Zimbabwe is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Full of rivers, trees and incredible untouched wilderness, this is a stunning place to visit and see wildlife. Zimbabweans are warm and friendly people and it is a very safe country despite the troubles it has been through in the last 20 years. Zimbabwe is unspoiled, charmingly behind the times and therefore has escaped the madness of the modern world!

Mana Pools is my favourite park in Africa. With a backdrop of mountains across the Zambezi in Zambia, Mana is full of huge trees and open glades with the mighty Zambezi flowing quietly past. In these glades you will see some of the most relaxed and gentle elephants on the continent, lion, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and amazing birdlife. Walking safaris here are phenomenal, and Zimbabwe is famous for some of the best guides in Africa, with the most stringent professional guides’ qualification system anywhere. Staying in a tented camp or thatched bush camp on the Zambezi and spending your days canoeing on the river, fishing for tiger fish, walking with a true wildlife expert, on game drives or an evening sun downer overlooking the Zambezi with elephants crossing the river, you simply cannot beat this wilderness destination.

Hwange National Park is full of wildlife and authentic lodges and camps. Combined with Mana Pools and a trip to Victoria Falls, this is an excellent circuit. If you love wilderness and are not so keen on people, Zimbabwe has smaller wilderness parks such as Gonarezhou which are true gems and you won’t find better guides anywhere in Africa. It is also excellent value for money.