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
Photo Gallery
Selected Trips to Zimbabwe
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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The Eatery Dinner Experience
The Eatery Dinner Experience entices guests to enjoy al fresco dining at The Eatery at the Pure Africa Waterfront, where a delicious three-course meal is served by lantern light and enjoyed under a star-studded African sky. The Eatery Dinner Experience focuses on a carefully curated selected of African infused dishes prepared with high quality ingredients and prepared to perfection, each accompanied by your drink of choice. Perched on the banks of the river, on arrival gather around the fire-pit before following the lanterns to your table for dinner – the roar of the distant Falls, the grunting hippos and call of the fiery-necked nightjar for company.
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Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
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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Victoria Falls |
The Wallow
The Wallow Lodge is situated in a private game reserve, peacefully nestled in the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park. The tented camp is set along the banks of the Masuwe River, surrounded by 4,500 acres of wilderness that stretches into the horizon, where a cloud of mist from the ‘Mosi-Au-Tunya’ commands the skyline. Victoria Falls is a short twenty-minute transfer from the lodge, giving guests the freedom to tailor-make their experience and find a balance between the exclusivity of the bush and the excitement of Africa’s Adventure Capital.
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| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Dusty Road
Sarah Lilford founded Dusty Road, a Zimbabwean catering company, in 1998. From day one, it epitomised Sarah’s passion for fresh, seasonal food and her sunny, affable personality shone through as she produced a pantry range of pickles, preserves, jams, chutneys, oils, vinegars and confectionary. After having studied cookery overseas, Sarah travelled around the world and initially, her food reflected vastly different gastronomic influences: Asian, Mediterranean, south American and European, and she honed her skills working in bucket-list places: a ski resort in Switzerland, a yacht in the Mediterranean, Australian cattle stations and Kiwi farms, Scottish hunting lodges and African luxury tented camps. She blended those flavours with her own flair which stemmed from her upbringing on a Zimbabwean commercial farm, and revealed a unique take on food which proved vastly popular with those from all walks of life.
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Safari Holiday: Masai Mara, Kenya + Botswana + Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe + Zanzibar
14 NIGHTS
This amazing safari holiday visits 4 countries – starting with Big Five game viewing in the famous Masai Mara in
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Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Local and international communities across Southern Africa working together through effective management, to ensure natural ecosystems are sustained to the benefit of all.
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| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Masuwe Lodge
Originally opened in 1992 Masuwe was the flagship lodge of Landela Safaris and one of the first bush lodges at the Falls. For the last 15 years Masuwe has been either leased to other safari operators or closed and attended by care-takers. In May 2017 Masuwe Lodge has re-opened after a total re-build and re-furbish. We have taken it right back to the skeleton … and then some! New pathways link the rooms through the old and established gardens; the glitter stone of the original swimming pool again sparkles in the sun-light; old decks have been replaced as have the old green safari tents. Masuwe Lodge is a dream safari destination – it combines bush and wildlife with the Zambezi River. It combines all-inclusive hospitality with the freedom of exploring the local craft markets. Imagine tackling white water rafting or an evening sun-downer cruise on the Zambezi River, imagine shopping in the curio stores by day but, each evening returning to the sounds, smells, tastes and natural setting that are – life on safari.
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Pure Africa
Pure Africa is an owner-run sustainable tourism operator in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, specialising in fully integrated service offerings ranging from premium experiences, events & incentives to destination weddings. We also offer our clients seamless destination services in and around Victoria Falls.
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Victoria Falls |
Nkosi Lodge
Nkosi Guest Lodge has been designed with a focus on providing guests with adequate space for socialising and relaxing whilst on holiday in Victoria Falls. All room rates include a Full English Breakfast, which is served in the dining area every morning.
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| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
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.
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.
