National parks and reserves in Zimbabwe. Attractions Zimbabwe

The largest wildlife park in; one of the main attractions of South Africa. In the old days, the territory of the park belonged to the Ndbele royal family, but in the first half of the 20th century it was decided to open a reserve to preserve the wildlife of the continent. Hwange Park is included in the version of our website.

Geographically, it is located near the Victoria Falls, so many tourists combine visiting these two beautiful places in one trip. The nearest airport to the falls is Victoria Falls and the nearest airport to the park is Hwange. Pleasure planes of local air carriers fly daily between them, as well as trains circulate. The nearest station to the reserve is Dete. The plane flight will take about half an hour, and the train ride will take about 2 hours.

In terms of animal population, Hwange is considered one of the richest parks in South Africa. It is home to over 400 bird species and over 1,000 animal species. One of the largest populations of the African elephant and buffalo is located here. In addition, in Hwang you can see the oryx, hyena, saber-horned antelope, lion, various giraffes, rhinos and other African animals. Well, for ornithologists, this park is like a paradise with a huge variety of rare birds.

Not only the flora, but also the fauna of Hwange is unique. Every evening the animals gather around natural watering holes where the juiciest grass grows. Extensive meadows, acacia bushes, thousands of flowers and trees decorate this park with their colors. Due to its close location to the Kalahari Desert, the weather in the region is changeable and with sharp drops in the evenings. Therefore, it is advisable to have warm clothes with you.

Photo Attraction: Hwange National Park

Details

It is the largest national park inZimbabwe, it occupies an area south of the Victoria Falls with an area of ​​​​14651 sq. km, which is home to more than 100 species of animals and 400 varieties of birds! The park is perfectly suited for observing its inhabitants, there are equipped viewing platforms, and a 500-kilometer road system allows you to see the main representatives of the fauna of this reserve without leaving your car. The park has the largest elephant and buffalo population in the country! A truly grandiose sight is a herd of 100 elephants walking along the river. Equally impressive are herds of buffaloes, and family clans of rhinos, giraffes and zebras, antelope - sitatunga, - eland, - kudu, and saber-horned antelope kudu, as well as lions and leopards. In addition, there are such rare animals as wild dog, beyza or passan, and pangolin. The fauna of the park is very diverse; about 260 species of trees and shrubs grow here, including the famous baobabs! The world of flowering plants is also unique, represented by a thousand varieties of flowers!

GONAREJU NATIONAL PARK:

It is the second largest reserve in Zimbabwe(an area of ​​about 505,000 hectares), located in the southeast of Zimbabwe on the border with Mozambique.In addition to traditional African animals, Gonareju is home to a very rare nyala antelope, which is almost never seen in public, but you might be lucky!The park offers an excellent view of the Chiloho Rocks, which, due to their reddish-red sheer walls, similar to the walls of a fortress, seem to "guard" the Limpopo River, which flows further into Mozambique. Chimanimani National Park encompasses virtually the entire majestic Chimanimani mountain range, traversing the country in massive splendor with peaks reaching over 2,400 meters in height. A passionate cyclist and rock climber will always remember this place, as the only way to reach the peaks is either on foot or by mountain bike. Tourists are usually advised to bring food supplies with them. Also, do not forget that the mountains must be treated with respect and caution, as there are often fogs and strong winds. Camping sites can be found at the foot of the mountains, while camping is allowed throughout the park. If you need to spend the night in the mountains, you can stay in free mountain huts, open all year round.

VICTORIA FALLS NATIONAL PARK:

Reserve Victoria Falls was founded in 1939, and in 1952 received the status of a National Park. It covers an area of ​​59.3 thousand hectares, adjacent to the town of the same name, which is located immediately behind the famous waterfall in Zimbabwe.There are many crevices on the territory of the Park, which in the early centuries were part of the waterfall.

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK:

The park is located near the beautiful old town of Bulawayo, in a surprisingly picturesque corner of the country on the territory of hills covered with bizarre granite ledges. Matobo, or "bald hills". This region has long been sacred to the indigenous people and attracts the attention of historians, culturologists and ordinary tourists.

E More than 20 thousand years ago, the ancient tribes of the Bushmen lived here, leaving us an invaluable historical heritage in the form of rock paintings depicting animals and birds, scenes from life and ritual dances. They can be called a chronicle of the Stone Age, telling about how the world looked like in those distant times!

Leopards, giraffes, zebras and such rare animal species as sable antelope, black and white rhinoceros live in the Park. And also the hills Matobo famous for its large population of black eagles. It is impossible to watch the flight of these proud birds without true admiration!

Victoria Falls National Park located in the northwest of Zimbabwe. The southern and eastern shores are enclosed within the park. the Zambezi River, it is there that the world-famous Victoria Falls is located. The total area of ​​the national park is 23.4 km². It is clear that in a park with such an incredible volume of water for an African territory, there will be the most lush and rich wild vegetation imaginable. Spray from the Victoria Falls scatter for many kilometers around, carrying life-giving moisture with it. Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A fairly dense forest grows around the section of the Zambezi River, enclosed within the park, in which numerous ferns, palm trees, and vines of grapes are recognized as dominant species. Among the most valuable types of vegetation here can be found the Red tree.

It is not surprising that the rich flora led to the creation of a rather diverse, and most importantly, numerous fauna in the park. So, there are an unlimited number of elephants in the Victoria Falls park, and local populations are also large. buffalo, white rhino, hippos, cannes and other species of antelope. River areas have become an excellent home for numerous crocodiles. Walking and car safaris are very popular within the park.

Victoria Falls itself or Mosi-oa-Tunya (translated from the local dialect as " the smoke that thunders") is the largest in the world (at least twice as high as Niagara Falls). The width of the waterfall is approximately 1800 meters, the height is 128 meters. From afar, this waterfall looks like a narrow abyss into which water falls. One of the first explored this waterfall scientist David Livingston, it was he who, on his first trip to the waterfall in 1855, named it after Queen Victoria.

The waterfall is located approximately in the middle of the Zambezi River. At the site of the waterfall once there was a break in the earth's crust. As you approach the Victoria Falls, the number of islands in the rivers increases. These islands are also located on the edge of the abyss itself, they form 4 channels: the inclined stream "Jumping Water" 35 meters wide, the main waterfall about 460 meters wide, a section about 530 meters wide and the eastern waterfall near the left bank of the river. They form Boaruka Islands(300 meters wide), Livingston and others. Surprisingly, the Victoria Falls is able to move not only down, but also up the river at the same time: the huge force of the water "gnaws" new and new crevices under itself.

The falling water of the waterfall forms spray and fog, they rise to a height of up to 400 meters and are visible at a distance of up to 50 kilometers. During the rainy season, the waterfall pumps over 500 million liters of water per minute. In 1958, during the Zambezi flood, a record level was recorded - more than 770 million liters per minute. Falling, the water of the river goes into a gorge about 80 km long, and comes to the surface only at the end of the basalt plateau. There are also many interesting formations along these 80 km, so, on the first zigzag, on the path of the river, a reservoir called the “Boiling Cauldron” (about 150 meters in diameter) was formed. Here the walls of the gorge reach 120 meters high.

