WELCOME TO THE KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI
ZIMBABWE
The Kavango Zambezi TFCA is enormous, larger than Germany and Austria combined and nearly twice as large as the United Kingdom. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge.
Zimbabwe in depth.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation of great scenic beauty, boasting such natural and cultural wonders as Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The majority of people live on the high central plateau, known as the Highveld. By contrast, the surrounding lowlands harbour some impressive tracts of wilderness, which include several of southern Africa’s top reserves and wildlife areas. It is here, in the country’s northwest corner, that Kavango Zambezi Zimbabwe is located. Its total area of some 71,500km2 represents some 14% of the park’s total, and offers some of its most exciting visitor experiences.
Hwange National Park lies along Zimbabwe’s border with Botswana and is the country’s premier reserve, protecting 14,650 km² of teak forest, thornveld and mopane woodland. The park is contiguous with the Chobe area of neighbouring Botswana, and the border between the two straddles a key wildlife dispersal area that sees one of Africa’s largest annual elephant migrations and lies at the heart of the Kavango Zambezi project.
Wildlife populations in Hwange are highly seasonal, but visit during the dry season and you’ll find enormous herds of elephant and buffalo thronging the permanent waterholes. Giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species – including the majestic sable and roan – are present year-round, hippo frequent larger water bodies and all major predators occur, including lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and a notable population of African wild dogs. Thick bush can make game-viewing challenging at times, but with a good year-round road network and plentiful accommodation options, visitors are guaranteed a wealth of wildlife on any visit – including a fair selection of 365 bird species recorded here.
Adjoining Hwange are a number of smaller conservation areas, such as Deka and Matetsi, that share its basic ecology and wildlife. Adventurous travellers may also visit the remote Kazuma Pan National Park, immediately to the north, whose open plains are effectively an eastward extension of Botswana’s semi-arid Makgadikgadi Pans. The great cross-border elephant and buffalo migration also passes this way – and some of Kazuma’s wildlife, including oryx and brown hyena, reflect a Kalahari influence. This remote destination is inaccessible during the rains, when its waterlogged terrain teems with waterbirds.
North of Hwange, the land descends towards the Zambezi Valley. Here, marking the border with Zambia, southern Africa’s mightiest river flows eastwards towards the spectacular Victoria Falls, eventually plunging over the 1.7km-wide precipice in a cloud of spray known locally as Mosi oa Tunya (‘the smoke that thunders’). This is Kavango Zambezi’s greatest tourism hub, offering everything from bungee-jumping and whitewater-rafting to scenic flights and champagne cruises. But if you’ve come for the wildlife, you won’t be disappointed. There are baboons and warthogs roaming hotel grounds, hippo and crocodiles in the river and birds everywhere, including such local specials as Livingstone’s turaco and African finfoot. In Victoria Falls National Park you can explore a unique ‘rainforest’ created by the spray, and just upstream, in Zambezi National Park, you might meet elephant filing down to drink, or spot buffalo, kudu, giraffe and even the occasional lion among the riverine thickets.
East of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi continues eastwards – via a dramatic series of gorges – until it reaches Lake Kariba, an enormous man-made water body created in 1957 to supply hydroelectric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia. From a houseboat on the lake you can enjoy at leisure the hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife that frequent the shoreline. Alternatively, for rather more effort, you can head inland towards the dramatic Zambezi escarpment. Here, Chizarira National Park is a seriously off-the-beaten-track destination, promising adventurous visitors wild hiking and stirring views. Elephants and other large mammals were depleted by poaching here during the 80s and 90s but are now beginning to return, courtesy of Kavango Zambezi conservation projects. Meanwhile the rich habitat mosaic supports over 400 bird species, one-third of the Kavango Zambezi total, including such specials as taita falcon and Angola pitta.
Further east still, the rugged escarpment hills slope down to the flat fringes of the lake. Here, in Matusadona National Park, you will find plentiful elephant and buffalo grazing the shoreline, while lions stalk the floodplain and the last of the Zambezi Valley’s beleaguered black rhinos hide out in the foothillls. Surrounding safari areas, such as Chete and Charara, add additional conservation scope to this whole rich region – which is now the subject of some exciting new community-based rewilding programmes. If it’s adventure you’re after, you need look no further.
Explore Zimbabwe
Find out more about Zimbabwe
Uncover Kavango Zambezi’s Hidden Gems – Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – Zimbabwe:
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Selected Trips to Zimbabwe
Africa at its best
19 DAYS
Safari adventures to the highlights of three countries: Sossusvlei, Okavango Delta and Zambezi
You glide almost silently in a mokoro through a labyrinth of water arms. “Tchzrrr-tchzrr!” – shrills the call of a shrike, which warns the other animals of your dugout. Joyce, your Bayei guide, stops punting and points to a tiny reed frog, well camouflaged, bobbing on a papyrus stalk. How she manages to spot such a fingernail-sized dwarf will probably remain her secret forever. But that’s how it’s been all morning… Lechwe antelopes under Ilala palms; jacanas on lily pads; Hippos, always breaking new waterways in the man-high reeds. Joyce knows the Okavango Delta like the back of her hand, this green island of life in the middle of the Kalahari.
