zimbabwe - Bailey Robinson

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ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
‘ Passion fuels Zimbabwe’s resonant heartbeat, creating an echo with distinctive
vibration and lingering rhythm. As if magically this pulse transfers into all who
draw near it. Here in this mysterious land you will know you have lived.’
Luke Brown, Bumi Hills
Zimbabwe’s principal physical feature is the broad
ridge running 645 kilometres from southwest
to northeast across the entire country, from
Plumtree near the Botswana frontier through
Gweru and Marondera to the Inyanga Mountains,
which separate Zimbabwe from Mozambique.
The land is mostly given over to savannah,
although the moist and mountainous east
supports tropical evergreen and hardwood forests.
Trees include teak, mahogany, knobthorn, msasa
and baobab. Among the numerous flowers and
shrubs are hibiscus, spider lily, leonotus, cassia,
tree wisteria and dombeya.
Mammals include: hippo, rhino, baboon, giraffe,
kudu, Sable, zebra, warthog and porcupine, in all,
there are around 350 species of mammal.
Snakes and lizards abound with the largest lizard,
the water monitor, found in many rivers, as are
several species of crocodile. There are more than
500 types of bird like the ant-thrush, barbet, Beeeater, bishop bird, bulbul, Bush-warbler, guinea
fowl, Emerald Cuckoo and grey lourie, also let
us not forget the prolific insect kingdom.
Warm, friendly smiling faces, welcoming attitude
and helping hands is the Zimbabwean’s hallmark.
Hospitality is second nature to the many ethnic
groups, including the Shona in the northern
regions and the Ndebele in the western parts
of the country.
Traditional ceremonies and dance performances
across the country feature a combination of one
or more of the following: the mystical and
spiritual mbira, marimba, the African drum,
clapping, singing, ululations and uniquely
rhythmic body movements. Zimbabwe’s culture
is punctuated by a fabric of unique dances and
ceremonies ranging from the UNESCO proclaimed
Intangible Cultural Heritage Mbende-Jerusarema
dance, Isitchikitsha, Muchongoyo to Nyau and
Makishi among the many genres.
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
ZIMBABWE
ZAMBIA
Lower Zambezi
National Park
Zamb
i
ez
e
zi
Zamb
LUSAKA
Kariba
MOZAMBIQUE
Mana Pools
National
Park
Matusadona
National Park
Lake
Kariba
Chinhoyi
Mun
yati
Livingstone
Z
ambezi
Victoria
Falls Hwange
HARARE
ZIMBABWE
Flight time: 9 hours from London
ve
Sa
ZIMBABWE
Mutare
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Currency: US Dollars
Gweru
Hwange
National
Park
Visa Required: Yes
e
nd
Ru
Bulawayo
Masvingo
Matobo
National
Park
Possible Airlines: Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic,
South African Airways
Malilangwe
Wildlife
Reserve
Months
J
Temp ºC 28
BOTSWANA
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
27
26
24
22
18
19
21
24
26
26
27
86
46
20
8
8
8
20
66 109 112
Rain mm 130 97
Seasons
GREEN
DRY
GREEN
Gonarezhou
National
Park
o
op
Limp
MOZAMBIQUE
0
100 miles
0
161 kilometres
po p
L im
REPUBLIC
OF
SOUTH
AFRICA
o
SWAZILAND
Every safari can be tailor-made for you, so please call us on +44 (0) 1488 689 700
to discuss your individual itinerary and for a full quotation
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
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ZIMBABWE
THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL
ZIMBABWE
Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven
Natural Wonders of the World. The
columns of spray can be seen from
many kilometres away, as 546 million
cubic metres of water per minute
plummet over the edge into a deep
gorge over 100 metres below.
The Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning ‘the
smoke that thunders’, are located on the Zambezi
River, between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Dr David
Livingstone gave them their name in honour of
Queen Victoria.
back to life since the economic and political
problems have eased. Once again this charming
town is buzzing with life as shops, hotels and
restaurants reopen as well as being a mecca for
adrenalin junkies; with close proximity to the
famous bungee jump, gorge swing and white
water rapids of the gorge.