At the waterfall, about 45 degrees to it, a railroad bridge, it hangs over the gorge itself. The bridge has the shape of an arch and is 250 meters long. The highest point of the bridge is 125 meters above the lower level of the river.

In the Victoria Falls park, many hotel complexes have been built and campsites have been equipped. However, there are also negative points - all visitors to the park, without exception, who are required to take precautions against malaria. In view of its uniqueness and some geographical features, the Victoria Falls National Park is included in the Kavango-Zambezi transboundary reserve.

Since Victoria Falls is located on the border of two countries - Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is not surprising that national parks are organized on the territory of both republics. So, in Zambia, this is Thundering Smoke Park (Mosi-oa-Tunya), and in Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls Park. The area of ​​the first park is three times smaller than the second. Much apart from the waterfall itself unites these parks, such as numerous populations of elephants, hippos and giraffes.

Wumba Botanical Garden located 32 km from the Zimbabwean city of Mutare, previously this conservation area was known as "Manchester". The national park here was organized in 1958, and in 1975 it was made the Wumba Botanical Garden. The territory of the park (garden) is located in the vicinity wumba mountains. Today, the total protected area is 201 ha, but it is divided into two sectors: a botanical reserve (42 ha) and a botanical garden (159 ha).

In general terms, the Wumba garden is formed around water streams, which, when confluent, form a small lake. The following plant species grow within the park: ferns, hydrangeas, azaleas, begonias, orchids, lilies, aloe, fuchsia, cycads and many other types. You can see all the floristic sights of the garden by walking along the numerous hiking trails within Wumba. Pleasantly pleasing to the eye among the numerous greenery rose bush, protea, Cycad, tea bush, camellias.

In general, the name of Mount Wumba means "Mountains of Mist". It is located within the Eastern Highlands, on the edge of the province of Mutare. Mountain pastures, mountain forests, areas of miombo forest, as well as exotic plantations are concentrated on the slopes of Mount Wumba.

Among such a wonderful plant world, a huge number of birds live in the Wumba garden. In particular, such a species of birds as Robin Swinnerton is bred here. Also very interesting specimens are such birds as Turaco Livingston, tailed Drongo, African Emerald Cuckoos, White Marsh Barbet and Tinkerbird. And also often found here Monkey Samango.

In order to develop the tourist infrastructure in the Wumba Garden, among other things, a tea room was created, where you can taste and then buy local varieties of tea. There is also a restaurant within the conservation area, where they prepare a wide variety of dishes, but cakes and vegetarian dishes are most in demand. Another activity within the garden can be a trip to the swimming pool. Guests of the Wumba Botanical Garden can comfortably accommodate: a wonderful hotel has been built within the boundaries of the garden. Although for lovers of reunion with nature, several campsites are also offered.

Gonarehu National Park occupies 5,053 square kilometers of the southeastern regions of Zimbabwe. The name of the park in translation means the concept of " place of many elephants"From here it becomes clear that elephants are one of the most striking sights of the Gonarehu National Park, however, not the only one. There are also many other wonderful specimens of African fauna, many plants notable for their characteristics. Gonarehu is the second largest park in the country in terms of the area it occupies .

Among the local population, a legend is still alive, representing an alternative interpretation of the name of the national park. Allegedly, the root of the word Gonarehu is "gon" (translated from the local Shona language means " tusks") - as if opens a story that has been repeated here for many centuries. We are talking about the fact that local herbalists (healers) used elephant tusks to prepare their potions.

As many as three rivers carry their waters through the territory of the Gonarehu National Park: Save, Runde and Mwenezi. They then became the main reason for living in the park of such a rich fauna and the formation of a rather diverse flora. Here, the species diversity of birds is in the hundreds, and fish and mammals - in the tens.

It is within the boundaries of the Gonarehu National Park that the lowest point of the entire country is enclosed - it lies at an altitude of 153 m above sea level, this is the meeting point of two rivers - Save and Runde.

The Gonarehu National Park is preparing to merge into a single protected area with such parks in other countries as the Kruger Park in South Africa, the Limpopo Park in Mozambique. The goals of such a cross-border association are not only to popularize and attract tourists to this zone, but also to involve the local population in work, raise the economic potential of the region, and, of course, last but not least, preserve the natural diversity of these zones.

The fauna of the Gonarehu park boasts of its permanent residents, among which are found: lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants, hippos, wild dogs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, Ron antelopes. Not so widespread in the park are sable, Nyala and Suni antelopes. The underwater world of fish and aquatic mammals is very striking in its species composition, among them, first of all, it is worth mentioning the Zambezi shark, freshwater gobies, black bream, unique turquoise Killifish and other species.

Undoubtedly, the most beautiful view in Gonarehu Park is near the most beautiful Chilojo rocks formed from red sandstones. This rock mass can be found within the picturesque Runde river valley. Dense forests are wiped around the rock, one of the valuable species in which is the Mabalauta tree.

You can not get into the Gonarehu Park at any convenient time. There is a certain period when access to the park is closed - this is the rainy season (November - April). Also, before visiting, it is better to do vaccination against schistosomiasis and antimalarial. But as a guest of the Gonarehu National Park, you can do sport fishing, a safari (a walk to the Samalena gorge ("murder place") seems to be especially interesting to many), an excursion to the rocks on Chilojo, Mwatomba, to the Chibilila Falls waterfall (threshold on the Runda River, 600 meters wide and 7 meters deep), enjoy the beautiful views of the viewing platforms for the birds and animals of the park.

Darwendale National Parkoccupies 11,200 hectares of the western outskirts of Zimbabwe, including the water surface - Lake Mayame - is 8100 hectares. A dam 2 km long has been created on the lake. The maximum depth of this lake is 226 meters. Such a huge dam was built over three years - from 1973 to 1976. The national park here was organized in 1973, but has been open to visitors since 1976.

The diverse fauna in Darwendale National Park is amazing. Here you can meet sable, warthog, porcupine. Quite common throughout the park are various types of antelopes, such as: kudu, eland, wildebeest and others. Also, bush pigs, baboons, vervet monkeys, oribi and some other mammals managed to find their home in Darvendale Park.

A sparse forest grows around the lake in the park, the main tree species in which are recognized as Jicus, capensis, dicyrostachys-cinera, pseudolachnostylls, maprononeifolia, spurge ingens anddiopyros. It was he who gave shelter to numerous mammals of the park.

You do not immediately notice how rich the water world of Darwendale Park is. Especially fishermen know a lot about it. Mozambique bream, Hunyani salmon, tiger fish, barbel fish, parrot fish, bulldog fish, as well as massive and African variegated eels.

It is within the Darvendale National Park that the annual tournament among anglers is held. Bass Masters. A kind of record was set here - during winter fishing, bass fish weighing 18.4 pounds. Bass in Russia is known as perch, but it is still one of the subspecies. Bass is recognized as the object of the most popular sport fishing. In nature, both freshwater and marine basses are found.

Among other services, the Darwendale National Park has the following: sport fishing, boating, water skiing, yachting, picnic areas, forest trail excursions, bird watching.

