Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has been populated since the Stone-Age, and is actually home to some of the most extensive ruins in sub-saharan Africa. The ruins of Great Zimbabwe (dating back to the ancient African kingdom of Munhumatapa) testify to the advanced level of civilization that existed before European contact. First settled by Shona speakers, Zimbabwe was invaded by the Ndebele in the early 19th century. Then came the British and Cecil Rhodes. Rodes dreamed of linking Cape Town to Cairo. Although his great railroad failed, he colonized the region for Great Britain.

The country's road to independence was long. It first became the protectorate of Southern Rhodesia in 1923. In 1953, it joined with Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Nyasaland (now Malawi) to become part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. In 1964, the Federation was dissolved, with Rhodesia retaining strong ties to Britain. However, relations with Britain soured over the white minority government's treatment of black citizens. In 1965, Rhodesia's leaders declared independence from Britain. UN sanctions followed in 1968 and by 1972 sporadic turmoil turned into a full civil war, which lasted eight years. In 1980, blacks were allowed a voice in the government, and the nation attained universally recognized independence.

Today you will find Zimbabwe a delightful mix of exotic scenery, interesting cultures and game parks.

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  South Africa Discovery
  9 days from $4,495 Land Only
  Visiting: Cape Town, Kruger National Park/Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls
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  Zambia Explorer
  9 days from $5,795 Land Only
  Visiting: South Luangwa Valley, Victoria Falls (Livingstone)
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  Land of Giants
  10 days from $4,895 Land Only
  Visiting: Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Johannesburg
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  Savannahs & Falls
  10 days from $5,995 Land Only
  Visiting: Victoria Falls, Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
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  Stars of Southern Skies
  12 days from $7,195 Land Only
  Visiting: Cape Town, Okavango Delta, Kruger National Park/Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls
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  Kenya and Victoria Falls
  12 days from $9,295 Land Only
  Visiting: Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Victoria Falls, Nairobi