Most of us have experienced “cabin fever” during Zimbabwe’s extended lock-down, and are ready for an outdoor escape. Travel restrictions will come to an end so plan your outdoor escapes now!
Get the family together and have a look at our suggested destinations, all located within 40 km of Harare. Zimbabwe has lovely clear skies in winter. Mild temperatures offer perfect conditions for walking, bird watching, or riding your bikes. Reconnect with nature, de-stress, and feed your soul.
Haka Game Park and Outdoor Retreat
Haka Game Park is only 10 minutes from the city centre, just after the Msasa roundabout on Mutare Road. Set in about 25 sq. km of pristine grassland. Take the family to view giraffe, zebra, impala, and wildebeest grazing the plains. Nestled among the Miombo woodland lie lichen-covered kopjes and private braai areas. Challenge the family to find the San rock art hidden among the rocky outcrops and identify the over 250 bird species in the park. Children can safely walk or ride their bikes around the gravel roads with clear views of the animals.
Be the first to spot the unusually dark giraffe meandering through the shadows. While you won’t need your 4×4 on these park’s roads, it will still be a fun game drive. Pack your tent and camping gear for an overnight stay to truly experience the African bush, listening to the soothing chirps of frogs and haunting hoots of owls. Visit Haka Game Park for more details
Ewanrigg Open Air Botanical Gardens
Ewanrigg, named after the original farmer’s brother, Ewan, is an easy 18km drive out along the usually low-volume traffic Shamva Road. A tranquil outdoor oasis for plant and bird lovers alike, the botanical garden boasts a world-renowned collection of aloes and cycads. Within the Miombo and brachystegia woods and kopjes, you come upon vast collections of rare and common exotic plants adding to the charm of this tranquil botanical garden. April to July is the best time to visit when the majority of aloes display their stunning flowers. The gardens abound with brilliantly coloured sun-birds. With a little patience, you could capture an excellent close up picture of these birds feeding. There is ample space for children to play, facilities for a picnic or braai and toilet facilities. For more details , – Visit Zimparks Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens
Savanna Camp and Wildlife Sanctuary, a brand new outdoor escape
Just 6.5km after the Goromonzi tollgate outbound on the Mutare Road, Savanna Camp comes up on your right. A conservation park established by Olivera and Tana, this outdoor escape is on Harare’s doorstep. Olivera and Tana are passionate about wildlife and conserving our heritage. Savanna Camp has a wildlife population of over 26 resident mammals ranging from the agile night ape to the majestic giraffe. Children (and the not-so-young!) are challenged to tick off as many animals and bird sightings as they can. The informative Savanna flyer will be shared on arrival. Spend a full day game viewing, either guided or solitary, walking, driving, or venturing off-road on your mountain bike. Better yet, camp overnight, and make a weekend of it. Find out about one of Harare’s newest outdoor escapes here – Savanna Camp.
Now that you’re inspired and itching to get out of town, start your preparations today. Shake out those tents, fill the gas cylinders, pump some air into the bike tires and prepare your vehicle for the trip. Read Sean and Tom of Big Sky’s guidelines – How to keep moving after lockdown.
Stay safe, healthy and positive
The Big Sky Team
