Despite all the problems reported about Zimbabwe – it remains a firm favourite of the Mud Hut Tribe. Things don’t always run smoothly in Zimbabwe, but this is Africa, and people make a plan.

This may not be for everyone but here is a comment from one of our clients who was initially sceptical about his Zimbabwean trip…
"For us, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe was a revelation. My initial apprehension was completely unfounded and in the end my wife and I both agreed that the people were the nicest there and we probably felt the most safe we have ever felt in many years of travelling. The Canoeing and camping on the Zambezi was fantastic. We felt totally spoilt and had so much fun. The highlights being the camp fires, fantastic service, rapids and a particularly close encounter with two huge bull elephants and some large crocodiles. We loved the lion encounter also though the White Water Rafting was sensational and definitely could have even done that again on the same trip!"
D Robbins, Australia

Formerly Rhodesia, a British colony, Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, and was a flagship for African governance and development. The country enjoys significant mineral and agricultural wealth, which contributed to a buoyant economy in the first twenty years of independence and earning it the name the ‘Breadbasket of Africa’. Political and racial reconciliation was relatively painless, perhaps too painless, given the political turmoil of recent years. Literacy rates were exceptionally high, as the new government proactively developed the education system, and Zimbabwe was seen as a post-independence success story, ruled by Robert Mugabe.

However, since the late 1990s, Zimbabwe’s reputation has deteriorated in the western world. The controversial land redistribution policy, disputed elections, severe food shortages and health epidemics has resulted in Zimbabwe spiralling into economic, political and, at times, racial meltdown. Hyperinflation, poverty, population displacement and political persecution have dominated the headlines of this amazing country.

Recent steps at reconciliation amongst political and ethnic groups have resulted in positive steps, but there is undeniably still a long way to go before tensions begin to be resolved. However, as these tensions are largely political, as a visitor, you will largely be immune to these issues. With the implementation of the US dollar and South African rand, a slightly less unstable political situation and a concerted drive to attract foreign investment, Zimbabwe is once again being considered a viable destination for tourists.

If you are prepared to travel to Zimbabwe you will be rewarded with some of the most magnificent wilderness areas, breathtaking vistas, and a rich diversity of fauna and flora. You will meet Zimbabweans who, despite being forced to sacrifice so much, have not lost their humour, resolve or friendliness. Nowhere else in Africa will you hear the word ‘friend’, which is ‘shamwari’ in Shona, dropped into conversations so often.

It truly is an amazing destination, and for those you wish to look past the media and meet a wonderful population in a stunning southern African country then Zimbabwe is for you.

NOTE: Zimbabwe is such a favourite of the Mud Hut Tribe, that one of it’s directors is getting married there in early 2010!! What bigger endorsement do you need?

Reading:
To find out more about Zimbabwe or to bag some books, dvd's or music for your trip, please take a look at the Mud Hut's Reading List!