You arrive at the Harare Airport in the capital of Zimbabwe after a long yet comfortable and pleasant journey. Looking out of the plane, Harare looks as if it is drowning in lush green....

Exploring a country, the people and the natural life in the magical lands of Africa is an unforgettable experience.

Locals in Africa always smile no matter where and under which conditions they are living. As if the slender women in bright color outfits know that they were born to live a blissful life surrounded by nature. They look so radiant in the bright fabrics wrapped around their bodies and with their braided hair, carrying baskets full of flowers from ylang ylang trees.

The capital, Harare, is also the most important city of Zimbabwe. Almost all the big buildings in the city are hotels. The main streets in Harare are empty; no traffic, no traffic police... Do not let this sight mislead you though. You may come across dancers dressed in local costumes suddenly appearing around the corner to perform a show that you will always remember. The land of Africa is full of surprises....


*Rooms are decorated with the most dazzling colors of Africa. On your patio you can watch the elephants and zebras going to the pond.

ARRIVING AT THE CAMP SITE

After a pleasant African night in Harare, you fly to the isolated areas within the Victoria Falls region for Safari. Having a tour guide is a must. You will come across lots of pretty details throughout the trip; small villages with wooden roof houses, different sized statues, colorful table cloths, outfits, fruit baskets and the animals representing the African soul including monkeys, elephants and impalas...

You will be immersed in complete silence when you arrive at the camp as it coincides with hours when everyone is out on Safari. As you are guided by the attendants to the house you will be staying at, you will notice an important detail; the residential areas constructed within the safari camps on these private lands are in complete harmony with nature. You see houses on log stands, hidden amongst the trees, which are much more comfortable than you would ever guess seeing them from a distance. The houses are 3 to 5 meters off the ground. Be ready for a surprise as you will not believe your eyes when you enter. Beds with nets, sofas accessorized with rich African motifs, bed covers and wall pictures are outstanding. Trees were kept to protect the environment so you see them going through inside the houses. Mosquito nets protect visitors from the insects of Africa. Especially during rainy season, you have to live with thousands of insects. Saying that, the surroundings are natural enough to make you forget such a tiny (!) detail.

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Allocated for Safari, Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe's largest national parks, with comfortable accomodation areas. We are talking about a total area of 14,540 square kilometers – an area as big as Belgium. The park houses almost all animal species that live in the country. Hwange National Park is located within the northern province of Matabeleland. Beyond the western border, there is Botswana, on the north there is the Matetsi Safari Region, to the east there is the Forest Council and its private area, and to the south there is the land of Tijolotjo community. Scenery and activities at Hwange vary depending on the season. It offers the brightest tones of green during the rainy season in November. The number of water birds also increases during this period. Just after the rainy season come April and May, which are the mating season for species such as impalas and wild boars. Hwange is situated on the section of the piece of land that separates the Zambezi River from drainage pipes. In the more arid and deserted part of the park which lies southwest, you are more likely to see animals which are acclimated to more severe conditions; such as regional impala species, brown hyenas, bats and giraffes. Only two types of species have become extinct during the last 100 years at Hwange; white and black rhinos.


*At safari camps, there are lodges on wood blocks built within the trees. Be ready for a surprise as you will not believe your eyes when you enter. Beds with nets, sofas accessorized with rich African motifs, bed covers and wall pictures are outstanding.

SAFARI

Safari camps in Africa receive the most number of visitors between 06:00 and 08:30 a.m. and 16:30 and 20:00 p.m. due to climatic conditions. In the late afternoon, the guides take drink orders from visitors and then you are caught up in the forest listening to the grumbling of the engine and leaving large wheel tracks behind you on the magical land of Africa once all necessary supplies are loaded onto the vehicle.

Animals you will see during the safari include zebras, wildebeest herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys and various types of birds.

A fire is lit in the middle of the camp where dinner is served. A few camp personnel sit at each table to dine and chat with visitors. The open buffet includes a wide range of food appealing to all tastes. Exotic fruits, hot local desserts and Zimbabwean wine is extraordinary. After dinner and coffee service, it is time for bed. The group must get up early in order to go on Safari again the next morning.

*Animals you will see during the safari include zebras, wildebeest herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys and various types of birds.

VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls is one of the prettiest settlements in Zimbabwe. The region takes its name from the 2nd biggest waterfall in the world. The waterfalls created by the Zambezi River flowing down over a big fault also constitutes the border with Zambia. There are daily boat tours available during which you can watch hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is one of the places recommended as a nice accommodation in this region, which is located within the national park. From the patios, you can see the elephants and other animals coming for the lagoon. You can never get enough of watching the forest view from the balcony of your room. Transportation is available hourly in private vehicles to take you to the gates of the camp where the waterfalls are located. Don't forget to take your raincoat with you!


ABOUT ZIMBABWE


Situated in the south of Africa, Zimbabwe is a landlocked country which borders Mozambique to the east, Zambia to the north, Bostwana to the west and South Africa to the South. The Zambezi River lies along the north of the country and Limpopo River along the south. 20% of the country’s population of 11 million live in cities, the remainder living in villages. 99% of the population falls into two main groups speaking Bantu languages. The average literacy rate is 45%. Although the official language is English, most locals speak Shona and Ndebele languages.

INFORMATION NOTE

Whenever you visit Zimbabwe, you will have the opposite season compared to our country. The rainy season in Zimbabwe takes place during November, December and January. The temperature reaches 36 degrees during the day but it drops dramatically during the night. A complete continental climate dominates the country.