Introduction

Lize, who heads up our supplier contracting team, embarked on a Zimbabwean adventure in October 2023. An educational (FAM) trip organised by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), it included experiencing a number of properties, activities & transport options plus participation in the Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo. With 17 other tour operators and agents from all over the world, Lize had an extremely memorable time. 

Read on for Lize’s highlights & recommendations from her recent Zimbabwe trip.

Sunset Cruise on Ra-Ikane

We went on The River Odyssey, a double storey boat that can take about 30 pax. We went upstream until sunset, and all drinks and snacks were included in the trip. The snacks were really nicely done and kept coming until we turned around. We saw hippos, crocodiles and elephants during the cruise. I highly recommend this trip – it is a laid back way to experience the Zambezi River and see some animals up close.

Palm River Lodge

This hotel is approx. 4 km upstream from Victoria Falls itself. It is quite new and really stunning. There are various blocks of rooms, each block sporting the name of a tree that grows in front of or around it (Block A = Acacia, Block B = Baobab, etc.). The lodge was actually designed and built around the existing trees; no trees were removed during construction.

They have just installed a lift at the property, making even the upper floor rooms wheelchair-accessible. The blocks are also connected with walkways, so all parts of the hotel are accessible. Their pool deck is very inviting and overlooks the river. Rooms are modern and offer all the conveniences one would expect. They also include the minibar contents in their rates, which is replenished daily. The contents of the minibars get more extensive as the rooms go up in category. Complimentary shuttles to Vic Falls town centre are also available.

All in all, this is a lovely hotel which will suit all clients that want a refined, elegant stay. With 60 deluxe (entry level) rooms, the Palm River Lodge will also suit higher-end groups.

Baines Restaurant

Located just upstream of Victoria Falls, next to Cataract Island, is Baines Restaurant. Raised on stilts, it gives one a feeling of sitting in the trees, plus affords excellent views of the Zambezi River. Everything is modern and fresh, and there is an art gallery at the entrance.

The food was very good – we had a group lunch menu where we could each choose our starter, main and dessert. I had the tilapia fish, which was deep fried and served with sweet potato wedges and salad. Their burgers were very nicely presented, and their other meals also looked very appealing – portions were large. A warning to anyone visiting Zim – service is generally at a very relaxed pace, but Baines was a bit faster than average.

Baines is a lovely spot for a relaxing lunch after a busy morning in Vic Falls!

Simunye Theatre Performance

This is a new evening activity – a performance presented at the Ndhlovu Theatre by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company, behind Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist’s Village. It follows Bomani, the son of Chief Ekanjo, cast out from the Kimba tribe, as he wanders the African hinterland in search of home, accompanied by his loyal elephant friend, Ndlovu.

It was by far the most surprising activity we enjoyed in Zimbabwe. It was an amazing theatrical production lasting approximately 1 hr. The show starts promptly at 19h30, which means dinner needs to be taken early or only after the show ends at 20:30.

I thoroughly enjoyed the production and so did everyone I spoke to afterwards. The set, costumes & puppetry were visually appealing, plus the dancing, singing and acting was spot on – PERFECTION!

I cannot recommend this enough – it really was spectacular with an easy-to-follow storyline that will also keep children engaged.

Tsowa Safari Island

We were warmly greeted with cold towels and welcome drinks on arrival at Tsowa Safari Island, and taken for a site inspection to tents at both ends of the property – approx 1 km apart. Some tents have river views and are under cover of deep forest, while others have decks right onto the river, but all are spaced well apart from each other and are very private.

The main area is a tented structure with modern finishes and everything is very comfortably arranged. We were served high tea with salads, wraps and cake on the open deck facing the river, underneath massive trees offering shade and a cool breeze coming from the river. They have a lovely semi-secluded pool deck, and it is the perfect place to relax with a book or just enjoy the sounds of nature.

Do not be fooled by the fact that they are on an island – they still have game! Elephants, hippos and crocodiles can easily cross the river, and they also occasionally have other game like hyenas that make their way across the channel.

This intimate camp is perfect for couples and honeymooners. They only allow 16 guests at one time on the island, so if it is exclusivity you want, then this is the place to go.

Meals, local drinks, activities, boat transfers and 4 x 4 pick-ups are  all included in the rates at Tsowa Safari Island.

Tsowa’s rangers drove us back to the main road where the bus was waiting, and we saw lions, elephants, kudu and other plains game on the way back.

Insika Lodge

What a lovely property! This is a brand new property located around 3 km from Vic Falls with very modern furnishings and decor. There are various lounge areas and spaces where guests can relax during the day plus a bar, restaurant and pool deck as well. They have a bespoke spa with 3 treatment rooms and a sauna. The rooms are all on ground level, opening up to nicely manicured gardens and streams.

The back of the lodge has a ‘conservation belt’ where animals still roam freely. The lodge is fenced off from this section for safety, but guests can see the animals going by. When we were there, a warthog was wallowing in a muddy pool quite close to the rooms.

The rooms are huge, beautifully decorated in hues of green, cream and brown, with interesting, detailed finishes. Bathrooms have massive walk-in showers & luxury baths. The baths and showers were somewhat open to the room, but the hotel staff advised that they do have screens that they can put up for those wanting more privacy. The staff also seem to take very good care of the guests.

Iganyana Tented Camp

We had a great game drive and saw elephants, plains game, etc. The drive ended with a sundowner set up in the Dete Vlei with a beautiful spread of snacks and a boma fire with chairs set up. This was a very nice touch and perfect spot to watch the sunset.

We were so hot after the game drive, so we decided to sit by the pool at Iganyana Tented Camp with our feet in the water. Elephants came right up to the lodge to drink water while we were sitting there – it was an amazing experience to see them up close in their natural habitat! Various herds moved through the camp during the course of the evening, and we were also treated to lions roaring close by. It seems like the lodge is situated in a thoroughfare path for many animals, which is a real treat for anyone visiting.

Matobo National Park

The main gate of Matobo National Park is around 50 km from Bulawayo. It is known for the Matobo Hills, a range of dramatic granite rock formations. The numerous cave walls have one of the highest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa, starting from at least 13 000 yrs ago. The park is famous for its black and white rhinos, and for the burial site of Cecil John Rhodes.

We were lucky to see white rhino twice on the day we visited. On both occasions, we drove to the site and then approached them on foot. It was an amazing experience to see them up close and not from the confines of a game vehicle.

It was blistering hot, with heat radiating from the granite surface. It made the climb up to Cecil John Rhodes’s grave quite difficult, but it was very rewarding. The 360 degree view from up there is unbelievable, and no photo can do it justice! We also visited 2 rock painting sites.

For anyone visiting Matobo National Park, kindly note that marula flies (also known as ‘mango’ flies, a type of fruit fly) can be a nuisance. They are attracted to the moisture in one’s eyes, nose, mouth and ears, so it is advisable to wrap up! It is a good idea to take insect repellent, wear sunglasses & bring a scarf to wear over your face. It can also get very hot, especially during the months of September to April, so another helpful tip is to bring an insulated water bottle filled with ice cubes for staying cool and hydrated.

Summary

Lize’s most unforgettable Zimbabwe experiences include the Simunye Theatre performance in Vic Falls (it is new, and it is SPECTACULAR!), an intimate moment with elephants drinking water from the pool at Iganyana Tented Camp, and the unbelievable views from Rhodes’s grave in the Matobo National Park. Big thanks go to the knowledgeable & helpful local guide, Tendekai Kapito, and to everyone else at ZTA for organising such a valuable FAM trip!