The information in this section is reproduced from Mark W. Nolting's book, Africa's Top Wildlife Countries, Revised 6th Edition. This content cannot be reproduced without authorization of the author. To purchase Mark's book, please visit: www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_products.html.

SOUTH AFRICA Introduction Wildlife and Wildlife Viewing Areas Kruger and the Private Reserves Kruger National Park Accommodation The Private Reserves in Sabi Sands Area Accommodation - Sabi-Sand Game Reserve Accommodation – Manyeleti Game Reserve Accommodation - Timbavati Game Reserve Accommodation– Other Reserves in the Region

ZIMBABWE Introduction Wildlife and Wildlife Viewing Areas Gonarezhou National Park Accommodation Accomodation Near Gonarezhou National Park

South Africa is commonly promoted as “The Rainbow Nation” and “A World In One Country”, and with two oceans, subtropical savanna, arid scrubland, deserts, and the impressive Drakensberg Mountains, this is hard to deny. This large country is rich in natural beauty and wildlife diversity and covers about 4% of the continent’s land surface. The southwestern corner (Cape Town and surroundings) is climatically and botanically unique. The country consists of a high-altitude central plateau surrounded by a rim of mountains, which are particularly impressive in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. Think of an inverted soup bowl, and you will have a rough idea of the country’s landscape.

The plateau is temperate in climate, and it is there that most people live and where agriculture is most developed. In the south, the coastal plain is very narrow or non-existent, with cliffs often plunging directly into the sea. In the east, the lowlands are more extensive, most notably in the warm lowveld with the Kruger National Park and its rich wildlife. The country’s largest river is the Orange, which rises in Lesotho and meanders some 600 miles (1,000 km) west to spill out into the Atlantic Ocean. A number of large rivers drain to the east and to the Indian Ocean, predominantly the Limpopo, Olifants, Sabie, Komati, Umfolozi, Tugela and Kei.

There are three distinct climatic zones within South Africa. The entire central plateau and eastern parts, including the lowveld, experience summer rainfall (October to March). It is warm to hot (depending upon altitude) in summer and cool to warm during winter (May to August). Nights can be cold, even at lower altitudes, in mid-winter. The southwestern corner, including Cape Town, experiences
dry, warm summers and cool, wet winters — a Mediterranean climate not unlike California or southern France. The region east of the southwestern Cape, extending along the coast to East London, experiences rainfall throughout the year, but is prone to drought conditions.

Seventy percent of the population belong to four ethnic groups: Zulu (the largest), Xhosa, Tswana and Bapedi. Fifteen percent of the population is white, of which 60% is Afrikaner. English and Afrikaans are spoken throughout the country.

In 1488 Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Dias discovered the Cape of Good Hope. The first Dutch settlers arrived in 1652 and the first British settlers in 1820. To escape British rule, Boer (which means farmer) Voortrekkers (forward marchers) moved from Cape Town to the north and east, establishing the independent Republic of the Transvaal and Orange Free State.

Two very big economic breakthroughs were the discovery of diamonds in 1869 and, even more importantly, the discovery of gold in Transvaal shortly thereafter. Conflict between the British and Boers resulted in two separate Anglo-Boer Wars from 1899 and the ultimate British victory in 1902.

In 1910 the Union of South Africa was formed and remained a member of the British Commonwealth until May 31, 1961, when the Republic of South Africa was formed outside the British Commonwealth. On April 27, 1994, a national election open to all races was held and was won by the African National Congress (ANC) under the charismatic leadership of Nelson Mandela. Since that time, South Africa has been welcomed back into the international fold, and tourism has increased dramatically.

In line with its numerous distinct geographic, altitudinal and climatic zones, South Africa supports a great diversity of wildlife and plants. In fact, well over 10% of all the world’s plants and flowers occur in South Africa. Virtually all of Africa’s great land mammals are to be found (mostly in the eastern lowlands), as well as whales, dolphins and other marine species in the surrounding oceans. In many places, large mammals have been reintroduced to locations where they were once hunted to extinction, with the white rhinoceros being perhaps the biggest success story.

