Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in south-central Africa. It lies between the Zambezi River in the North and the Limpopo River to the south. The country has land borders with Mozambique to the north and east, South Africa to the South, Botswana to the southwest and Zambia to the northwest and north. Formerly the British Crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, Zimbabwe's earliest inhabitants can actually be traced back to the 5th century.

It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980. Since then Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister, has dominated the country's political system. During this time Mugabe’s reputation as a champion of the anti-colonial movement has since changed to that of an authoritarian ruler responsible for ruining the country’s economy and for egregious human rights abuses. In the March 2008 elections, Mugabe was defeated by Morgan Tsvangirai, but refused to step down and continued to rule until finally being deposed in November 2017. Whether his successor proves to be any better remains to be seen!

Once a great safari destination of staggering beauty, with the Hwange National Park and Lower Zambezi area (leading to Victoria Falls) among its best-known tourist destinations, Zimbabwe now has a large question mark over it as a tourist destination, as the country wallows in the depths of despair created by the Mugabe regime. Tourism does still exist within the country, but neighbouring Zambia has taken over most of the interest previously shown in the area, especially in offering a better, and safer, access to the Victoria Falls.

A number of tour operators are beginning to put Zimbabwe forward as a tourist destination once more. We disagree. Although it may well be true that, for recovery to take place, tourism must be allowed to return, that time is not yet. Despite what you might be told, the game reserves have been devastated, and the safari experience here is also probably the least safe in Africa (possibly due to inexperienced guides), with several deaths occurring quite avoidably. In any case, why take the risk of getting a poor experience, when there is no need to? Neighbouring Zambia has equally fine scenery and its wildlife is amongst the best in Africa; its guide quality is superb, and its infrastructure excellent. Most important of all, Zambia is probably the safest destination in Africa.