Philosophy

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!

Our world is in Zimbabwe - a country many people are still reluctant to visit because of the bad press it's had over the past few years. The first thing a lot of people ask us is whether Zimbabwe is 'safe'. It's an impossible question to answer. Is South Africa 'safe'? Or London, or New York, or the South Pole? What they really mean, we suspect, is: will they be at risk from what they consider to be uniquely Zimbabwean problems, such as political violence, or illnesses such as cholera. The answer is almost certainly 'no'; and furthermore, we'd advise you if at any time we felt otherwise.

The second 'FAQ' we are often asked is about fuel and provisions. Both are now widely available, for SAR or US$. You'll be able to buy fresh meat and vegetables, tinned foods, snacks, drinks - just about anything you'll need. And - should you need them - spares for most vehicles are also available in main centres such as Harare and Bulawayo.

Our own special 'world within a world' is centred on Lake Kariba, the Zambezi Valley and their surroundings. This is where Sally and I have worked and travelled for many years. We try to take less travelled, less conventional routes whenever we can. Although we love visiting the great Zambezi parks, many of the loveliest places we know are in fact outside their borders, where most visitors never go. Sally and I have spent much time in such places, finding spectacular views and secluded rivers; rugged, lonely hills and beautiful waterfalls; and - of course! - ideal 4x4 touring terrain.

Note, however, that we do not normally seek out '4x4 challenges'. Rather than being ends in themselves, our vehicles are tools that enable us to get to places most 'tourists' do not normally see. Our routes are passable by any good stock standard 4x4, and by most 'crossovers' with 4wd and low range. We don't tow a trailer ourselves, but many of our tour participants do. In this respect, a properly-built 4x4 trailer is essential. It's mostly the corrugations that break trailers - many Zambezi Valley roads quickly find weaknesses in trailer axles, bearing and suspensions; and internal fittings, too, need to be robust.

ZIM4x4's overriding mission is to share with you the places that Sally and I love, and to give you an enjoyable and informative experience. But we're also very experienced conservationists (see tour leaders). This is the theme that runs through all our tours, and is reflected in the information we pass on to you through our briefings, informal discussions, and 'campfire chats'. We promote a conservation ethic that recognizes the values of nature, wilderness and wildlife, and so contributes to their conservation for future generations.

Overall, we expect our clients to act in a manner that shows 4x4 owners and drivers to be responsible, conservation-oriented and mindful of the needs of other road, wilderness and accommodation users. We adhere to the strict Wilderness Code that Sally developed in collaboration with South Africa's Wilderness Action Group and the US-based Wild Foundation.

And we try to provide material support for National Parks and other wild areas whenever possible, usually through The Zambezi Society, with which we have a long-standing association. At present, this support is mostly focused on reinforcing anti-poaching activities with items such as fuels, vehicle spares, and communications equipment. We think it's this mix of adventure, responsibility and knowledge that makes our world - and our accompanied tours - so special. And it's easy to come and share it with us! Send us an email and we'll take it from there....