Zimbabwe

The new fifth edition of Bradt's Zimbabwe remains the only detailed, standalone guide from a major publisher to cover one of the premier safari and cultural destinations in southern Africa. Best known for the Victoria Falls, which leaves visitors awed by the world's largest curtain of falling water, Zimbabwe offers manifold other experiences for the intrepid traveller - from evocative wildlife to fascinating arts, jaw-dropping landscapes to astonishing World Heritage sites. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the capital, Harare, with its bustling arts scene and trendy restaurants, or head to the mighty Zambezi River for fast-flowing adventure. Visit national parks that offer a variety of wildlife encounters: enjoy canoe-based game-viewing at Mana Pools (where African painted dog is a highlight) or remote camping beside rare nyala antelope in the wilderness of Gonarezhou. Capitalise on the exciting revival of Matusadona, which boasts one of Africa's highest densities of leopard, or combine watching white and black rhinos with admiring the world's greatest concentration of ancient hunter-gatherer rock art, at Matobo Hills. History buffs will marvel at Zimbabwe's plethora of historical and cultural sites, most famously the World Heritage-listed, stone-built, ancient cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami, the latter once controlling a lucrative international trading empire. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, will delight in a trove of avian encounters, notably in Bunga's lush forests, one of Zimbabwe's best-kept secrets.With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and lodges have opened, the country's national parks have been rejuvenated, its two main airports upgraded and major roads improved. Accommodation options comprise everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for travellers who arrive overland, plus suggested pit stops to break up journeys. Written by a former resident of Zimbabwe, thoroughly updated by two seasoned adventurers, and with a foreword by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Bradt's Zimbabwe remains an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts to adventure seekers and hikers, whether travelling independently or on an organised tour. New for this edition are a 64-page, full-colour wildlife guide, plus expanded coverage of Zambezi National Park, Matobo Hills and the surroundings of Harare and Bulawayo.

On a visit to Zimbabwe soon after the country's independence, Paul Murray quickly established enduring friendships with some leading players in the Victoria Falls tourism sector and developed a keen interest in all aspects of the country. From a South African base, very frequent visits to Zimbabwe followed over the following three decades and led to him realising an Africa ambition - buying a house at Victoria Falls. This gave Murray and his wife unparalleled access to the diverse riches of Zimbabwe which, in turn, enabled him to write Bradt's Zimbabwe. His love for Zimbabwe has been driven by local people, whom he regards as "probably the friendliest I've met anywhere in the world". Murray now lives in the UK.