Drumbeat Autumn 18

www . aardvarksafaris.co.uk l P10 AARDVARK SAFARIS recommends H Zimbabwe’s seven wonders Enjoy an old-school safari camp : Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s longest running camps, and with that some of the continent’s most charismatic guides. One of my all-time favourites is Musango, set on its own island in Lake Kariba, and run by Steve and Wendy Edwards who’ve been in the industry forever. Steve, one of Africa’s finest guides, is a giant of a man with the warmest character and great person to chat to around the camp fire. Walking, game drives, boating and fishing from this beautiful camp really captures the essence and ambiance for which wild Kariba is so well known. Safari at Victoria Falls: Famous for the waterfall and a range of adrenaline fuelled activities, the Victoria Falls area is surprisingly good for a proper safari too. Among a couple of great spots is Matetsi River Lodge, set in a 50,000 hectare private reserve just 25 miles above the falls. It is fabulous for land and water based safari activities with large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with hippo, wild dog and excellent bird watching. A little closer to the falls and only opened this summer Mpala Jena Camp’s four luxury tents sit in an exquisite spot in the Zambezi National Park. Again, there’s plenty on offer at this exciting new addition to the region. Prolific wildlife: Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and, designated in 1929, is also one of the oldest in Africa. It has a huge elephant population, giraffe abound and there are probably more wild dog than in any other part of the continent. Safari in Hwange and you’ll experience the Africa of two hundred years ago, where wildlife is prolific from every angle. Take a mobile safari: I love mobile safaris and a new six-night option in Mana Pools has caught my eye. The combination of walking and canoeing, classic tented camps and star beds will appeal to anyone looking for an adventure. Moving camp every two nights there’s excellent birding, plenty of photographic opportunities with large mammals and good sightings of lion, spotted hyena and wild dog. Get out onto the water: The mighty Zambezi River forms the entire length of Zimbabwe’s northern border, and with much of it navigable by boat or canoe it’s no wonder that water-based safaris are a highlight in Zimbabwe. Mana Pools is terrific for canoe safaris – just the most thrilling way to see wildlife from the river. Head out for an hour or two or take a multi-day trip; whatever you choose, I’d highly recommend it. Elsewhere, even the casual angler will enjoy tiger fishing on Lake Kariba, while adventure seekers can try their hand at white water rafting in the gorge below Victoria Falls. Visit Matobo Hills: To the south west of Bulawayo, Matobo Hills isn’t your usual national park packed full of wildlife, but an area of scenic beauty steeped in history. The distinctive, huge granite outcrops have been associated with human habitation since the Stone Age and feature an extraordinary collection of ancient rock paintings. Elsewhere in this UNESCO World Heritage site is Cecil Rhodes’ grave and plenty of thriving local villages. There is wildlife; it’s possible to track white rhino here, and the bird life is great, but that’s not the real reason to visit this mystical spot. See the Eastern Highlands: This remote mountain range on the Mozambique border is quite different to anything else in Zimbabwe with its beautiful streams, great trout fishing and fabulous walking. Think of Scotland and you won’t be far wrong. REPORT BY ALICE Zimbabwe, with its celebrated landmark Victoria Falls, magnificent scenery, and boundless wildlife is a perfect introduction to Africa. Ever-changing landscapes and many national parks provide a rich variety of animal, plant and bird life, making it ideal for visitors wanting to combine a number of different areas and activities in one holiday. It’s where I started out in Africa so holds a special place in my heart too.