Zimbabwe is surrounded
by other countries, and so it has no coast on the sea. This type of country
is called landlocked. The countries that surround Zimbabwe are Zambia,
Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique.
Zimbabwe is home to the famous
waterfall, Victoria Falls, which are a feature of the river Zambezi.
Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia when it was a colony of Great Britain,
but it took the ancient name of "Zimbabwe" in 1980 when it became an independent
country...
Victoria
Falls - A Phenomenon To Behold by Felix Koskei
A distance aerial view of
Victoria Falls as my flight approached Victoria Falls International Airport
is a field on fire with white smoke bellowing into the skies. As you close
in on the falls itself, you realize that the 'smoke' is actually a cloud
of water rising up as the Zambezi River pours down the falls with amazing
force and power.
Once on the ground, the
24 km drive from the airport to Victoria Falls town is an extremely smooth
highway. Both sides of the road are lined up with beautiful trees. Victoria
Falls town can easily be confused with a small modern city in the developed
world. It is clean; the buildings are modern and very well maintained.
The roads are very well paved and marked. The flower beds and gardens well
nurtured. The town does not have so much traffic apart from the hordes
of buses and minibuses shuttling tourists from the falls to various lodges
in the town.
Park entrance fee is paid
at the falls entrance. Please note that park entrance fees is paid in United
States dollars, cash. This is the most preferred mode of payment. Any other
mode of payment may be a big hassle and give you unprecedented complications.
A lady ahead of me on the
queue had US travelers cheques of 50 dollars denominations and had to go
away because she could not be given back her change. Zimbabwe dollars cannot
be used by foreigners to pay park entrance fees.
Before you arrive at Victoria
Falls, it is very important to prepare for a 'rainy' day. It is guaranteed
that you will be rained on as you view the falls. This will not be rain
water but from the cloud of 'smoke' I mentioned early. The best item
to protect you from the rain is a poncho. A raincoat will also do. Also
have shorts if possible because long trouser will definitely get wet from
your knee downwards. Non-leather open shoes would be the best option for
footwear. First stop would be at the Livingstone statue. This is a relatively
big statue that was put under immense security guard when the locals wanted
to destroy it due to political differences between Zimbabwe and Great Britain
several years back. Next stop would be a view of the Devil's Cataract and
Cataract Island. The Devil's Cataract is the western end of the falls and
there is a huge force of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract. From
the Cataract Island, the next stop is the Main Falls. This is where one
might experience the heaviest rainfall though this is the best sight of
viewing the falls. From the main falls, I head to the Livingstone Island.
It is said that Dr. Livingstone docked at Livingstone Island and spent
the night there oblivious of the falls right after that. As I continue
eastwards, the next stop is Horseshoe Falls followed by the Rainbow Falls
and finally the Eastern Cataract. Words cannot express the sight at Victoria
Falls as the scene is never static. The width of Victoria Falls from the
Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract is 1,700 metres. The mean height
of the Main Falls is 83 metres. The mean height of the Rainbow Falls is
99 metres. The mean height for the whole falls is 93 metres. The average
flow of water over the falls is 34,000 cubic metres a minute.
The best time to see the
falls is between February and June. This is the time the falls is full
and complete from the Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract. During
the other months when there is less rainfall
experienced, the Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract have
no water flowing on them. The paved walkways along the entire falls are
well maintained and accessible by wheel chair.
Immediately preceding the
falls, the Zambezi River has 4 rapids that zigzag one after the other.
The current falls is the first rapid and it is in favour of Zimbabwe. The
best country to view the falls now is from the Zimbabwe side and not the
Zambia side. However, several centuries ago, Rapid 4, which formed the
first ever falls along the Zambezi was in favour of Zambia.
Rapid 3 was then created
and it was in favour of Zimbabwe. When Rapid 2 was created, it was in favour
of Zambia. The Zimbabwe/Zambia famous bungi jump bridge is located on Rapid
2. The current falls and Rapid 1 is in favour of Zimbabwe. Judging
from the amount of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract, it is predicted
that the Zambezi River is already cutting its new path heading towards
the Zambia side. This will create a new falls and rapid which will be in
favour of Zambia. This will however take hundreds of years to form.
