Zimbabwe offers an incredibly wide variety of holiday opportunities. It has wild and remote areas where one can savour the sights, sounds and smells - and almost feel the heartbeat of Africa.

A huge diversity of climate and vegetation zones results in misty trout filled streams in the Eastern Highlands, to the mild climate of the Msasa woodlands in the centre of the country, to the hotter, drier mopane and teak woodlands in the lowveld areas. Recently Zimbabwe has been much in the media spotlight, however, despite difficult

economic conditions, the properties that Africa with Style utilizes, maintain an exceptional standard of hospitality, accommodation and cuisine. The National Parks still offer some of the finest wildlife experiences available in Africa. As the majority of local tour operators support conservation efforts, now - more than ever before, is the time to visit Zimbabwe.

• The Victoria Falls – One of the Natural Wonders of the World and possibly the most impressive waterfall you will ever see.
• Great Zimbabwe – The second greatest stone structure in Africa, the origins of which are still a mystery and the source of much academic debate.
• Hwange National Park – The largest and oldest National Park in the Country
• Lake Kariba – One of the continents great lakes however this one is man-made. The vast area of water and wildlife along the shoreline is a prime tourist destination
• Ghonarezhou – One of the first protected areas in the world to involve the local population in conservation programmes
• Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s second City acts as the gateway to the granite boulders and almost surreal Matopos National Park
• Eastern Highlands – The scenic rural setting offers hiking, fishing and spectacular scenery
• Tribal Art – Zimbabwe Stone sculpture has a world reputation and it is possible to see many famous artists at work, whose works can be seen in premier museums, galleries and art collections, worldwide.
• Zambezi Escarpment – The northern reserves and safari areas situated along the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba are prime game viewing locations with exceptional accommodation and activities such as overnight canoeing trips, white water rafting and numerous adrenalin activities in the Victoria Falls area

Fact File

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, sandwiched between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers in South Central Africa and is about the same size as California. The central plateau has a mild climate, with colder weather experienced in the highlands along the eastern border with Mozambique, and higher temperatures being experienced in the lower areas along the Zambezi Valley and the “lowveld” in the South East of the country.

The rainy season is quite distinct, in the summer months, and the rain brings relief from the higher temperatures. In winter frosts are sometimes experienced, and this is a regular occurrence in the Eastern Highlands. Amazing Zimbabwe!

Zimbabwe has many National Parks, and a wide diversity of game species, spread throughout the vegetation zones of the country. It has some spectacular scenery including the world famous Victoria Falls, which it shares with its neighbour, Zambia. Lake Kariba is a man made water wonderland, offering numerous options to the visitor.

Tourism is a major industry in the Zimbabwean economy, and the number of tourists although lower than in previous years ensures enough money to assist the Parks and the local operators to protect the wildlife. Tourism is a must for conservation efforts to survive in Zimbabwe.

The time to go to Zimbabwe has a lot to do with what you want to do there. Game viewing is at its best from late March through to November, when the rains start. The Victoria Falls are at their lowest level in early November and at their highest in early May. There are some properties that close during the rainy season due to accessibility, but generally most properties are open all year.

Currency / Credit Cards

The currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD), which is made up of 100 cents. Most international hard currencies are convertible in Zimbabwe. For your convenience it is recommended that you carry small denomination US Dollar notes as this is more regularly accepted as means of payment.

Climate

Most of Zimbabwe is rolling plateau, with over 75% of the country lying between 610m and 1525m above sea level. Temperatures in these areas vary from 12 degrees C in winter and 24 degrees C in summer. In the Zambezi and Limpopo Valleys, summer temperatures vary between 32 and 38 degrees C. The summer rainy season lasts from November to March, followed by the cool dry season, which lasts until mid August, when the hot and dry period is experienced.

Passports and Visas

It is advisable to confirm the specific visa requirements with the nearest Zimbabwe High Commission.
All travellers are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of departure from Zimbabwe. Visa fees are applicable to most nationalities for both Zimbabwe and Zambia and are your personal responsibility. If you are entering Zimbabwe twice, please remember to apply for a DOUBLE entry visa on arrival in Zimbabwe.

