Zimbabwe's Parks and Reserves

ZIMBABWE'S PARKS AND RESERVES

Mana Pools: Formed by the remains of the main Zambezi River channel, the wild and magnificent Mana Pools, is a designated World Heritage Site. This intricate ecosystem is a haven for many bird species and supports a large variety of big game such as elephant, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck , kudu as well as big cats. Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles lounging along the Mana River are a familiar sight. Mana Pools is also of one the few places left on earth (along with Chizarira) where the black rhino can still be found. Canoe trips or walking safaris provide a memorable experience.

Matusadona National Park: Set along the southern shoreline of Lake Kariba and covering an area of 1,407 square kilometers, Matusadona's watery front stands in stark contrast with the high and wild mountain country of the Zambezi escarpment, which traverses the park. Wildlife is plentiful and the park is noted for its herds of elephants and buffaloes. The park also harbors a good number of fish eagles that can be seen perched atop the twisted shapes of drowned trees emerging from their watery grave.

Lake Kariba: Two hundred kilometers long and some 40 kilometers wide, Lake Kariba gradually rose to its present dimension after the creation in the 1960's of the Kariba dam which supplies the country with hydro-electricity. Lake Kariba is a popular destination among Zimbabweans and South Africans who come to enjoy the many water related activities offered by the lake such as fishing, sailing and water-skiing. Elephants, buffaloes and other species of small game are common along its shores and on some of its islands where even lions can be found. Crocodiles are also significantly present around the lake, making the waters unsafe for swimming. A houseboat holiday on the lake is one of many options one can appreciate in the area.

Chizarira National Park: This remote and magnificent area stands as Zimbabwe's most scenic park. It is famous for its small black rhino population. Its escarpments and summits offer panoramic views of the unspoiled valleys below, all abundantly rife with wildlife. The Busi valley notably supports elephant, lions, leopards, warthogs and various species of hoofed mammals EASTERN PARKS Nyanga National Park: A weekend getaway for Harare people, Nyanga N.P sports some beautiful highlands, picturesque waterfalls and Mt. Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest mountain. The flora at Nyanga is dominated by the State's flower, the fiery "flame lily". The area is more prone to hiking than game viewing since there is little game in the park except for the blue druiker (a small antelope only found in this area), hyena, baboon, reedbuck and kudu. The climb to Mt.Nyangani takes about 3 hours.

Chimanimani National Park: Spread along the Mozambique border, Chimanimani National Park is set on the wall of the mountain range of the same name. The area is ideal for hikers (it is only accessible by foot), who will marvel at the scenic and diverse landscape of sandstone peaks and savanna valleys refreshed by sparkling rivers.

Gonarezhou National Park: As its Shona name (abode of elephants) indicates, Gonarezhou used to shelter some of the largest elephants in Africa. Due to past heavy poaching, many have been decimated but the elephant population is recovering. The Park, which stretches its 5,000 square kilometers in the southeast of Zimbabwe along the Mozambique border offers some stunning landscapes. The northeastern region of the park around the Save and Runde Rivers confluence, provides the best game viewing and is set off by the scenic rugged red sandstone of the Chilojo cliffs.

Great Zimbabwe: The stony remains of this ancient city provide a fascinating glimpse into the existence of a budding civilization dating back from medieval times. The city, from which the country has derived its present name, is made of finely arranged stone constructions, which sprawl out in several enclosures amidst a seductive landscape. A museum on the site offers a perspective into the way of life of the city's mystifying occupants. SOUTHWESTERN PARKS Matopos National Park: Renowned for its black and white rhino population and as the burial place of Cecil Rhodes (after which Zimbabwe was formerly named), Matopos National Park combines a fine balance of history, bewildering scenery and wildlife. The Matopos Hills, formed of seemingly precariously stacked boulders and rocks are the most predominant and fascinating feature of the park. Disseminated around the park, numerous caves shelter rock paintings depicting hunting scenes, attest of the early humans who inhabited Matopos Hills. Another feature of the park is the small Whovi Game Park which supports a dense wildlife population of kudu, reedbuck , impala, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, ostrich as well as a great number of leopards, thought they are not easily seen.

Hwange National Park: A little over 14,500 square kilometers, Hwange is Zimbabwe's most accessible and game abundant park. The most visited "Main Camp" area sits on a savanna landscape doted with thorny acacia bush and a great concentration of animals can be observed within a 10 km radius of the camp. Giraffe, zebra, huge herds of antelope, buffalo are a common sight and predators such hyena, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs also abound. Hwange is also one of the few great elephant sanctuary left in Africa and herds up to a hundred can be spotted finding their way to the waterholes at dusk.

Zambezi National Park: Spread along the impressive Zambezi River, the Zambezi N.P is a beautiful area of savanna and mopane forest profuse with wildlife. Hippo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and significant herds of sable antelope inhabit the park.

Victoria Falls: Undoubtedly Zimbabwe's most famous asset, the stunning Victoria Falls continue to attract many visitors. Awesome is what comes to mind in front of the spectacle offered by this 1,700 meters wide heavy curtain of water drawn by the Zambezi River as it plunges into the frothy gorge below. Protected by a large ribbon of vegetation, the path that follows the edge of the gorge enables visitors to come close to this display of nature's extravaganza and get a good soaking in the process. A number of enchanting walks can be taken into the rainforest of adjacent Victoria Falls National Park.

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