Trisha’s Zimbabwe Odyssey: The Call of the Wild
It all started over a casual coffee date with friends when we were tossing around ideas for our next trip.
“What about Africa?” Mayank suggested, and just like that, Zimbabwe popped up on our radar. None of us had been there before, and the idea of exploring the wild beauty, epic waterfalls, and national parks was too tempting to resist.
We all were searching for the best Zimbabwe packages, and that’s when we came across Thrillophilia’s website. Honestly, their wholesome packages were everything we were looking for. Since we had to look no further, we immediately booked the package for a group of five.
Exploring Matobo National Park
Landing in Zimbabwe, we were buzzing with excitement. Our guide, Tinashe, greeted us with a huge smile and endless enthusiasm. “You’re about to see the heart and soul of Africa,” he said, and we couldn’t wait to dive in. From the airport, he drove us to our first stop- Matobo National Park.
Matobo was unbelievably gorgeous- we were surrounded by massive granite hills and mystical rock formations that created spectacular scenery. Tinashe shared that these ancient rock formations carry deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local tribes.
“Let’s see if you can spot a rhino,” Tinashe challenged us as soon as we reached the national park. Spotting a rhino on foot was definitely the perfect start to our trip. "Is it safe?" Kirti whispered nervously. "As long as you don't try to take a selfie with it!" Tinashe joked.
When we finally spotted a rhino grazing in the distance, we froze in awe. It was massive yet graceful, and the moment felt like a clip out of a wildlife documentary. “This beats my desktop wallpaper by miles,” Mira whispered, constantly snapping pictures.
Our accommodation for the night was a lavish camp right in the middle of the wilderness. The tents were anything but ordinary – plush bedding, wooden decks, and en-suite bathrooms.
After a hearty meal around the campfire (their grilled chicken was to die for), we spent hours laughing, sharing stories and talking about how epic the day had been.
And this was only the beginning!
Hwange National Park – The Wild Heart of Zimbabwe
Next up was Hwange National Park, famous for its incredible wildlife especially the Big 5. After a delicious breakfast and a short briefing, we set out early for a game drive. We saw elephants crossing a river, giraffes gracefully munching on treetops, and even a pride of lions lounging in the shade.
The highlight, though, was when an elephant decided to get a bit too close to our vehicle. "He’s just saying hello," Tinashe said calmly while we froze with fear. The massive creature flapped its ears and then, as if bored of us, walked away slowly.
For lunch, we had a picnic under a giant acacia tree. We had sandwiches, fresh fruits, and delightful mini meat pies. It was a simple meal, but with the wildlife and grasslands around us, all under the wide open skies, it felt like the fanciest meal ever.
The Mighty Victoria Falls
The next day, we woke up ringing with excitement. “Today’s the day we finally get to see Victoria Falls!” Mayank said, practically bouncing as we piled into the van.
As we got closer, we could hear the roar of the falls even before we saw them. “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” Tinashe said, explaining that it means “The Smoke That Thunders” in the local language.
Standing in front of the mighty falls, we were all speechless. The sheer power and beauty of the cascading water left us in awe. “Okay, this is definitely going on my Instagram highlight,” I declared, trying to click pictures from every possible angle. As we walked further along the trails, we spotted a rainbow arching through the mist. Our guide informed us that we were few of the lucky ones to be able to see this wonder.
Later, we did a boat ride on the Zambezi River, where the calm waters were a contrast to the roaring falls. As the sun set, painting the sky orange, Alisha summed it up perfectly: "This is surreal.”
The People, the Food, and the Fun
One thing that made the trip extra special was the people we met. From Tinashe’s endless jokes to the warm hospitality of the camp staff, everyone made us feel at home.
The meals were another highlight. Every night, we were treated to a mix of local and continental dishes – from savoury stews and freshly baked beans and bread to sweet desserts like malva pudding and poutine manioc. One evening, we even had a barbecue under the stars. “This is better than any five-star restaurant,” Kirti commented after seeing the delicious preparations, and we all agreed heartily.
Honestly, it wasn’t all about the sights – the little moments made the trip unforgettable. Like when we tried to start a campfire and ended up with more smoke than flames, or, when we attempted to play tug-of-war with the guides and got totally thrashed.
And who could forget the dance-off with some of the local staff? Let’s just say, our moves were nowhere near as good as theirs, but the laughter and cheering made it one of the best nights of the trip.
Heading Back
As our trip came to an end, none of us wanted to leave. “We should make this an annual thing,” Mira added with a sad tone. Zimbabwe had given us memories that would last a lifetime – the thrill of the wildlife, the beauty of the landscapes, and the warmth of its food, as well as the soulful nature of its people.
So, if you’re looking for a trip that’s equal parts adventure, relaxation, and fun, Zimbabwe should definitely be on your list. And, as for us, we’re already planning our next adventure in Africa, yet again!
Read More: Thrillophilia Zimbabwe Reviews