Wild, remote and untouched, Zimbabwe is the ideal safari destination for those looking to escape the crowds – a hidden gem on Africa’s safari circuit. The troubles in the country have been widely publicised, yet despite the questionable politics and economic instability, tourism has seen something of a resurgence in recent years, a trend we expect to continue as more and more travellers switch on to the pleasures of holidaying here. Firstly there are the people, some of the warmest, friendliest and most hospitable you’ll meet. Then there’s the quality of Zimbabwe’s safari guides – among the most qualified in Africa – and the extraordinarily high standard of the lodges themselves. To this you can add a near-perfect climate, a huge variety of landscapes, excellent game densities and a vast array of parks and attractions.

Victoria Falls is the headline act, its noise greater than a million migrating wildebeest. Mana Pools National Park offers world-class opportunities to canoe past hippos and wading elephants. Further water-based safaris can be enjoyed at Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba. Hwange National Park has some of the highest mammal diversity of any park on the planet. While remote Gonarezhou remains to this day one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.