ZIMBABWE – AFRICA’S HOTTEST SAFARI DESTINATION

Luxury tour operator Exsus Travel’s Africa expert Peter Felix shares his inside tips on Zimbabwe, a re-emerging safari spot, and explains why it’s top of his list.

2018 has seen the rebirth of Zimbabwe as Africa’s leading safari destination. A perennial favourite of safari aficionados, it has some of the continent’s best guides, an amazing variety of wildlife and breathtaking national parks. Zimbabwe’s accommodation is also amongst the finest in Africa, with new luxury safari camps popping up in the past year and many others improved.

Victoria Falls

Holidays to Zimbabwe will often start and end at the iconic Victoria Falls, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and seeing the falls from above on a helicopter trip. The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of Zimbabwe’s landmarks and staying a few nights here is a must.

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s sheer variety of parks and game reserves is unrivalled when it comes to wildlife viewing both on four wheels and on foot. The most well-known national park is Hwange, thanks to its size and diversity - and when it comes to visitors, it’s also relatively uncrowded. Here, you can stay in the lap of luxury at Linkwasha Camp, and witness huge herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards, as well as birdlife.

Matopos National Park

Matopos National Park is a wonderful spot to track rhinos on foot and cycle through herds of antelopes and gazelles. It’s not just about wildlife either - visit local villages, trek to the grave of Cecil Rhodes and explore the ancient settlement of Great Zimbabwe, whose conical stone towers have caused decades of arguments between historians and archaeologists.

Gonarezhou National Park

Characterised by towering red cliffs and an abundance of wildlife, Gonarezhou National Park is a throwback to the Africa of old. A visit here will also give you the chance to stay at Singita Pamushana, which is arguably Zimbabwe’s most luxurious accommodation option.

Lake Kariba

For a safari experience with a difference, head to Lake Kariba, which also separates Zimbabwe from neighbouring Zambia, to see elephants splashing in the water from a cruise boat which doubles up as a floating hotel.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an Africa old-timer, Zimbabwe really does have something for everyone, and offers a remarkable safari experience.

Zimbabwe is a year-round destination, but to secure the very best hotels and safari experiences, book 12-18 months in advance.

To find out more, visit https://www.exsus.com/destinations/africa/zimbabwe or call +44(0)20 7563 1303