What to do in Zimbabwe

After the rains come, the lower stretch of the Zambezi branches out onto the floodplains of Northern Zimbabwe. This natural waterpark is a haven and a canoe safari is the best way to explore this seasonal gathering, bringing you much closer to the animals than possible on the land - especially as you wend your way past harrumphing pods of hippo. Sit safely just a few yards from an unhurried pride of lions lapping at the water’s edge, paddle past elephants as they cross from one side of the Zambezi to another and enjoy the myriad of bird species that make their homes on the banks of the river. Crocodiles and hippos are in abundance and therefore these magical journeys are not for the faint hearted. This experience is always carried out with a highly qualified guide and can last anything from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days, the choice is yours.

One of the most magnificent natural features of Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. Take a game drive to see these magnificent red sandstone cliffs, which have been formed through eons of erosion. Overlook the scenic Runde River valley, where lion, leopard, cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), buffalo, giraffe, zebra and many species of large antelope roam. The rare nyala and smaller suni are two of the highlights of the Park's smaller antelopes. In addition, hundreds of species of birds may be spotted in the Park. Unique species of aquatic wildlife such as the Zambezi Shark, Freshwater Goby, Black Bream and the unique turquoise killifish can be seen within the Park's rivers and pools.

In the remote and (almost) unexplored Matobo Hills, you'll find one of the largest collections of rock art in the world. The Matobo area of Zimbabwe is one of the most significant archeological sites in Africa and evidence shows human occupation of this area going back over 100 000 years. Led by an expert guide well-versed in the history of the Khoisan people and their lives here, explore a number of cave galleries. One of the most famous sites is Nswatugi Cave, where a painting named 'Hidden Lady' can only be seen when a shadow moves overhead. And for an added dose of adventure, hike through a few kilometres of verdant forest before reaching the colossal Bambata Cave, which houses rock art dating back hundreds of years. It’s perhaps one of the main meeting points between the ancient San hunter-gatherers of Africa, and the nomadic agriculturalists that came into Southern Africa from the north. A trip to find the famous ‘ringing’ rocks of Matoba is a must! Stop for drinks or a picnic with a view before returning to camp.

Gazing over the edge of the glorious Victoria Falls, it's no surprise to learn that its local name means, 'the smoke that thunders'. Spend the morning or afternoon exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, meander along the walking trails and stop off at each of the 15 view points to see the falls from every angle. As one of the world's largest waterfalls, there is no bad time to be there but it reaches a roaring zenith in May when 10 million litres of water cascades into Batoka Gorge. If you want to have a more involved experience then this can be booked as a guided activity for an additional cost.

Explore Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange, on a game drive through this beautiful wilderness. The park has one of the largest populations of elephant in Africa, and some patient waiting at the large pans and waterholes ensures an encounter with big herds of these pachyderms as they come down to drink, cool off and cavort. Enjoy your time with the greatest of our 'living dinosaurs' as your guide translates their trumpets! There are also over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds ready to be found on your safari in Hwange.

There are so many ways to see Vic Falls by day, but by dusk, there's only one contender - a sundowner cruise. Step aboard for a cruise along the glimmering Zambezi River. With an ice-cold sundowner in hand (and tasty kebabs to snack on), wind your way past basking hippo, deftly moving Nile crocodile and elephant who trumpet at the water's edge as African fish eagles soar overhead. Return to shore when night has fallen and don't forget to look out for the famous 'moonbows' that appear in the right conditions. Your best time to go is the dry season months of April to September when the river and wildlife are in overdrive.

As one of the oldest wildernesses in Africa, Hwange is certainly worth taking a closer look and that's exactly what you'll do on a walking safari. Hwange's diversity of landscapes - from the water-logged pans to wind-swept Kalahari sands, and the wildlife that roams between them is staggering. Your sure-footed guide will lead you on a journey of following tracks, listening for calls (and learning what they mean) and examining the tiniest details to learn their secrets. And you're bound to encounter the stars of Hwange, the elephant who march grandly across the plains and, sometimes, through camp! After refreshments and a spot of sky-gazing, you'll return to base.

In Zimbabwe, elephant reign supreme and nowhere more so than Mana Pools, which occupies prime land beside the Zambezi River. Apart from the hazy blue forests of Ana trees, the area is rather sparsely vegetated, making it perfect for a walking safari with few hiding spots. Your guide is highly trained in understanding wildlife dynamics and how to find the myriad animals, while remaining mostly undetected. Using the clues left behind by wildlife, you may be walking quietly through the forest when an elephant stands on its back legs to reach the treetop bounty or follow a pack of African painted dog on their travels, sometimes getting within a few meters. Much of the wildlife is quite used to humans tramping through the park! Stop for chilled drinks while a herd of buffalo grazes downwind before returning to camp. The driest, safest and most rewarding time for a walking safari is between May and September.