A walk down the steps to the Boiling Pot provides
an interesting view from the base of the falls and
the Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the gorge.
Downstream the river has carved a tortuous route
through the soft areas within the basalt rock,
forming a deep gorge in a tight zigzag course for
many kilometres.
• For the adventurous try microlighting for
stunning views of the falls.
Victoria Falls town is less than 2 kilometres south
of the falls and the bridge that acts as the entrance
into Zambia. In recent years the town has come
• A walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge gives a
spectacular view of the Eastern Cataract and
up the main gorge.
OUR TIPS FOR VICTORIA FALLS
The Victoria Falls Hotel is situated on a World
Heritage Site, just a few minutes’ walk down a
private path to the mighty falls. This gracious 1904
colonial-style hotel, with its distinctive white walls,
red roof tiles and high ceilings is set on a terraced
garden of rolling lawns, with tropical foliage and
fountains, floodlit tennis courts and a large
rectangular fresh water swimming pool. The grand
Livingstone Room is renowned for fine dining and
dancing, while Jungle Junction offers causal buffets
and ethnic entertainment. Stanley's Terrace is a
perfect outdoor setting for snacks, traditional high
teas and cocktails overlooking the famous Victoria
Falls Bridge. Rooms and suites epitomise the
romance of travel; en suite bathrooms have black
and white tiles, free-standing Victorian bath tubs
and separate showers. King or twin beds are
predominantly four-poster and guest rooms feature
dark woods and heavy drapes, with plenty of space
for lounging.
££
THE ELEPHANT CAMP
Situated just 10 kilometres out of Victoria Falls town
lies The Elephant Camp. This tented camp is set on
its own wildlife sanctuary, overlooking an active
waterhole, which is fed by natural streams in the
rainy season that rush down to meet the Masuwe
River and the Zambezi gorges below the falls. There
are nine luxurious tented suites, constructed with
solid interior walls and concrete floors, framed by
canvas exteriors. All the suites are air conditioned
and have overhead fans. The large beds have crisp
white linens, surrounded by quality dark wood
furnishings and mosquito curtaining. The en suite
bathrooms offer huge bath tubs placed beside the
windows, as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
Each suite has a comfy lounge area, which opens
out to a private viewing deck and plunge pool,
where guests can enjoy views of the gorge and
glorious sunrises and sunsets.
£
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
ZIMBABWE
RUCKOMECHI CAMP
ZIMBABWE
Mana Pools
National Park
The park is in a region of the lower Zambezi
River, where the flood plain turns into a
broad expanse of lakes after each rainy
season. As the lakes dry up they attract
many animals in search of water, making
it a renowned game viewing region.
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO Natural
World Heritage Site. The name Mana means four
in the local Shona language. This applies to the
four large pools inland from the Zambezi River.
These pools are the remnant oxbow lakes that
the river carved out thousands of years ago as
it changed its course northwards.
The landscape includes islands and sandbanks
fringed by dense forests of baobabs and
indigenous trees, as well as the rugged Zambezi
escarpment. Going northwards towards the river,
from the forests on the Karoo sediments, the
vegetation changes to open Faidherbia albida
woodlands on the old river terraces. This
vegetation gives a unique look to the area and
a surreal light filters through the trees giving Mana
Pools its distinctive cathedral-like atmosphere,
providing a shady canopy with sparse undergrowth.
The national park is home to magnificent elephant,
black buffalo abound and predators such as leopard,
lion and cheetah are present in the area, but their
secretive nature makes them more difficult to see.
During the winter months Mana Pools has the
highest concentration of game in Africa. Among
the 380 bird species are the Nyasa Lovebird,
Livingstone’s Flycatcher, White-collared Pratincole,
Banded Snake Eagle and Yellow-spotted Nicator.
OUR TIPS FOR MANA POOLS
NATIONAL PARK
• Late September to end of October is the
best game viewing season, but temperatures
will be in excess of 38 Celsius for most of
this period.
