Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe... is back!

Much more than the man in power and the widespread plight, Zimbabwe offers some of the most awe-inspiring national parks chockfull of wildlife and adventure. As the country stands on a precipice of rebirth, an exploration of what the country has to offer has never seemed so timely.

The mighty Zambezi River flows from Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba (a controversial dam created in the 1950s that generates hydro-electrical power) and then onwards to the Lower Zambezi Valley. The river emerges from a deep gorge to spread across a flattened, fertile floodplain. Pools and ox-bows are formed by erosion of the river banks. Zimbabwe’s southern bank is known as Mana Pools National Park; it is home to variety of wildlife seeking refuge in its idyllic environment. The park stretches across 2000 sq/kms of prime Zambezi riverfront, much which is inaccessible except by foot or canoe and as a result is completely unspoilt.

The significant elephant population is complimented by large hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, plains game as well as predators such as leopard and lion. Mana Pools is also home to prolific birdlife such as the Nyasa lovebird, the Livingstone flycatcher, the white-collared practincole, the banded snake eagle and the yellow spotted nicator.

The park is accessible to cars only during the dry season; during the rainy season guests have to travel by foot or by boat. This particular itinerary is offered from May-November with the best game viewing being between late August and end of October.

The park is most easily accessed from Kariba town in Zimbabwe. Getting to Kariba requires travel by a scheduled air charter via Lusaka or Harare or via road.

No prior experience is needed; however a reasonable level of fitness is required. You are led by expert guides who are well-versed in the bush and add insight throughout. The canoes are Canadian-style two man canoes with proper seats with backrest and canvas cushions. The canoes are stabilized and paddles are lightweight single or double bladed. Accommodation is a tented safari camp with attached bathrooms complete with flushing long drop toilet and "safari showers" (hot and cold on request).