Birdlife is outstanding throughout the country, with some 600 breeding species and close to 800 overall, including Eurasian migrants and seabirds. A good number of bird species are endemic (restricted) to South Africa, particularly in the Karoo, highveld grasslands and Cape fynbos regions, making this a highly popular destination among international birdwatchers.

Reptiles, frogs and other life forms are equally well represented. The Cape fynbos region is home to an astonishing 8500 plant species and is considered to be one of the world’s eight Floristic Regions. The plants in this winter rainfall area are characterized by relatively small leaves and include many varieties of erica and protea. The Karoo is a semi-arid scrubland, but it is a botanist’s dream because of its astonishing number of hardy and succulent plants. The much-celebrated Namaqualand region is renowned for its springtime (late Augustearly September) displays of colorful flowers. True forests are sparse in South Africa, with only small patches on the south coast near Knysna and Transkei, and along the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the eastern escarpment. Acacia, combretum and mopane dominatethe sub-tropical lowlands, with taller, evergreen trees along rivers and watercourses.

South Africa has a good network of protected areas, with over 700 publicly owned reserves (including 19 national parks), which cover about 6% of the land surface. In addition to that, there are about 200 private game and wildlife reserves. The Kruger National Park is the largest park, and together with the second largest (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park), accounts for about 40% of the total protected area. The great majority of the other parks and sanctuaries are quite small.

In recent years, South Africa has been the primary catalyst for a number of proposed Trans Frontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), which link protected areas across national boundaries and form “corridors”to link separated parks. The idea is to have multi-use areas, which incorporate the needs of local people while safeguarding the natural resources over a larger area. The first of these areas to be formally promulgated was the Kgalagadi National Park, which is shared with Botswana, to embrace the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Other TFCAs are in various stages of negotiation and development in Mozambique, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The Kruger and other national parks are ideally suited to self-drive visitors and are most popular with South African holiday-makers and larger coach-tour (40+ tourists) groups. Open vehicles are generally not allowed, although a few local companies are now allowed open sided and canvas-roofed vehicles. Visitors are required to stick to a designated road and track network.

Accommodation is mostly at large rest camps, although there are some smaller bush camps. Most campsites have ablution blocks (communal bathrooms) with hot and cold water, and many sites even have laundry facilities. Generally speaking, the major roads in the parks are tarred and the minor roads are constructed of good quality gravel, allowing for comfortable riding — and mass tourism. In contrast, a number of private reserves offer premier accommodation, superb food, day and night game drives in open vehicles and escorted walks.

Leopard, lion and other animals have become accustomed to game viewing vehicles at several of these comparatively small reserves, and local guides often know the territories or whereabouts of particular animals, which ensures more predictable and intimate encounters. Trained guides and trackers interpret the wildlife and ecosystem for guests. In a move toward partial privatization, the Kruger has recently allocated sites within the park for experienced operators to set up and manage more exclusive camps and lodges.

The most popular area in the country for wildlife safaris for international visitors is the private reserves that lie along Kruger National Park’s western border, possibly followed by Kruger National Park itself.

There is a tremendous difference in the variety and quality of experience between visiting Kruger National Park and staying in the National Park rest camps versus visiting the adjacent private reserves. In Kruger, which has over 500,000 tourists each year, only closed vehicles are allowed, and off-road driving is not allowed. Park rangers in open park vehicles conduct night game drives, but driving after dark in private vehicles are not allowed. Facilities are fair to basic.

In the adjacent private reserves, day and night game viewing is conducted in open vehicles, walking is allowed and facilities are excellent. In other words, visitors have a greater opportunity to experience the bush in the private reserves than in Kruger. However, a safari to Kruger National Park using national park camps is considerably less expensive than a safari of the same length in the private reserves.

The best game viewing in Kruger National Park is May-October, during the sunny, dry winter season, when the grass has been grazed down and the deciduous plants have lost their leaves. Game viewing in the private reserves is actually good year-round, because the guides are in radio contact with other vehicles (they can direct each other to the best sightings) and can drive off-road in search of game. Calving season is in early spring (September–October) for most game species.

Winter days (June-August) are usually warm, with an average maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and clear skies. Late afternoons are cool, while temperatures at night and in the early morning sometimes drop below freezing. From October to February there are light rains, with December, January and February receiving the heaviest downpours. Temperatures from October to February sometimes rise to over 100°F (38°C). March and April are cooler as the rains begin to diminish.

