Travel Guide to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the breathtaking Victoria Falls to its vast national parks, Zimbabwe offers adventure, relaxation, and historical exploration. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an adrenaline seeker, this guide will help you plan your trip.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May – October): Best for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
• Rainy Season (November – April): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching opportunities.

Natural Wonders

1. Victoria Falls – One of the largest and most stunning waterfalls in the world, also known as “The Smoke That Thunders.”
2. Zambezi River – Offers incredible boat cruises, fishing, and white-water rafting.
3. Lake Kariba – One of Africa’s largest lakes, perfect for fishing, houseboat trips, and sunset cruises.
4. Chinhoyi Caves – A mysterious network of limestone caves with a deep blue pool.
5. Eastern Highlands – A scenic region with lush mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Wildlife & National Parks

6. Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s largest national park, home to elephants, lions, and wild dogs.
7. Mana Pools National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for canoe safaris and close wildlife encounters.
8. Matobo National Park – Known for its unique rock formations, ancient San rock art, and rhino conservation.
9. Gonarezhou National Park – A remote and wild park, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
10. Matusadona National Park – A great spot for safari boat cruises along Lake Kariba.

Cultural & Historical Sites

11. Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Ancient stone ruins that tell the story of the once-powerful Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
12. National Heroes’ Acre (Harare) – A national monument honoring Zimbabwe’s independence fighters.
13. Bulawayo Railway Museum – A fascinating look into Zimbabwe’s railway history.
14. Kopje Hill (Harare) – Offers panoramic views of the capital city.
15. Domboshava Rock Paintings – Prehistoric rock art by the San people.

Safari & Wildlife Experiences

16. Game Drives in Hwange or Mana Pools – Spot the Big Five and other wildlife.
17. Walking Safari in Matobo Hills – A thrilling way to see rhinos up close.
18. Canoeing Safari on the Zambezi River – Paddle through hippo and crocodile-filled waters.
19. Birdwatching in Nyanga National Park – Zimbabwe has over 600 bird species.
20. Elephant Encounter at Wild Horizons – A chance to interact with elephants in Victoria Falls.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

21. Bungee Jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge – One of the most extreme bungee jumps in the world.
22. White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi – A thrilling ride through some of the world’s best rapids.
23. Ziplining across Batoka Gorge – Enjoy breathtaking views over the Zambezi River.
24. Hiking in the Chimanimani Mountains – Explore scenic mountain trails and waterfalls.
25. Horseback Riding in Nyanga – Ride through rolling hills and pine forests.

Relaxation & Leisure

26. Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River – Enjoy a scenic cruise with drinks and wildlife viewing.
27. Fishing at Lake Kariba – Try your luck at catching the famous tiger fish.
28. Luxury Safari Lodges – Stay at world-class safari lodges with breathtaking views.
29. Visit the Botanical Gardens (Harare) – A peaceful spot with diverse plant species.
30. Golfing in Borrowdale (Harare) – Enjoy a round of golf in Zimbabwe’s capital.

Shopping & Markets

31. Avondale Flea Market (Harare) – A great place for souvenirs, arts, and crafts.
32. Elephant’s Walk Shopping Centre (Victoria Falls) – Unique handcrafted gifts and jewelry.
33. Mbare Musika Market (Harare) – Experience a bustling local market with fresh produce and crafts.
34. National Handicraft Centre – Buy authentic Zimbabwean art and textiles.
35. Bulawayo Curio Shops – A great place for locally made wooden carvings and traditional crafts.

Food & Dining

36. Try Sadza – Zimbabwe’s staple dish made from maize meal, often served with meat and vegetables.
37. Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat) – A popular Zimbabwean barbecue dish.
38. Kapenta with Sadza – Small dried fish, a traditional and nutritious meal.
39. Peanut Butter Rice – A delicious local specialty.
40. Baobab Juice – A refreshing drink made from the baobab fruit.

Where to Stay

• Luxury Lodges: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Matetsi River Lodge, Singita Pamushana
• Mid-Range Hotels: Cresta Lodge Harare, Ilala Lodge Victoria Falls, Holiday Inn Bulawayo
• Budget Stays: Shoestrings Backpackers, Small World Backpackers, Lokuthula Lodges

Getting Around

• Domestic Flights – Quick flights between Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and safari destinations.
• Car Rentals – Ideal for road trips, but 4x4s are recommended for national parks.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing – Available in major cities, but negotiate prices in advance.
• Buses & Minibuses – Affordable but can be crowded; luxury coach services are available for long-distance travel.

Travel Tips

✔ Visa Requirements – Many nationalities need a visa, available on arrival or online.
✔ Currency – The Zimbabwean Dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
✔ Health & Safety – Malaria precautions are needed in some areas; bottled water is recommended.
✔ Respect Local Culture – Greet people politely and respect traditional customs.
✔ Book in Advance – Safaris and Victoria Falls tours are best booked ahead of time.