Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation situated in the southern region of the African continent, and is an amazing destination experience to all kinds of travelers. Zimbabwe is a destination that will not be forgotten because of the wonder of nature like the Victoria Falls and the large and wild unvisited national parks. The incredible wildlife, the amazing landscapes and the rich culture it boasts of means that there are a lot of things to do in Zimbabwe that will perhaps stand out to nature lovers, history buffs as well as adventure seekers.
In this travel guide, we shall explore the best 10 things to do in Zimbabwe in more detail. All you need to do is to go on a memorable safari, enjoy the history of the country, or just have a rest and enjoy the beautiful scenes; Zimbabwe is the right choice when planning a memorable trip.
1. Excursions Visit Victoria Falls: The Wonder of the World.
Victoria falls are considered as one of the most recognizable natural attractions in the world, making it one of the most important things that one must see in Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, which is found on the Zambezi River that border on Zimbabwe and Zambia, is said to be one of the largest and the best water falls in the world. The falls, also referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders, are 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) across and 108 meters (354 feet) across making it create an awe-inspiring mist that is evident even several miles away.
The falls are viewed through different viewing points by the visitors in the Zimbabwean side of the river with the Victoria Falls National Park offering a safe and picturesque experience to visitors. You can also engage in such activities as bungee jumping at the Victoria falls bridge, white-water rafting at Zambezi river or even a helicopter ride so that you get a birds-eye view of the falls.
It doesn’t matter whether you are amazed by how huge the falls are or you are extreme about what to do in the falls, Victoria falls must definitely be in your list of places to visit in Zimbabwe.
2. Venture in Hwange national park: one of the best wildlife safari parks.
When you are a wildlife lover, Hwange national park is among the most successful locations in Zimbabwe to explore on a safari. Hwange the largest national park in Zimbabwe is found in the western region of the country and is characterized by huge number of elephants that are estimated to be more than 40,000 in number. A large number of wildlife, such as lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras and more than 400 species of birds are also found in the park.
The park has various safARI activities including the open 4×4 vehicle driven game drive as well as the walking safari guided by experienced rangers. To have a memorable stay, you might think of renting one of the upscale safari lodges within the park or near, and then you can relax and look at the game without leaving your room. The Hwange national park is surely a favorite to do in Zimbabwe among the fans of wild animals.
3. Great Zimbabwe Ancient Ruins Discovery.
History buffs would not regret visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins as one of the best activities in Zimbabwe. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the ruins of an ancient civilization that used to exist in the area in-between the 11 th and the 15 th centuries. The ruins are in the vicinity of the town of Masvingo and form the one of the most significant archaeological points in Africa.
The premise consists of astonishing stone buildings, such as the Great Enclosure, a vast walled compound that the rulers of the kingdom used, as well as the Hill Complex that gave a high perspective of the rest of the surrounding area. The Ruins of Great Zimbabwe are a World Heritage site with the UNESCO and offer understanding of the history and culture of the ancient Kingdom of Zimbabwe and is a must visit area by any lover of African history.
4. Kayak/Go Canoeing on Lake Kariba.
Lake Kariba also provides a wide range of activities to the people wishing to have water adventures. Lake Kariba is in the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world as well as a famous destination to sport canoeing, kayaking, fishing and boat safaris. Dramatic scenery in the form of hills, forests, and wildlife-rich areas surround the lake making it a great location to have a serene vacation or an adventure spending time.
Taking a canoe or a kayak on Lake Kariba also gives you the possibility to see the beauty of the lake in an intimate manner and you have chances of seeing the wildlife including elephants, hippos and crocodiles along the shores. Lake Kariba is among the top things to do in Zimbabwe because of the laid-back and breathtaking views of its location.
5. Go on a Safari at Matobo national park.
Matobo national park is another incredible safari attraction in Zimbabwe and is found in the southern side of the country in the vicinity of Bulawayo. Matobo has its distinctive landscapes with granite hills, rock formations as well as caves. The park also has a diverse wildlife species including black and white rhinos, leopard, giraffes and many species of antelopes.