Kazuma National Parklocated in the northwest of Zimbabwe, it is a border area with Botswana. The area of ​​this park - 77,345 acres (313 sq. km.) is represented mainly by a flat zone. Quite rare and equally important and valuable populations of mammals live here. Initially, a nature protection site was established in this area in 1949, but it was given the status of a National Park only in 1975.

The following species are found in the local fauna: antelopes (cannes, oribi), giraffes, zebras, oryx, cheetahs, lions, wild dogs, rhinos, bison. Artiodactyls live especially freely in the park: everything is at their service: large areas in the park are occupied by excellent pastures. They are concentrated mainly in the center of the park; mopane forests, where teak grows in many places.

Oribi are a very interesting species of artiodactyls from the group of antelopes. As a rule, the average dimensions of the oribi are as follows: body length from 160 to 235 cm, height at the withers from 90 to 140 cm, weight from 100 to 120 kg. Oribi is a purely African species, she prefers to settle in the savannah, among dry woodlands, bushes, both on flat terrain and on hilly ones.

Oribi is undoubtedly a species of dwarf antelopes, but among all dwarf antelopes it is the largest, it reaches the size of a gazelle, but looks more elegant and fragile. Oribi has straight, parallel horns, reaching a length of 12 cm. Only males have horns, females are hornless. The color of the oribi is bright red, the tip of the tail is black. Also, blotches of black can be seen on the cheek of the oribi and just below the eye.

The area of ​​Kazuma Park is also excellent for waterfowl. It is especially commendable that such birds as crowned cranes, stilts, cormorants, storks, ducks, kingfishers and other valuable species could settle within the park. It is noteworthy that the vast majority of the reservoirs of Kazuma Park are of natural nature.

For the convenience of the guests of the Kazuma National Park, its administration resolved the issue of housing within the park. Here you can stay in special hotels, but camping is possible within the park only with the permission of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

Before going to Kazuma Park, it is worth taking note that its territory is closed to tourists from January to February inclusive. The main reason is the inability to move along the broken roads of the park that have become absolutely impassable during the rainy season.

Kariba National Parkcovers the water area and coastal territory of the African lake of the same name, located. Lake Kariba is known throughout the world for its beauty. In its own way, it is unique - it is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the world. The area of ​​the lake itself is 5180 sq. km., and the park - about 7770 sq. km. A dam was built on the lake, which is designed to block the path of the great Zambezi River. The dam is 112 meters high and 617 meters wide. The length of the coastline of Lake Kariba is more than 2,000 kilometers.

The amplitude of fluctuations in water temperatures in the lake is not at all large - from 26 to 37 degrees Celsius, and this is throughout the year. Naturally, like this park, no other region in Africa can offer such wonderful living conditions to numerous animals. It is noteworthy that during the filling of the lake with water, many animals were in serious danger - the bottom of the lake is hilly, when it was filled with water, the tops of the hills formed islands. Some animals were cut off from the world on these islands. The administration of the park had to equip a whole rescue expedition to the newly formed islands for poor animals. This operation was called "Noah", during which about 5000 animals were transported, all of them were released after arriving on earth.

Today, the territory of the Kariba National Park is inhabited by hippos and hippos, crocodiles and zebras, elephants and saber-horned antelope, also within the park there is a huge number of exotic birds. Among other things, the succulent Panicum repens, which grows along the shores of Lake Kariba, has become a particularly sweet bait for animals in the park.

Within the park, everyone will find something to their liking, most importantly. that the park offers such a wide range of opportunities for everyone, such as rafting, yacht trips, canoe safaris down the river, fishing, excursions, water skiing, comfortable accommodation, relaxing on the beaches, getting to know the local flora and fauna, visiting museums and ecological classes. Today, strange fossils protrude above the water surface - in the past these are the tops of mopen and lead tree (Laucaena). The branches of these "relics" are often chosen by various eagles or waterfowl (ammerkops and varietyofstorks, etc.). In the park, the fossils got a comic name - ghost trees.

The ichthyofauna of the lake is notable for its tiger fish, in total, 41 species of fish are counted in Lake Kariba - these are nkupe, Chessa, bottlenose dolphins, vundu, rod and several types of bream.

Lake Kariba was created artificially in 1958 - just a dam was built on the Zambezi River, so the country's authorities were going to provide electricity to Zimbabwe and neighboring Zambia. The water level in the lake grew at a very rapid pace, the water rapidly flooded about 5000 square kilometers of the wild, bushy valley of the Zambezi River. Before the flooding, several tribes lived in this territory: Tonga, Korekore and Gova, who, as a result of such a decision by the country's authorities, had to look for a home in new foreign lands.

Mana National Parkpools introduces its guests to four sites located in the Zambezi river basin. The territory of this park is included in the World Heritage List of mankind. Here nature appears in all its wildness and organicity, here are unique landscapes, amazing animals and plants. The name of the park "Mana" when translated from the Schopa language acquires a very definite concept - "four". Indeed, the entire territory of the park is represented by four pools.

One of the sections of the park is represented by the remains of Ox Bow Lake. Here, as well as in the rest of the national park, there is an excessively large number of birds (a total of about 350 species). Also, the water areas in the park are inhabited by hippos, crocodiles. Floodplain areas have become home to elephants and lions.

Naturally, not the entire territory of the park is covered with water, those regions that are not occupied by water bodies are primarily forests, whether it be dry forests on the Karoo deposits, Albida forests or the old river terraces of Faidherbia. The vegetation in some places is so dense that it is false to believe. Of course, such an abundance of moisture, vegetation (as food and shelter) simply could not help but attract countless animals to the park. Whom you will not meet here: an elephant, an eland, a buffalo, a Waterbuck, a baboon, a zebra, a warthog - they all live in the Mana pools park.

The world of predators is also diverse; lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas find a large expanse in the park. However, these animals are not so common, so the chance of meeting them during a day safari in the park is negligible.

In general, the pools of the national park were known to many even in prehistoric times. At one time, they had a very responsible function - the delivery of merchants with their goods to numerous shopping centers located just along the Zambezi River. Strangers also sailed here, however, not to sell, but to buy, slaves were their favorite commodity.

Mana basins occupy no less than 2,196 square kilometers of water and land. Comfortable lodges, camping with sanitary facilities, exclusive campsites (without neighborhood) are equipped within the boundaries of the park. The administration of the park provides transport, food, accommodation and numerous excursions around the park Mana pools.

Matobo National Park arearevered by the locals as sacred land. Here, granite rocks come to the surface, they are located both on the numerous hills of the park, and in a niche between them. The center of the sacred place is located on Mwari, it is believed that this sanctuary belongs to the god of the ancestors of the modern inhabitants of these lands. Thus, the territory of the Matobo National Park is not only a unique natural ecosystem, but also a historical and archaeological value. The total area of ​​the nature protection zone is 44,500 ha. Matobo National Park has been operating since 1953.

Most researchers agree that the modern area of ​​the park has been inhabited by humans over the past 40,000 years. Of all the objects of worship, which at the same time represent natural complexes, the most revered are the rocks of Shabe and Shumba Sham. One of the last in this area was stitched San people, i.e. Bushmen. It is their work that local rocks still keep on themselves to this day - many drawings found here date back to the border between 10th century BC. and 9 st. BC.

