Zimbabwe

A Quick Guide to Zimbabwe

More About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is so much more than its politics and its history.

While in recent years this Southern African nation has hit global headlines for all the wrong reasons, it is still one of the most magical places you will ever get to visit.

As tourists are once more exploring the many vast attractions that Zimbabwe has to offer, the country is reclaiming its top spot as a must-visit place and if you are looking for an experience like no other, booking a Zimbabwe tour is something you won’t regret. A Zimbabwe holiday will take you to some of the most interesting places, and it will have you exploring indescribably beautiful landscapes, and staying in utterly luxurious locations.

From the wonders of the natural world to the fascinating cultures and the warm and welcoming people, although Zimbabwe might not have been your first choice of African holiday destination, it deserves some thought should be.

Unlike many of the Southern African nations, Zimbabwe is not your average kind of destination. A trip here requires some careful thought and planning. A holiday in Zimbabwe can be a little rough and rugged, depending on where you go and who you choose to travel with, so when choosing your ideal tour, make sure that the first thing you do is choose the right sort of travel company to book your holiday with.

Booking an exciting trip to Zimbabwe is always best done with a tour company who knows the landscape and the best places to go. When booking through a company, you can be sure that you are comfortable, safe, and that you get to see everything you’ve hoped to see.

Whether you are looking to enjoy Zimbabwe safari tours, or if you are looking for an action packed white river rafting kind of trip, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful African destination.

Must-Know Travel Facts

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

Like many of the Southern African countries, Zimbabwe experiences exceptional weather all year round. The winters are mild, allowing you to get by with little more than a light jacket while the summers can get a little too intense for some, with the heat can make travelling a little bit uncomfortable.

The best time to travel to Zimbabwe is between the months of July and October. During this time of year, the country is experiencing its winter months and so being on the road is a lot more pleasant. This time of year is also a lot drier, which for those who are going on a safari means the wildlife viewing will be a lot easier, as the vegetation would have somewhat died back.

From November to March, the country experiences summer, with day time temperatures sometimes reaching well over 40 degrees Celsius in some places. Most Zimbabwe accommodation has things like air conditioning and a swimming pool for guests to enjoy, but when out on the road, these temperatures can become a little overwhelming. Zimbabwe experiences summer rainfalls and thunderstorms, which brings the landscape back to life after the months of dry weather. Those who want to see the birds migrating in the area, should plan their travels for this time of year.

From April to June, the temperatures begin to cool down a little bit and for those planning a trip to the Victoria Falls, this time of year offers some of the best weather conditions to do so. This time of year follows the summer rains, which means the Falls are in full flow.

Top Attractions and Activities

Zimbabwe is full of interesting attractions and fascinating things to see and do. Although the most famous attraction is without a doubt the Victoria Falls, this particular sighting is just one of many that you should add to your travel itinerary. Zimbabwe tours come in a variety of forms, including safari trips, and cater to a wide range of travel expectations and requirements. To help you make the most of your trip to Zimbabwe, here’s a couple of attractions and activities to add to your list.

Go to Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is an iconic destination, which is why it has been given the nickname “the Riviera of Zimbabwe”. Along its shores sit countless luxury houseboats and over the years it has become famous for being an inland beach holiday destination. The main purpose of Lake Kariba is actually to provide hydroelectric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia, and if you find yourself in the northern part of the country, be sure to spend some time here, because the area is both beautiful and fascinating.

Go to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Zimbabwe is home to a lot of history, much of which predates the colonial era. One place where you can explore this fascinating history is at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which are thought to have been built in the 11^th century by the Shona people. The ruins consist of thousands of dry packed stones which take the shape of towers, staircases and patterns.

Go to the Victoria Falls

It is hard to describe what it is like to stand at the edge of the falls, and the photos and videos that you have probably seen just don’t do this attraction any real justice. When you are visiting Zimbabwe, you simply have to spend some time at the falls. You will be absolutely blown away by the sheer size and beauty of these cascades.

Go on a Canoe Safari

The traditional safari game drive certainly has its place, but a canoe safari is something altogether different. Canoe safaris take place between April and November along the Zambezi River and they make for quite the adventure.

Go for a Hike

In the Eastern Highlands, where the vegetation is lush and beautiful, walkers, hikers and anyone who really loves to be outdoors, can look forward to an epic adventure. If you are fit and up for the challenge, you can hike up Zimbabwe’s highest mountain. Mount Nyangani will only take about an hour and a half to climb and the views from the top are just incredible.

Best Zimbabwe Tours

There are two ways that you can see Zimbabwe; on your own or as a part of a guided tour. Most travellers choose to sign up for a guided tour, if only because it is the easiest and most convenient way to get around the country.

We offer our guests a handful of Zimbabwe tours to choose from, many of which combine a number of different destinations into a single getaway.

Zimbabwe In Style

With an itinerary that includes the Mana Pools heritage site, time at Lake Kariba, and a trip to the Victoria Falls, this fabulous tour will give you a real feel for what Zimbabwe is all about. The Zimbabwe In Style tour takes place over 10 days and includes a lot of leisure time.

Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Any tour by rail is as luxurious as it is relaxing. Rail tours will take you through areas that would be otherwise missed and this particular 4 day tour will have you exploring some truly beautiful places. Guests on this tour will have the chance to explore Hwange National Park, gaze at the Victoria Falls, and see the best of South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

In Style Country Combination Tour

See South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe by plane, train and boat with this amazing 14 day adventure. Some of Zimbabwe tour highlights include a flight to the Victoria Falls, and an overnight stay at the Mbano Manor Boutique Hotel.

Planning your Zimbabwe Tour

The ideal way to make the most of your Zimbabwe tour is to know where you want to go and how you want to experience your trip. To do this, you should start by doing some research into the various destinations and attractions that Zimbabwe has to offer, and then find a tour that will take you to these places.

At ATC, we have curated a variety of Zimbabwe tours, and each gives guests the opportunity to see the very best of what Zimbabwe has to offer. Using our travel experience and insider knowledge, our tours are put together in such a way that guests will be treated to a holiday like no other, and will make memories that will last a lifetime.

You can book your Zimbabwe tour through our website or you can contact our team of travel consultants to create your ideal holiday.