Erosion of the land as the water
filters downriver is an extremely long process and unfortunately cannot
be wintessed in one's lifetime.
As we exit the falls after
the Eastern Cataract, we head to the famous bridge joining Zimbabwe and
Zambia on Rapid 2. This is the bridge where bungi jumping is done. Water
rafting is also done from Rapid 2 downstream. River cruises are done upstream
before the falls.
The best method to view the
falls is by helicopter. The Flight Of Angels provides one with the perfect
experience and excellent view of the falls.
Victoria Falls has all kinds
of lodgings and hotels to cater for all classes of travelers. These include
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, A'Zambezi River Lodge, Elephant Hills Hotel,
Nyati Lodge, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Hotel, The Kingdom Hotel
and Casino among others.
Some of the activities available
at Victoria Falls is a Sundowner Cruise which provides a very good experience.
A visit to Victoria Falls will not be complete without a visit to The Boma
- The Place of Eating. This is a wonderful dinner location with traditional
dances. One can also do elephant rides and visit the crocodile farm. There
is also canoeing and white water rafting along the Zambezi.
Botswana is just an hour's
drive away from Victoria Falls, if one has more time, consider visiting
Chobe in Botswana for a night or two.
My flight back to Harare
stopped over at Bulawayo. I could not miss noticing that Bulawayo International
Airport seemed to have been expanding the airport with a modern massive
airport building. This building however seems to have stalled several years
back.
Harare is a modern city with
well paved and maintained roads. As I traveled around Zimbabwe, it is evidently
notable that this is a country that previously had enormous economic growth
and focused development which now seems to have hit a brick wall.
About the Author - Felix Koskei is the editor of http://www.safariafrika.com
and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African
countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly
personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections
Ltd.
Visit
Harare and know a lot more about this splendid city by Peter
Nutt
Harare is one of the tourist's
most lovable destinations. It is an independent city equivalent to a province;
it is the Capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. Although you enjoy all
the time you stay in Harare but Night life in Harare is very enjoyable;
some of the amusing places to make your nightlife more enjoyable; are Harare
Bars, Harare Casino, Harare Concerts and Shows, Harare Night Clubs and
Harare Theater and Movies. One of the most visited movie theatre in Harare
is Westgate Mall. It's a new one and its atmosphere is American. It has
gold mines. This area is now the site of many of the most important Government
buildings. You might be thinking how to reserve cheap flight to Harare.
Reserving your cheap flight to Harare-Zimbabwe is no more a problem. You
just have to put an effort to make your plan of booking your cheap flight
to Harare work well. Visiting airline ticket planner Will be a better option
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If you take a chance of having
your cheap flight to Harare you will discover a lot of worth admiring sites
in Harare, some of these landmarks are; Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare,
Rufaro Stadium, Sam Nujoma Street, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Stock
Exchange, Zimbabwe Grounds, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, National
Sports Stadium, Heroes Acre, Borrowdale Race Course and Sam Levy Village.
If you like meeting a lot
of people, having fun with your friends? Origins Café is a good
place to meet lot of people, to party and listening different types of
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About the Author - Your
flights to Harare will take you to a lot of worth visiting institutions
a few of which I have mentioned. Your visit to cheap
flights to Hararefrom UK , can help you knowing a lot more
Bulawayo,
a very good place with tourist attractions by James
In a geographical point of
view Bulawayo is located in Matabeleland, 439 km south-west of Harare capital,
and is now treated as a separate provincial area from Matabeleland. The
capital of Matabeleland North is now Lupane, as Bulawayo is a stand-alone
province. Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, after the capital
Harare.
The city stands on some of
the most ancient rock ever laid down on earth. The ancient geological activities
are very important for the geologists.
From a tourist point
of view, Bulawayo has a lot to offer, either from within itself or around
it. Bulawayo is located within the vicinity of Hwange National Park, The
Victoria Falls (which is one of the wonders of the world), Khami Ruins
and Matobo National Park.
