Prakash's Thrillophilia Review of a Couple’s Thrilling Getaway in Zimbabwe
It all started when Preeti and I were stuck in traffic on our way back from work, as usual. We had the windows rolled down, trying to spot what was causing the jam. Out of nowhere, Preeti said, “Let’s go to Africa!” I raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was serious. “Africa? For real?”
She grinned, “Why not? Plus I'm so done watching skyscrapers and cars around all the time”
We spent the rest of our time in the traffic jam Googling African destinations, and somehow, Zimbabwe popped up. “How about Victoria Falls?” I suggested, showing her a picture of the falls. She was hooked immediately. Soon, what started as a random idea quickly turned into a full-fledged adventure, and I was so glad that it did!
Whispers by the Falls
When we arrived at the viewing platform of Victoria Falls, I was completely overwhelmed by the sight in front of us. The roar of the water falling down was deafening, but had a strange charm to it. Preeti was specially fascinated by the mist that rose from the falls that sent out a refreshing breeze. I turned to her, and said, “This is beyond anything I imagined. I had seen many pictures of it online, but watching it in front of my eyes is just...unreal.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the views of it from different viewpoints, each one offering a unique perspective. At one point, we even got a chance to witness a rainbow that appeared in the mist.
“I'll always remember this you know...can't thank you enough for it,” Preeti whispered, gazing at the rainbow.
Later, back at the hotel, we sat on the balcony admiring the Zambezi River. “It’s crazy to think how ancient these falls are,” I said, reflecting on the millions of years it took to create them. Preeti smiled, “Funny how it makes you feel so small but in a good way. Nature is so powerful.”
A Safari to Remember
Our time at the Hwange National Park was one of the most exciting activities during the trip. As we moved deeper into the dense forests and vast fields of the park, we got a chance to spot several animals including zebras and giraffes. It was an incredible sight to watch the move elegantly across the region with their families.
My personal favorite moment of the trip was when we saw the elephants in the distance. “Look at them!” I exclaimed, amazed at their size. Preeti grinned, “They’re even bigger than I thought. It’s like they’re straight out of a documentary.”
Later, we also came across a pride of lions resting under a tree. The sight of them so close to the vehicle left me speechless. Preeti leaned in and whispered, “I can’t believe we’re so close to them. I feel a bit scared to be honest...but thrilled.” I agreed, as our guide explained how rare it was to see them so comfortably at rest.
We stopped by a waterhole, where several animals like deer and buffalo were drinking water. Not missing out on the stunning background, I clicked a few photos of Preeti, capturing her wide-eyed expression. “I think I've become a wildlife enthusiast too...just like you,” she said softly. I could tell that she was overwhelmed by the experience. We spent the next few hours tracking animals, trying to spot more of the "Big Five" in the incredible park.
A Land of Stories
After the wildlife adventures at Hwange, we continued our journey to Matopos National Park. The landscape at Matopos was just as stunning, with its deep historical significance and ancient granite hills. As we explored, our guide shared the rich history of the region, including how these hills had been home to ancient civilizations and ritual. “These hills have been here for millions of years,” he explained. “They’ve seen the rise and fall of many cultures.”
Preeti looked around in awe, taking in the vastness of the landscape. “It’s hard to believe the amount of history these hills carry,” I said. “It feels like stepping into another dimension.”
Later, we even encountered a group of white rhinos grazing in the tall grass. It was a rare sight, and we watched them in silence, both of us amazed by their presence. “They’re so peaceful, it’s hard to believe they’re such powerful creatures,” Preeti remarked. I agreed, watching them feed peacefully as if they weren’t aware of our presence at all.
We then travelled to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient city that once stood as the heart of a powerful empire. The stone structures and historic walls left us both stunned. Our guide explained the significance of the ruins and how they were once the hotspot of trade and culture in Africa. “For centuries, this place was the thriving hub of a powerful empire,” he said.
I turned to Preeti, who was absorbed in the history around us. “It’s hard to imagine how vibrant this place must have been in its prime,” I remarked. Preeti nodded thoughtfully, “It’s humbling, really. To think that people once lived and worked here, so long ago.” It felt surreal to be standing in a place where so much history had unfolded.
And before we could realize, it was already time for us to bid farewell to Zimbabwe. Preeti looked at me and said, “I had no idea Zimbabwe would be this fascinating. It’s so much more than the safaris and ruins.” I smiled, feeling the same way. “This country has a spirit to it that’s hard to explain. I’m so glad we came.”
As we boarded the plane back, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for everything we had experienced. Zimbabwe had given us memories that would last a lifetime - wild animals, ancient ruins, and lots of historical heritage.
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