Jen's Zimbabwe Trip
A few months ago my boss Mark told me that the chance had come up for us to go on a trip to Zimbabwe so we could experience all it has to offer and then I would be fully equipped to share our knowledge with our customers who want to travel here!
Well, it would be a lie to say my emotions were mixed as the itinerary looked amazing and so exciting however I did have reservations as to how safe I would be! Was it a secret ploy for my boss to leave me there!
The only emotions that I should have felt were excitement and anticipation as this really was the best trip of my life! And no he didn’t leave me behind I am safely back in UK much to my disappointment!
We travelled in our land cruiser with our Tour Guide Thula Manzini and 7 other guests.
Our trip over the next 7 days our Zimbabwe holiday would take us from Bulawayo – Matopos - Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Gweru – Hwange - Victoria Falls – End.
The highlights were endless and I think my quote everyday was 'no today' really has been the best one' however they just kept getting better.
Our first few days we were launched into local culture, visiting Matusadona National Park where the scenery was breath-taking and is also the chosen burial site of Cecil Rhodes which you can visit whilst here.
We then moved on to spend a morning at The Great Zimbabwe Ruins (below) which cover over 1800 acres and are some of the largest and oldest structures in Southern Africa.
Having soaked up the local culture it was time to explore the animal world and this I couldn’t wait for. Gweru which is Marks home town is home to Antelope Park, a conservation establishment geared primarily towards lions.
This amazing place offered a multitude of experiences I wouldn’t usually get in Belfast including meeting an elephant bathing in the lake trying cooling off to sharing a morning walk with two rescued lions Mel & Meeka and once healthy will be released back into the wild.
Moving to Hwange National Park we were to begin our first game drive and I was not disappointed as we got to see zebra, giraffe, buffalo, impala and elephant. Hwange National Park is one of the finest havens for wildlife you won’t be disappointed.
For our last days in Zimbabwe we spent it at Victoria Falls and wow was it a sight to behold. Forced by Mark to do a helicopter flight over the Falls (I knew he was trying to lose me!) which I am so grateful now that he did make me. What a view ...........
You can also experience the Falls by foot which I also did so it was superb to experience both views.
The highlights aren’t just for the day you will also enjoy many memorable experiences at night. In true African tradition most evenings begin with a sundowner which involves everyone sharing their tales from the day around the campfire over their choice of beverage.
Zimbabwe exceeded all my expectations and throughout I never felt in any danger, the country has been to hell and back and whilst the politics are still being sorted out at a grass roots level it couldn’t have been safer! I look forward to helping you with planning your trip to this amazing country!!!
Jen