Bulawayo industry is the
backbone of the Zimbabwean economy. This land is mostly consists of heavy
industry and food processing capability. This industry attracts the businessmen
from all over the South. Bulawayo has many reserves of metallurgical-grade
chromite. Other commercial mineral deposits include coal, asbestos, copper,
nickel, gold, platinum and iron ore. A lot of visitors from all over the
South Africa come and invest in the Bulawayo. Similarly a UK base traveling
company "flights to Bulawayo" is also dealing cheap and bargain flights
to Bulawayo from all over the world.
Bulawayo is famous because
of its history. In a historical point of view Bulawayo is known as the
'City of Kings', 'Skies', 'Bluez', and 'Bulliesberg'. It is a multicultural
land must visit for anyone coming to Zimbabwe.
Other tourist attractive
places are "The Railway Museum", "Bulawayo houses", "The Matobo Hills National
Park", "The natural history museum", "The Matopas National Park", "Mazwi
Nature Reserve", "Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Centre" and
many more...
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offers an imperative point to be kept in mind is that we are proficient
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Southern
Comfort Lodge, Bulawayo Craig and Lesley Hunt welcome
you to the peaceful setting of Southern Comfort, a lodge situated on seven
hectares of pristine land overlooking a small lake with abundant bird life,
only seven minutes away from the centre of Bulawayo. Southern Comfort
Lodge consists of six twin en suite rooms with tea/coffee facilities, a
TV and fans. All the rooms are tastefully decorated in an ethnic design
and overlook a small lake with an abundance of bird life, set in beautifully
manicured gardens. In the evening you can enjoy a drink with the owners
in the Sneaky Rat Pub before moving onto a delectable three course dinner
served by our competent and friendly staff. After a good nights sleep a
full English breakfast awaits you to start the day.
The
Bulawayo Club, B&B/Boutique Hotel, Bulawayo Sister club to The Kimberley
Club and recently renovated to suit the modern businessman, it is an establishment
for those who appreciate the splendour and grace of a bygone age. Reveling
in tradition and history of Zimbabwe's diverse past, the classic intimacy
of this remarkable institution will keep you coming back time and again.
Special events, functions and seminars can be hosted in our many conference
rooms. Wi-fi Internet service available.
Sunbird
Guest House, Harare This spotless self-contained
guest house inside a secure guarded complex in an upmarket quiet suburb
of Harare, offers comfort, convenience and a congenial atmosphere. Only
ten minutes from the city centre it is close to all business and tourism/travel
reservation offices and several shopping centres and restaurants. A pleasant
verandah and garden provide a secluded area for relaxation. Two double
rooms and one twin bedroom are available with one bathroom en suite, and
one shower room with basin and toilet.
Wild
Geese Lodge, Harare At Wild Geese Lodge, we
offer you the best of both worlds - a tranquil escape from today’s fast
paced world, set within a private wildlife sanctuary offering thirty acres
of indigenous garden and savannah overlooking the spectacular Mazowe Hills,
yet conveniently located within fifteen minutes from Harare city centre.
Guests can take the opportunity to walk in the savannah surrounded by a
diverse population of antelope, majestic Sable, Zebra, Eland and Kudu -
perfect for Wildlife photography or bird enthusiasts. The ideal backdrop
for all your Weddings, Business, Corporate, and Private functions.
Gache
Gache Lodge, Safari Lodge, Kariba, Mashonaland West GACHE GACHE LODGE offers
a true wilderness experience. Situated across Lake Kariba, the Gache
Gache LODGE is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the pleasures of
Kariba. Surrounded by big game, a variety of bird life and magnificent
sunsets, your visit to Gache Gache Lodge will be a wonderful experience.
If it is a total break you need, just relax around the swimming pool and
soak up the splendor of the Zimbabwe sunshine. Otherwise, let our
Professional Guide take you by boat along the shores of the lake, where
you can experience close encounters with hippo, crocodile and elephant.