Also, other finds were made on the territory of Matobo Park: ovens and other historical artifacts. In view of its special significance, the Matobo National Park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 as the place with the highest concentration of rock art in South Africa. In terms of scientific diversity, the region of the park also stands out - it is here that the most numerous colony lives. black eagles(one of the largest in the world). In general, quite a lot of other birds of prey live in the park, among them sea eagle, martial eagle, francolin, secretary-bird, weavers, motley raven and Egyptiangeese.

And the territory of the Matobo National Park is distinguished by a large population rhinoceros, and both of its species live in the park in sufficient numbers: black and white. During a safari in Matobo Park, you can meet other animals quite typical for the regions of South Africa: giraffe, zebra, sable, leopard, hyena, cheetah, hippopotamus, warthog, Waterbuck, wild cat, crocodiles, monkeys, various types of antelopes (kudu, wildebeest, canna and others). Probably not the best news, but there are also a lot of termites.

The local ichthyofauna is also representative, it includes: bass, bottle fish, bream, cat fish, robustas and others.

Mathusadona National Parkcan be found on the south coast lake cariba. The western borders of the park are guarded by the waters of the Umi River, and the eastern ones by the Sanyati Gorges. Matusadona Park is known primarily as a habitat for a huge population of lions. The local nature opens the eyes of the visitors of the park to the fertile floodplains, the flat surface of the lake itself, and the islands, remarkable for their nature.

The total area of ​​Mathusadona National Park is 1,407 square kilometers. This area was declared a protected area on November 7, 1958, it was given the status of a reserve in 1963, and upgraded to a national park in 1975. A direct road leads to the park from the city of Kariba, however, it will have to be done by boat, the park is located about 20 km north of the city. The motor road is laid between the park and Karoi.

The name of the Matuzviadonha National Park is the result of a distortion of the local dialect, in which the word "Matuzviadonha" means " drop of manure". The territory of the park interested researchers in view of the large concentration of mammals on it. As before, and to this day, within the limits of the Matusadona National Park, according to the numerical criterion, dominate buffaloes. although besides them in the park there is someone to look at. here live such eternal African animals as hippopotamus, monkeys, elephant, hyena, slender mongoose, wild cat, jackal, antelope, kudu, impala, lion, leopard, zebra, warthog, oryx, clipspringer, waterbuck, and black rhinoceros. You can also meet species less typical for the black continent here: sable, badgers, martens, squirrels, hares, porcupines, otters, white-tailed eagles, nightjars and owls. There are a lot of bream in local reservoirs. quite rare, and therefore the most valuable species in the park are caracal and bush pigs, wild dogs and cheetahs, pangolins and anteaters.

The vegetation of the park is represented by herbage in its majority. The most common herbs here are the coastline-growing Panicum creeping and rejuvenating. In general, the territory of the park is conditionally divided into three ecological zones. One of them is the coastline of pastures, the second is the valleys with patches of thick Jessie and mopane forests, and the third is represented by the Brachystegia forest. The second site, also known as the Jesse / Mopane area, is known as a concentration of black rhinos. Elephants are also declared in large numbers here, but there are many of them in the rest of the park.

Visitors to the park can try the following services: hiking and escarpment, animal watching, fishing in rivers and bays, bird watching in the Sanyati Gorge, regular, water and night safari. There is also a car park, hotel rooms, campsites and restaurants.

Nyange National Parkoccupies a significant area (equal to 47,000 hectares) in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The local landscape is represented by green hills cut through by the channels of various rivers and streams. The entire territory of Nyange Park lies within the following heights: 1,800 and 2,593 meters above sea level. Nyanga Park has a rather cool climate (compared to the rest of Africa), which is primarily due to significant heights. Cool day, fresh mountain air - it's so unlike Africa!

Nyange National Park is countless rock outcrops, mountain breaks, gorges and caves, as well as amazingly beautiful mountain waterfalls. At the same time, granite rocks are surrounded by a very diverse and amazing vegetation. a fairly large number of animals also live here: kudu, eland, wildebeest, impala, zebra, sable - all these animals are found within the park.

Even in the summer in Nyange Park, the temperature never rises above 26 degrees Celsius. At the same time, temperatures below -3 degrees Celsius also do not happen in winter.

Among the local attractions are the Nyangani-Zimbabwe's mountains, reaching a height of 2593 meters above sea level. The park administration offers the opportunity to climb to the top, which offers stunning views of the local surroundings. Continues a series of especially popular places in the park Nyangombe waterfall, consisting of a series of cascades, its location is characterized by the western outskirts of the park. Just near this waterfall, a parking lot is conveniently equipped.

Another aquatic adventure awaits park guests at Mutarazi Falls, the highest of all the park's waterfalls. No less picturesque are the local Honde waterfalls. Another incomparable cascade can be found in the Rungwe Gorge.

The interest of many visitors to the Nyange National Park is also caused by local forts: Nyangwe and Chawomera - stone massifs or simply the ruins of buildings that once existed here. Even on the territory of the park, guests can visit the Rhodes Museum, it is easy to find it at the very entrance to the Nyange National Park, the museum is part of the Cecile Rhodes John Nyange summer house complex.

As part of the Nyange National Park project, a trout hatchery, Trout Hatchery, is equipped, where, in addition to trout, other types of commercial fish that are found in the waters of local rivers are bred.

Of the excursions in the park, the most popular were horseback riding along forest trails, bream fishing and trout in local rivers and lakes (Mare, Udu, Rhodes, Gulliver and Perdon), water tourism (rowing), visiting the pool or sandy beach, bird watching (lucky ones will be lucky to see the blue swallow).

Osborne Reserveunites the territory around the largest reservoir in the Manicaland region - the artificial lake (platinum) Osborne on the Odzi River. This platinum at the same time is one of the main reservoirs in all of Zimbabwe. The area of ​​the lake itself is 2,600 hectares, and the capacity of the reservoir is estimated at more than 400 million cubic meters of water. Osborne Lake is approximately 6 km wide, 16 km long along the Odzi River and 15 km along its tributary Nyatande, its average depth is 66 m. It should be noted that the lake lies in a very favorable climate zone - on average, about 24 degrees Celsius.

Despite the high temperatures in the Osborne Lake area, strong winds are constantly kept. This is the reason for the constantly "alarming" state of the lake - numerous waves driven by the wind, as well as a very positive fact - the absence of malaria - a strong western wind takes it away from the reserve.

Among visitors to the Osborne Reserve, activities such as rowing, watching numerous birds from boats and specially equipped viewing platforms are especially popular. Also, very popular safari walks are carried out on the territory of the reserve, local excursion trails lead along the dam, then approach, then move away from the shores of Lake Osborne, pass between the nearby hills. And for the guests of the reserve, a service is organized - horseback riding. but still, from the entire list, canoes remain the most popular, windsurfing and rowing.

