A change of scenery and adventure are guaranteed in Southern Africa with this guide to the 8 most beautiful places to visit in Zimbabwe!
Zimbabwe isn’t the first country in Southern Africa that comes to mind when you think of discovering the continent’s treasures. Although its political situation has led it to be overlooked in favor of Botswana, Namibia andSouth Africa, it is home to the mythical Victoria Falls. And the country’s national parks are no match for its neighbors either! You’re not likely to miss the much sought-after Big Five, but only to see them, of course! So, if it’s all here, what are you waiting for to visit Zimbabwe?
Interestingly, 60% of the country’s population is under the age of 25, which contributes to its dynamism, particularly in its capital, Harare. This trip will be an opportunity to learn more about the history of Africa and its centuries-old cultures, unfortunately consigned to oblivion by European colonization. In short, there’s no question of missing out on the cultural richness of this country, which boasts 16 official languages!
And to give you a taste of what’s in store, here are our top 8 places to visit in Zimbabwe.
1. Victoria Falls
Photo credit: Shutterstock – 2630ben
This is Zimbabwe’s flagship landscape, and where you’re likely to see the most tourists. Located on the border with Zambia, a bridge allows you to cross from one country to the other. The falls form a 1.7 km wall where the Zambezi River thunders down a 100 m deep canyon. The site offers the chance to walk on the heights of the falls and along the Zambezi River. This is a unique opportunity to observe the wealth of wildlife and the beauty of the landscape. A loop through the rainforest is highly recommended to appreciate the variety of biodiversity in the region.
Note that high water occurs in March-April, and it’s at this time that you can witness the phenomenon of water fog and rainbows.
2. Lake Kariba
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lynn Yeh
Who would have thought, on discovering its rich fauna and wild shores, that the lake was man-made? Lake Kariba was created in 1960 by the construction of a hydroelectric dam by Frenchman André Coyne.
During the rainy season, the water level rises and floods the surrounding forests, as witnessed by the fascinating sight of tree trunks emerging from the surface. These are ideal perches for a wide variety of birds and lend a mystical atmosphere to the area. A trip on the water will allow you to meet a few hippos and crocodiles or catch one of the famous tiger fish.
If you’re passing through in September, don’t miss the local festival dedicated to the god Nyaminyami. Legend has it that he used to live there and that the construction of the dam separated him from his wife, provoking his anger and triggering a tragic dam burst.
3. The remains of Great Zimbabwe
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jo Reason
Visiting Zimbabwe and the archaeological remains of this ancient medieval city is an opportunity to dispel certain prejudices inherited from the colonial era. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is unique in the world. Legend even has it that the Queen of Sheba resided here.
The complex bears witness to the Shona culture, with a town founded in the 11th century that was home to up to 10,000 inhabitants in the 14th century. Among the remaining vestiges are several stone enclosures that certainly demarcated an upper, royal city, walls and tower ruins. Numerous artefacts, such as sculptures, gold jewelry and pearls, some from Asia, have been found, proving that the city was once an important commercial crossroads.
4. Harare
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ulrich Mueller
Africa’s capital cities are not among the world’s most famous when it comes to city-trips. Harare tends to be an exception to the rule, and is considered one of the most welcoming on the continent. Of course, you’ll still need to take the usual precautions as a tourist. For example, avoid walking alone at night. However, Zimbabwe’s capital does have a few little nuggets worth discovering.
To begin with, the city is pleasant thanks to its many parks and gardens with abundant flowers, and a visit to the National Botanical Gardens is highly recommended. Harare Gardens is the city’s largest park, with plenty to do. In fact, it is home to the not-to-be-missed National Gallery of Zimbabwe, a center for contemporary art that focuses on African artists. It is also a center for the conservation of the continent’s artistic heritage, from the early arts to the present day.
5. Hwange National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ondrej Prosicky
Visiting Zimbabwe is synonymous with wildlife watching and safaris! Hwange National Park is one of the largest in the country. It’s home to all the mythical mammals of Africa, including many elephants, but not only. The diversity of its fauna is exceptional: monkeys, giraffes, wild animals, hyenas and shimmering birds straight out of The Lion King. The same is true of its landscapes, which offer superb vistas.
The best way to discover it is, of course, to be accompanied by a park ranger. In addition to 4×4 safaris, other tours are also available. For example, guided night hikes offer the chance to discover nature in a quieter way, away from the crowds.
6. Matusadona National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / paula french
Located on the shores of Lake Kariba, a visit to this park with its amazing history is not to be missed. When the artificial lake was created with the construction of the dam, many animals found themselves trapped on islets as the water rose. The authorities organized Operation Noah to evacuate the animals and release them to safety. This is how the park came into being.
Today, thanks to the proximity of the lake, the fauna has developed considerably. You’re sure to come across crocodiles, hippos and black rhinoceroses, an endangered species of which only a few dozen remain. The scenery is equally unforgettable.
7. Matobo Hills
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / bayazed
There’s more to visiting Zimbabwe than safaris. What makes Matobo National Park and its mountains so famous are the balancing rocks, granite rocks weighing several tons stacked on top of each other. The balance may seem precarious, but it has held for centuries. These natural sculptures already fascinated ancient civilizations. Indeed, numerous traces of occupation have been discovered here, including cave paintings. The Matobo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some of the rocky chaos is considered sacred by the local population, who still practice ancestral rites.
Another interesting fact is that Cecil Rhodes, the British colonist who created Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, is buried in the hills, as is the founder of the Ndebele kingdom in the 19th century, King Mzilikazi.
8. Bulawayo
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Herb Klein
It would be a shame to miss Bulayawo on your visit to Zimbabwe. The city is the second largest in the country and was the capital of the Ndebele kingdom founded in the 19th century.
- Its historic center is renowned for preserving traces of European occupation, and many colonial-style buildings, some of them quite striking, remain, adding a certain charm.
- On the cultural front, Bulawayo is also known for its fine museums. In fact, the Natural History Museum is one of the continent’s richest and most important collections. It showcases the country’s flora and fauna, as well as the different civilizations and people who have left their mark on Zimbabwe’s history. As a bonus, a gold mine has been reconstructed, among many other curiosities.
- The city’s other famous museum is the Railway Museum. It traces the history of colonization and its pharaonic projects, through the presentation of old wagons. You can discover the wagon that first crossed the Victoria Falls bridge, or the Cecil Rhodes wagon.
- To round off your discovery of the city, don’t miss a trip to the outskirts to visit the remains of the city of Khami, which developed after the fall of Great Zimbabwe.
So, what are you waiting for to visit Zimbabwe?
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