Zimbabwe is a country in southern Africa without a coastline, known for its stunning scenery and rich wildlife. One of its most famous natural wonders is Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River drops 108 meters into the deep Batoka Gorge, offering activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping. Wildlife parks such as Hwange, Mana Pools, and Matusadona are home to animals like elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, and many bird species. The Eastern Highlands, including the Chimanimani Mountains, are great for hiking and exploring nature. Zimbabwe also has fascinating historical sites, like the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe and unique rock formations like the Matobo Hills and Epworth Balancing Rocks.
places to visit in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is located in western Zimbabwe, between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Its grasslands and mopane forests are home to large herds of elephants, lions, and African wild dogs. In the northwest, animals gather at Mandavu and Masuma dams, which have hidden viewing points. Bumbusi National Monument has ruins and ancient rock art, while Nyamandhlovu Pan in the southeast offers an elevated viewing platform to observe wildlife.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, lies along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border. The lake is home to a variety of fish, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and many bird species, such as fish eagles and cormorants. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is famous for the Matobo Hills, which feature unique balancing rock formations created by the erosion of granite. The park is also home to black eagles and both black and white rhinos. The grave of Cecil Rhodes, founder of Rhodesia, is located on the summit of Malindidzimu. Some areas of the park are set aside as game reserves, including for white rhinos.
Nyanga National Park
Nyanga National Park is located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It features Mount Nyangani, the highest peak in the country, and Mutarazi Falls, the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe. The park is known for its populations of blue duiker and Samango monkeys, making it a popular spot for wildlife conservation.
Bulawayo Railway Museum
Located at Bulawayo railway station, the Bulawayo Railway Museum showcases the history of Zimbabwe’s railway system, dating back to 1897. Exhibits include items related to the railway industry, as well as Cecil Rhodes’ personal railway coach.
Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa and the largest one flowing east into the Indian Ocean. It is most famous for Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Other notable falls along the river include Chavuma Falls and Ngonye Falls in Zambia.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. The park is known for its wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Lions are often seen around waterholes such as Chitake Spring, and visitors can observe animals up close in the park’s floodplains.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River just below Victoria Falls. It connects Zimbabwe and Zambia and offers guided tours that focus on the bridge’s history and construction. The bridge provides stunning views of the falls and surrounding area.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city located near Lake Mutirikwe and Masvingo. Believed to have been the capital of a powerful kingdom during the Late Iron Age, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins, including a royal palace, are a testament to the area’s rich history.
Chinhoyi Caves
Chinhoyi Caves are a series of limestone and dolomite caves in north-central Zimbabwe. Divers have explored the caves and discovered a submerged passage connecting two chambers. The caves are a popular destination for technical divers seeking ultra-deep diving experiences.
Top destinations in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a town in western Zimbabwe, known for the famous waterfall. The Zambezi River drops over a cliff, creating a dramatic waterfall that flows through several gorges. The Devil’s Pool, a natural pool, is located right at the edge of the waterfall. The Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905, crosses the river. Nearby, Zambezi National Park is home to white rhinos and elephants.
Harare
Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, located near Harare Gardens, features a collection of African contemporary art as well as traditional items like baskets, jewelry, and musical instruments. To the southeast of the city, you’ll find the Epworth Balancing Rocks, an unusual granite formation. Mukuvisi Woodlands, also nearby, is a wildlife area where zebras and giraffes roam, with bike paths and a bird park.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is a city in southwest Zimbabwe and a gateway to Matobo National Park. The park is famous for the Matobo Hills, with unique rock formations and ancient cave art. Wildlife in the park includes rhinos and black eagles. Tshabalala Game Sanctuary, close to the city, is home to zebras and impalas. To the west of Bulawayo, you can visit the 15th-century ruins of Khami city, which includes stone walls and terraces. The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo displays artifacts from these ancient ruins.
Best time to visit Zimbabwe
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is mild and ideal for wildlife viewing. The peak season for Victoria Falls is from July to October. For the best views of the falls, visit from April to May, after the rainy season ends. If you want to try white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, the prime time is between August and December.