• Aside from the excellent walking safaris in
Mana, the Zambezi River adds another
dimension to any safari as it is ideal for
canoe safaris.
Within the Mana Pools National Park, below the
Kariba Dam wall lies Ruckomechi Camp. This
remote camp is shaded by a large grove of acacia
and mahogany trees and offers incredible views
of the mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley.
The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas
are open-sided canvas structures, connected to
the rest of the camp by low-level walkways that
minimise the impact on the environment.
These social areas open out to wide pole-shaded
decking, one section leading to the infinity pool
and another a stargazing deck, which juts out
over the water. The 10 spacious tented units
are all privately set in positions overlooking the
Zambezi River. The en suite bathrooms have
vanity spaces, unique copper basins as well as
indoor and outdoor showers. One of the
highlights of this camp is the outdoor bath-witha-view which has been privately set at the end of
a secluded walkway and totally open to the river.
££
KANGA CAMP
Set in the centre of Mana Pools National Park,
just 15 kilometres from the Zambezi River is the
Kanga Pan, the only known water source in the
immediate area available throughout the year,
making it a hub for wildlife and a delight to
explore on foot. There are six walk-in Meru-style
tents set on raised wooden decking, privately
positioned apart from each other, along the edge
of the pan, one of which is a larger unit for
families. The interiors are stylishly appointed with
twin or double beds under quality linens and
lightweight cotton bed covers, while the en suite
bathrooms have indoor and outdoor facilities,
plumbed with eco-friendly solar heating. All the
rooms open out to private verandas. The brave at
heart can opt to sleep out on one of the open
platforms, which have been constructed 3 metres
above the ground overlooking a dry riverbed.
£
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
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ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
Lake Kariba
By volume, Lake Kariba is the largest
man-made lake and reservoir in the
world. It hosts the Zimbabwean town
of Kariba, built for construction
workers on the lake's dam.
Before Lake Kariba was filled, the existing
vegetation was burned, creating a thick layer of
fertile soil on land that would become the lake
bed and as a result the ecology of the lake is
vibrant. A number of fish species have been
introduced, notably the sardine-like kapenta
(transported from Lake Tanganyika), which now
supports a thriving commercial fishery. Other
inhabitants include Nile crocodile and hippo. Fish
eagle, cormorant and other water birds patrol the
shorelines, as do occasional herds of elephant.
The lake is home to several islands, including
Maaze Island, Mashape Island and Chete Island
among others. While some settlements such
as Mlibizi in Zimbabwe and Siavonga and
Sinazongwe in Zambia have grown up to house
people displaced by the rising waters.
OUR TIPS FOR LAKE KARIBA
• Mid-May to July are the coolest months, but it
should be remembered that the Zambezi Valley
is always hot. The end of November through
to February is generally rainy and October is
traditionally the hottest month.
• Visit the Operation Noah Memorial at Kariba
Heights and see the wonderful view over the
lake towards Matusadona and the islands.
• Visit the dam wall to witness the size of this
awesome structure and walk along the wide
bridge with excellent views of either side.
BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE
This famous lodge is majestically set on a hilltop
within the Bumi Conservation Area. The 20 Lake
Kariba facing rooms are all air conditioned and
have overhead fans; the decor is classic, with soft
earthy tones. Double doors open the rooms out
to balconies or verandas, some with partial views
and others with uninterrupted views over the
tranquil lake. The reception and guest lounge
has a classic safari feel, with large furnishings
in leather and dark woods, huddled around the
fireplace and decorated with carvings, woven
baskets and ethnic fabrics. Meals are enjoyed in
the fine dining room or out on the terrace, where
the social bar overlooks the lake shore. There are
many activities available, with the focus being the
lake. Guided game viewing can be experienced by
boat, in open safari vehicles or on foot. Also on
offer are cultural village tours, sunset cruises,
challenging fishing, birdwatching and visits to
the hide.
££
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
ZIMBABWE
THE HIDE SAFARI CAMP
ZIMBABWE
Hwange
National Park
Named after a local Nhanzwa chief,
located in the northwest, this is the
largest park in Zimbabwe. It became the
royal hunting ground to the Ndebele
warrior-king, Mzilikazi in the early 19th
century and was set aside as a national
park in 1929.