The best time to look for over 450 bird species in this region is October-March — just the opposite of the best game viewing periods. However, birdwatching is good year-round because less than half the bird population is composed of seasonal migrants.To get to the area from Johannesburg, many people take about an hour’s flight to Mpumalanga, Hoedspruit, or an air charter directly to their camp. Alternatively, the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger (Skukuza) is about 250 miles (400 km) northeast on good tarred roads and takes five to six hours.

Kruger is the largest South African park and has more species of wildlife than any other game sanctuary in Africa — 130 species of mammals, 114 species of reptiles, 48 species of fish, 33 species of amphibians and 468 species of birds.

The park is home to large populations of elephant (over 8,000), buffalo (over 25,000), Burchell’s zebra (over 25,000), greater kudu, giraffe, impala, white rhino, black rhino, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena, among others.

Kruger’s 7,523 square miles (19,485 km2) make it nearly the size of the state of Massachusetts. The park is 55 miles wide at its widest point and 220 miles (355 km) long. It had been totally fenced until fairly recently, when the fences separating the park and the Timbavati and Sabi Sand Reserves were taken down, effectively increasing the size of the reserve by 15% and allowing the wildlife greater freedom of movement. However, the annual winter migration routes of antelope, zebra and various other species in search of water and better grazing are still cut off by fences. Several hundred windmills and artificial water holes have been constructed to provide the water that is so desperately needed in the dry season.

The park can be divided into three major regions: northern, central/ southeastern and southwestern. Altitude varies from 650 feet (200 m) in the east to 2,950 feet (900 m) at Pretoriuskop in the southwest.

The northern region from the Letaba River to the Limpopo River is the driest. Mopane trees dominate the landscape, with the unique baobab (upside-down) trees becoming increasingly numerous toward Pafuri and the Limpopo River. From Letaba to Punda Maria is the best region for spotting elephant, tsessebe, sable and roan antelope. Elephant prefer this area since it is less developed than the other regions, making it easier to congregate away from roads and traffic, and mopane trees (their preferred source of food) are prevalent.

The central/southeastern region is situated south of Letaba to Orpen Gate and also includes the eastern part of the park from Satara southward, covering Nwanedzi, Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge. Grassy plains and scattered knobthorn, leadwood, and marula trees dominate the landscape. Lion inhabit most areas of the park but are most prevalent in this region, where there is also an abundance of zebra and wildebeest — their favorite prey. Cheetah and blackbacked jackal are best spotted on the plains. Wild dogs are mainly scattered through flatter areas, with possibly a better chance of finding them in the Letaba-Malopene River area, Skukuza, and northwest of Malelane.

The southwestern part of the park, including a wide strip along the western boundary from Skukuza to Orpen Gate, is more densely forested with thorny thickets, knobthorn, marula and red bush-willow. This is the most difficult region in which to spot game — especially during the rainy season. Many of the park’s 600 white rhino prefer this area.

Black rhino are scattered throughout the southern and central areas, often feeding on low-lying acacia trees. Although common, mostly nocturnal leopard are rarely seen. Buffalo roam throughout the park, while hippo prefer to inhabit the deeper parts of Kruger’s many rivers by day. Among the most conspicuous of Kruger’s birds are the raptors. Commonly encountered throughout the year are the tawny eagle, bateleur, brown snake eagle and martial eagle, while the migratory Wahlberg’s eagle is present in large numbers between September and March. A hundred or more white-backed vultures commonly show up at carcasses of large mammals, with lappetfaced, white-headed and hooded vultures in smaller numbers. Even without a prior interest in birds, you’ll soon become captivated by the abundant lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-billed hornbills, greater blue-eared starlings, long-tailed shrikes and fork-tailed drongos. Several species of francolin can be seen crossing roads, particularly in the late afternoon, and red-billed oxpecker are always found pecking ticks from the coats of antelope, rhino and giraffe. In the wet season, carmine bee-eater, woodland kingfisher and European roller are conspicuous roadside birds. Some of the best birdwatching is in the rest camps and picnic spots where you have a chance to walk around and listen. When out on the roads, it is advisable to switch off the vehicle motor on a regular basis to just listen and wait — you’ll soon be rewarded with sightings of a variety of birds.