Getting there

International Airlines that fly into Harare include South African Airways, British Airways both regional and international, and Air Zimbabwe. Domestic flights are limited on Air Zimbabwe and charter flights are often utilised as being the only alternative.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover in respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses.

Departure Tax

Please ensure that your Zimbabwe Airport Departure Tax of USD30.00 per person is included on your ticket by your agent. If not, you will be liable to pay USD30.00 per person airport tax on departure from Zimbabwe by air, in US Dollars and exact cash only for when you depart internationally from Zimbabwe, payable only in foreign currency. The domestic departure tax is US5.00 per person and is usually included in the cost of the air ticket from Air Zimbabwe. All charter flights require the US5 per person, per departure, to be paid in cash at the airport, prior to the departure of the flight.

Health

Please note that there are areas in Zimbabwe that are malaria areas, and it is strongly advised that you speak to a physician before you leave home to ensure you are on an anti malarial course of tablets if you are visiting these areas.

What to Pack

Casual lightweight, comfortable cotton clothing is advised when in the bush and at lodges, during the summer months. Most lodges and camps do have swimming pools so it is advisable to pack a swimsuit. Trousers and long sleeved shirts are advisable for the evenings as a precaution against Malaria. Jerseys and jackets are necessary for early morning and evening activities, particularly during winter, when on safari. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as is rainwear when viewing the Victoria Falls, sunglasses and a hat. Most safari lodges have a laundry service. It is advisable to pack lightly when on safari and ensure that your clothing consists of neutral colours, like creams, khaki, greens and browns.
Please Note: Do NOT wear any type of camouflage clothing when visiting Zimbabwe. Remember to pack your binoculars, a torch, a basic first aid kit, camera, film and batteries.

Where to stay

We have featured some of the best properties in Zimbabwe, to highlight the different aspects and areas of this incredible country. There are a number of other, very good properties available, which we would be delighted to discuss with you when we are arranging your itinerary.

In the Victoria Falls area, there are numerous adrenalin activities to partake in. These include white water rafting, canoeing on the upper Zambezi River, Bungee jumping, Helicopter flights, the gorge swing, abseiling, foofie slide, elephant back riding, horseback rides, etc. The list is endless.
Here is a description of just two of the incredibly breathtaking, awesome adrenalin activities that ADRIFT operate and manage, from their Victoria Falls base.

It is set up high on the spectacular cliffs of the Batoka Gorge between the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Victoria Falls Bridge, above rapid Numbers 3 and 4. The entire product is in Zimbabwe. Activities in Victoria Falls Gorge Swing This is a giant swing 95m long and 120m high above the water. You have a 70m free fall before you begin to swing.

The Foofie Slide Imagine the adrenalin rush as you travel at a speed of 106kph, hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breathtaking beauty of the green Zambezi River below. We are able to pre-book any of these activities for you, including the more sedentary game drives, sunset cruises, traditional dancing and of course, a tour of the Victoria Falls.

The Victoria Falls Hotel – Victoria Falls

This legendary hotel celebrated it’s Centenary in 2004.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is situated on a world heritage site overlooking the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Established in 1904, and recently redecorated, this gracious colonial -style hotel is set in lush tropical gardens and epitomizes the romance of grand travel, offering total relaxation.

All suites and bedrooms are decorated in colonial style, are fully air-conditioned and have satellite TV. The Victoria Falls Hotel presents 180 rooms and suites with 340 friendly staff to look after you.

The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls

The tropical tranquillity of this small luxury hotel, offering 16 exquisitely furnished and tastefully appointed suites, the naturally gracious staff and management, the wealth of bird-life, the calm of the water features and lush gardens, secluded swimming pool, surrounding African bush and private nature reserve, make for a memorable visit to a stately establishment fit for royalty.

The all-embracing hospitality, international cuisine, traditional colonial decor and elegant objects d’art offer elegance of the highest order. Activities include bush drives to view the abundance of wildlife, especially the huge African elephants, bush meals and a daily transfer to town and the Victoria Falls, only 15 kms away.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge - Victoria Falls

The 72 bedrooms, bar, restaurant, lounge and pool deck overlook the waterhole, giving direct exposure to nature. Each bedroom has its own balcony, air conditioning and modern bathroom with tub and shower.

