Nyanga47,000ha of Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands. Takes its name from Mount Inyangani ('the shaman's horn'), its highest peak (2593m). Rolling granite mountains - birthplace to several big rivers which form spectacular cascades, notably the 243m Pungwe Falls. Open vistas, valleys, gorges and lakes. Brachystegias and other indigenous trees remain but many hillsides now covered with exotics - pine, eucalyptus and wattle. Aloes (one endemic), proteas, wild flowers and lichen thrive. Some antelope, Samango monkeys, birds (including the rare Marsh tchagra, Narina trogon and especially eagles). Hiking, mountain climbing and pony trail country. Iron Age stone structures, trout fishing, sailing and swimming. Five hotels, several holiday cottages, Parks lodges and camp sites in this easily accessed park. Zambezi56,000ha with a 40km front on the Upper Zambezi. Extends 24km inland. Crossed by the main road to Botswana. The Zambezi passes over several rapids in the basalt rockbed. The (usually dry) tributaries of several streams cross the parks' Kalahari sands. Big trees and Ilala palms flank the Zambezi. Inland, savannah grasslands dotted with pockets of mopane, mukwa and teak. Most of Zimbabwe's mammal and bird species found here, many in good numbers. Hippo and crocodile ever-present. 90km of game-viewing roads, a viewing platform, 25 picnic and 3 fishing sites. Private operators offer guided drives, walking and horseback trails, and canoe trips. The Department of National Parks has several riverbank bungalows and five basic camp sites in the park. Numerous hotels, lodges and tour operators in and around Victoria Falls village. Copyright © 2002 Travel Africa. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited. |
