Embracing the Unkown in Zimbho
As I was one of the 9 lucky travel professionals who were selected during a travel-trade event that was hosted at the Dubai Expo 2020, to go for 10 days Familiarization Trip to visit the country and get first-hand knowledge of its attractions, lodges, culture, wildlife and natural beauty which wowed us and had us falling in love.
Fast forward, months later; the day came to board the flight that we had been eagerly waiting for to Harare. Thanks to Emirates onboard ICE entertainment system, 9.30 hours flew away both in the air and the mind. Upon arrival, we had to spend more than 1 hour to get our sim cards organized, the waiting time along with the general exhaustion of the flight got some of us; including myself, into a lower energy zone. However, the energy was instantly shifted the moment I stepped out of the airport when my eye accidentally fell on the bloody orange colour of the sunset, hiding shyly behind the airport terminal like a little kid welcoming a bunch of guests who are complete strangers. That was the moment that my gut felt the beauty of the place, it was like love at first sight.
Our overnight stay in Harare was hosted by a charming boutique city hotel called Melaki that was comfortable with spacious rooms and very interesting interior design inspired by Zimbabwe wildlife. The next morning, the hotel kindly prepared our breakfast boxes so that we can catch our early morning domestic flight on Air Zimbabwe to the city of kings (Bulawayo).
The Green Doughnut of Zimbabwe
Upon arrival at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport in Bulawayo, we were welcomed by magnificent wild animals that were fabricated as decorations at the arrivals hall which got everybody excited and eager to see more of Zim's real wildlife.
The city of kings (Bulawayo) was named after the royal throne of the last King of the Ndebel & the founder king (Mizilikazi). Besides the most sought-after "Matobos National Park", which is famous for being a safe home for white rhinos; this hidden cosy oasis is indefinite in many ways. I feel it resembles a doughnut where the town is in the middle of the hole and surrounded by dams & natural parks, which makes it a very special place for peace, tranquillity and it is an irresistible escape for nature-lovers, birds watchers and outdoor sports activity enthusiasts. Speaking of the outdoors, Bulawayo flares with history, culture, art, fresh air, and a variety of picnic stations, lovely artistic cafes & eateries right in the heart of nature.
Into the Wilderness
The remote wilderness of Hwange National Park is a 4-5 hours drive away from Bulawayo. Its grasslands and mopane woods have made it the home to large elephant herds, lions, and African wild dogs. During our two-night stay in Hwange, we experienced a private and secluded safari in a pristine environment coupled with heartfelt service by a team of passionate Nambyans who are the original inhabitant tribe of the Hwange region. At night, we were enchanted by live performances that ignited a spark within the heart of the dark and wild jungle.
Our game drives in Hwange were equally exciting but more thrilling, due to the summer season during our visit to Zimbabwe; the National Park of Hwange was hot with naked trees and yellow grasslands. The scenery felt surreal as if it was hand-painted with hands that have a great appreciation of diversity & the silent beauty of our mother nature. As we commenced our Safari adventure, we were lucky to be greeted by a family of elephants of different sizes, then we spotted wild dogs, impalas, and buffalos besides the unforgettable scene of a zippy giraffe who was strolling as if it was sauntering on a catwalk towards a tip of an Acacia Tree. Hwange is considered one of the best-kept game parks on the brown continent, thanks to its remoteness and animals free-roaming in their natural habitat.
The Thunder of the Falls blossoms life
As we proceeded with our journey, we stepped into the majestic Victoria Falls National Park, everyone in our group got to experience an expenditure of force as if our souls were set free. The impulse of positive energy filled us with rapture & joy as if all our worries were washed away by the mist, thunder and magic of the abundant falls. The park consists of 7 viewing platforms to enable viewers to have different perspectives of the falls, and along the way, we get to spot flora and fauna and hear different melodies from resident birds. The excitement and thrill of Victoria Falls did not end up here, actually, it rather got accelerated with an Aerial helicopter ride over the falls, which left our jaw dropped but spirit lifted!!! It is no surprise that Victoria Falls is considered one of the world's 10 natural wonders.
As our journey ended, there was no better way to bid farewell than a Sunset Cruise in the Zambezi River. Once we embarked onboard the Zambezi Explorer & as we sailed into the calm river, we were greeted again by a herd of elephants but this time, they were queuing to venture into the river for a swim, these were truly unforgettable moments as we saw these divine giants crossing the river with their kids; it left us all in awe and reverence. A little later, some hippos who were trying to keep their head just over the water, accompanied our boat for some time till the sun started to shy away.
The red velvet energy of the sunset mixed with our feelings that are charged with memories, beauty and appreciation created these extraordinary moments that were both peaceful and emotional, these are the moments that I will always cherish because, for me, these are the moments that truly matter. Throughout my journey, I was inspired by the names of the people that I got to meet like Lovemore, Reason, Chief, Memory, Faith, Joy, Blessing & the list goes on. I felt as if I was transferred to another world where humanity in its simple form & kindness were still in existence, as if I was guided to return to these human qualities that were personified through these profound names. People & Nature undoubtfully are the true assets of (Zimbho) which; by the way, means ‘’ Zim is good’’.
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