Harare’s proud historical and cultural heritage is reflected in several well-preserved old buildings and informative museums, while its many parks and gardens provide a pleasant contrast to the bustling urban sectors. Jacana Gardens Guest Lodge is situated on a quiet and secure one-acre property within the Golden Triangle of Harare’s Northern suburbs. Only a 25-minute drive from Harare’s International Airport and 10 minutes from the city centre.

Accommodation: small-scale luxury in a relaxing and tropical setting. Each room with its own individual design, all en-suite and patio doors opening onto the veranda. There is an open-plan lounge area where guests can meet around one of the two fire places.

Resting in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, Mutare is one of the largest cities in Zimbabwe known for its mountainous terrain, lush forests, melting pot of cultures and friendly, hospitable locals. Visit the archaeological sites on Murahwa Hill, the Mutare Museum and Cross Kopje. Spend a day travelling the nearby Nyanga and Vumba Mountains for their exquisite views, scenic hiking trails, wealth of wildlife and lush vegetation.

Accommodation: Gordon’s is a boutique bed and breakfast in the ‘Avenues’ of Mutare city, centrally located for restaurants. Set in beautiful gardens with a gazebo lounge that offers one a place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the establishment.

Masvingo town was formerly known as Fort Victoria and is near to the Unesco-listed Great Zimbabwe National Monument. They are ruins of an ancient city of mysterious origins that dates back thousands of years and shows evidence of an advanced civilisation. There are also game drives and walks in the nearby Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park, sunset cruises on Lake Mutirikwi, as well as drives into the tribal areas surrounding the Great Zimbabwe site.

Accommodation: the lodge, built from stone and thatch, accommodates guests in luxurious en-suite chalets decorated in such a way that you might feel as if you were an African emperor in a previous life.

Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. The reserve is home to an impressive range of wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa’s largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This luxury lodge is hidden away among the Matobo Hills in southern Zimbabwe.

Accommodation: an African inspired refuge of individually thatched, stone suites built into the granite rocks that make the Matobo Hills famous. Each room is steeped in African historical artefacts of a bygone era, truly delightful. Its charm leaves an indelible impression on every guest.

Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40,000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species including a population of wild dogs thought to be the largest on the continent. Khulu Bush Camp is located on a private concession of 6,000 acres. All rooms overlook an ancient riverbed known to attract the greatest wildlife and birdlife in Hwange.

Accommodation: thatched, safari style suites built onto slightly elevated platforms. Each well-appointed room is designed in a modern and contemporary style with a minimal impact to the environment. There is an indoor and outdoor shower and balcony for game viewing.

Batonka Guest Lodge is set in lush gardens, a tranquil haven away from the bustle of town but still within easy walking distance. Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. Included is the Malachite Dinner Cruise for an exceptional evening on the Zambezi River.

Accommodation: the lodge offers well-appointed rooms with elegant, contemporary style décor, encompassing Victoria Falls’ colonial past and African flavour. All rooms are air-conditioned, with all the modern amenities and have en-suite bathrooms.