Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, a landlocked country that lies north
of South Africa's Transvaal, was once known by its
Group at the Zimbabwe border. (Zimbabwe)
colonial name of Rhodesia. Zimbabwe enjoys a
great diversity of landscapes, from the semi-temperate high veld plateau
in the west to the sub-tropical low veld plain in the east. Along the
eastern border with Mozambique rise forested mountains cut through with
rushing rivers and waterfalls. Low veld, with its open savanna and bush,
defines the southern reaches of the country.
Harare Founded in 1890, the Zimbabwean capital of Harare,
formerly known by its colonial name of Salisbury, has developed into a
modern and attractive city. The city lies in Zimbabwe's north-central
bush veld, at an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level,
in the midst of a strange world of balancing rock formations. The city's
climate is pleasant and temperate. Harare's population of 1million is
comprised of approximately 75% African races and 22% European races, with
the remainder being comprised of coloureds (mixed race) and Asians.
Bulawayo Spacious, sunny, and friendly, Zimabawe's second
largest city, Bulawayo, has grown rapidly in recent years and now has
a population of approximately 850,000. The city lies in the country's
southwestern corner, halfway between Beitbridge and Victoria Falls, at
the main axis of Zimbabwe's major road, rail, and air routes. Since its
birth over a century ago, Bulawayo has moved farther and farther away
from the source of its name. Originally named Gubulawayo by its founder,
Lobengula, Mzilikazi's successor, in 1870, its original name meant "the
place of slaughter" and was meant to commemorate the chieftain's
battle victories.
Victoria Falls Victoria Falls, one of the world's seven natural
wonders, is the most visited site in all of Zimbabwe and arguably the
most famous tourist attraction in all of Southern Africa. A solid curtain
of water,
Group shot at the falls. (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
fragmented only briefly by four small islands
of startling green, the wide Zambezi roars over the edge of a sheer 330
foot (100 meter) high veld escarpment in an explosion of thunder and spray.
At its widest point, it is almost a mile (1,690 meters) across. In times
of flood, it discharges as many as 143 million gallons (546 million liters)
of water each minute. But the statistics are hard to fathom. Suffice it
to say that the mighty cascade of the Zambezi River, as it plunges into
the Batoka Gorge, is the widest curtain of falling water on the planet,
and it remains, even to frequent visitors, a truly magnificent spectacle.
The falls were formerly known as Mosi oa Tunya, the "smoke that thunders."
So it was called when David Livingstone was led to it by Sekeletu of the
Makokolo on November 16, 1854. He renamed it after his queen.
Today, Victoria Falls offers many hidden delights.
Whitewater-rafting trips on the Zambezi River below the falls are a thrilling
and unforgettable experience. Inflatable canoe trips, helicopter rides
and elephant-back safaris only add to the spectacle that basks in the
splendor of the falls.
Lake Kariba The world's second largest man-made inland sea
masses behind the Kariba Dam, which first
Zambezi River viewed from a helicopter. (Zimbabwe)
impeded the path of the mighty Zambezi River
on December 3, 1958. Covering almost 2,000 square miles (5,000 square
kilometers), the lake is 175 miles (281 kilometers) long. At its widest
point, it is more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) across. Its jade-colored
waters are studded with wooded islands and fringed by mountains and forests.
The islands display an amazing array of wildlife. Lake Kariba offers magnificent
water sports, including water-skiing, sailing, scuba diving and some of
the most exciting fishing in the world. Anglers come from far and wide
to tackle the ferocious tiger fish, fearsomely toothed and widely reputed
to be the greatest fighter on the game-fishing circuit. Tented camp safaris
on Kariba's islands, as well as island-hopping by houseboat, have also
in recent years made most African traveler's wish lists.
People Intense and carefree, cosmopolitan and parochial,
the vast majority of Zimbabwe's people arise
Champagne cruise. (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
from the great family of Bantu-speaking migrants
that first ventured east and south across Africa some 2,000 years ago.
The Shona people form the largest tribe of Zimbabwe. That tribe is made
up of many ethnic constituents, the diversity of which comes to life in
their multitudinous dialects. Apart from the western-based Karanga tribe,
the largest Shona groups occupy the greater part of central and eastern
Zimbabwe. The Ndebele form Zimbabwe's largest minority. They did not begin
to arrive on Zimbabwean soil until the first half of the nineteenth century.
However, despite their relatively recent arrival, there are many cultural
similarities between the two Bantu-speaking communities, and they together
form an overwhelming majority.
Travel Tips Malaria and bilharzia are endemic to Zimbabwe.
Even though our trips seek to avoid the most stricken areas, all visitors
should take precautions against these two killers. Visitors should also
Victoria Falls. (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
keep an adequate store of drinking water on hand,
as stores and service facilities are sometimes difficult to find. Visitors
are advised to carry bottled water (or, alternatively, equipment for treating
or boiling tap water), as the tap water is not always fit for drinking.
It is possible to drink the water from the taps in many campsites, but
visitors are advised to rely on the directions of their guides in this
regard.
While crime is not as big a problem in Zimbabwe as
it is in some of its Southern African neighbors, it is always wise to
be careful and to take reasonable precautions. For the latest information
on security issues in Zimbabwe, please consult the U.S. State Department's
consular warning sheets.
While film is rather widely available in Zambia, it
is very expensive. Visitors are accordingly advised to always have several
spare rolls on hand. There is no greater disappointment than seeing that
extraordinary lion - always better than the last one - at close range
and then discovering that your stock of film is depleted. Visitors who
are thoughtful enough to bring binoculars wind up being the envy of everyone
in the bush.
Visitors are cautioned not to change money with the
local people on the street. Always use the sanctioned facilities located
in the towns and cities.
Temperature/Weather Nature has conspired to give Zimbabwe one of the
finest climates in the world. Generally, most days are bright and sunny
and most nights are clear and cool. Breezes temper the heat of October,
while the remainder of the summer months are cooled by seasonal rains.
June and July are the winter months, and nights can be very cold during
this time.
Reading List In order to make the most of your trip to Zimbabwe,
the following reading lists will help you gain a better understanding
of the landscape, culture and people. Here you can also purchase any books
you might need for your Global Adrenaline trip!
Global Adrenaline, Inc.
1640 North Wells Street, Suite 207
Chicago, Illinois 60614
USA
Tel: +1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA)
Tel: +1-312-863-6300 (outside USA)
Fax: +1-312-873-4440
Email: info@GlobalAdrenaline.com
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