Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Info • Area: 390 580km² • Capital: Harare • Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar • Climate: Cool winter with cold nights from May to August, moderating in September and October, hot and rainy weather in summer between November to April. • People: Shona (76%), Ndebele (18%), Batonka (2%),    Shangaan (1%), Venda (1%) and Europeans and Asians • Official language: English • Time: GMT plus two hours • View Visa and Health Information Here      Zimbabwe: A country blessed with great natural beauty, game reserves and mineral wealth. The diverse landscape changes from mountainous to wilderness to typical Bushveld. The country is also home to large animal and bird populations. Zimbabwe is a country located in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Victoria Falls, Zambezi river, Kariba Dam and the Limpopo river. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north and Mozambique to the east.   History & Background: One of the country's greatest attractions: the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe date back to the 11th century when it was the trading capital of the wealthiest and most powerful society in south-eastern Africa. It is unclear what caused its decline, but Ndebele and Shona tribes were predominant when the English took over and called the country Rhodesia. Resistance to colonial rule finally resulted in an independent Zimbabwe in 1980. Political problems and economic instability have plagued the country ever since. The destruction of much of Zimbabwe's agricultural base through the seizing of mainly white-owned farms throughout 1999 and 2000 has ruined the Zimbabwean economy. Many of the dispossessed Zimbabwean farmers moved to neighbouring southern African countries. The political situation makes it unlikely that the West will be inclined to do much more than provide humanitarian assistance. Robert Mugabe is set on destroying the last remnants of the Zimbabwe economy in his quest to stay in power. Scheduled and Tailor – Made Safaris: Zimbabwe used to be the travellers choice of safari destination in Southern Africa for a true African bush experience. Below you will find some small group, maximum 10 client safaris that Africa Trails runs in and around Zimbabwe. You can join one of our scheduled camping or lodge safaris or if you’d like, one of our experienced travel consultants can tailor – make a private safari to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. Nowadays most of our safaris and tours go to earlier the lower Zambezi or into Victoria Falls. Best Game Viewing Months: The best time to travel in Zimbabwe is April through to September when the weather is mild with little rain. October starts to get hot and November to March its hot with occasional afternoon rain showers. Victoria Falls is at its fullest in January through to April but the better time to see the falls is August through to December as it clearer to see the falls with less water being thrown up in the air. In the lower Zambezi the rainy season from mid-November to mid-March can make some roads impassable. Most of the walking and canoe safaris run throughout the year as you usually only have short rain showers in the afternoon followed by good weather afterwards. Some of the Lodges close during the rainy season in this area. Matusadona is not a problem year round with getting into Mana Pools during the rainy season best approached via a canoe safari.