Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, which flows between Zimbabwe and Zambia, but Zimbabwe has always been the most popular access point. The force of the water sends a spray up into the air that can be seen from a 30 km (19 mile) distance. Due to its formation, excellent viewing of the Falls is possible from many angles, making for great photographic opportunities.
Victoria Falls is one of the world's most beautiful and romantic destinations. Designated a protected World Heritage Site, it is one of the few waterfalls in the world where one can witness up close the spectacular sight of over 550 million litres (145 million gallons) of water barrelling down a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) wide precipice.
Since its “discovery” by Scottish missionary and explorer Dr David Livingstone in 1855, the Victoria Falls has attracted travellers from far and wide in search of adventure and discovery. Its exceptional scenery and elegant hotels have made it a favourite with honeymooners and those looking for a romantic getaway. The town of Victoria Falls is a traveller’s delight, with loads of adrenalin-packed adventures, beautiful attractions, restaurants and hotels. Renowned as a World Heritage Site, this region also boasts great game viewing in the pristine reserves surrounding the Falls.Enjoy the colonial atmosphere and elegant furnishings on board the Ra-Ikane, a small luxury cruise boat that will transport you along the beautiful Zambezi River in slink style. The boat is filled with historical memorabilia and offers guests utterly mouthwatering menus. Indulge in your choice of lunch, sunset or dinner cruises.
Luxury hotels , activities and scnic flights and freindly people that makes zimbabwe be the best destination in southern africa with a lot to offer for visitors.Memories that every visitor will never forget.
Enjoy the colonial atmosphere and elegant furnishings on board the Ra-Ikane, a small luxury cruise boat that will transport you along the beautiful Zambezi River in slink style. The boat is filled with historical memorabilia and offers guests utterly mouthwatering menus. Indulge in your choice of lunch, sunset or dinner cruises.
Luxury hotels , activities and scnic flights and freindly people that makes zimbabwe be the best destination in southern africa with a lot to offer for visitors.Memories that every visitor will never forget.
Great Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins (sometimes just called Great Zimbabwe) are sub-Saharan Africa's most important and largest stone ruins. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1986, the large towers and structures were built out of millions of stones balanced perfectly on top of one another without the aid of mortar. Great Zimbabwe gave modern Zimbabwe its name as well as its national emblem -- an eagle carved stylishly out of soapstone which was found at the ruins.
The Rise of Great Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe society is believed to have become increasingly influential during the 11th Century. The Swahili, the Portuguese and Arabs who were sailing down the Mozambique coast began trading porcelain, cloth and glass with the Great Zimbabwe people in return for gold and ivory. As the Great Zimbabwe people flourished, they built an empire whose huge stone buildings which would eventually spread over 200 square miles (500 km2). It is thought that as many as 18,000 people lived here during its heyday.
The Fall of Great Zimbabwe
By the 15th Century, Great Zimbabwe was in decline due to over population, disease and political discord. By the time the Portuguese arrived in search of rumored cities built of gold, Great Zimbabwe had already fallen into ruin.
Recent History of Great Zimbabwe
During colonial times when white supremacy was in vogue, many believed that Great Zimbabwe couldn't possibly have been built by black Africans. Theories were bandied around, some believed that Great Zimbabwe was built by Phoenicians or Arabs. Others believed white-settlers must have built the structures. It wasn't until 1929 that archaeologist Gertrude Caton-Thompson categorically proved that Great Zimbabwe was built by black-Africans.
Nowadays, various tribes in the region claim that Great Zimbabwe was built by their ancestors. Archaeologists generally agree that the Lemba tribe is most likely responsible.
Matopos National Park
The Matobo National Park lies in the Matobo Hills, which are a 200 million year old range of granite domes, spires and unique smoothly-rounded balancing boulders created by years of erosion. The 424 sq km park is the burial ground for colonial imperialist Cecil Rhodes and his peaceful grave can be visited on the top of one of these outcrops of rock. It is also home to a diversity of wildlife, and has one of the largest densities of leopard in Africa, and considerable populations of both the black and white rhinoceros.
Painted Dog Conservation Project
African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs, are unique to Africa and they are among the continent's most endangered species. It is estimated that a mere 3,000 remain. The population in Zimbabwe is one of the last strongholds of the species, and this conservation charity, funded mostly by overseas donations, provides a refuge for rescued wild dog, mostly pups that have lost their mothers to lions. They are extremely social animals and are often misunderstood as a voracious killer. The project gives us the opportunity to understand the rehabilitation of these amazing aminals.
Lake Kariba
Kariba is the largest man made dam ever built. The source of all the water is the 4 largest river in Africa called the Zambezi river. The lake is 290 kms long and 30km wide at it’s widest part. The dam wall was completed in 1960 and was built to provide hydro electric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia. The name Kariba is derived from the word Kariva meaning trap and refers to a rock which is now buried under the water near the dam wall , that before the dam wall was built , used to thrust out of the swirling water in the entrance of the gorge. This rock was considered the home of the great river god Nyaminyami. Kariba provides much need power to Zimbabwe and Zambia but it also has a thriving fishing industry that is a huge source of protein for the Zimbabwe and Zambia. Lake Kariba also supports a huge tourism industry that is a really important to the region as a big income generator for the local communities.
Kariba is a surrounded by National Parks and it provides a plentiful water supply for all the wildlife. This ensures that Utopia will provide a great base from which to view this wild life. With boat mooring every night at different positions all over the lake you are guaranteed to have a front row seat to all the wildlife around the lake. Popular sighting include elephants, hippos , crocodiles , impala , waterbuck , baboons with occasional sightings of lion also possible.
Fishing is the most popular activity on the lake. The tigerfish is a very popular fish to target due to their renowned fighting abilities. There are lots of other species to target with bream being the most popular fish to target with keeping anglers busy with hours of fun catching them. There are no fishing rods on Utopia but please can you speak to us and we can organise them at an extra cost to be put on the boat along with the bait.
Antelope Park
Welcome to a very special place - a place no visitor will ever forget, and most will remember as the highlight of their trip to Zimbabwe.
Situated 8 kilometres from Gweru in the Zimbabwe Midlands, Antelope Park is the ideal stopover for anyone looking for a truly unique experience - and we do mean unique! After all, where else in the world can you walk with lions, accompany them on a hunt or swim with one of Africa’s Big 5? Nowhere! Because we can claim three World Exclusives: the Lion Walk, the Night Encounter and Elephant Swim!
However, that’s not the only reason to visit us. You can also ride elephants, go game viewing on horseback, on foot or in a vehicle, relax on a boat ride, canoe and fish on our wonderfully scenic lake – and much, much more! Whatever you want, it’s all here and we’ll make sure you fit in as much, or as little, as you like.
Home to the African Lion Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) and the world’s first Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild Programme, your stay at Antelope Park will not only leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, but also with the knowledge that you have personally helped contribute to the survival of the African Lion.