheric and luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel, or escape the hustle and bustle of the Falls in favour of the calm comforts of a nearby colonial lodge.

The area around the Falls is a nature reserve, offering visitors a wide variety of activities both on and off the river, from game viewing to shopping at the Craft Village.

Hwange National Park

Among Zimbabwe's many other wonders is Hwange National Park. Sitting at the edge of the great Kalahari Desert, it has enjoyed national park status since 1929. As a result, it boasts one of the richest concentrations of wild life in Africa, including more than 40,000 elephants. Few sights in Africa can be as magical as seeing a herd of 200 elephants arriving at a waterhole to drink.

Lake Kariba

Kariba, a lake the size of Wales, is a man-made water wilderness. It is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including a very healthy crocodile population. The stark outlines of hundreds of petrified treetops form perfect vantage points for African fish eagles, whose haunting cry is the sound of wild Africa. Secluded safari lodges in Kariba's inlets and bays allow you to get incredibly close to the game, both on water and on land. And no visit to Kariba is complete until you have seen the sun set over the lake from a boat, with a sundowner in your hand and the Matusadona Mountains as your backdrop.

Mana Pools National Park

Downstream from the Kariba Dam, the mighty Zambezi meanders through a wide valley leaving a trail of islands and channels in its wake. This is Mana Pools National Park. Enjoy its tranquil wilderness from the comfort of one of its two lodges, or go on a walking safari with an expert guide and experience camping in the bush. The joys of a bush shower - a water drum with rudimentary shower attachment heated over a fire, then hoisted into a tree by the camp staff - takes some getting used to, but the wash is usually very welcome and the spectacular views more than compensate. Canoe safaris take you remarkably close to hippos and the river's rich and colourful bird life, not to mention the zebra, antelope and other animals that come to take water from the river.

South Eastern Zimbabwe

In south eastern Zimbabwe lie the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the echoes of the great civilisation that once dominated these lands. You may catch a glimpse of Africa's rarest creatures among the peculiar shapes of the kopjes of the Matobo National Park. Its population of white rhino is a testament to the careful management and conservation which has endowed Zimbabwe with some of Africa¹s best tracts of real wilderness.

The Eastern Highlands

Just four hours' drive from Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, you will find the Eastern Highlands. These great mountains straddling the border with Mozambique are reminiscent of a rain-free Scotland, with their cool pine forests, hiking trails, trout streams and, of course, golf.

Richness of Culture

The one thing you will find everywhere in Zimbabwe is that its people are incredibly friendly, and their gregarious nature is reflected in the richness of a culture that includes great music, sculpture and traditional crafts.