Osborne Dam was planned in the 1950s by design engineers from the Department of Water Resources. All necessary studies of this region were completed in the 1960s. The dam itself was built during the 1985-88s with financial assistance from Italy. Soon a reserve was established here, which covered 10,000 hectares of irrigated land downstream. Odzi river.

hwange national park,formerly known as Wankie, is the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe. It has been in existence since 1928. The location of the park is easily accessible: it covers the land between the second largest city in Zimbabwe Bulawayo in Falls Victoria- This is the border zone of Zimbabwe, leaving in a southwestern direction. Today, Hwange National Park covers over 14,600 square kilometers. This protected area is part of the Kavango-Zambezi transboundary reserve.

Hwange Park is primarily famous for living on its territory simply huge herds of elephants, in total, about 20,000 elephants are registered within the park, most of which are migrants. Elephants come here from the Chobe National Park in Botswana.

In general, Hwange National Park is a desert area, as well as small areas of light forests, very few meadows and granite outcrops. Among this natural splendor there are animals of the big five of Africa. But the most common in the park, perhaps, are zebras, eland, kudu, giraffes, oryx, brown hyenas, sable, wild dogs. Such an incredibly large number of species is generally difficult to imagine in one area.

The administration of the park constantly takes care of maintaining the number of representatives of its fauna. On the territory of the park, they breed and grow numerous mammals. As a result, their total number is about 100 species. A total of 400 species of birds have been registered in the park. These are simply amazing results, considering that water supplies in Hwanga Park are limited in the same way as in other parks in Africa. Therefore, park employees have to make several times more efforts to artificial reservoirs were always in order and continued to give life to local animals.

In total, there are about 60 artificial reservoirs within the Hwanga Park. Near each of them there are excellent observation platforms. In general, everything in the park is done perfectly: comfortable hotel rooms, road coverage, the appearance of various shops and restaurants. Even the airport located at the very borders of Hwange Park.

Within the park, you can also see the Bumbusi National Monument of Zimbabwe - an archaeological site. Bumbusi are colossal stone walls, boulders, platforms and ruins of dwellings. Most of the finds date back to the 18th century. In 2008, this area was included in the World Monuments Watch - a list of 100 endangered monuments.

Chivero National Parkcovers the territory of the lake of the same name, in total, 6,100 hectares have been declared a nature protection zone, including 16 km2 of water surface. The length of the coastline of Lake Chivero is approximately 48 kilometers. The volume of this reservoir is estimated at 250,000 million liters of water. A dam was built on Lake Chivero, the length of which is 400 m. As expected, Chivero is an artificial reservoir, the creation of which in 1952 took about $ 2,000,000.00.

The National Park on Lake Chivero was opened in 1962. An impressive number of animals live here, many of which were brought to the park from other protected areas: from the Hwange reserve, as well as from the Kariba National Park.

Lake Chivero also has another name - Lake Mcllwaine, his reservoir received in part of Sir Robert Mcllwaine, a former judge of the Supreme Court, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe, who was also involved in the protection of the country's water resources. During the creation and today, the main source of replenishment of water in the lake is the Harare reservoir, located in the capital of Zimbabwe.

In the vicinity of the lake, there is a rather rich flora, its main representatives are high veld, forest miombo plants, Terminalia sericea, parinari curatellifolia and monotes glaber createing.

Today, the wildlife of the park pleases and at the same time amazes with its beauty, uniqueness, exotic species, as well as the abundance and diversity of animals. Among others, white rhinoceros, giraffe, zebras, wildebeest, eland, impala, kudu, Waterbuck, sable, baboon, monkeys, warthog, bush pigs, hare, squirrel have firmly settled in the Chivero Park. A striking fact is the presence in the fauna of the park and such animals atypical for this area as marten, Genet, black jackal, porcupine, slender white-tailed mongoose, caracal, lizard, ant bear, serval, ostrich.

The avifauna of Lake Chivero is no less amazing. A huge variety of birds have been noted here, including African Barbets, Bee-Eaters, Buzzards, Coots, Cormorants, Pigeons, Hamerkops, Jacanas, Kingfisher, Gray heron, Darter, Goliath Heron, fishing eagle, Gloossy Starling and others.

It is worth noting the rather diverse ichthyofauna of Chivero Park. There are tiger fish, yellow fish, Hunyani under water salmon, black bream, massive, green bream, Anguilla Nebulosa, Clarius Gariepinus, Oreochromis Niloticus, grass carp, barbel and other fish species.

Chisarira National Parklocated in northern Zimbabwe. The park is recognized as one of the largest in the country - its area is 2000 square kilometers. This park is known for its rich populations of typical African animals, as well as unforgettable scenery. A great variety of species can be found in the local flora, from Highveld Brachystegia, common in the north, to typical plants of the Mopane forests in the south of the conservation area. The escarpment on which the Chisarira Park is located ends at the river valley.

Initially, the territory of Chizarira was declared a nature reserve in 1938, later, in 1963, it received the status of a reserve, and became a National Park in 1975. today the administrative center of the park can be found in the town of Manzituba.

The territory of the park, due to its location (on a slope), is, as it were, isolated from the main territory of the country. This slope is formed by the Mcheni and Lwizikululu rivers, the gorge located between them is truly mesmerizing. The height of the walls in some places reaches 600 m. Tundazi mountains located at the eastern border of the park. One of the local legends says that a huge killer snake found its lair on the top of this mountain.

And at the southern borders of the national park, another reservoir huddles - the Buzi River, in the floodplain of which dense forests grow. An amazingly rare species was also found there - Acacia Albida. The park boasts an abundance of evergreens, one of the most common species here are green ferns and sedges, a variety of lilies and orchids. In the shade of these plants, herds of elephants and buffalo have found their homes, kudu, eland, wildebeest, impala, reedbuck and others graze in tall grass meadows. Also in the park it is easy to meet sable, hyena and lion, leopard. Previously, the territory of the Chisarira Park was known as the habitat of a fairly large population of black rhinoceros. Today, less than a dozen individuals of this animal live in the park.

The bird world of the park also pleases with rare species. Especially valuable are the falcons, black eagles, Angolan pitta, carmine bee-eaters and others living here on a permanent basis.

Many animals living in the park still remember the era of poaching, so they are very wary of visitors to the park. This is the main reason why tours of Chisarira Park should only be taken with an experienced park guide.

Chimanimani National Parklocated within the mountain range of the same name in the province of Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe. Basically, these are huge peaks, both in height and in longitude: about 2440 m above sea level and about 50 km long. The main material of these mountains are rift blocks of quartzite. For a long time (1895-1982) a relatively small part of the mountains - Melsetter - was known (read - studied). Later, it was possible to study the entire mountain system and the area with the most unique flora and fauna in the Chimanimani National Park - the southern part of the Eastern Highlands.

The Chimaninima National Park is easily accessible and is located 150 km from the city of Mutare. Mount Monte Binga, enclosed within the boundaries of the park, is the highest point in Mozambique (the park is actually divided by two countries: Zimbabwe and Mozambique). The height of this mountain is 2436 m above sea level. But on the territory of Zimbabwe there were surprisingly beautiful Bridal Veil waterfalls.

The mountains of this park are covered with dense forest - mainly the tropical rainforests of southern Africa, including the Chirinda forest. Here you can find many interesting types of vegetation, such as wild orchids, cycads, tree ferns, and rare tree species. Many of the trees in the park are over 1000 years old. And here grow such valuable tree species as the Red tree.