Safari Holiday: Victoria Falls, Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana + Namibia + Zambezi
7 NIGHTS
Visit 4 countries on this thrilling safari holiday to Victoria Falls, with its many adventure activities. Stay on both sides of the falls – Zambia & Zimbabwe – as well as enjoying a safari in Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana, famous for its huge herds of elephants, buffalo & hippos. Also take a day trip to a village in Namibia & enjoy a Zambezi river cruise. All game drives & transfers included.
Dinner Cruise on Zambezi River
Our Dinner Cruise offers everything and more. Not only the magical colours of the Zambezi River at dusk but a truly unique four-course dinner served as you savour the splendour of the setting sun. Ideal for food and nature lovers wanting it all. Embark from the Pure Africa Waterfront and head off into the evening. After your favourite drink is poured, you’ll be ushered to your set table where a delectable series of dishes freshly prepared on the boat and paired to premium drinks are served. Silhouettes of elephants against the sunset and hippos noisily grunting in the distance will most certainly add to the ambience.
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Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
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Zimbabwe Tour: Harare + Masvingo + Bulawayo + Matopos + Hwange + Victoria Falls
12 NIGHTS
This privately guided Grand Zimbabwe tour travels from the capital city of Harare to the beautiful Eastern Highlands, Masvingo & the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the city of Bulawayo & spectacular Matopos National Park. Then enjoy the wildlife on safari in Hwange Game Reserve & visit the thundering Victoria Falls. English speaking guide, all transfers & specified sightseeing included.
Old Drift Lodge
Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
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From Table Mountain to the Victoria Falls
24 DAYS
Warm morning sun bathes the wall of Table Mountain in bright colors. A shimmering cloud cover, affectionately called tablecloth by the Cape Towners, hangs over the mountain plateau. Above all lies the magic of the dawning day, while the cable car gondola slowly pushes towards the summit. Lion’s Head, Gardens, Waterfront, Robben Island – your eyes wander and the whole of Cape Town is at your feet. Up here, the view wideneds and the senses open up. Up here begins your three-week safari adventure on one of the most beautiful routes in southern Africa.
Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The hotel is ideally located in the hustle and bustle of town, within walking distance of all historical sites, restaurants and activities in Victoria Falls. Offering warm and welcoming true African hospitality, our friendly and attentive staff will ensure that your visit is perfect in every way.
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Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Look Out Cafe
The Wild Horizons Lookout Café is an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where casual dining is a decadent affair. Menus range from cocktails and canapes to diverse meal options for seated dinners. Imported wine from South African vineyards and flavours foraged from nature make the ‘place on a plate’ sentiment a reality. Delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make the Lookout Café a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls.
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Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Rovos Rail Luxury Train: Victoria Falls to Cape Town, South Africa
15 NIGHTS
This Rovos Rail luxury train journeys from the stunning Victoria Falls to Cape Town in South Africa. After viewing the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, embark on this ‘double journey’ that involves two incredible train trips. Highlights include a safari in Hwange Game Reserve, Voortrekker Mounument in Pretoria & Big Hole in Kimberley, before disembarking in beautiful Cape Town (Pullman, Deluxe or Royal cabin).
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Escorted Tour: Namibia + Botswana + Etosha + Caprivi + Chobe + Victoria Falls Park
20 NIGHTS
This 3-week grand escorted tour of Namibia & Botswana visit three fascinating countries. From Windhoek, explore the deserts & canyons of the south – including the Kalahari, the mighty Fish River Canyon, Succulent Karoo & Namib Desert, before heading north to view the wildlife of Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe & Victoria Falls park in Zimbabwe. Regular scheduled departures. English & German. Group size 2-16. No children < 12.
Sunset Cruise + The Eatery Dinner (Combo)
Combining two of our most popular offerings, The Eatery Dinner & Cruise extends your time on the Zambezi River. Commencing with a magical Sunset Cruise on our flagship Zambezi Explorer, meander through the watery wilderness, passing small river islands and lush vegetation with the spray of the Victoria Falls in the background. Once the sun has set and as the skies darken, you’ll head back to the Pure Africa Waterfront for a seamless continuation to your delicious al fresco dinner at The Eatery. One experience that allows you to spend the whole evening and into the night, with us. After all, why choose one when you can have both.
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Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
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Zimbabwe Private Tour, Guide: Ruins + Bulawayo + Matopos + Hwange + Victoria Falls
10 NIGHTS
Explore beautiful Zimbabwe on this private tour, travelling with your own driver guide. Visit the astonishing Great Zimbabwe ruins, the city of Bulawayo and beautiful Matopos National Park, where Cecil John Rhodes is buried at World’s View, before continuing to Hwange National Park & Victoria Falls. English speaking guide, all transfers, sightseeing & game viewing included.
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