Zimbabwe Lowveld and Great Zimbabwe

The granite blocks still stand, five centuries later, without the benefit of mortar. The energetic can clamber through the rocky Acropolis built into the granite boulders of the hill and wander through the Valley enclosures. Guided tours however are advisable to get the most out of the experience.

There is a good camp site and hotel on the premises. The peacocks in the garden strike an incongruous note amid the marauding monkeys who have developed a sweet tooth. If eating on the hotel terrace, guard your sugar sachets.

Lake Mutirikwe:

When visiting Great Zimbabwe, the lakeside shores of Lake Mutirikwe provide a scenic alternative to over-nighting in Masvingo. After Kariba, it is the second largest dam in the country and the surrounding 18, 000 hectare (50 acres) National Park shelters white rhino as well as lesser game.

National Parks have guided horseback rides which allow close-up viewing in the game park and bird-watching trips and lake cruises can be arranged through tour agencies in Masvingo and hotels in the area. In addition, there are regular displays of traditional dancing at the Mutirikwe Lakeshore Lodge. here are a number of hotels, lodges, self-catering chalets and a campsite, scattered throughout the park.

Mushandike National Park:

If you prefer soaking up the African experience and a little sun in splendid isolation, Mushandike offers back-to-nature camping opportunities far from the tour-bus crowds. The steep granite hills and quiet lake of this reserve lie 25 kilometres from Masvingo, on the Bulawayo road.

Antelope, zebra and leopards live in these hills and there is an eland research institute on site. Self-sufficiency is the order of the day here. Facilities extend to hot shower camping only. This is provided by a wood burner and there is no electricity.

All supplies must be brought with you from Masvingo and access is by private vehicle only. You'll probably have the grassy campsites and the view of the lake all to yourself.

Gonarezhou National Park:

Gonarezhou's 5,000km² (2,000 mi²) of scrubland and sandstone, make it the country's second largest game reserve after Hwange. It borders Mozambique's wildlife reserves and South Africa's Kruger National Park in the south-east corner of the country.

Animals, of course, know no boundaries and they move freely between the three sanctuaries. There are plans afoot to formalise this in another Transfrontier game park which will involve all three countries, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa in its management.