A very painstaking and lengthy work was carried out by the administration of the park to clear some mountainous areas. The fact is that during the war for the independence of Zimbabwe, partisans often settled in Chimanimani, and they left mines here. It is possible that some military shells rest in the mountain system to this day.

In the mountains there is a fairly large settlement - the village of Chimanimani, once founded by Thomas Moody. The 1982 census showed that 1370 people live here. The tourist office of the national park settled in this village, and tourists can also find a bank, a grocery store, and a hotel dear to their hearts. African music and art festivals are held here several times a year.

Thus, Chimanimani National Park reveals itself to its visitors in all its beauty: hiking, rock climbing, camping in caves, swimming in sparkling waterfalls and other natural pools, exploring local caves and the Elend sanctuary hidden deep in the mountains.

Chinhoyi Natural Parklocated within the caves of the same name, which were discovered only in 1887 by the European hunter Frederick Selous. Local legend says that Chinhoyi caves several centuries earlier served as a defensive fortress for one of the local robbers, whose name was Nyamakwere. Later, the caves were used by local tribes as a shelter during the raids of foreign conquerors, for example, the Matabele tribes. This is evidenced by some remains of bunkers in some underground passages.

The name of these caves "Chirorodziva" means " Pool of the Fallen". A legend is connected with this, which most likely took place in reality. They say that when in the 1830s the Angoni tribes moved north and Chinhoyi caves appeared on their way, they could not find a common language with the local robber Nyamakwere, who threw them into a gorge among the caves, the same "Pool of the Fallen". The walls of this gorge go down 150 m. At the bottom of the "pool" there is surprisingly clean, crystal clear water, through which even the bottom of the cave is visible. Numerous studies also say level fluctuations the water in this cave is from 80 to 91 m. There are just a couple of secret passages under the water. Only a trained diver can get there. These passages are called the Blind Cave. There are three such passages under the "pool", one goes down another 58 meters It is noteworthy, but the water temperature in the Pool of the Fallen is almost always the same - equal to 22 degrees Celsius.

Initially, the Chinhoyi Caves area was declared a national monument, and it became a national park much later - in 1957. Chinhoyi Caves is a real system of tunnels and caves, however, over time, the system collapses, which was the reason for declaring Chinhoyi as a protected area. The action of time is easily revealed when looking at the shell holes and depressions in the vicinity. In the most unique of the entire complex caves - Wonder Hole- the "roof" collapsed relatively recently.

A dark cave leads to the Pool of the Fallen (artificial lighting has been created in it), which leads down a narrow stepped corridor. So not everyone will be able to go into the pool of the fallen, because this way you do not need to go, but literally squeeze through.

Many caves were discovered quite recently and therefore have not been studied. The research also touched upon the area nearby with caves, where ceramics and human remains of ancient times were found. In general, the caves are surrounded by mountain-wooded landscapes. Of the vegetation, the following species are worth noting: Mukwa (pterocarpus angolencis), Cape rice (Ficus capensis), Combretum species, Terminalia species, Msasa (brachystegia), purple tree (securidaca longipediculata), yellow tree (monotas glaber) and pink jacaranda (stereospermum).

But the animal world is not so colorful. Although the local avifauna is populated to a large extent (among others, you can meet the stone thrush, Great Striped Pipit, woodpecker of various species, black tit, Redwing Starling, flycatcher, glossy Starling, paradise flycatcher and others), but there are still not many mammals. In particular, within the Chinhoyi National Park live monkeys, baboons, bushpigs, rockhares.

Evanrigg Botanical Gardenfamous as one of the largest aloe gardens in the world and the site of the largest concentration of cicadas. In the calm atmosphere that prevails in this garden, the necessary atmosphere is recreated for the growth of a wide variety of beautiful and unusual plants. The garden owes its collection of exotic plants to the late Mr. Christian Harold, who founded his farm on the current lands of the park in 1914. However, he quickly moved from farming to gardening. Mr. Christian paid especially much attention to such a plant as aloe, which, in fact, was reflected in the amazing collection of this plant in the Evanrigg Botanical Garden.

Working with aloe, Christian Harold made several scientific discoveries. After a rather productive work on the collection of aloe, the gardener turned his attention to the collection of cicadas. Before his death, the scientist transferred his garden to the disposal of the government of Zimbabwe. It happened in 1950. Thus, in the country already in the middle of the 20th century, a garden of 1.5 hectares was created, where an extensive collection of aloe is located, there are also a large number and variety in the garden. cycads and many kinds of small succulent plants.

Cicadas are insects. They have a short head, very prominent eyes (in addition to the usual ones, they have 3 more eyes on the crown). The front wings of cicadas are longer than the hind wings, the wings are almost transparent, rarely, but there are bright colors or black. Cicadas can be found in any part of the world, but more often in hot countries. Cicadas choose trees and shrubs as their homes. Cicadas are pretty good at fly.

Many people know (recognize) cicadas by their chirping. This business is usually done by males (to attract females), and mainly during the hottest time of the day. This is explained simply: heat is an important source of energy, its cicada, as it were, processes it into singing. Recently, however, scientists have discovered the so-called ecological shift in cicadas - they begin to chirp in the shade, where they hide from predators. The first to undergo such a shift cicadas of the genus Platypleura. The chirping of South American cicadas has much in common with the whistle of a steam locomotive.

Over the past decades, the Evangrigg Botanical Garden has undergone many changes. For the general public, the gates of the garden were not immediately open, which is why many changes simply could not be traced. Today, the area of ​​the botanical garden has already increased to 100 hectares, where you can find spacious lawns, a zone of shrubs, and areas of trees, as well as a water garden and cactus collection and bougainvillea.

In general, on the territory that served as a place for the expansion of the park, there was a dense area miombo forests, whose typical species are still the most common plants in the garden today. However, the most exotic species, such as brachstagia, parinari and others are allocated in a separate area in the garden.

Considered the ideal time to view the Evangrigg Botanical Garden's aloe collection is from May to September, when the aloe bloom. On the other hand, with the onset of winter, a huge number of birds appear in the garden, which are also very interesting to watch. Especially many in these places are found sunflowers. In total, about 275 species of birds are known to the avifauna of the garden.

Guests of the Evangrigg Botanical Garden can feel very comfortable in its halls, because a lot of work has been done for this: picnic areas, stands, numerous excursions have been created, guides have been trained, a volleyball court has been equipped, and sanitary facilities have been erected.

VICTORIA FALLS NATIONAL PARK

National park in the north of the country, in the area of ​​Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. Founded in 1931, area 2.3 thousand hectares. It protects the natural complex of tropical rainforests, which includes several hundred species of plants, including ficuses, palms, ebony, various creepers and tree ferns. Near the eastern border of the park grows a unique baobab Big Tree - the largest in Zimbabwe. Its height is 20 m, its diameter is 16 m, and its age is estimated at 1500 years. The fauna is represented by antelopes (kudu, wildebeest, waterbuck and others), as well as baboons, giraffes, elephants and other typical representatives of the Central African fauna, partially described on the page.

