ZIMBABWE

Two of Zimbabwe’s national parks are legendary: Mana Pools, on the Zambezi, with its high concentrations of elephants and buffaloes, plus waterfowl and riverine birds; and Hwange, two hours from Victoria Falls, home to over 100 mammal species, from big cats to African wild dogs. But there are lesser-known wonders. Matobo Hills, near Bulawayo, has the highest density of leopards in Africa (almost one per square mile) and offers rhino tracking on foot. At Lake Kariba, take a sunset cruise, explore by canoe or, on its southern shore, view iconic wildlife in Matusadona National Park.

Then there is Victoria Falls – not just the thundering cataracts spanning Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the border town of that name, with its bars, restaurants, shops and open-air market selling stone and wood carvings. Like the capital, Harare, with its high-rise buildings and thriving art scene, it speaks of a more prosperous future.