Beginning in Victoria Falls, this mighty river flows into Africa’s largest man-made lake, the Kariba Dam, before journeying eastward through the Lower Zambezi Valley. Water is the lifeblood of Africa, and so the Zambezi is a superlative location for game viewing. For those looking to discover more of this unique region of Africa, our Zambezi River and Beyond tour takes guests on a 15-day experience. It’s the ideal choice for travellers who want to experience a unique ecosystem. Here are our top highlights of the Zambezi Valley:
Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural Wonders of the World and is a must-see natural phenomena. Victoria Falls, known as “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (meaning the smoke that thunders), has a number of activities and accommodations to suit travellers from all walks of life.
Hwange National Park
Situated between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park boasts 105 mammal species and over 100 bird species. Hwange hosts all members of the Big Five, while wild dog and elephant numbers are thought to be the largest in the world. Surrounded by a number of luxury lodges, Hwange National Park offers game activities including walking, driving and horseback safaris.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife conservation area in Northern Zimbabwe, which is considered to be one of Africa’s most premier game-viewing regions. Covering 2.500 square kilometres of islands, sandbanks and river frontage, Mana Pools also boasts an incredible variety of bird species. Visitors can choose from a wide range of activities such as: canoeing, fishing or game viewing by foot, boat or car.
Chinhoyi Caves
The Chinhoyi Caves is the most extensive cave system in Zimbabwe that is accessible to the public. It’s world famous only due to its size, but also thanks to the mystical blue water that fills them. The caves got their name from a local chief who hid there from Ndebele raiders. They are traditionally called “Chirorodziva”, which translated means the “Pool of the Fallen”.
Zambezi River Sunset Boat Cruises
JENMAN African Safaris offers a tour that includes all of these highlights. One of the more relaxing locations of the Zambezi River and Beyond tour sunset cruise along one of the river’s main waterways.
This not only gives guests the opportunity to take some stunning photos, enjoy some downtime and sip a cocktail, but it’s also a chance for fantastic game spotting as the animals visit the riverbanks to graze or drink before the sun dips into the massive waterway at sunset.
Lake Kariba
Originally filled between 1958 and 1963, Lake Kariba represents Africa’s largest man-made dam and lake, covering an estimated 6 000 square kilometres (about the same length as Jamaica’s entire coastline). Kariba is a photographer’s dream with its tree-lined valley and the vast range of birdlife and wild animals.