Zambezi wonderland
Three famous waterfalls are protected by national parks on the African continent. These are Kabarega Falls on the Victoria Nile River in Uganda, Augrabis on the Orange River in South Africa and, of course, the world-famous Victoria Falls. Comparing them with each other, it is impossible not to admit that in this trio the palm should, no doubt, be given to the latter. Mosi-oa-Tunya - “Thundering smoke” - this is how the hunters of the Batoka tribe called the waterfall on the Zambezi River for a long time. And the matabele cattle breeders living on the opposite bank gave it another, no less poetic name - Chongue, which in their language means "Place of the Rainbow".

The modern name - Victoria - was given to the waterfall in honor of his queen by the first European who saw him in 1855, the Englishman David Livingston. He discovered this natural wonder after two years of hard travel through the savannas and jungles of Central Africa. Three hundred warriors of the local leader Selectu, who accompanied the explorer, did not dare to approach the roaring mass. In their opinion, a formidable deity lived in the abyss under the furiously boiling wall of water, making itself felt with a terrifying growl. Only two of Livingston's most daring companions dared to board a canoe with him and swim to an island located on the crest of a waterfall. But let's leave the word to the traveler himself: “Before our eyes appeared huge pillars of "steam", rising up five or six miles from us. "Steam" rose in five pillars and, deviating in the direction of the wind, looked as if these pillars touched a low cliff covered with forest. At this distance, it seemed as if the pillars above were mingling with the clouds. Below they were white, and above they became dark as smoke. The whole picture was extremely beautiful. The waterfall is bounded on three sides by cliffs about 100 m high, which are covered with forest.

The oarsmen, after guiding a canoe into the middle part of the stream among whirlpools formed by many protruding stones, took me to an island located in the very middle of the river, not far from the ledge over which the water overflowed. Despite the fact that the waterfall was very close, we could not determine where this huge body of water was going; it seemed that it went into the ground, since the opposite ledge of the crack, at which the water disappeared, was only 27 m from us. At least I could not understand it until I crept fearfully to the very edge and looked down into a huge cleft that stretched from one bank to the other across the entire width of the Zambezi ...

Looking deep into the crevice, to the right of the islet, I saw nothing but a thick white cloud, on which at that time there were two bright rainbows. From this cloud a huge jet of "steam" escaped, rose up to 200-300 feet; thickening at the top, the "steam" changed its color, becoming dark as smoke, and went back in a hail of fine spray, which soon left not a single dry thread on us. This downpour falls mainly on the other side of the cleft; a few meters from the edge of the cliff there stand a wall of evergreen trees, the leaves of which are always wet. A modern tourist approaching a waterfall sees almost the same picture as an English explorer a century and a half ago. Thousand-ton masses of water hit the basalt foot of Victoria with such force that the water turns into clouds of spray, flying back in five columnar white clouds, rising hundreds of meters into the sky. They can be seen at a distance of 40 km, and the roar of the waterfall, similar to continuous thunder, is almost as far.

The mighty Zambezi River, overflowing in this place almost 2 km wide, suddenly stumbles here on a giant crack-fault in the basalts, and a mighty water avalanche falls 120 m down, falling into a narrow abyss with 100-meter steep walls, located under the straight line. corner to the upper channel. The islets divide the entire expanse of Victoria into several separate streams, bearing the names: Devil's Falls, Main Falls, Horseshoe, Rainbow and East Falls. Water jets, reminiscent of arrows flying down with foam endings, are carried away into the abyss and disappear in a cloud of spray. Two magnificent rainbows constantly glow above the waterfall. Shocked by the picture that opened before him, Livingston wrote in his diary: "This spectacle was so beautiful that flying angels must have admired it."

The waters of the Zambezi, squeezed by a narrow gorge, boil and bubble like volcanic magma, foam and rage with a wild roar and roar. And under the influence of this fabulous majestic picture, the scientist's pencil turns into the poet's pen, because in the dry language of a scientific report it is impossible to convey the feelings of an eyewitness to this earthly miracle. Here is another excerpt from the description of David Livingston's journey: “The entire mass of water overflowing over the edge of the waterfall, three meters below, turns into a kind of monstrous curtain of snow driven by a snowstorm. Water particles separate from it in the form of comets with streaming tails, until the whole snow avalanche turns into myriads of small comets rushing in one direction, and each of them leaves behind its nucleus a tail of white foam.

Victoria Falls is the only place on Earth where you can see the rarest natural phenomenon - the lunar rainbow. It occurs infrequently - only in those moments when the flood on the Zambezi River coincides with the period of the full moon. And even people who have been here more than once cannot always boast that they saw this night miracle. After all, sometimes 10-15 years pass between the next appearances of the lunar rainbow. It was only recently that the photographers of the National Geographic magazine managed to capture it on film for the first time. It is even difficult to decide what makes the greatest impression when viewing Victoria Falls: the spectacle of a giant river suddenly disappearing into a bottomless pit, the monstrous roar of an avalanche, eternal rainbows in clouds of spray, or the damp splendor of an evergreen forest framing this fantastic picture. Each of the tens of thousands of tourists who annually visit the waterfall takes away something of their own in their memory, something that especially struck him when he met this most beautiful corner of Africa.

Some believe that the most spectacular sensation arises when observing the white pillars of “thundering smoke” in the rays of the sunset, when the fading sun throws a golden yellow stream of rays on the cloud pillars, coloring them in a gray-yellow color, and then it seems that some clouds rise above the water. some giant torches. I must say that the Africans treated their waterfall much more carefully than the Americans, who spoiled the landscape of Niagara with ridiculous observation towers. To see Victoria from above, it is enough to walk 50 m to a huge baobab towering above the green sea of ​​the jungle. Climbing the metal ladder to its top, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the waterfall without disturbing the natural harmony.

Many travelers are not limited only to the spectacle of the waterfall. No matter how beautiful and formidable the sight of a hundred-meter water wall falling into the abyss, Africa still holds many wonders. And if you go on a pirogue trip through the dark waters of the Zambezi, which calmly and majestically spilled above the waterfall, you can see a whole world of mysterious and amazing African nature on the banks and islands of the river: green walls of the jungle descending to the water, bathing hippos and elephants, lurking crocodiles and antelope who came to the watering hole ...

And thrill-seekers sometimes decide on a desperate and full of risk rafting on inflatable rafts along the lower reaches of the Zambezi, roaring furiously and raging in the gorge under the waterfall. On a 20-kilometer stretch of the river, they will have to overcome nineteen rapids with waves reaching six meters in height. However, the sharpness of the impressions received, combined with the wild beauty of the gorge, more than reward the tourist for the risk he has experienced, and the exciting moments of the rafting will forever remain in his memory.

The discoverer of the Victoria Falls, a friend and teacher of the indigenous Africans, Dr. Livingston is immortalized here forever. Just a few meters from the Devil's Falls stands a modest monument to a remarkable explorer. And nearby, in the town bearing the name of Livingston, his memorial museum was opened. And yet, the main monument to the great traveler will probably remain what people from all over the world seek to visit here, in the very heart of Africa: the grandiose waterfall discovered by him, rightfully considered the most beautiful corner of Africa.