Hwange National Park covers over 14,600 square
kilometres and is close to the edge of the Kalahari
Desert, a region with little water and very sparse
xerophile vegetation.
The park hosts 105 mammal species, including
19 large herbivores and 8 large carnivores and it is
the only protected area where gemsbok and brown
hyena occur in reasonable numbers. The population
of African wild dog is thought to be of one of the
largest surviving groups in Africa today. Elephant
have been enormously successful in the region,
with the population increasing far above that
naturally supported by such an area.
Dry season game viewing is assisted by the shallow
pans threaded throughout the park. The natural
salt-licks provide elephant with favourite mud holes
for wallowing and 60 man-made waterholes give
much needed water during the hot parched winter
months, when everything else dries up.
Four hundred species of birds are found here,
particularly in the wet season. The largest is the
ground dwelling kori bustard who will only take to
the air if absolutely necessary. Abundant food marks
the start of the mating season, with Crowned cranes
prancing in a comical dance and Red Bishops sport
their startling scarlet breeding plumage.
OUR TIPS FOR HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
• Several waterholes have raised wooden hides in
which to spend many hours observing animals
and the interactions between them.
The Hide Safari Camp has earned its reputation
as a consummate safari destination, for both the
exceptional wildlife experience and the hospitality
it proffers. Set in one of Hwange’s prime wildlife
viewing areas, the 10 luxury tents all have
excellent views from their private verandas over
one of the parks most popular waterholes. The
tents provide the utmost in bush luxury, with solid
Zimbabwean furniture and the roomy en suite
bathrooms have free-standing baths and outside
showers. The main area has a dining room and sun
lounge downstairs and the lounge and viewing
deck upstairs, all offering uninterrupted views of
the plain and the waterhole. Enjoy morning and
evening guided walks and game drives, as well as
night drives with a spotlight. Spend time in close
proximity to the game in the underground hides
which are dotted around the pans and waterholes.
££
• Night drives are allowed and one after-dark
sight is the Spring hare, who hops around like
a miniature kangaroo.
SOMALISA CAMP
Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on
an acacia island along the edge of an ancient
seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests
with breathtaking views of the savannah plains
across the famous Kennedy Vlei line. The six
elegantly furnished canvas tents, with en suite
bathrooms and romantic alfresco bush showers,
are built on raised platforms and linked by welltrodden elephant paths. The decor in the main
lounge and dining area echoes an era from the
colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa, where the
main decking area includes a small splash pool
overlooking the natural pan where herds of game
gather to drink. Activities include walks lead by
guides who always share their knowledge and love
of the bush, game drives and spotlighting as well
as game viewing from hides.
£
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
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ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
Malilangwe Wildlife
Reserve
Malilangwe meaning ‘Call of the
Leopard’ is a private reserve containing
Africa’s Big Five. It is a non-profit trust
that include the local communities in
its running development, plus it is a
source of livelihood for all the people
who live in the region.
The reserve has diverse lowveld ecologies full of
animals where the trustees undertook a mission
from the very start, to try and give protection to
endangered and rare species so that they may
reproduce in their natural habitat. They have done
this with Black Rhino to great success and now
include White Rhino, Roan antelope and
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest among their most
valued breeding stock.
Along with the Big Five, Malilangwe like to show
their Little Six; species of small beautiful antelope;
Klipspringer, Sharpe's grysbok, Grey duiker,
steenbok, rare Livingstone's Suni and oribi. Some
rarely seen shy animals that may be observed
here are aardvark, wild dog and caracal with
long tufted ears.
The reserve is a haven for birds, with over 400
species and one of the highest concentrations of
large breeding eagles in the world. There are 35
types of bird of prey. In June purple rollers arrive
from Mozambique and in November Woodland
Kingfishers pull in from West Africa. From the Asian
Steppe migratory eagles and falcons come to join
the resident raptors.
