Zimbabwe Destination Guide
Zimbabwe is unexpectedly big on things to see and do, despite its diminutive size and landlocked location. Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, the country has some of the continent's most breathtaking scenery and natural splendour. Adventurers and lovers of the outdoors are in for a treat on a trip here, with the country offering a multitude of exciting options. Nature lovers too will be spellbound by the unmatched beauty of the local flora and the majesty of the big game.
Even the most jaded travellers will find it hard to resist the drama of the Victoria Falls cascading down the rocks and the sheer power of the marble boulder formations in the Motopo Hills.
Our Zimbabwe Destination Guide below, together with our suggested Zimbabwe tours, will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit whilst in Zimbabwe. Our Victoria Falls Destination Guide will tell you all about local things to see and do there, whilst our Zimbabwe Country Guide has some helpful information to ensure you have all the hints and tips you need for your travels.
Things to See & Do in Zimbabwe
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is a key industrial, commercial as well as tourist centre and you'll find plenty to see and do. A number of associations and museums are based out of here, including the National Railways of Zimbabwe headquarters and the National Museum. Also close by are the Khami ruins, an ancient site that is a must visit on your holiday. The Rhodes Matopos National Park lies to the south of the city and is known for its beautiful granite boulder formations. Explore the caves where you can see early rock paintings or head to the dams for a spot of fishing, then maybe spend some time at the grave of Cecil Rhodes and end the trip with a safari through the game park.
Canoe safari options
An oft run trail is the 78 km long Kakos canoe trail on the Zambezi that winds its way from Chirundu to the camp at Nyamepi within the Mana Pools National Park. Another option is the Chevore Zambeze canoe trail, which takes off from the Nyamepi camp in Mana Pools National Park and ends at the mouth of the Chewore River, covering about 75 km in all, along the length of the Zambezi. A third trail that could be followed is the Chimombe Zambezi canoe trail, which again begins at the Nyamepi camp but leads up to the border town of Kanvemba near Mozambique, spanning a distance of 128 km.
Chimanimani National Park
One of Zimbabwe's most pristine locations for hiking is the Chimanimani National Park. You might not spot big game here, but what you will find are plenty of other exotic animals native to the region including the leopard, blue duiker, chacma baboon and klipspringer. Sub-Alpine Plants like the orchid, heather, aloe and lobelia are the typical fauna in the area. The highest point in the park is Mt. Binga, which measures 2440m above sea level. Mozambique is on the eastern fringe of the park.
A popular trail is the128 km long Chimombe Zambezi canoe trail, which begins at the Nyamepi camp at Mana Pools National Park and winds through some scenic countryside before ending in the border town of Kanvemba near Mozambique.
A popular trail is the128 km long Chimombe Zambezi canoe trail, which begins at the Nyamepi camp at Mana Pools National Park and winds through some scenic countryside before ending in the border town of Kanvemba near Mozambique.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
The Great Zimbabwe ruins are believed to be the capital city of the Queen of Sheba. The city is a symbol of the Bantus of Shona who lived here in the time spanning the 11th and 15th centuries. It was a key trading post, well known right from the Middle Ages. The lands of the city are spread across an area of about 80 ha.
Khami Ruins National Monument
In the middle of the 16th century, when the early capital Great Zimbabwe was abandoned, Khami came to the forefront. The area is today of key archaeological significance and the presence of European and Chinese objects seem to indicate that Khami was a major trading centre.
Lake Kariba
The famous Lake Kariba, located in the northwest of Zimbabwe, is a whopping 7770 sq km in size and can hold up to a million gallons of water! The world's second largest man-made dam is also on this lake. Game seekers can find a vantage point in one of the many safari camps built around the area or add a twist to the experience by heading out on a safari craft or cruise vessel to spot some game. If you decide to explore on land, a guide can show you around in a 4x4 vehicle that will take you into the woody areas and drive along the land skirting the shore to see a variety of birds in their natural environment.
An early morning bird spotting safari usually includes a lunch stop later in the day, while the afternoon safari takes in tea and snacks en route. You will be kept well plied with chilled drinks throughout so you can make the most of the trip, no matter what the weather. Do remember to bring along a pair of binoculars, or invest in a set, to avoid having to share with the guide and other travellers.
