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Overview
The new, fourth edition of Bradt's Zimbabwe remains the most authoritative guide available to one of southern Africa's premier wildlife and cultural destinations. Zimbabwe-based author, tour guide and archaeologist Paul Hubbard picks up the mantle of this new edition, ensuring that it remains bang up to date and an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to adventure seekers and hikers. All the most recent developments in the rejuvenation of Zimbabwe's national parks are covered, with in-depth information on facilities, advice on itinerary planning as well as how to select a safari. Also included is a range of clear, comprehensive maps that is unique to this guide, with many not being featured in other publications. With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and guest lodges have opened countrywide. Comprehensive and detailed accommodation listings cover everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for younger travellers who arrive overland, heading for the fast flowing waters of the Zambezi gorge, plus details of en-route accommodation not found in other guides.
Recent years have brought significant change to Zimbabwe, notably with the fall of Robert Mugabe, resulting in increased investment and development in the tourism sector. Bradt's Zimbabwe is an invaluable aid for independent travellers as well as those on an organised tour. Many activities and off-the-beaten-track attractions countrywide are featured, plus historical and cultural sights such as the World Heritage-listed stone-built cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami. Iconic Victoria Falls is also covered, and the mighty Zambezi River - perfect for adventure holidays - and the country's impressive range of birdlife which continues to draw enthusiasts year-round.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781784777067 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Bradt Travel Guides Ltd |
| Publication date: | 12/23/2019 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 67 MB |
| Note: | This product may take a few minutes to download. |
About the Author
On a visit to Zimbabwe soon after the country's independence, Paul Murray quickly established enduring friendships with some leading players in the Victoria Falls tourism sector. He developed a keen interest in all aspects of the country but above all, his love for Zimbabwe has been driven by the locals: 'probably the friendliest people I've met anywhere in the world'. Very frequent visits to Zimbabwe followed and one last Africa ambition came to fruition 10 years ago when he and his wife bought a house in Victoria Falls which has allowed unparalleled access to the diverse riches of Zimbabwe. It was during this time that Paul completed three editions of this book. Now located back in the UK due to family circumstances, he has handed over authorship to Paul Hubbard, of whom he says 'Far better that a Zimbo rather than a Pom now writes this book! My cherished Zim guidebook, couldn't be in better hands'.
Born in Bulawayo, Paul Hubbard has lived in towns and in the wild all over Zimbabwe and currently works around the country as a professional tour guide. As part of his business he travels around Zimbabwe leading tours and conducting research, both of which have given him an intimate knowledge of much of the country while integrating him with much of Zimbabwe's tourism industry - from hotels and lodges to tour operators and lodge owners. With degrees in archaeology, he combines history, nature and culture into a fascinating romp through any area. Having been involved with the previous three editions of Bradt's Zimbabwe, he continues to bring to this new edition the same verve and passion with which he conducts tours in person.
Read an Excerpt
Zimbabwe
By Murray, Paul
Bradt Travel Guides
Copyright © 2010 Murray, PaulAll right reserved.
ISBN: 9781841622958
Great Zimbabwe, 25km southeast of Masvingo
This magnificent ruined city, the largest stone structure to be built south of the Sahara, was the base for a succession of kings and rulers spanning four centuries and has subsequently had the whole country named after it. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona words dzimba dza mabwe translated as ‘houses of stone’, referring not just to this prime site but also to the hundreds, if not thousands of similar but much smaller dzimbahwes or zimbabwes to be found in this area and further afield. The rather strange carved soapstone birds found here have provided the country with its national symbol.
Although this region had almost certainly been already settled for a number of centuries it is believed the first stone structures were erected around 1100 AD and there followed continual building development probably into the 15th century. Despite what we now know, the provenance of Great Zimbabwe has up until relatively recently been the subject of heated, often bitter debate stemming from the early European belief that Africans could not possibly have built a structure of such complexity. Indeed, since its discovery by the Portuguese it had been popularly believed that this was the lost kingdom of Ophir with all its fabled treasures and was linked with biblical figures such as Sheba and King Solomon. Much later, others, including Cecil Rhodes continued to attribute the ruins to the Phoenicians. Instead, this was clearly a massively important religious and political centre, not a military fort but a continually developing tribute to a long succession of rulers who had wide reaching influence. It is believed that in its heyday the city complex housed a society of up to 20,000 people. Today it is one of Zimbabwe’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Continues...
Excerpted from Zimbabwe by Murray, Paul Copyright © 2010 by Murray, Paul. Excerpted by permission.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
Should you go to Zimbabwe?
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, History, Government and politics, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Natural History and Conservation
Flora, Fauna, National parks
Chapter 3 Practical information
When to visit, Highlights, Planning your trip, Suggested itineraries, Wildlife activities, Tour operators and agents, Red tape, Tourist information, Maps and GPS, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Electricity, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 4 Harare
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Harare, North of Harare, Northwest of Harare, Northeast of Harare, Southeast of Harare, Southwest of Harare
Chapter 5 Central Zimbabwe
Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe
Chapter 6 Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley
Deka to Binga, Chizarira National Park, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, The Middle Zambezi, Northern Zimbabwe
Chapter 7 Victoria Falls
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Zambezi National Park
Chapter 8 Hwange
Hwange town, Hwange National Park, Kazuma Pan National Park, Towards Bulawayo
Chapter 9 Bulawayo
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Bulawayo, Matobo Hills, Plumtree
Chapter 10 Southern Zimbabwe
Beitbridge, The A6 from Beitbridge to Bulawayo, Lowveld towns, Gonarezhou National Park, Around Gonarezhou National Park
Chapter 11 The Eastern Highlands
Getting there and around, Southern area, Central area, Northern area, To Nyamapanda
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index