This is your chance to conquer the thundering waters and burbling rapids of the impressive Zambezi River on an inflatable raft in the experience of a lifetime. Choose a full day of rafting to experience all 21 ferocious rapids (or 25 if in high water season) with a stop for lunch in between, or opt for the more gentle (!) half-day experience. The morning trip takes in rapids 1 – 10, ending with lunch and drinks, whilst the afternoon experience starts at rapid 11 and continues to 21, ending with drinks. And with the rapids aptly named things like ‘The Gnashing Jaws of Death’ and ‘Devil’s Toilet Bowl’, those drinks might just be needed…!

A sprawling 14,650 square kilometres in size, there is a lot of Hwange to explore, and you'll be able to cover the most ground in a luxury Land Cruiser. Joined by your safari guide, head out through the acacia-fringed grassy plains and teak forests in search of Hwange’s big game. The most famous of which are its tuskers, who roam the park and congregate at the water-logged pans. Game drives are the best way to see the variety of wildlife and scenery in the park and they almost always yield unexpected sightings - perhaps a leopard lounging in a tree, or even a pack of rare African painted dogs scampering through the grass. You'll break the journey with an iced drink and snacks, or treat yourself to a lunch in the bush!

With its life-giving waterholes, replenished by the rushing Zambezi River, Mana Pools is a dream safari destination. You'll set out at your choice of early morning or late afternoon for an open-air game drive, helmed by your expert guide who knows just where to look for the myriad species that live here. One of the great elephant sanctuaries in Africa, Mana Pools is also home to the rest of the Big Five, cheetah, herds of rare sable and, if luck is on your side, you just might get an African painted dog sighting. Beginning in June, winter is a particularly good time to visit. Park at one of the sprawling water holes and watch as the parade of wildlife arrives! Round off your drive with drinks before zooming back to camp.

As the mighty Victoria Falls tumbles into the Batoka Gorge below, let your helicopter pilot swoop you up into the heavens for the most epic view of the Falls available. It’s a perspective usually reserved for birds and a helicopter flight will give you a truly unique view of this great Wonder of the World. The short, 15-minute flight will take you over the Falls and the Zambezi River with plenty of opportunities to flash your camera at the views, before returning to the airfield. Longer, 30-minute flights begin in the same way with the addition of scenic flight up the Zambezi and over the scattered islands to rapid 26.

If you though game drives in the wilds of Hwange were magical enough, prepare yourself for the Hwange 'night act' featuring a whole new cast. After tea and hot drinks, you'll depart from camp with your guide, spotlight and camera at the ready. This is the ultimate time for spotting the big cats, from leopards prowling in stealth mode or lion on the hunt, followed by spotted hyena looking for leftovers. Of course, there is wildlife of the 'cuter' variety - the lesser bushbaby, mongoose, honey badger and the ever-elusive pangolin (finger's crossed). Moving silently through the darkness in the hopes of seeing one of these rare creatures...unforgettable.

Matusadona has plenty to boast about, from its wildlife to its picture-perfect landscapes, but Lake Kariba is the true star. The largest man-made lake in the world, it spans over 140 miles of the Zambezi Valley and, seated on a houseboat, it can even feel like you're gazing out to sea. As the wildlife begins to settle down for the night you'll cruise onto the water with a G&T in hand. Watch the scene become enveloped by shades of scarlet and gold as the sun dips behind the Matusadona Mountains, followed by an evening of star gazing.

If you've ever dreamt of a heart-soaring and adrenaline-rushing leap, there's no better place for it than Victoria Fall's famous bridge. At 111m, it is one of the tallest in the world and bungee jumping off it is an unforgettable experience. After being strapped in, free fall before swinging high above Batoka Gorge with Victoria Falls gushing down behind you. This experience firmly cements Vic Falls as Africa's Adventure Capital.

Zimbabwe may be landlocked but that hasn't stopped it from creating Lake Kariba, a sprawling inland sea fed by the brimming waters of the Zambezi River. When it comes to boating safaris in Zimbabwe, there's little competition with spectacular wildlife on its shores, luxury houseboats to recline on (some even have a jacuzzi) and fantastic fishing. Enjoy a cruise across the water, navigating the bleached leadwood trees and pods of hippo, and finding secluded inlets to explore. The summers get notoriously hot but the best time for dry, calm and cooler weather is between May and July. Make the most out of your Lake Kariba experience and book a houseboat for a couple of nights!