Zimbabwe is world famous for the Victoria Falls. It is located on the border with Zambia on the Zambezi River. This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. A wide stream of water (about 1800 m) falls from a height of 120 m, lifting up drops of water, resembling thick fog, which is visible 30 km away. The Zambezi River Basin is the most popular tourist destination in the country. It is home to the Kariba Reservoir, famous for its fishing opportunities, many protected areas where safaris are organized, as well as a large number of reserves for hunting. Hikers will appreciate the Eastern Highlands with the highest peak of Zimbabwe - Mount Inyangani (2592 m), and inquisitive tourists will definitely be interested in visiting the ruins of the cities of the ancient Monomotapa civilization, which are located in the central part of the country.

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is April-May and August-September when the weather is comfortable and dry.

The official language of Zimbabwe is English, but only 2% of the country's population consider it native. The rest of the inhabitants speak the local languages ​​of Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga and Tonga.

Cities and resorts of Zimbabwe

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe, the country's largest city, which is also its cultural and industrial center, located in the northeast of the country. The city was founded in 1890. as the administrative center of the colony of Southern Rhodesia. Now the residence of the president, the government, the highest state and administrative institutions are located here. On the hill at the entrance to Harare, an obelisk was erected in honor of the fighters for the independence of the republic. From the colonial times of the late 19th - early 20th century, Catholic cathedrals, the buildings of the Supreme Court, and parliament have been preserved in Harare. In the city center, administrative buildings, offices and hotels are built of glass and concrete. Marble, mosaic, colored glass, copper are used in the decoration of buildings. The National Museum in Harare presents sections of archeology, history, and ethnography. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe contains collections of Western European painting of the 15th-18th centuries, modern painting and sculpture of Zimbabwe.

Bulawayo - notable for the fact that near it are the Hami Ruins, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 22 km west of the city. This is the second largest ruin in Zimbabwe. As well as the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, which houses a unique collection of exhibits, including the second largest collected from the remains of an elephant in the world, as well as exhibits telling about the history, natural resources and wildlife of Zimbabwe; The Railway Museum, which includes exhibits from old steam locomotives, moving carts and models of old railway stations, as well as a huge collection of other interesting exhibits dating back to the very first days of the history of the railway. The Chipangali Wildlife Sanctuary, 23 km from Bulawayo, provides care for abandoned, sick or orphaned wild animals; The Mzilikazi Art and Folk Art Center offers ceramics, African folk art, sculpture, as well as drawing studios and art galleries; The Tshabalala Wildlife Sanctuary, eight kilometers from the city center along the Matopos Road, has become the natural habitat of giraffes, kudu, zebras, bases and wildebeests, as well as many species of wild and waterfowl.

Dziwa is located 20 km northwest of Nyang between two twin mountains - Dziwa and Nyahokwe. The facilities are located on an area of ​​200 sq. km and include a large number of stone walls. Unlike the walls of Great Zimbabwe, Hami and others, these structures served as a kind of border separating dwellings from agricultural fields. This is one of the few places in Africa where the influence of pre-colonial society on the landscape is clearly visible. Dziva was inhabited in the XV-XVII centuries.

National parks of Zimbabwe

National parks of the country - Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park and many others are rich in rare animals and amaze with the beauty of landscapes.

Hwange National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe. It is home to about 107 animal species and over 400 bird species. For many years, elephants have been considered a symbol of the park, with which huge populations of almost all representatives of the wild animal world of the country peacefully coexist here. According to the latest data, about 17,000 buffaloes, more than 20,000 antelopes of various species, and 3,000 giraffes and zebras each "lodge" in the park. Since the park borders the Kalahari Desert, there are often sharp temperature changes in its south - therefore, between May and July, it is better to have warm clothes with you for the early morning and night.

Zambezi National Park is located just 6 km from Victoria Falls. There you can see elephants, hippos, lions, spotted hyenas, numerous species of antelopes and the most exotic birds on the planet.

The Matobo Reserve is famous for its Matobo Hills, which are considered a sacred place. Matobo is also home to a huge number of black eagles.

Mathusadona National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. The development of civilization in this region is deliberately restrained so that its guests can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the virgin “Mother Africa”.

How to get to Zimbabwe

There are no direct flights to Zimbabwe from Russia. Possible flight options: British Airways flights with a connection in London (involves an overnight stay), as well as a joint flight of Lufthansa and South African Airways with transfers in Frankfurt and Johannesburg. The duration of the flight is about 14-15 hours, excluding connections.

Visa to Zimbabwe

Russian tourists can obtain a Zimbabwe visa upon entry. To obtain a visa upon entry, it will be necessary to present an immigration card, which indicates the surname, name and patronymic of the entrant, gender, date and place of birth, citizenship, address of permanent residence, address of residence in the country, number and validity period of the passport, purpose of the trip, period stay, as well as points of arrival and departure.

To apply for a visa at the Zimbabwe Embassy, ​​the following documents are provided: a passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip (it must contain at least one blank page - the site), three copies of the questionnaire, three 4x5 cm photographs. If the child is entered in the parent's passport , he does not need a separate visa (only three photos of the child must be provided). The consular fee is not charged for children included in the parents' passport.

The term for issuing a visa is 10-14 days. Consular fee - 45 dollars. A single entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Customs

Import and export of foreign currency in Zimbabwe is not limited. The import of the national currency is limited to 50 thousand Zimbabwe dollars, the export - 2 thousand Zimbabwe dollars. You can import duty-free products and goods with a total value of not more than 250 US dollars. The import of drugs and some medicines is prohibited, hunting weapons and ammunition are imported with a special permit. Permission is also required for the export of hunting trophies.

Money in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD), 1 ZWD = 100 cents. Banks are open from 8:00 to 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8:00 to 13:00 on Wednesday and from 8:00 to 11:30 on Saturday. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, the airport, as well as numerous exchange offices. In the markets and in the provinces, you can also pay with the South African rand, and US dollars are accepted for payment almost everywhere.

Due to the high rate of inflation, prices in the country can change very much even for a short period.

What to ride in Zimbabwe

The country has an internal network of airlines. Basically, they get to the Victoria Falls by plane to admire it from a bird's eye view. The sound of water can be heard from 20 km away, and a column of water dust above the waterfall is visible from 40 km away.

By bus you can get anywhere in the country. Modern, comfortable buses run between large cities, and transportation between small cities is carried out by small local buses, which are most often crowded. There are also rail links between Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Mutare. The trains have 3 classes of carriages and berths. Regular bus routes operate only in Harare and Bulawayo. In other settlements, it is better to use taxi services.

To get the most out of visiting the country, you need to rent a jeep and go on a safari. There are many national parks in the country where you can observe hippos, rhinos, crocodiles, buffaloes, roe deer and other rare animals.

What not to do in Zimbabwe

Despite the fact that the people of Zimbabwe are affable, friendly and helpful, it is still recommended for tourists to travel in groups or accompanied by guides.

You should not go to Zimbabwe without first and mandatory medical insurance. No vaccinations are required before visiting the country. Tourists planning to visit national parks need only take antimalarial pills, wear long sleeves and use insecticides. It is recommended to use bottled water for drinking.

And the main advice for tourists: in the country, almost a quarter of the population is infected with AIDS, so you should not buy any food on the street, especially eat them right there without first washing your hands with soap.