Below is our list of the top five things to see and do in Zimbabwe:

Hwange National Park: As Zimbabwe’s largest and arguably Africa’s best national park, Hwange National Park is an extremely diverse wilderness where visitors often spend days in order to soak in all that this vast region has to offer. Comprised primarily of savanna, scrubland, dispersed waterholes, and woodlands, Hwange National Park is often referred to as “Noah’s Ark” for its rich biodiversity. The area is also known for its large herds of buffalo, one of the biggest populations of wild dog in Africa, 400 species of bird, and a variety of fierce predators. We suggest visiting Hwange during the months of September through November when there are large populations of roan and sable antelope, and we also recommend booking a private guide for a highly exclusive experience.

Where to stay: Little Makalolo Camp

Canoe the Mighty Zambezi: Experience the beauty of Zimbabwe from a completely unique perspective on a canoe safari down the Zambezi River where you’ll have the opportunity to witness over 380 species of bird (many of which are endemic to the area), the Big Five, crocodile, and hippos. Unlike a traditional bumpy game drive, a canoe safari is a quiet and relaxing way to soak in the beauty of nature, while witnessing the heart of an untouched wilderness. As the main source of water for residential animals, the Zambezi River attracts hundreds of various species to its shores, making a canoe safari one of the most wildlife-dense activities to take part in.

Where to stay: Ruckomechi Camp

Visit Victoria Falls: As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a geological phenomenon. The feeling of the ground as the falls plummet into a thundering cloud of mist and the sheer sight of this 360-foot spectacle, known by locals as “The Smoke that Thunders,” is truly indescribable. With tons of exciting activities to take part in, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, hiking excursions, and helicopter tours, you’ll never be short of memories or epic stories to tell after visiting this world-renowned site.

Where to stay: Victoria Falls Hotel

Monde Village Tour: Discover the history of Victoria Falls and the local customs and traditions on a private tour through the Monde Village. During this tour, your private guide will take you into a local village to interact with the community and take a tour of a real-life African village to experience their daily life, which has changed very little in over century. The Monde Village Tour not only provides visitors with a deep insight into a new culture, but it also introduces the locals to new and exciting cultures from around the world. The tour is also celebrated for its inclusion of the local people in a real and beneficial manner. The Monde Community is a shareholder in the tour and the guides are local villagers.

Where to stay: Victoria Falls Hotel

Lake Kariba: Created by damming the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba is a vibrant sanctuary where fish eagles wild dog, elephant, lion, black rhino, and leopard find refuge. Best known for its game drives, fishing safaris, and canoe safaris, Lake Kariba offers nature-enthusiasts a unique perspective on the areas biodiversity and contrasting eco-systems. The area is also celebrated for its exceptional birding safaris where you can observe indigenous species such as the western banded snake-eagle, Lilian’s lovebird, African golden oriole, carmine bee-eater, Pel’s fishing-owl, and much more.

Where to stay: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

What would you love to see or do in Zimbabwe?

Cape Point

For many seasoned travelers, a guided tour is not their idea of a personalized and intimate way to spend a vacation day. Some believe that a tour limits their freedom and ability to enjoy other things they want to see and do, while others think that tours are too expensive and would rather explore on their own. Although all of these reasons are legitimate for most “touristy” tours throughout the world, a Cape Town Peninsula tour with Cape Fusion Tours redefines the traditional guided tour.

Here’s what you’ll get on a Peninsula Scenic Tour through Cape Town with Cape Fusion Tours:

Cape Point

The opportunity to learn from a guide, who is arguably South Africa’s best, Pam.

Based in Cape Town, Pam is equipped with an endless knowledge of the region, its suburbs, the beaches, the historical heritage, the Winelands, and the Garden Route, and is a treat to anyone’s itinerary. With an obvious passion for food, wine, history, and her love for Cape Town, Pam ensures her tours are exceptional affairs, which are often the highlight of travelers’ itineraries.

A low cost rate for an invaluable experience. Because Cape Fusion Tours is passionate about sharing the beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of Cape Town with all who visit, they believe it’s important to be affordable to all. In addition to a great price, you can also rest assured that your family is safe and free to enjoy their vacation in its entirety.

