• Size: 390,757 km2 (150,872 sq mi), 60th largest country in the world.
• The country lies between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, and is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Its northwest corner is only 150 metres (500 ft) from Namibia, nearly forming a unique four-nation quadripoint.
• The country is mostly located on a central plateau of between 1,000 (3,300 ft) and 1,600 (5,250 ft) metres above sea level. The far east of the country is mountainous, known as the Eastern Highlands. A fifth of the country consists of low-lying areas, under 900 metres (3,000 ft) above sea level.
• The mighty Zambezi river drops over the world famous Victoria Falls, located in the extreme northwest of the country, thereafter flowing into Lake Kariba.
• Most of the country is miombo woodland (savannah), although the eastern highlands support areas of tropical evergreen and hardwood forests.
• Highest point: Mount Nyangani in the eastern highlands, at 2,592 metres (8,504 ft) above sea level.
• Climate is tropical, but with many local variations.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 5. Great Zimbabwe National Monument (1986), Khami Ruins (1986), Mana Pools National Park (1984), Matobo Hills and National Park (2003) and Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls (1989).
Famous parks and reserves:
• Hwange National Park: huge park, huge herds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as African Wild Dogs, 420 species of birds and much more.
• Gonarezhou National Park: the country’s second largest park in the remote southeast corner boasts Baobabs, 147 mammal species, 500 bird species and many unique fish species.
• Mana Pools National Park: defined by the mighty Zambezi, with lots to do for both the adventurous and laid-back traveller, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Matobo National Park: historically significant, boulder-strewn park in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a great chance of seeing White Rhinoceros and Leopard.
• Matusadona National Park: on the shores of beautiful Lake Kariba, this park is rugged and mostly inaccessible; wild Africa at its very best.
Fauna:
• 218 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five
• National Mammal: Sable Antelope
• Other star mammals: African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Roan Antelope, Suni, Oribi, Blue Duiker, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Arends’s Golden Mole and Selinda Veld Rat
• National Bird: Bateleur
• 685 bird species, including 20 globally threatened species but no endemics.
• Star birds: Boulder Chat, Swynnerton’s Robin, Chirinda Apalis, Moustached, Barratt’s and Roberts’s Warbler, Red-faced Crimsonwing, Lesser Seedcracker, Streaky-breasted Flufftail, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Bronzy Sunbird, Marsh Tchagra and Blue Swallow.
• IBAs (Important Bird Areas): 20, including Batoka Gorge, Bvumba highlands, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills, Nyanga mountains, Stapleford forest and Wabai hill.
• 111 species of reptiles, including 7 endemics
• 76 species of amphibians, including 5 endemics.
• 240 species of fish, including the famed Tiger Fish Hydrocynus vittatus
• 350 species of butterflies
Flora:
• 5,000 species of plants, including 500 species used in traditional medicine practices
• National Flower: Glory (Flame) Lily
• 1,180 species of trees
• National Tree: Nyasaland Mahogany (a 1,000 year old specimen in Chirinda Forest declared a National Monument)
Visit our Zimbabwe safari and tours page for more info on trips to this magical destination. Customized tours to Zimbabwe is available to suit your requirements and travel dates.