Mana Pools National Park is located in the extreme north of Zimbabwe, and is a fragment of Parks and Wildlife Estate, the 10,500-square kilometer domain that extends from the Mozambique River in the east to the Kariba Dam in the west.

Situated here are the remains of old channels that have been left behind by the Zambezi River. These remains formed small seasonal pools dispersed over two thousand square kilometers. No walls or any physical borders surround the park and animals are given great freedom to move throughout the land. In fact, they could even move northwards across the Zambezi River to as far as Zambia where wildlife conservation sanctuaries are also found.

One of the great things about Mana Pools is that visitors can walk in the open woodland without having to use guides since the visibility is good and the chances of suddenly coming across wildlife are very slim. This opportunity to walk alone unaccompanied by a guide in an area with dangerous animals is unique in Zimbabwe. It is actually the thing that made Mana Pools National Park the magical place that it is today.

During the summer season, over 450 species of birds can be seen. Some of the common sights include waterbucks, sables, elands, kudus, lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. During the winter months of June and July, photographers love coming to Mana Pools because during its normal misty mornings along Zambezi River.

The other enjoyable activities visitors usually do here aside from walking during the morning to observe the animals include game drives, fishing, and canoeing.

The ideal time to go to Mana Pools is perhaps between the months of March and August since the climate is dry and warm, and the temperature is moderate. For those who plan to have the best game-viewing experience possible, it is best to go during September and October as the animals concentrate by the river to drink.

The land that was once the home of the wandering Bushmen is one of today’s most renowned national parks. Thousands of buffaloes and elephants walk the land. Lions are the common attractions, while it is almost impossible to catch a glimpse of the leopards and rhinoceroses. More than 100 different species have been recorded to live in this sanctuary.

Throughout the park are shallow pans that assist dry season game viewing. Elephants are provided by the natural salt-licks with their favorite mud holes where they can wallow while 60 manmade water holes provide them with their much needed water during winter since everything begins to dry up. There are a number of water holes with raised sides made of wood that allow visitors to observe animals for long hours.

Hwange National Park is also a paradise for bird watchers because over 400 species of birds are found here, specifically during the wet season. The biggest of these species is the Kori Bustard that dwells on the ground. It will only take flight when it is of extreme necessity. The beginning of the mating season is marked by abundant food marks, red bishops model their astounding scarlet plumage, and crowned cranes flounce in a comical dance.

The months from July up to September mark the dry season. During this time, it can be really hot during the day but on winter nights, the temperature can drop very low, sometimes even below the freezing point. The animals, during this season, come together to assemble around the manmade water holes because without these, they would surely die of heat and thirst. During the rainy season though, the vegetation flourishes because big cumulus clouds shower the land with the summer rainfall. During this time is when birdlife is most astonishing.

Thirty kilometers southeast of Masvingo lay the complex of ruins known as Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Zimbabwe is a word derived from ‘dzimbahwe’, a Shona word that means “great stone building”. This is how the modern country Zimbabwe got its name.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are located beautifully in a lush and flourishing valley situated at the head of the Mutirikwi River. Studies and investigations done by numerous archaeologists reveal that this valley and the hill that dominates it where most of the ruins are located were inhabited by various tribes from an early period.

The early men dwelled inside the caves found there and by the fourth century, the Gokomore ethnic group, which was evidently the first people of the Iron Age, stumbled upon the place and uncovered the advantage of the land in the Mutirikwi Valley. It was a haven of fecundity in the rough country of Africa, with lovely zephyrs gusting across the valley producing a soft and healthy atmosphere, making it a very suitable place for a king. Because the hill dominated the valley and was easy to defend, it is not surprising that the first Iron Age people became deeply attracted to it.

The hill became overcrowded because it was inhabited by so many people over the years. The people then formed walls by piling up granite rocks and stuffing the insides with rubble. These walls served as platforms that allowed building sites to be obtained. Then, the traditional African huts with walls made of mud were built on the level surface.

Evidence suggests that the king, the soldiers, and the priests of Mwari stayed on the hill while the queen and the majority of the people dwelled in the valley. An impressive and particularly huge stone wall surrounded the king’s residence.

Ironically, the immense wealth of Great Zimbabwe was also its downfall because after it was discovered in the 1870s, adventurers from Europe began arriving in droves. There were even rumors up to now that Zimbabwe is the “land of Ophir” where King Solomon acquired tons of gold.

Victoria Falls of Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonder, and it appeals to travelers all across the globe. The Zambezi River flows placid and broad to the edge of a basalt lip measuring 1700 meters before plunging 100 meters into the frothy, thunderous abyss below.

History

The history of Victoria Falls does not go back too far from now, as it was only discovered in November of 1855 by David Livingstone. However, today the falls continues to be as allusive a destination as it was to the explorers, surveyors, missionaries, and hunters of the 1800s. The impulse to travel to the falls is the same, but the pursuit is only a little bit different.

Adventure

Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall in the whole world, and it serves as a safari gateway for Southern Africa. The falls has become a very popular place for visitors to go white water rafting, river boarding, and even bungee jumping. The downstream rapids of the river after the falls provide some of the scariest river boarding and white water rafting for beginners, as well as those who have experience, than anywhere else.

Activities

Bungee jumpers also enjoy the thrill of Victoria Falls, where they can jump down 111 meters off of the bridge by the falls, which was just recently named the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. Aside from rafting and bungee jumping, however, visitors can also enjoy bird watching, aerial trips on a helicopter, walking trails, shopping, etc. as well.

Pictures & Photos

Victoria Falls With Rainbow
Photo by: TheLizardQueen

Bride at Victoria Falls
Photo by:Mister-E

The Eastern Cataract, on the Zambian side
Photo by:WikiCommons

Turbulent waters of Zambezi River Rush Victoria Falls Forming Rainbow
Photo by:Zest-pk

Victoria Falls Bridge
Photo by:Mister-E

Sunset Over Victoria Falls
Photo by:Adam Annfield

Another Shot of Victoria Falls
Photo by:garybembridge

Bottom of the Falls
Photo by:SarahDepper

Side View of the Waterfall
Photo by:SarahDepper

Another Sunset View of Victoria Falls
NileGuide.com

River Path of the Falls
Photo by:SarahDepper

Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia Near Victoria Falls
Photo by:garybembridge

Main Part of Victoria Falls

"Devil Swimming Pool" - Is This Safe?

View of Victoria Falls From the Sky in 1972