During school holidays and long weekends, the number of day visitors to the park is limited and accommodations are almost impossible to obtain. Be sure to reserve in advance.

CLASS A+: * Singita Lebombo Lodge is located on a 37,500-acre (15,000-hectare) private concession area within Kruger National Park, east of Satara along the Mozambique border. The lodge, situated on elevated outcrops overlooking the confluence of the Nwanetsi and Sweni rivers, has 21 luxurious air-conditioned suites (one cluster of 15 suites and one of six) with ensuite facilities and private plunge pools, health spa, gym and swimming pool. Day and night game drives and walks are offered.
CLASS A:* Ngala Lodge has 20 air-conditioned cottages with separate lounge and ensuite bathrooms and a swimming pool. Day and night game drives, walks, and three-day walking safaris are offered in a luxury mobile tented camp. * Ngala Tented Safari Camp has six spacious tents set on wooden platforms with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Jock Safari Lodge, located on a private concession area within the southern part of Kruger, has 12 luxury suites with private salas (outdoor lounges) and a swimming pool. Day and night game drives are conducted.
CLASS B/C, C, D & CAMPING: There are 16 National Park Rest Camps that offer a wide range of accommodations, including cottages with ensuite facilities, thatched huts, with or without private facilities, and campsites. The larger rest camps have licensed restaurants. Many of the cottages and huts have cooking facilities and refrigerators.
CLASS A/B: * Malelane Intercontinental, located near Kruger’s southernmost gate, has 102 chalets and suites with ensuite facilities overlooking several water holes.

Along the western border of Kruger are found a number of privately owned wildlife reserves. Associations of ranchers have fenced the western boundary of their reserves but have not placed fences between their individual properties, allowing game to roam throughout the reserves and Kruger National Park. The private reserves, in general, have exceptionally high standards of accommodation, food and service.

A very important advantage private reserves have over national parks is that private reserves use open vehicles, which give not only a better view but also a much better feel of the bush. At most reserves, a game tracker sits on the hood or the back of each vehicle. Drivers are in radio contact with each other, greatly increasing the chances of finding those species that guests want to see most.

Vehicles may leave the road to pursue game through the bush. Night drives, which are only allowed in national park vehicles in Kruger, provide an opportunity to spot nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day. Walking safaris with an armed tracker are available.