OUR TIPS FOR MALILANGWE
WILDLIFE RESERVE
• Visit in February and see huge colonies of
tiny quelea that come to nest here.
• The lakes contain some true trophy-sized
bass and keen anglers may try their hand
to catch them.
SINGITA PAMUSHANA
Boldly opulent, yet unobtrusively landscaped into
the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Pamushana Lodge
has earned a string of awards. With its inspired and
funky design, terrific food and amazing position high
on the edge of a rocky promontory overlooking a
mountain backed lake; it is not difficult to see why.
Six extravagant villas with soaring thatched roofs,
signature dry stone walls, open fires and glamorous
mosaic bathrooms are decorated with exotic
artworks from across Africa. Sliding glass walls open
onto teak sun decks with telescopes and private
plunge pools, while the lodge also has two stunning
infinity pools, gym, tennis court, sauna and an
amazing frescoed dining room. Activities at
Malilangwe are tailored to suit guests desires and
include game drives, exciting spotlit night game
drives, walking safaris, visiting bushman caves and
paintings, canoeing and fishing in the well stocked
dam in front of the lodge. Pamushana has been
involved with some of the most extensive research
on the continent into animal behaviour, so
consequently has some of the best plant and
species diversity to be found. Malilangwe Wildlife
Reserve is teeming with birds and wildlife, including
rare and endangered varieties such as the Roan and
Sable antelope and the Black Rhino. Famous for its
cathedral Mopane forests and majestic ‘upsidedown’ baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where
you will also find over 100 rock art sites that date
back more than 2,000 years.
£££
www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
Bulawayo
& Matobo
National Park
Bulawayo is often described as the ‘Jewel
beneath the Zimbabwe Sun’ due to its
vast array of treasures located in a truly
unique setting, just 35 kilometres south
lies the Matobo National Park in the
Matobo Hills.
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second city and the
business and transport hub of the country. Perched
high on an ancient volcanic plateau it enjoys a
cool sub-tropical climate. This diverse city has a
fascinating history which can be brought to life
with a walking tour, or include a trip to the
National Gallery, which is superb.
The Matobo National Park must be one of the
most visually stunning parks in Africa. The
landscape is filled with ancient granite boulders
and kopjes which have been eroded in the
fantastic ‘balancing’ shapes. The fertile valleys
support a healthy population of trees, aloes and
grasses as well as good numbers of game,
including, Black and White Rhino, Sable and
leopard. The park is also home to hundreds of
remarkably well preserved San rock paintings
and contrastingly the grave of Cecil Rhodes, the
founder of the state of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
OUR TIPS FOR BULAWAYO
• Rail enthusiasts will love the Railway Museum,
housing a collection of many obsolete railway
memorabilia steam locomotives, rolling stock
and station buildings.
• For the best experience track rhino on foot
in the Matobo National Park.
• It is worth taking the short walk to the top
of Malindidzimu Hill where Rhodes chose his
place of interment, as the views are
enchanting.
CAMP AMALINDA
Camp Amalinda is situated within the Matobo
National Park, not far from Bulawayo. This unique
safari camp is tucked away in an ancient bushman’s
shelter, within the impressive granite domes of the
Matobo Hills, which echo the essence of calm and
the majesty of untamed Africa, where mammal and
bird species are prolific. Included are some of the
highest concentrations of leopard and Black Eagle
in the world, as well as a healthy population of the
endangered Black and White Rhino. There are nine
thatched rooms which are individually and privately
set within the huge boulders, each has a different
design, with clever use of the space and in some
cases the rocks form part of the rooms as features,
or screens across the bathrooms. All the rooms
open out to intimate viewing decks, each with very
different views. At the base of the camp is the large
swimming pool, flanked by comfortable loungers
and a social bar area shaded by a thatch cover, all
overlooking a scenic waterhole. The Heritage Spa is
situated near the pool, adding to the tranquillity of
this setting. Visit a traditional Matabele homestead,
go on a sunset walk and see the rock art as well as
take a game drive or walk. This camp truly is an
African inspired refuge, where international
standards are merged with the spiritual energy
and exceptional beauty of the region.
££
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