A mere hop, skip and a jump from Victoria Falls is the spectacular Chobe National Park. It’s famed for magnificent elephant sightings, but there’s plenty more in the way of wildlife to spot, making for a wonderful day of game-viewing. In the morning, you’ll head for the border and meet your Botswana guide for the day. Then, it’s straight to the river for a morning boat cruise and eye-level encounters with the watery wildlife and of course, the iconic herds of elephant that line the banks. You’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby hotel before hopping on a vehicle for an afternoon game drive and (hopefully) some predator action, before returning to the border and crossing back into Zimbabwe.

When it comes to walking safaris, Matusadona is the perfect combination of endless grassy plains and thickets of mopane trees and jesse bush. As the sun rises, you'll set out with your guide leading the way to watch the landscape come to life. Learn to distinguish one pawprint from another, to tell your hornbill from your hoopoe and follow the trail of cracked twigs and crushed earth to find a herd of elephant. You'll trace the landscape and enjoy learning all about what goes on behind-the-scenes, stopping for the refreshments of your choice before returning to camp.

Dedicate at least one of your game drives or bush walks to seeing the elephant of Mana Pools stand on their hind legs, trunk high in the air, in the hopes of finding juicy Ana leaves and seed pods to snack on. Mana Pools is one of the a few places in the world where this phenomenon happens, so unique and startling that some younger elephant follow behind to enjoy the leftovers. Your seasoned guide knows the signs of an elephant about to perform this feat and you'll follow in anticipation, ready to capture the moment on camera. Your best chance of seeing it is in the driest months (June to September) when there is little left to eat on the lower branches.

On this trip, you’ll take a boat out to Livingstone Island, the spot where Dr David Livingstone first glimpsed the mighty Victoria Falls and the launch point for the Devil’s Pool. The boats leave from the Royal Livingstone hotel and take around 5 – 8 minutes to reach the island. After a guided tour of the island it’s time for the swim of your life and you’ll inch across the Zambezi before plunging into the ultimate, natural infinity pool. Once in the frothing ‘Jacuzzi’, swim up to the brim for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the water tumbling down to the rocky gorge below. Phew! Depending on the time of your visit, light refreshments (or lunch) and drinks will be served on the island.

Jump into an open 4x4 with your expert guide early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Explore the grassy plains where elephant wander in droves on their way to drink at the lake or head inland to the thickets in search of other members of the Big Five. Down by the water's edge, you'll see huge numbers of antelope and hopefully some of the big cats. Stop for a scenic picnic and a chance to soak it all in. The best part is, you'll rarely see another safari-goer for miles.

Even the most adventurous of us have to eat so why not do it while soaking up the most magnificent vistas. Take a break from epic excursions with lunch at the Lookout Cafe, so named because of its prize position overlooking Batoka Gorge and mist-swirled falls cascading into the Zambezi River. Tuck into dishes from their inventive a la carte menu including the likes of fish from the Zambezi, one-of-a-kind kebabs and sticky date pudding to finish. Clink a glass of South African wine or sip on cocktails like the 1st Ugly Sister (vodka and strawberry daquiri) as you enjoy the roar of the falls.

In the waters of Lake Kariba, the tiger fish is king and keen anglers flock here every year to try and tame the beast. Set out onto the water, with an expert fisherman, to cast your line - be inspired by the African fish eagle who soar overhead before diving for their catch. There are over 40 species of fish, but from September to December, the water's warm enough to coax tiger fish to Lake Kariba. Most lodges on the shoreline include a fishing expedition in their itinerary.

With the roar of Vic Falls in your ears and pure adrenaline in your veins, take a leap of faith (and fearlessness) into the mouth of Batoka Gorge. You'll free fall for 70 m, which surprisingly only lasts three seconds, but it's more than epic! And you don't have to be alone, you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience side by side. Feel the thrill of swinging through the gorge as the Zambezi gushes below, taking in the views from a truly unique vantage point. A pulley slowly and safely lifts you back to land.

The Zambezi River may appear serene but there is a whole world of activity going on beneath the surface. Whether you're an expert angler or just dipping your toes in the water, most lodges in the area offer a fishing excursion where you'll cast a line in the hopes of catching one of its many species. The river is filled with chessa, tilapia, catfish, nkupi and, the greatest of them all, the tiger fish. Trying to reel in one of these powerful, sharp-toothed fish makes for some memorable stories and, of course, you'll return them to the water to live another day. Time it just right to enjoy a few drinks as the Zambezi turns gold under the setting sun.

The wildlife and epic landscapes may have brought you to Hwange but your trip doesn't have to be a 24/7 safari. Many of the lodges in the area have forged a strong relationship with the local community and you'll have the chance to visit a traditional homestead, hear stories from the residents and learn about the ancient crafting skills that have been passed down for generations. You can even buy handmade items at the market to remember your trip. Hwange is home to a number of protected animals including roan, elephant and the African painted dog, and there are a number of conservation projects that you can visit and get involved with too!