Sabi-Sand Private Game Reserve is situated about a five-hour drive or one hour by air from Johannesburg. There is scheduled air service to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport located about 87 miles (140 km) from the reserve. All the lodges have airstrips for private air charters. Lodges in the reserve include Singita (Boulders and Ebony camps), Mala Mala (Mala Mala Main Camp, Kirkman’s and Harry’s camps), Londolozi (Bateleur, Tree, Bush and Pioneer), Ulusaba (Rock and Safari Lodge) and Djuma (Vuyatela Lodge and Djuma Bush Lodge), Sabi Sabi (Earth, Bush and Selati), Simbambili, Exeter, Inyati and Idube reserves. All of the camps offer day and night game drives and walks. Many guests take scheduled flights to Mpumalanga International Airport and are transferred to their respective camps. Others fly by private charter, drive or travel by tour bus to the camp of their choice.
CLASS A+: Singita was rated by Conde Naste Traveler Magazine as the best resort in the world in 2001.* Singita Boulders Lodge has nine airconditioned
suites with ensuite facilities, deck, fireplace and private plunge pool. * Singita Ebony Lodge has nine air-conditioned rooms with fireplace, deck, private plunge pool and ensuite facilities. Boulders and Ebony share a gym and spa center. * Mala Mala Main Camp is a luxurious camp with 25 air-conditioned, spacious thatched rondavels (each with two ensuite “his” and “hers” bathrooms) and a swimming pool. The lodge has won the “Best Hotel in the World” award from Travel and Leisure Magazine five times. * Londolozi Pioneer Camp has six large and luxurious air-conditioned suites with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Londolozi Tree Camp has six luxury air-conditioned suites with ensuite facilities. Each suite has its own plunge pool and a private sala. The camp has a boma, swimming pool and lounge deck. *Earth Lodge (Sabi Sabi Reserve) has 12 air-conditioned suites with their own plunge pools and patios. The lodge has a wine cellar, health spa, library and swimming pool. * Ulusaba Rock Lodge, located on a hill 800 feet (244 m) high, with spectacular views of the reserve, has rooms with ensuite facilities, each with a private deck overlooking the savanna below. The lodge has a swimming pool surrounded by a natural waterfall, two tennis courts and a masseuse.
CLASS A: * Vuyatela (Djuma Game Reserve) has eight unique chalet suites, each with a private lounge separated from the bedroom by a beautiful teak deck, ending with a private plunge pool. The main lodge overlooks a water hole and has a suspended birdwatching tower. There is also a gym and relaxation room. * Londolozi Bateleur Camp has 10 luxury chalets and two suites (Class A+), each with their own private verandah and plunge pool.* Londolozi Founders Camp has six suites with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Kirkman’s Kamp (Mala Mala Reserve) overlooks the Sand River and has 18 air-conditioned rooms with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Simbambili Lodge, located in the northern part of the reserve, has eight air-conditioned, thatched chalets with private facilities, plunge pools and salas. * Lion Sands River Lodge is located in the southern part of the reserve with 6 miles (10 km) of river frontage on the Sabie River. The lodge has 14 airconditioned, thatched rooms with ensuite facilities, gym and heath spa, swimming pool, sala and four hides. * Lion Sands South Camp has six air-conditioned, thatched rooms with ensuite facilities, private decks, gym and health spa, swimming pool and two hides. Fishing is also offered. * Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge overlooks a water hole and has 22 airconditioned rooms and five suites with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Harry’s Camp (Mala Mala Reserve) consists of 12 air-conditioned Ndebele-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms and a swimming pool * Selati Lodge (Sabi Sabi) has eight air-conditioned chalets (including a Presidential Suite with private vehicle/guide) with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Leopard Hills, located in the western part of Sabi Sands, is built on a hill overlooking a waterhole and has eight airconditioned suites with private plunge pools and swimming pool. * Ulusaba Safari Lodge, situated on the banks of the Mabrak River, has 10 luxurious “tree” chalets built on wooden stilts from which you can watch the game wander by the water hole in front of the lodge. A spa treatment center and tennis courts are shared with guests of Ulusaba Rock Lodge. * Exeter has 10 thatched air-conditioned, ensuite chalets set on the banks of the Sand River, and a swimming pool.
CLASS A/B: * Djuma Bush Lodge offers seven comfortable air-conditioned thatched-roof rondavels with ensuite facilities, a pool, bar and viewing deck. * Idube Game Lodge has nine air-conditioned chalets with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Inyati Game Lodge has nine thatched chalets (doubles) with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool.

Guests fly to Hoedspruit or by charter aircraft directly to their respective camps.
CLASS B: * Honeyguide Safari Camp caters to a maximum of 24 guests in tents with ensuite facilities. Daily walking trails and night game drives are offered.

Guests of the camps listed below fly to Hoedspruit or by charter aircraft directly to their respective camps. Day and night game drives and walks are offered.
CLASS A/B: * Kings Camp has 10 air-conditioned, thatched bungalows with ensuite facilities and minibars, and a swimming pool. * Motswari has 15 rondavels with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. * Tanda Tula Bush Camp has 12 tents with ensuite facilities.

CLASS A+: * Royal Malewane, situated near Hoedspruit and adjacent to the Kruger National Park, has six regal suites including a two-bedroom Royal Suite with private vehicle and guide, providing a feel of original colonial elegance.
CLASS A: * Thornybush Main Lodge, located in the Thornybush Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger, has 20 glass-fronted air-conditioned suites including two family units with ensuite facilities and decks overlooking a waterhole, and a swimming pool.
CLASS A/B: * Edeni Safari Lodge, situated within the Karongwe Game Reserve, has 13 suites with ensuite facilities, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a wooden deck overlooking the bush, and a swimming pool.