An early morning bird spotting safari usually includes a lunch stop later in the day, while the afternoon safari takes in tea and snacks en route. You will be kept well plied with chilled drinks throughout so you can make the most of the trip, no matter what the weather. Do remember to bring along a pair of binoculars, or invest in a set, to avoid having to share with the guide and other travellers.
Matobo Hills
Most of Zimbabwe is covered by a granite shield, so the unusual boulder and rock formations that rise suddenly out of the landscape in the Matobo Hills make quite a sight! The boulders have in their time been used as shelters by travellers and were believed to have been occupied by people from the early Stone Age. There hasn't been consistent habitation in the area, but it appears that civilizations have discovered and rediscovered the area from time to time. Rock paintings cover many of the surfaces here and are intriguing and spiritual at the same time. Local people, even today, revere the area for its shrines and other sacred spaces, making the Matobo Hills intrinsic to different aspects of their lives - social, economic and cultural.
Matobo National Park
Not far from Bulawayo is the Matobo National Park, with its one of a kind granite rock formations, and ancient and unusual rock paintings. While in Malindidzimu, take time out to visit the tomb of Cecil Rhodes. Other worthwhile sights nearby are the Pomongwe and Nswatugi caves.
Nyanga National Park
You will be able to see sprawling grasslands, lush evergreen forests, cliffs, waterfalls and even lakeside cottages all in one area - at the Nyanga National Park. Located in the eastern part of the country and nestled in a mountain range, this park has biodiversity that will amaze you. Some options for the holidaymaker include trout fishing or visiting the trout hatchery or climbing Zimbabwe's highest peak Mt. Inyangani. The lookout point at ‘The World's View' offers a chance to get a sweeping view of the northern part of the country. A steep pathway from here will take you to the quaint village of Nyanga where you'll find a village common, a church and even English style gardens!
The Eastern Highlands
The eastern highlands of the country comprising of the Vumba, Chimanimani and Inyanga mountain ranges are a favourite holiday destination for locals as well as tourists from abroad. The clean, bracing mountain air is perfect for relaxation, and travellers leave the area rejuvenated. The tallest mountains of Zimbabwe, the Inyangani, are in this region and the scenery is nothing short of magical. Trout streams gently wash over the rocky cliffs, pine trees paint the slopes a deep green, and valleys and gorges make way for granite peaks that stand out proudly in stark contrast. Besides fishing, there are golf courses where you can try some challenging holes. There is ample opportunity for other sports and activities like pony rides, squash, tennis, mountain climbing and snooker. The less adventurous can get an adrenalin rush at the tables in the local casino. Due to the mountains and forests here, spotting game isn't easy but you never know when you'll get lucky. You could chance upon a leopard or the rarer forest antelope.
Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls is known locally as "Mosi-Oa-Tunya" which means the smoke that thunders. It offers some of the most breathtaking and magical sights in the world: a soaring spray, waters thundering down a terrifying gorge and peaceful lagoons upstream where hippos stretch out and deadly crocodiles lie in wait. To enjoy all that is on offer at this well known location, book your stay in one of the Victoria Falls hotels so as not to miss anything.
Zambezi River Hippo
The temperamental Zambezi rears its angry, choppy side ever so often, forcing canoes to fight against the currents and headwinds. As if that wasn't enough, you may even have to deal with the odd angry male hippo who decides to get territorial and may charge at you. While these elements combine to create some heart stopping moments on your trip down the river, they do make for delightful vacation stories to tell when you return home.
Remember, your canoe trip leader has probably led thousands of travellers before you down the river, so put your faith in these experienced guides and enjoy the rush! The best lower Zambezi canoe trips all start in Zimbabwe, which is well connected by road to the river and Mana Pools.
Remember, your canoe trip leader has probably led thousands of travellers before you down the river, so put your faith in these experienced guides and enjoy the rush! The best lower Zambezi canoe trips all start in Zimbabwe, which is well connected by road to the river and Mana Pools.
Zimbabwe Safaris
Tourism in the country has taken a hit thanks to a lot of bad press resulting from the country's political and economic issues. However, tourists are still assured a great time and there are many initiatives that have been taken up to offer great deals and one of a kind experiences to the traveller in Zimbabwe. You can expect some really good offers at luxurious destinations, so do explore.
