Based on an article by Jayme Madson and Anne Bendt for Tonka Times Magazine.

Many visitors to southern Africa make the long journey with only a few things in mind: ride in a safari vehicle, see the Big Five; take amazing photos, and perhaps enjoy a sundowner or two. But there is so much more to experience, and even more to come away with, than an album of giraffe and elephant photos. Southern Africa has so much to offer – you just have to know where to look.

Anne Bendt of Orono, Minnesota recently returned from a safari in Zimbabwe where she experienced much of what the country has to offer. We were fortunate to be able to talk with Bendt upon her return. Her reflection on the time she spent in Zimbabwe is a testament to the incredible pull this beautiful country has on the hearts of its visitors:

“My recent trip to Zimbabwe has energized me beyond belief with love of the people and the best wildlife viewing…ever! I’m already looking forward to the day when I can return. I went to see the Big Five, but also saw and learned so much more. From our guide stopping our vehicle so we could watch a Yellow Orb spider spinning it’s golden web, to witnessing new-born mongoose curiously investigate our presence. Large or small, every encounter was meaningful and created memories that will last forever.”

Modern day Garden of Eden

Hwange National Park is located on the easternmost edge of the Kalahari Desert in what is called a “convergence zone” between the Kalahari to the west and moist woodlands to the east. This zone is one of the most species-diverse areas in the world, where more than 100 mammal and 420 bird species can be seen.

Bendt describes the park as a “modern day Garden of Eden” because of its natural beauty and the abundance of wildlife. Recalling a time when her guide, Charles, stopped during a game drive and turned off the vehicle, she said “he looked back and said, ‘If you sit quietly, the bush will come alive around you’.” As they sat in silence looking out at a plain filled with giraffe, zebra, impala, wildebeest and jackals, the bush indeed came alive. The sights and sounds of nature grew as time passed and their presence as visitors melted away. Eventually, an eagle aggressively swooped down to the ground in front of their vehicle, before springing back up and away with a snake held firmly in its talons.

Experiences like these may not be surprising to those who know that Hwange is best known for excellent game viewing year-round. With always-full waterholes scattered throughout the park, it’s common to see enormous elephant herds or, as Bendt witnessed, a pride of 20 lions cautiously approach for a sip. The concession is also well known for being one of the few remaining places to see the endangered white rhino, and for having what is thought to be the largest population of the endangered African wild dog.

An Adventurer’s Playground

The mighty Zambezi touches six African countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean. It’s most notable feature is the stunning Victoria Falls or Mosi-o-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, which runs along Zimbabwe’s border and separates the country from neighboring Zambia. Often considered a “must see” destination for travelers to southern Africa, Victoria Falls is visible from both countries; however, Zimbabwe offers a view of about 2/3 of the falls compared to 1/3 from the Zambian side.

Both the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls offer a plethora of activities for adventure enthusiasts. Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, peeking over the edge of the falls from Devil’s Pool, white water rafting, and micro flights over the falls are adventure activities available in Zimbabwe. Oh, and forget the sharks of South Africa. Cage diving with crocs in the Zambezi is Africa’s next big thing.

The adventure continues further downstream in Mana Pools National Park. The natural beauty of Mana Pools can best be compared to that of the Boundary Waters that separate Minnesota from neighboring Ontario. It is here that adventurers are able to enjoy hiking and canoeing safaris where, under the leadership of expert guides, up close views of elephants and hippos are regular experiences.

World Class Accommodations

The town of Victoria Falls itself is a tourist hub with colonial hotels showcasing spectacular views of the falls. One of our favorites is the Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904, the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Plus, Victoria Falls is only a ten-minute walk from the property via a private path. Safari camps, including Ruckomechi, Little Makalolo, Makalolo Plains and Singita Pamushana are all favorites of Travel Beyond due to their high level of service, expert guides, and abundant year-round animal viewing.

Expert Guides

The Zimbabwean guide school is considered the most difficult and comprehensive in all of Africa. Many prospects fail to pass the stringent training requirements, which ensure graduates truly are the best-of-the-best. Guides in Zimbabwe are professionals in their craft and take great pride in educating their guests. Bendt describes her guide Charles as “phenomenal” and said, “Along with his incredible depth of knowledge, he demonstrated an innate love of nature. His excitement was infectious.”

Zimbabwe – In the News

Zimbabwe’s political situation has spent plenty of time in the media spotlight over the last few years. The good news is the country is now operating under a coalition government and the US State Department has lifted their Travel Warning. What most travelers don’t realize is that behind the headlines is one of southern Africa’s most beautiful countries. Zimbabweans have not lost their sense of humor or their resolve, and visitors will see a very different country than what is often portrayed; one offering gracious hosts, abundant and diverse wildlife, some of the best walking and canoeing safaris in Africa, and opportunities to learn from the highest trained safari guides in the industry.

To see video and photography from Bendt’s trip, visit our previous blog post. To start planning a trip to Zimbabwe, contact us.