Zimbabwe
Tourist Information
Although Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, bodies of water are abundant here! What it lacks in the coastline, it makes up for with its world-renowned national parks, colossal lakes, and waterfalls.
Situated in Southern Africa with borders on the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers, Zimbabwe provides an oasis for any nature enthusiast. However, this country offers much more than breathtaking landscapes, as it is rooted in a rich history too. It even has 16 official languages, which is the most in the world!
With safaris-galore, just under half of this nation’s land is made up of untouched nature. This is just one of the reasons the country simply has to be on your bucket-list for adventuring.
Victoria Falls National Park
This immense waterfall is a worldwide phenomenon, found in the very North-Western corner of Zimbabwe. Forming part of the Zambezi River, it has been given the title of one of the world’s seven natural wonders. It is also one of the most-visited Zimbabwe tourist attractions.
Tourists are spoilt with many different options for adventure, such as white river rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and lion encounters. As well as our favourite – the devil’s pool. This pool comprises of a rock lip that extends skywards, preventing visitors in the pool from falling.
When to Visit the Victoria Falls
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during a full moon. To the South of the Falls is the rainforest where rising water vapour creates a sense of ‘rain’ every day, all day. When the moon rises, a hue reflects off the water vapour and there emerges a ‘moonbow’. This is one of the world’s most wonderful sights, as a rainbow begins to form and lasts until sunrise!
Take a tour of Great Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe possesses the largest ancient site below the Sahara. The country boasts a rich culture and this is evident in its man-made ruins that trace all the way back to the 10th century. At the time, the country was actually a kingdom and Great Zimbabwe was its capital!
Guided tours are offered here and highly recommended to gain insight into man’s earliest settlements. The site consists of three zones: the Valley Ruins, Hill Complex and the Great Enclosure.
The Hill Complex is the most ancient out of the three. There is also a museum there for those who would like to make a day-trip out of it, as well as a hotel nearby should it be a far drive.
Cruise along the Zambezi River
The Zambezi River establishes a natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the longest east-flowing river in Africa. This river is one of Zimbabwe’s most attractive features, supplying Victoria Falls and fertilizing the landscape.
The river has brought about numerous resorts, lodges, and luxury hotels to stay in along its banks. Activities offered here comprise of white-river rafting, canoeing, sunset cruises, and many more.
Zambezi River Basin Map
The river begins its source from the Indian Ocean and trails through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Angola. It is also the fourth-largest river basin in Africa and covers 54,5% of Zimbabwe’s land!
This stretch of south-eastern coastline is most famous for its lush and ecologically diverse coastline. Wildlife flourishes amongst the lagoons, rivers and lakes, feeding off the area’s green vegetation.
Zimbabwe Attractions – Best National Parks
Over 5-million hectares of Zimbabwe’s terrain is occupied by wildlife and national parks. This is managed and monitored by ZimParks. The parks ensure the preservation of the wildlife as well as the fauna and flora that sustain it.
There are 11 official National Parks that are supported by ZimParks and each one of them has its own unique charm and offerings. Visiting the parks is one of the best and most authentic Zimbabwe things to do.
We simply wish we could present each one of these must-see places in Zimbabwe. But we can show you our top picks so that you can enjoy the country’s wide variety!
Hwange National Park
The largest national park in the country, Hwange is the perfect place to spot Zimbabwe’s incredible wildlife and nature. This game reserve offers everything a safari enthusiast would want. Unending plains, the Big 5 and prolific bird-life (roughly 500 species). It also hosts and conserves a number of rare and endangered animals such as the Wild Dog and Cheetah.
Situated in North-Western Zimbabwe, the park is said to be the size of the country of Belgium. Due to its massive size (1.4-million hectares), the park is never heavily populated with tourists, allowing for more intimate views of the magnificent wildlife. It truly is one of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe.
Chinhoyi Caves National Park
Positioned only 1.5 hours away from Harare, this mystical gem is one of the most unique things to do in Zimbabwe. The caves comprise of limestone and dolomite materials, which is why the water is so astonishingly crystal-blue! This owes to the optimal meeting of daylight and dissolved rock to create the perfect blue.
Activities here include diving, game-viewing, rock-art galleries and bird watching. This makes for the perfect day-trip from Harare. You’ll also gain insight into the cave\’s rich history, as well as how it got its name.
Zimbabwe Facts
Zimbabwe is a fascinating destination, full of interesting facts. Here are some of our favourite.
Time in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe follows Central African Time (CAT), which is 2 hours ahead of General Meridian Time (GMT+2).
Zimbabwean Currency / Money
Zimbabwe once used a ‘multiple currency’ system, which was removed in June 2019. The country has now adopted the Zimbabwean Dollar ($) which is an extension of the lasting RTGS Dollar.
Zimbabwe’s Airports
Zimbabwe has three international airports. There are many other airports within the country, however, they are mainly used for private purposes.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
This airport, named after the previous President of the country, hosts 16 airlines and flies to and from 11 destinations. It is situated in the country’s capital city, Harare.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
This airport is the smallest of the three, and also the least popular. It hosts 2 airlines and flies to and from 3 destinations. It is located in the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo and is named after the former Vice-President of Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls International Airport
Situated nearby the world wonder, this airport hosts 4 airlines and flies to and from 5 destinations. If you’re visiting Zimbabwe for the falls, this is the best option.
summary
By now, we’re sure we have conjured up much excitement for you to visit Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe points of interest! The country’s natural landscape is one to be admired. Any avid safari-enthusiast or lover of history and culture would simply fall in love with this nation!
Although land-locked, its natural, plentiful and beautiful bodies of water certainly make up for having no ocean. We can’t wait for you to experience all that this country has to offer. You’ll never be short when it comes to what to do in Zimbabwe.
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