Discover exciting things to do in Zimbabwe with our comprehensive guide. Explore iconic landmarks, thrilling wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and natural wonders that make Zimbabwe a must-visit destination in Southern Africa
Zimbabwe is a stunning country with a rich history and modern-day attractions. It’s home to the continent’s biggest national park, Victoria Falls, and its most popular attraction, Hwange National Park. The country has also been called “Africa in miniature” for its diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. From rolling hills to towering cliffs, Zimbabwe offers adventure seekers an array of activities, from hiking through ancient ruins to swimming in waterfalls.
Visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. As the largest waterfall in the world by combined width and height, Victoria Falls captivates visitors with its sheer size and powerful cascades, which create a mist that can be seen from miles away. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the falls attract tourists from around the globe who come to marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty and rich biodiversity.
Aside from its impressive stature, Victoria Falls offers a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy. Adventurous souls can experience the thrill of bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, zip-lining across the gorge, or taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls for unparalleled views. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, sunset cruises along the Zambezi River provide a serene setting to appreciate the falls from a different perspective.
Surrounding the falls is a lush ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, including numerous species of birds, fish, and plants. The nearby Victoria Falls National Park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature walks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
In addition to its natural attractions, Victoria Falls town provides a vibrant cultural experience with local markets, craft shops, and traditional dance performances that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Victoria Falls promises an unforgettable journey into one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
Go to Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe. It’s home to many animals and has diverse landscapes, including mountains, savannahs, and plains.
The park is home to the largest elephant population in Africa—about 120,000 elephants—so it’s no surprise that you can see them here! You’ll also see lions (the second largest pride), leopards, and cheetahs roaming around. The landscape varies from flat grasslands on one side of the park to steep rocky ravines on another side, where you may encounter hippos while hiking through these areas.
Tour Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a national park in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. The park was established in 1949 to protect the water sources for Zimbabwe’s major cities, including Harare and Bulawayo.
The park’s name comes from two salt lakes surrounded by reed beds (mana) and grasslands (pools). Small islands are also covered in thick vegetation where birds can nest during migration seasons, and elephants, leopards, lions, and wild dogs live within its boundaries. The interior regions of this protected area have been declared an Important Bird Area because it contains several species endemic to Zimbabwe, such as glossy starling (Prosthemadera rubricapilla), black-backed vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), African green pigeons (Columba livia), crowned crane (Hornero cristatus) and others; these species make up over half of all known birds found in Africa!
Visit Matobo Hills
The Matobo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they’re home to some of the most impressive rock paintings in Africa. The hills are covered in wildlife, from elephants and lions to leopards and baboons. You can see these animals daily at the local markets, and you’ll take them here on any hike!
If you’re into plants, many succulents (a type of cactus) growing here aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. These plants will be your new best friends after spending time exploring this incredible landscape!
Matobo Hills is a World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe and home to many rock paintings and caves. The area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
The name “Matobo” comes from the Shona language: mato means dead (or corpse), bo means place, and o means house or palace. It makes sense when you consider that these hills are named after their spiritual significance as burial grounds for ancient rulers buried here upon death.
Visit Mukuvisi Woodlands
Mukuvisi Woodlands is a forest reserve in Zimbabwe. It’s a popular tourist destination in the Zambezi River Valley and home to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. The park allows visitors to see elephants, leopards, lions, and chimpanzees. On top of that, you can also spot rhinos here!
This area is also known for its natural beauty; it has some beautiful waterfalls like Mukuvisi Falls, where you can swim or even climb down into caves to explore them further.
Enjoy Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is a manufactured lake, the largest in Zimbabwe and one of the largest in Africa. It was created when President Robert Mugabe authorized building of a dam on the Zambezi River to supply power for his country’s growing industrialization. The lake covers an area equivalent to Austria or Belgium, and its water levels have been raised by 10 meters since its creation in 1964.
Lake Kariba’s water level rises by up to 2 meters per year due to evaporation from its surface area and rainfall entering through runoff channels leading off from surrounding hillsides above sea level.
Tour Khami Ruins
Khami Ruins are located in the Khami District of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They were built by the Kingdom of Butua and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins were constructed between 1250 and 1301 AD and were abandoned around 1430 AD when their residents migrated to present-day Zimbabwe.
The site contains an array of buildings and structures, including houses, granaries, temples, churches, and burial grounds excavated since 1990, with some remaining today.
Go to Nyanga National Park
Nyanga National Park is the oldest and most visited national park in Zimbabwe. It’s home to some of the country’s most endangered species, including the black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, and leopard.
Nyanga National Park is located near Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River in Matabeleland North Province. The park covers an area of about 830 square kilometers (320 square miles). It was established in 1955 by British colonial authorities as a game reserve but has since expanded into a wildlife conservation area with extensive hiking trails that allow visitors to get close-up views of some large mammals such as elephants or lions at close range without getting too close to them.
Visit Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Monument
Great Zimbabwe National Monument is a World Heritage Site and one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most significant stone structures. The name “Great Zimbabwe” was given to it by European explorers who first encountered it in 1650, but this is an overstatement. While some undiscovered ruins may be under layers of dirt and rock, they are not as impressive as you might think.
The Bantu people built the site in the 11th century CE (although it’s still unclear how long ago) when they arrived from southern Africa. Its purpose was likely religious or administrative—the city served as an essential trading post between South Africa and nearby countries like Mozambique and Swaziland—but nothing has been definitively proven about its use for any other reason than speculation on historical texts written after Europeans began exploring these parts of Africa starting around 1600 CE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zimbabwe offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests and passions. From the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest waterfall in the world, to the diverse wildlife encounters in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, the country boasts an abundance of natural wonders. Cultural enthusiasts can explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, marveling at the architectural feats of past civilizations, while adventure seekers can partake in adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping at Victoria Falls or white-water rafting along the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe’s vibrant cities, such as Harare and Bulawayo, offer a blend of history, art, and local cuisine, providing insight into the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether embarking on a safari, delving into ancient history, or simply relaxing amid stunning landscapes, Zimbabwe promises an enriching and memorable journey for travelers seeking to explore the heart of Southern Africa.