Matobo is particularly an important tourist attraction site in the world as visitors here can explore with the help of walking safaris, and also a birdwatching site and especially the endangered black eagle. The historical aspect of the park provides yet another dimension to its attractiveness with the grave of Cecil John Rhodes who was the British colonialist lying within the park. One of the most ideal things to do in Zimbabwe is Matobo National Park where one gets to experience a closer safari experience.
6. To do a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Hwange or Victoria Falls.
To have a really memorable one, one can go on a hot air balloon flight over Hwange National Park or Victoria Falls. Gazing through the landscape with a hot air balloon ride is a distinctive experience as you get to not only see wildlife in the airways but also other stunning landscape of the park or the falls.
When flying over Hwange, you may be able to see packs of elephants, lions and other animals beneath as you relax and enjoy the spectacle. A hot air balloon ride over Victoria Falls will provide a bird eye view of the falls and the river Zambezi allowing you to appreciate this natural wonder in a completely different way. It is among the most enchanted activities in Zimbabwe.
7. Explore Zimbabwe Ruins and Rock paintings of Matobo Hills.
Along with the wildlife and landscapes, Matobo Hills also hosts ancient rock paintings which give a reflection on the lifestyle of the early people in the area. These initial paintings, done by the San people, also referred to as the Bushmen, were created thousands of years ago and some of these paintings are still presently visible upon the rock faces present at the places that are scattered over the hills.
The Matobo Hills is a World Heritage site and a visit to the site by an experienced guide offers a more insight into the cultural and spiritual values of the rock artwork. It is among the most interesting activities in Zimbabwe to individuals who want to explore the union between nature and culture.
8. Take a Walking Tour of the Zambezi National Park.
In case one wishes to have a deeper connection with nature, Zambezi National Park provides a chance to go on a walking safaris. This is a park bordering Zambezi river and is famous due to its variety of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, lion and crocodile. The expert guides guide you through walking safaris where they explain to you the features of the area as well as the animals so that you can have a secure condition of studying the wildlife at a close distance.
This walking safari is a great means of getting to know the African bush in a new experience other than in a conventional game drive and Zambezi National Park is one of the most suitable to achieve this. It is indeed among the best activities to undertake in Zimbabwe among nature lovers and adventure seekers.
9. The Art and Culture of Harare.
Facing an abundance of art and cultural experiences, Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is a culturally diverse community. Go to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe that is host to contemporary and traditional Zimbabwe art or read more about the history and culture of the country through the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences. Colorful markets, where you can buy genuine African handicraft, such as hand-carved beautiful wooden sculptures, beadwork, and cloth, are part of Harare too.
Another success story of Harare is its music industry where local musicians play music of assorted styles, including traditional drumming and dancing, modern Afrobeat and jazz. One of the most rewarding activities that one can do in Zimbabwe when meeting with the cultural aspect of the country is to explore cultural niche of the city.
10. Have leisure time at the scenic Nyanga Mountains.
To have a more restful experience visit the Nyanga Mountains which are found in the eastern side of the Zimbabwe. It is the most appropriate location to relax and admire the beauty of nature because this breathtaking mountain range provides the fresh cool air, beautiful forests, and beautiful landscapes. Nyanga also has various hiking routes and among them are routes that lead into the Mutarizi falls which are one of the highest waterfalls in the Zimbabwean country.
The region also hosts beautiful lakes which include lake mutirikwi, and the visitors can spend time fishing, boating, and watching birds. Its environment is so peaceful and beautiful that it makes Nyanga one of the most ideal places to be based in case one wants to rest and explore the natural beauty of Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The choice of destinations have something for all people in Zimbabwe which can be described as a destination indeed has it all, white rafting in Victoria falls through the adrenaline rush or the serenity of the Nyanga Mountains. Finding an adventurous safari, visiting some of the exotic ruins of our history, or enjoying the rich cultural heritage of the nation, there are several hundred things that can be done in Zimbabwe and make your trip to this country unforgotten.
Zimbabwe with its beautiful landscapes, rich history and a variety of wildlife offers a country that will surely present a safari experience like none other. You can be an adventure hunter, you may be a history enthusiast, you may be as simple as visiting the beauty of Africa and Zimbabwe must appear on your travel list.