You can also choose a game drive in our open vehicle and to add to your
excitement, you may be able to follow on foot if you find lion or elephant
spoor…
Big
Cave Camp, Safari Lodge, Matobo Hills Big Cave Camp reposes atop
an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the
famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates
colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatch lodge positioned
amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. Retire at day’s end to the natural rock-pool
and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair Lounge & Bar, a cave-style boma for
pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. Big Cave Camp resides on
a 2000 acre private wilderness area that borders Matobo National Park and
is included in a World Heritage Area. Accommodation: The seven thatched
A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate
African creative flair.
Camp
Amalinda, Lodge, Matobo Hills Tucked away into an ancient
bushman's shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression
on every visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world
is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations
of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. Mammal and bird
species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and
Black Eagle in the world. Rated one of Africa's top ten boutique
lodges by Conde Naste Traveller in 1998. Camp Amalinda consists of
9 individually thatched rooms including two romantic Honeymoon suites.
You'll notice when entering your 'cave' like suite, the stark contrast
between rough granite and uncompromisingly high levels of comfort, style
and class - all in the keeping with its surrounds
VICTORIA
FALLS ACCOMMODATION (WORLD HERITAGE SITE), ZIMBABWE
Drifters
Inn, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe Situated on the outskirts
of “Africa’s adventure capital”, this Inn is the ideal place to spend your
holiday, or to relax after one of our safaris. Victoria Falls has much
to offer, from the world’s best white-water rafting to one of the highest
bungi jumps at 111m. For the less active, the surrounding game parks are
hard to beat, as are the river cruises and aircraft flips over the Falls.
The Drifters Inn is well located, overlooking a wilderness area, and within
easy walking distance of all activities. Accommodation is in twin rooms,
some sharing bathrooms, and breakfast is included. For other meals, a choice
of nearby restaurants is available. A swimming pool, garden bar, T.V. lounge,
and laundry facility are provided for guests’ convenience.
Big
Cave Camp, Safari Lodge, Matobo Hills Big Cave Camp reposes atop
an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the
famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates
colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatch lodge positioned
amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. Retire at day’s end to the natural rock-pool
and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair Lounge & Bar, a cave-style boma for
pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. Big Cave Camp resides on
a 2000 acre private wilderness area that borders Matobo National Park and
is included in a World Heritage Area. Accommodation: The seven thatched
A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate
African creative flair.
Camp
Amalinda, Lodge, Matobo Hills Tucked away into an ancient
bushman's shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression
on every visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world
is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations
of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. Mammal and bird
species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and
Black Eagle in the world. Rated one of Africa's top ten boutique
lodges by Conde Naste Traveller in 1998. Camp Amalinda consists of
9 individually thatched rooms including two romantic Honeymoon suites.
You'll notice when entering your 'cave' like suite, the stark contrast
between rough granite and uncompromisingly high levels of comfort, style
and class - all in the keeping with its surrounds.
Gache
Gache Lodge, Safari Lodge, Kariba Offers a true wilderness
experience. Situated across Lake Kariba, the Gache Gache Lodge is
the perfect place to immerse oneself in the pleasures of Kariba. Surrounded
by big game, a variety of bird life and magnificent sunsets, your visit
to Gache Gache Lodge will be a wonderful experience. If it is a total
break you need, just relax around the swimming pool and soak up the splendor
of the Zimbabwe sunshine. Otherwise, let our Professional Guide take
you by boat along the shores of the lake, where you can experience close
encounters with hippo, crocodile and elephant. You can also choose a game
drive in our open vehicle and to add to your excitement, you may be able
to follow on foot if you find lion or elephant spoor…
Ivory
Lodge, Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park, Matabeleland North Ivory Lodge - a small intimate
lodge featuring 6 luxurious suites set on elevated platforms amongst the
indigenous flora of Hwange Game Park. Deep in the mystical teak forests
of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters
and explorers. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms , their
tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these
massive trees. This is Ivory Lodge - place of elephants. It
is here that great herds of elephants are found - sometimes over 100 strong.
Hwange is famous for its huge tuskers - big old bulls with magnificent
tusks.