A journey from Cape Point to the south-westerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Point is a peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet and is a large focus for conservation efforts. Now a nature reserve, this peninsula is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, two coastlines, a plethora of exotic flora, exceptional wildlife, an eco-friendly boardwalk, sprawling beaches, and gorgeous walking trails. A tour through this area brings out the hidden secrets and elements of the peninsula and opens your eyes to things you otherwise would have never known about had you explored on your own.

Boulders Beach

The rare and truly exceptional opportunity to observe a residential penguin colony on Boulders Beach.

Perfect for all ages, Boulders Beach is the ideal place to observe one of Africa’s most outstanding species, the African penguin. On a peninsula tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the penguins, their heritage, and even swim with them! Unique to South Africa, the African penguin is a delightful treat to observe as they are very social and playful creatures.

The chance to observe Cape Town’s magnificent wildlife. Some of the most popular wildlife to see in Cape Town includes baboons, bontebok, ostriches, an abundance of bird life, and the southern right whales. On the peninsula tour, you’ll not only be able to observe these animals in the wild, but you’ll also learn quirky facts about them, and perhaps even get up-close-and-personal with some.

The opportunity to visit Simons Town historical naval base. Whether you’re interested in learning about the exciting history of this naval town, sunbathe on one of the many beaches, or observe penguins in their natural habitat, Simons Town offers something for everyone and a guided tour through the area allows you to experience it all.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Established in 1913, this 528 hectares estate works to conserve the flora indigenous to South Africa and is a haven for nature lovers. Located on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, stunning flowers, shrubs, and fynbos (a coastal vegetation species) make up the fascinating Kirstenbosch gardens. With a backdrop of sharp mountains, fields interlaced with streams, paths, and walkways, the Kirstenbosch estate is home to arguably the world’s most unique botanical gardens.

Experiencing everything Cape Town, South Africa has to offer can be quite a challenge without the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. Although it’s very possible for travelers to explore Cape Town on their own, the fact that there is so much to see and do can be overwhelming for visitors who realize that it’s nearly impossible to do everything on their own. Because a trip to Cape Town is a once in a lifetime opportunity, wouldn’t you want to be able to see it all and understand the deep rooted history and cultural heritage behind Cape Town’s legendary existence?

• The average giraffe’s legs are 6 ft. tall, while the neck can be 20 ft. tall! Their total body height is around 13 – 15 ft.—and they’re quite lanky.

• They can sprint up to 35 miles per hour.
• Remember the black tongue mentioned above? It can grow anywhere from 18 – 21 in. long!

• Giraffe’s travel in herds ranging from 20 – 40 individuals and are led by a male giraffe—also known as a bull.
• Each giraffe has a different set of patterns, which are unique to that individual giraffe.
• While the average human baby is around 7 ounces, the average giraffe baby is around 6 ft. tall and weighs 100 – 150 lbs. and endures a nice 6 ft. drop as the mother gives birth—agonizing for both the mother and the baby. Wouldn’t you say?

Living up to its title as one of the Big Five, the African elephant is the largest animal on land, with adults weighing nearly 12,000 lbs., and standing approximately 8 – 13 ft. tall. These tremendous creatures are magnificent to watch while on an African safari tour. Their close knit families, playful manor, and intriguing physique are just a few characteristics luring the attention of visitors.

Bizarre Elephant Details:

• Elephant trunks are made up of more than 40,000 muscles. Compare that number to the human body, which is made up of only 640 muscles . . .

• The elephant’s trunk is a fascinating tool, which performs several different actions. It uses its trunk to smell, drink, breath, and pick things up. Quite the innovative tool.

• All African elephants have tusks which are used as shovels to pick the ground to find water and food.

• Elephants are herbivores—the animal version of a vegetarian.

• There are two species of elephant—the Asian elephant and the African elephant, with the Asian elephant being the smallest of the two.

• Elephants’ ears are an important cooling mechanism during those hot African days. Their ears emit heat in order to cool their bodies. Another way elephants keep cool is splashing through the water. They suck water up their trunks and spray it over their bodies to remain cool.

The mere sight of an elephant on an African safari tour will have your heart pounding with excitement and curiosity. The baby elephants will surely provoke a giggle from within as they prance around waterholes, splashing about.

Discover the magic of an authentic African safari vacation and uncover a world of sheer joy. Our African family safari and honeymoon safari itineraries cater to every individual preference and interest. Contact a Hills of Africa Travel agent today at (877) 845-4802 or visit our website at www.hillsofafrica.com to begin this once in a lifetime journey.