Things to do in Zimbabwe

Water-based pastimes on Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is one of the greatest fishing spots in Africa…

By Nicholas Gaunje

Head Guide at Bumi Hills

In terms of activities, we’ve got so much to offer compared to other areas because we have the lake and the advantage of water. A lot of our animals come close to the shoreline where there’s plenty of food to eat. You tend to see them more in this area than others where you have to go and look for them in the bush. It’s also a beautiful spot.

Instead of a game drive you could choose a mid-morning or afternoon fishing trip. Lake Kariba is one of the greatest fishing spots in Africa. There are a lot of different species you can catch but in particular it’s great for tiger fishing and bream. A lot of people who want a challenge choose tiger fishing and we do this on a catch-and- release basis. After you catch one, you can weigh it and see how many kilograms it weighs before releasing it back into the lake.

Another fantastic thing you could do is an afternoon boat cruise starting around 4pm to search for animals on the shoreline. The advantage with this is that you can approach the animals without causing much noise. For birding, Kariba’s amazing because we’ve got over 240 bird species reported in the area; darters, cormorants, plovers, Egyptian geese, herons and so on. You then dock somewhere and wait for sunset – we have some of the best you will ever see.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Unsurpassed Zimbabwe
by Daniel Heatly

Length13 Days

Price range£9,495 - £14,895pp

Alfred & Nicholas Gaunje

Nicholas began working as an automobile electrician in Kariba. He helped mend safari vehicles and accompanied guides on tented safaris. But Nicholas was destined for something greater and his passion for wildlife and fauna helped him fulfil his dream of becoming a guide. Nicholas has worked in various African countries including Botswana, Namibia and Zambia but is most passionate about his home country, Zimbabwe.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Adele, who's travelled extensively in Zimbabwe. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember – the ranger who can show you the best game viewing and fishing spots on the Zambezi, the guide who’ll introduce you to ‘moonbows’ at Victoria Falls and the locals who’ll share their dinner with you.

Adele Jones

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Adele has been travelling for 21 years, with plenty of time in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As a keen wildlife enthusiast she is fascinated by seeing wild animals in their natural environment, as well as understanding how landscape and topography drive their behavioural patterns. Her experience in Africa got off to a memorable start, with a sighting of a wild dog pack within 10-minutes of landing on her first ever safari trip!
Cloud Magondo

Professional Guide at Nyamatusi Camp

Cloud joined African Bush Camps after five years of experience working as a professional river guide. He has also recently achieved his Professional Guide licence, a highly regarded achievement within the safari industry. His passions are canoeing, star gazing, animal behaviour and birds while also recognising the importance of the smaller things like insects and flora. As a guide who canoes the Zambezi, he has plenty of respect for the resident hippo and crocodiles.
Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.
Tich Tandi

Sales and marketing manager at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

During more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Tich Tandi has been everything from a waiter to a tours coordinator in a five-star hotel. Originally from Rusape in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, he now works for Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls as part of the sales and marketing team, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Jane Msamba

Deputy General Manager, Ilala Lodge Hotel

Born in Zimbabwe, Jane began working with Ilala Lodge Hotel as a senior cashier in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks from Junior Tours Consultant to Tours Manager and this year took up the role of Deputy General Manager of the hotel. Happily married with three children, Jane has recently become a proud grandmother. She lives in Victoria Falls with her husband and the couple is passionate about wildlife.
Francis Nyabadza

Guide at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

Francis Nyabadza grew up hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls, and familiarity has done nothing to diminish his sense of awe every time he takes guests to experience this natural wonder for themselves – something he’s been doing for Wild Horizons since 1997. When not at the Falls, his favourite place to take visitors is the village that hosts the company’s Meet the People cultural activity.