By Leslie Holgate
The week before going on safari in Zimbabwe, Africa Easy Program Manager, Lynda Murphy, and I, attended the largest Africa travel show – INDABA.
We met with partners across the African continent, from Botswana to Tanzania, to Namibia, during the action-packed travel show. At the close of INDABA, Lynda and I went on separate planes out of Johannesburg – Lynda to Zambia and me to Zimbabwe!
Both remarkable countries share the famous Victoria Falls, which is where my Zimbabwe journey began.
Here are my top 4 Zimbabwe Experiences:
1. A World Wonder – Victoria Falls
The mighty Victoria Falls lives up to its titles of “world wonder” and “smoke that thunders.”
The thundering sound of water and panoramic views of falls, greenery, and rainbows combines into one extraordinary scene.
I will most definitely return to you, Victoria Falls. Next time, I will return to the Zimbabwe side and visit the Zambian side as well.
2. Life on Safari – Game Drives and Walking Safaris
Often when people talk about wildlife viewing in Africa, they talk about the Big 5 or other impressively large creatures like giraffes. I expected to love watching elephants, and especially giraffes in Zimbabwe. I could watch these tall giants all day, as they lumber about and reach high into the treetops for a snack.
The unexpected happened on a walking safari in Hwange National Park. We came across a dung beetle, who was hard at work while maneuvering large balls of elephant dung. I was in awe of this small creature. The surprising stand-out star of my safari experience was this dung beetle.
3. Good Morning and Good Night
Each day in Zimbabwe began with steaming coffee and ended with a sundowner.
We awoke early for sunrise breakfasts and game drives. As a non-morning person, it was a treat to receive hot coffee for a wake-up call.
The tray of coffee was waiting for me on the outdoor patio at Bomani Tented Lodge and delivered via an exterior hatch at Camelthorn Lodge. The Camelthorn villas have this clever design implemented to improve the room service experience. Staff can place a welcoming tray of coffee into the hatch from the outside, and one can open it at leisure inside. Say goodbye to opening the door in your robe with half-awake eyes!
Sundowners were in idyllic settings each night at sunset. Glasses of wine or cocktails were served by the watering hole, as elephants and giraffes strolled in the distance.
One night while we were all enjoying our sundowners, I said, “I really want to see a hippo.” Moments later, a hippo emerged from the water and began walking toward us. This signaled last call and time to return to our lodge.
4. Accommodations in Stunning Places
From Batoka Gorge to Hwange National Park, all four accommodations on my scouting trip were in locations that made them experiences in themselves.
Gorges Lodge – living on the edge
The first night we arrived at Gorges Lodge after exploring nearby Victoria Falls. The main lodge, and accommodation in chalets with private verandas, overlook Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River.
Zambezi Sands – living on the Zambezi
The star of the show at Zambezi Sands is the Zambezi River. The luxury tents are on the banks of the river. Guests can go on sunset cruises or guided canoe trips, or enjoy the river from the comfort of their private deck and splash pool.
Bomani Tented Lodge – living on the plains
A private concession in Ngamo Plain, on the edge of Hwange National Park, provides the backdrop for Bomani Tented Camp. The main lodge and tents have views across the Ngamo Plain to Bomani Pan, and are a launching point for game drives, walking safaris, and village and school visits.
Camelthorn Lodge – living under the acacias
The grand finale was two nights in a forest villa at Camelthorn Lodge.
My first thought on entering the villa was, “Can I live here? This is bigger than my house!”
The villa was impressive on its own, and adding to the experience was the main lodge nearby where we had morning coffee at the campfire, al fresco and indoor dining, and met to embark on game drive activities in Hwange National Park.