Westward facing, the lodge enjoys stunning sunsets and uninterrupted views of a natural waterhole and the African bush. Elephants and many kinds of antelope are regular visitors. The lodge is a masterpiece of thatch and wood with intricate split-levels and indigenous trees giving the impression of a vast open plan tree house.

Riverside Dinners

We arrange dinners under the stars for a minimum of 20 guests, up to a maximum of 300 guests on the banks of the Zambezi River, throughout the year. Dabula Safaris is known for their reliability, professionalism, superb catering, outstanding service and incredible attention to detail, and has been for the last 10 years.

These dinners / functions / weddings can be arranged on the Zimbabwe side or the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls area. Theme dinners are catered for and Dabula Safaris makes full use of their own fabulous boats as well as and exquisite Jetty site and even some islands in the middle of the Zambezi River.

Makalolo Plains - Hwange National Park

The Makalolo area is an enormous private concession within Hwange National Park. The area is ecologically diverse, including vast, open, palm-fringed plains, grasslands, acacia woodlands and teak forests and this ensures great numbers of animals all year round.

The area is also one of the better areas in Zimbabwe for sighting predators – Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog and Cheetah are regularly sighted. Accommodation is in tented rooms with en-suite facilities raised off the ground on wooden platforms. The living area includes a dining room, pub, plunge pool and an open fire for evening fireside bush tales.

Sanyati Lodge - Lake Kariba

Sanyati Lodge is situated alongside the spectacular Sanyati Gorge and sheltered by the Matusadona mountain range.

This property has introduced a new level of sophistication to Lake Kariba, one of Zimbabwe’s major attractions. The lodge, comprising nine luxury rooms, two suites and a central lounge/dining area has been skillfully designed to merge into the landscape along the lake shore, offering luxurious accommodation and dramatic lake views within an unspoilt and undisturbed habitat.

Houseboats on Kariba

Kariba has been referred to as Zimbabwe’s Riviera, and the best way to experience this 282km long water wonderland is from the comfort of a houseboat. We have featured 2 houseboats as an indication of the flotilla of houseboats available. There are a number of these luxury vessels available for hire, which we would be delighted to discuss with you, should you choose this facility.

’ Sovereign Houseboat - Lake Kariba

The ‘Sovereign’ is a top luxury 90ft Catamaran Cruiser which was launched in June 1999. She offers ten cabins all en suite and fully air conditioned, as well as a stunning bar/salon area, which offers air conditioning and a TV, Video and stereo. The windows on this boat are large, giving you exquisite views of the Lake and Shoreline constantly.

There are 6 air-conditioned double cabins with en suite shower, toilet, hand basin, and 4 air-conditioned twin cabins with en-suite shower, toilet, and hand basin. All cabins have mosquito nets, limited mattresses available for those wishing to sleep on the top deck. She has a large covered veranda overlooking the pool, surrounded by a sunbathing deck. The ‘Sovereign’ has 3 Tender boats for game viewing, fishing and sunset cruises.

’Salon Prive Houseboat’ - Lake Kariba

If it is five-star comfort and decadent pampering that you are after then "Salon Prive" is definitely the boat for you.

This recently refurbished beauty is nothing short of sheer and absolute luxury of the highest level. She is exquisitely furnished in both her indoor and outdoor areas and the service and attention to detail is second to none.

As well as all the creature comforts she also boasts a five-star menu with all the trimmings of the finest quality found anywhere. This amazing boat will definitely give you an experience of a lifetime and one we’re sure you’ll be back for once you have had a taste of what she has to offer

Ruckomechi - Mana Pools

Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools National Park is a photographer’s paradise as tall acacia and Albida trees dot the open floodplains with the Zambesi escarpment acting as a backdrop.

The area is renowned for its large numbers of Elephant, Buffalo, and Hippo. Leopard and Lion are also found in this area. Birdlife is superb and many species are found here. The camp has nine tented rooms under thatch with en-suite facilities. Each room has a panoramic view onto the floodplains of the Zambezi.

There is a pub and lounge under thatch and breakfasts are enjoyed outdoors under the shade of a mahogany tree and dinners are often on the deck under the stars.