Email Elizabeth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A short but very pleasant holiday in an extraordinary landscape
Our holiday in Zimbabwe was a short luxury break after a longer more basic road trip from Cape Town. We we driven in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Matopos Hills where we were accommodated in the honeymoon suite of a popular lodge. Reached by a short climb up stone steps, and by squeezing between enormous boulders, our accommodation consisted of a large well appointed room built around another huge boulder, a balcony overlooking the valley, a gazebo (also with a marvellous view) reached by a rope bridge, and most fun of all, an open air roll-top bath. We were there to see rhino, and we managed to see two females with young, zebra, giraffe, various antelope and birds as well as rock art, the Rhodes grave site and the spectacular scenery the area offers. We had also requested a visit to the railway museum and the Khami ruins. We would recommend both. We were able to wander at will at the museum, climbing into some of the engines and carriages. Some were in a sad state, but Cecil Rhodes' personal coach was protected from the elements and merely dusty. Truly how the other half lived! On the other hand, the Khami ruins were a beautiful and spectacular reminder of how sophisticated the pre-colonial culture was in the area. Our guide throughout was an engaging and knowledgeable young man, the food at the lodge was beautifully presented and delicious, and all the other staff there were friendly and kind. We did not want to leave!
SG
Email AT | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolute bliss
People were amazing... animals were surreal as there were herds of them! Lovely weather although it was very hot in the afternoon. Guide was very knowledgeable. Overall it was just heavenly!
US
Email Diane Marsh | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Trip
The safari experience in Zimbabwe was absolutely wonderful. I’ve been on three prior safaris in a different country and have to say this trip exceeded my expectations. The wildlife was plentiful, the scenery changed from place to place, and the guides were very knowledgeable and informative. Accommodations were great, and the food was fantastic. Had I eaten everything that was served, I would have easily gained 10 pounds in 10 days! As it was, I had to ask for smaller portions so as to not waste food. There was also a good cultural component, so be sure to ask about visits to nearby schools and villages. The camps I used were secluded enough that there were often no other vehicles in sight, so it was just our vehicle and the wildlife. Since other vehicles went out from the camps, they must plan different routes to avoid the “zoo” type of feeling. I would highly recommend Zimbabwe to anyone wishing to experience a good safari.
WONDERFUL TRIP!
I really have loved this country. Each part has its interests and beauty. I had the chance to see many lions and cheetahs as well as other animals like elephants, zebras, and a lot of birds on Zambezi river where i canoed 4 days.
Matopos also worth to be seen with its strange stones and very beautiful landscape, especially at sunset.
And, I have walked with the lions in Gweru.
I sincerely advise to visit this country!!
FR
Email Jessica Negrisoli | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the most beautiful experience I ever had
Like I just said, this was one of the most beautiful experience I had.
Tongesai took care of our safari from the beginning to the end.
We spent 3 days at Sable Sands in Hwange National Park.
Everyone at Sable Sands is super kind, the place is peaceful and the food is amazing and we were able to see the elephant from our room.
Unfortunately the rains season was starting and was not easy to find the animals.
I truly recommend this experience with Cultural Vibe & Travel Tour.
Email Roy Chavrimootoo | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Interesting but tedious. However the staff at Victoria falls and Hwange national park were exception
The wild life and scenery are average. The accomodation at Hwange was superb and rustic . The cook and staff at Hwange looked after us very well. We were lucky to have Liberty as our guide as he was kind and knowledgeable.
We particularly enjoyed the lunch in the bush where the table was laid out to celebrate my friend's birthday.
CA
Email Judy Anderson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding
Our safari experience was amazing! The 7 days were seamless; drivers arrived on time and were extremely knowledgable. The Elephant Eye Lodge was one of the best lodging experience. Our tent/chalet was well equipped, comfortable and the provided a perfect viewing for wildlife. On our last day we watched giraffes walk by as we were drinking our morning coffee. Every day the meals were beautifully presented and delicious. The game park was lush and green which made game viewing difficult. However, we saw lots of wild life including herds of elephants at very close range. On our last night at Elephant Eye we dined under the stars with over 20 elephants coming onto the lodge grounds to drink at the pool. Later that evening a herd of water buffalo found their way to the pool. Amazing!
Email Susan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Restorative Return
I have Zimbabwean heritage, but hadn't visited for many years. I felt welcomed as if I had never been away. It's impossible to place any one of the many rich ingredients which made up this overall immersive and mind-expanding experience ahead of the others, so let me just say this:
- The people were warm and positive and loved their country.
- The experience was authentic, whether on safari in the bush, spending time with old friends or everyday contact in shops.
- Being away from light and noise pollution was a gift
- the birdlife in Mana Pools was exceptional.
I am already planning my next visit!
US
Email Anthony Kim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
June is perfect for Victoria Falls. For safari, Hwange was good but definitely try out Chobe
We did one full day in Hwange and 1 full day in Chobe safari (all within driving distance of Victoria Falls by 1-2 hrs).
The Zambezi sunset cruise and Victoria Falls are clearly the highlights. If I were to choose safari again, I would do Botswana Chobe another day.
NZ
Email Mary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful wildlife, but poor conditions for its people
Victoria Falls was amazing - the sound and power of the water was incredible. Hwange National Park was a wonderful experience, numbers and variety of animals was fantastic. Elephants, giraffes, impalas, baboons, zebras, lions, spider monkeys, water buffalo, wildebeest, sables, ostriches, crocodiles, hippopotamus etc.
Cresta Spray View Hotel and Hwange Lodge were both amazing, really good hotels, with friendly, helpful staff and very clean and comfortable.
Mmilo Tours and African Safari staff went out of their way to make it a fantastic holiday.
Scenery was good, but the roads were awful, as was the litter and rubbish strewn everywhere.
People were very friendly, but obviously struggling to survive, signs of poverty everywhere.