Thought by some to be the land of King Solomon’s mines, Zimbabwe (previously called Rhodesia) is a country blessed with good farmland, mineral wealth, beautiful and varied landscapes, and excellent game parks.

Most of Zimbabwe consists of a central plateau, 3,000-4,000 feet (915-1,220 m) above sea level. The highveld, or high plateau, stretches from southwest to northeast from 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,220 to 1,525 m) with a mountainous region along the eastern border from 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,830 to 2,440 m) in altitude.

The northern border is formed by the mighty Zambezi River, while the Limpopo River creates the division between Zimbabwe and South Africa in the south. The spectacular Victoria Falls were created by a fracture in the Zambezi Valley, which is an extension of the Great Rift Valley.

Zimbabwe is a land-locked country, but it is rich in biological diversity due to its proximity to the temperate south, tropical north and semi-arid west. Much of the country is a highland plateau at about 3,300 feet (1,000 m) above sea level on one of the world’s oldest granite formations. In the north and south, the Zambezi and Limpopo River valleys, respectively, create hot lowlands as well as international boundaries. The granite shield forms the main watershed of the country, with numerous spectacular rock formations. This plateau is dominated by miombo woodland, but is also ideal farming country, so much of the natural vegetation has been replaced.

The so-called Eastern Highlands are a chain of sandstone and basalt mountains, characterized by a cooler, wetter climate. The highest peaks rise above 6,500 feet (2,000 m). Temperate forests occur in patches from Nyanga to Chimanimani, and sub-tropical forests are found in the humid lowlands of the Honde, Burma and Rusitu valleys, which enter Mozambique. In the western part of the country, on the border with Botswana, deep Kalahari sands dominate in places and create yet another unique environment for wildlife.

The climate is moderate on the central plateau, but hot in the lowlying Zambezi and Limpopo valleys. Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. Winter days (May-August) are generally dry and sunny with day temperatures averaging 59-68°F (15-20°C). Summer daytime temperatures average 77-86°F (25-30°C), and October is the hottest month. The rainy season is December-March.

The major ethnic groups are the Mashona and Ndebele. About 50% of the population is syncretic (part Christian and part traditional beliefs), 25% Christian, 24% traditional and 1% Hindu and Muslim. Twenty-five percent of the population lives in urban areas, with half of that 25% residing in the cities of Harare and nearby Chitungwiza. English is understood by a majority of the population.

In the first century, the region was inhabited by hunters related to the San Bushmen. Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa Company took control in 1890, and the area was named Southern Rhodesia, which became a British colony in 1923. Prime Minister Ian Smith and the white minority declared unilateral independence from Britain on November 11, 1965. Zimbabwe officially became independent on April 18, 1980, with Robert Mugabe as president.

Main foreign exchange earners are tobacco, minerals, agriculture and tourism.

Zimbabwe has had more than its share of political and economic woes during the last few years. As of this writing, security at Zimbabwe’s major attractions (Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matobo, Matusadona and Mana Pools) has been fine, and tourists who have traveled there have been handsomely rewarded with excellent wildlife viewing and guiding in uncrowded parks.

Adventurers wishing to do more than view wildlife from a vehicle should seriously consider a safari in Zimbabwe. It offers the greatest variety of methods of wildlife viewing in Africa, including day and night game drives in open vehicles, boat game drives, walking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and travel by houseboat.

As mentioned earlier, the country is situated at the junction of three major climatic zones (temperate south, tropical northeast and semiarid west), and there is a resultant diversity of wildlife. All of Africa’s big-game species are here, as well as over 660 bird species and an amazing variety of reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. Plant life is equally impressive, from Afro-alpine proteas in the east to tropical baobabs in the hot valleys of the north and south. The distinctive miombo woodlands (dominated by Brachystegia trees) are characterized by a unique variety of plants and associated wildlife. Birdwatching is hugely rewarding and many ornithological groups visit the country.

Zimbabwe offers excellent and well-maintained parks and reserves. The country’s three premier reserves, which also rate among the best in Africa, are Hwange, Mana Pools and Matusadona National Parks. Hwange National Park is famous for its huge elephant population (over 25,000) and numerous large pans. Matusadona National Park, located along the southern shores of beautiful Lake Kariba, has enormous buffalo and elephant populations. During the dry season, Mana Pools on the Zambezi River has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife of any park on the continent.

