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Sport & Activities
Safaris: For further information on the best places to see wildlife, see Parks & Wildlife in the Resorts & Excursions section. Apart from the traditional way of driving along the parks’ game viewing roads, canoeing and boat safaris are popular alternatives. At Lake Kariba, which has abundant elephant, buffalo, rhino and smaller game living on its banks, boats can be hired for a day or for over a week. Canoeing safaris ranging from three to ten days are especially popular between April and November along the Zambezi River past the Mana Pools flood plains. Individual travellers should book national parks accommodation in advance. For reservations, contact Central Reservations for Lodges (tel: (4) 706 077/8). For further information on safaris, contact the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Borrowdale Road, PO Box CY 140, Causeway, Harare (tel: (4) 707 624 or 724 027 or 792 786; fax: (4) 724 914; e-mail: nationalparks@dta.gov.zw); or the Zimbabwe Association of Tour and Safari Operators, PO Box 7240, Harare (tel: (4) 708 878-9; fax: (4) 794 015; e-mail: pangeti@zct.co.zw; website: http://site.mweb.co.zw/zatso).
Adrenaline Sports: At the mighty Victoria Falls, the 111m-bridge (364ft) linking Zimbabwe to Zambia offers one of the world’s highest bungee jumps (at around US$100 per jump). Whitewater rafting through the Zambezi Gorge is at its wildest between July and August. Canoeing and kayaking can be practised on the more subdued river stretches above the falls. The flight of the angels is a 15-minute scenic flight over the falls by helicopter of fixed-wing plane (for approximately US$75). For further information on adventure sports near Victoria Falls, see also Sport & Activities in the Zambia section.
Hiking and Trekking: The string of mountains and the lush countryside in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, which form a natural border with neighbouring Mozambique, are particularly sought after by walkers and trekkers. Climbing Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Mt Nyangani, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes; the climb is relatively easy, although climbers should note that mists can roll in very suddenly.
Other: Zimbabwe offers excellent freshwater fishing, the best locations being Lake Kariba (famous for its tigerfish), the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls (known for its giant catfish), the streams of the Eastern Highlands and the many lakes. Permits are only required for trout fishing. Zimbabwe has 69 angling clubs which visitors may wish to contact for local advice. Further details can be obtained from the National Anglers Union (tel: (4) 775 444; e-mail: alannholt@yahoo.com).
There are around 40 golf clubs, most of which have 18-hole courses. The Eastern Highlands have the highest concentration of courses. The Zimbabwe Open is an annual competition attracting world-class players. For a map and brochure giving details of golf courses, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section).
Although football and cricket are the national sports, tennis is becoming increasingly popular in Zimbabwe. The game attracts a considerable amount of spectator enthusiasm and tennis tournaments held in the country, particularly those involving the national Davis Cup Team (which has performed extremely well, even against the world’s best teams), are characterised by a festive mood. The highlands also offer good opportunities for horseriding.
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