Zimbabwe - Africa’s Cricketing Dream
Some say Zimbabwe lies at the heart and soul of Africa. Like many nations it has had a turbulent past. Much is the same with the national sport of cricket and it has certainly had its ups and downs. Granted Test status 1992 they played their first Test match in October that year against India at the Harare Sports Club. They became the ninth Test nation. After a lean period and internal problems the Zimbabwean team was voluntarily suspended from Test cricket in late 2005. However, in 2011, after regaining their test status, Zimbabwe played their first test match against Bangladesh at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe won the test on day five by 130 runs which sent the nation into raptures
Names such as Andy Flower, Heath Streak and Henry Olonga are etched into cricket folk lore. Giants of men who struggled against all manner of adversity to carve out careers in an unsupported and unstable cricketing culture. Their legacy remains and there is genuine hope that they may inspire the younger generation coming through. World cricket would benefit greatly from a competitive and committed team from the heartland of Africa. There is true beauty in the landscape and surrounds as we enjoy two Tests in the cities and taste the culture and stunningly picturesque countryside with visits to the world renowned Victoria Falls and the bountiful Hwange National Park
- ***THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY ONLY*** - Day 1 - Arrive Harare Arrival day (no activities planned). We will meet this evening and discuss all aspects of our tour before enjoying dinner together Days 2 - 6 - Harare - ***FIRST TEST*** We transfer to the Harare Sports Club which is a multi-purpose stadium mostly used for cricket. It was originally known as Salisbury Sports Club and has been the primary cricket venue in Rhodesia and Zimbabwe since its opening. Zimbabwe played its first ever Test here in 1992 against India and in 1994 it was the site of Zimbabwe's first ever Test win. The ground is encompassed by Jacaranda trees and has a beautiful gabled pavilion which has a popular bar. At the other end of the ground is Castle Corner, the livelier gathering place of the venue Day 7 - Harare to Victoria Falls We travel to one of the world’s most impressive natural sites today. Victoria Falls are on the Zambezi River situated at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as “the smoke that thunders” because of the immense sound day and night they are a site to behold Day 8 - Victoria Falls The Falls today are a world heritage site and have the largest curtain of falling water on the planet. We enjoy a day visit and plan to get on to the Zambezi River which is Africa's fourth longest river which flows all the way from Zambia through Zimbabwe and finally into the Indian Ocean. We also plan a visit to Hwange National Park which is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe Day 9 - Victoria Falls to Bulawayo A travel day today we journey to Bulawayo the second-largest city in Zimbabwe. Known locally as the 'City of Kings' the majority of the population here belongs to the Ndebele ethnic group. Our base is in the city centre not far from the cricket ground Days 10-13 - Bulawayo - ***SECOND TEST*** Today we transfer to the Queens Sports Club for the Second Test. This ground is also a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 13,000. It is situated close to the city centre and is one of international cricket's loveliest venues. The old pavilion is surrounded by trees and much of the ground consists of grass banks. Plenty of excellent spots to enjoy the action Day 14 - depart Bulawayo We are able to enjoy day 5 of the Second Test before making our way to the airport for our connecting flights - ***Extra day’s accommodation can be arranged by Global Drift as required*** - |      |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
| Double Inquire |
*The tour offered will include time at 2 test venues (Harare and Bulawayo). Extra day’s accommodation can be arranged by us as required
**Global Drift will provide a “Code of Conduct” document to be attached to your tour schedule. Representing Australia abroad we are committed to a fun and enjoyable tour not at the expense of common courtesy and mutual respect
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.