Many of the safari camps cater to only six to 16 guests and offer personalized service, excellent accommodations and superb guiding. The professional guiding standards in Zimbabwe are, in fact, the highest of any country on the continent.

Instead of driving to the reserves, many people fly to the parks, taking advantage of scheduled charter flights connecting Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matobo Hills, Matusadona, Mana Pools and Harare. There are also a number of deluxe, first class and participation group or private mobile tented safaris available, during which guests are driven from park to park or combine driving and flying.

Game viewing is by open vehicle, and walking is allowed with a licensed Professional Guide who carries a high-caliber rifle at all times. Night game drives are conducted in some areas adjacent to the reserves and on some private concessions within the reserves.

The second largest park in Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou borders the country of Mozambique in southeastern Zimbabwe and covers over 1,950 square miles (5,053 km2) of bush.

Gonarezhou means “the place of many elephants” and is definitely elephant country. Other species commonly seen are lion, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and a variety of antelope species. Nyala are regularly seen in riverine areas. Rarely seen are roan antelope and Liechtenstein’s hartebeest.

The park is divided into two regions, the Chipinda Pools section, which includes the Runde and Save subregions, and the Mabalauta section. Game viewing is best in the Runde subregion.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of the reserve is the Chilojo Cliffs on the broad Runde River. These impressive cliffs are composed of oxide-rich sandstone, which is spectacularly colorful at sunset.

Much of the park is comprised of Mopane woodland and scrub, some of which has been drastically altered by the browsing activities of elephants. Gonarezhou was once home to some of the most magnificent baobab trees in Africa, but many of these were lost during a crippling drought in 1991-93.

Visited mostly by the more adventurous, this park provides a true wilderness experience. Among the birds to be seen here are giant eagle owl, lappet-faced vulture, woolly-necked stork, Bohm’s spinetail, red-billed helmetshrike and golden-breasted bunting.

Gonarezhou has been earmarked for incorporation into the proposed Kruger-Gaza Transfrontier Reserve, but only time will tell if this gigantic conservation area will come to pass.

The park is usually only open in the dry season, May 1 to October 31. Winter temperatures are mild; however, summer temperatures can exceed 104°F (40°C).

From Masvingo, drive southwest to Chiredzi, then continue either 36 miles (58 km) to Chipinda Pools or 105 miles (170 km) to Mabalauta Camp. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended. The nearest airstrip is Buffalo Range.

CLASS A/B: * Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, set on the cliffs of the gorge overlooking the Save River, has 14 thatched lodges (doubles) with ensuite facilities. * Mahenye Safari Lodge is situated on the Save River bordering the reserve and consists of eight thatched lodges (doubles) with ensuite facilities.
CLASS F: * Swimuwini, which means “the place of baobabs,” is located 5 miles (8 km) from the Warden’s Office and has three self-service chalets and an ablution block.
CAMPING: * Chipinda Pools Camping and Caravan Site and * Chinguli have ablution blocks. Seven remote campsites with basic facilities are also available. * Mabalauta has five camping/trailer (caravan) sites.

CLASS A: * Pamushana is a luxury lodge consisting of four large double and two spacious family air-conditioned villas with ensuite facilities, swimming pool and sauna. Activities include day and night game drives, walks, canoeing, bass and bream fishing and visits to San Bushman paintings. * Nduna Lodge, set on the 378-square-mile (980- km2) Lone Star Reserve bordering Gonarezhou National Park, has six air-conditioned luxury stone-and-thatch chalets (doubles) with ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. The lodge is nestled in a rock amphitheater on the edge of a lake. Elephant, buffalo, lion, black rhino, leopard and a variety of antelope may be seen. Activities include day and night game drives, canoeing, walks and viewing Bushman paintings. Easiest access is by private air charter. * Senuko Lodge, located in the Save Valley Conservancy approximately 44 miles (70 km) from Chiredzi, has eight chalets with a unique open-front design with rolldown canvas screens, and ensuite facilities and a swimming pool. Day and night game drives, walks and visits to local villages are offered.