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
From the desert sea to the Zambezi
16 DAYS
The Kwando flows hundreds of kilometers through the highlands of Angola before it flows into the mighty Zambezi as the Chobe. Together with the Kavango, it creates a lush green landscape in northern Namibia that contrasts with the country’s endless deserts and savannahs. Elephants stand shoulder-high in the river and feast on sweet lily pads. Openbills comb small lagoons for snails and crayfish. Skilled Mafwe fishermen wade through the shallows with fishing baskets to catch tilapia and catfish. This is the undiscovered green realm of the Caprivi Strip.
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 |
| Trip Budget | |
| Description |
Desert, rock art and Victoria Falls
21 DAYS
This hands-on safari, which takes you through southern Africa in 21 days, is rich in contrast, diverse and full of experiences.
Sunset Cruise Zambezi Explorer
Pure Africa’s reimagined River Cruises bring a new level of sophistication to Victoria Falls, with our Sunset Cruise onboard our flagship vessel the Zambezi Explorer, the most popular offering. There are three decks onboard to choose from, the ‘Signature Deck’ on the uppermost level is pure extravagance, while the two lower ‘Luxury Decks’ offer inviting lounge seating and views through the tailored linen curtains towards the setting sun.Cruise the watery wilderness with the spray of the Victoria Falls, small river islands and lush vegetation as your backdrop. Throughout the cruise canapés and drinks are served. Into the experience, you’ll be treated to the most magical sunset – an African classic – before heading back to the Pure Africa Waterfront.
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| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
Luxury Holiday: Great Zimbabwe Ruins + Matopos + Safari, Hwange + Victoria Falls
10 NIGHTS
This luxury holiday to Zimbabwe starts with a simple visit to the ancient Great Zimbabwe Ruins, then explore the rest of the country in more luxury. Stay at Camp Amalinda in the granitic Matopos Hills, where you can track rhino & view Rhodes’ grave; enjoy a Big Five safari in Hwange at Khulu Ivory Lodge; & relax at Victoria Falls Safari Club on the Zambezi. All transfers, game drives & sightseeing included.
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.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
Wild Horizons
We are the lead provider of tours and adventure activities in and around Victoria Falls.
| Destination | |
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| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp has been rated one of the best luxury lodges in Zimbabwe, and is within close proximity to the Victoria Falls and the bustling tourist town. Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, The Elephant Camp overlooks the Zambezi Gorges with a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls spray.
| Destination | |
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| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Lunch Cruise on Zambezi River
At around midday, while most of Victoria Falls is resting, head out for a Lunch Cruise on the perfectly quiet Zambezi River. Sit back and allow our experienced chefs to prepare a three-course meal on board, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. A selection of Pure Africa wines and drinks are served as an accompaniment. Look out for elephants, and if you’re lucky get up close to the resident hippos while enjoying your meal. It’s an ideal time to be lulled by the water and exult in the fish eagle’s call. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you have the place to yourself – as it’ll feel that way.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
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.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
| Description |
The Palm River Hotel
The Palm River Hotel offers 73 rooms of unparalleled luxury situated along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, among towering indigenous trees and only 4 kilometres from Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls. Conveniently located just 5 minutes’ drive from Victoria Falls town centre, the hotel introduces a new dimension of 5-star luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort and tranquillity.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Lake Kariba |
Luxury & Adventure in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia
14 Days / 13 Nights
Experience 13 nights of adventure & luxury in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia.
Located in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where the borders of five African countries converge, the sheer scale of this vast international conservation project is difficult to comprehend. It encompasses a bewildering range of experiences, ranging from the mighty Victoria Falls to the lifeforce of the region, the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. See some of the highlights of this incredible, enormous protected wildlife region on this all-inclusive, high-end trip created with couples in mind. If you are a family or small group, we can adapt the itinerary to suit you – just get in touch.
