Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, known for its vast natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and ancient historical sites. Despite being less well-known as a tourist destination than other African countries, such as South Africa and Kenya, Zimbabwe boasts a wealth of stunning attractions that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Here are some of the top attractions that Zimbabwe has to offer:
Victoria Falls
One of Zimbabwe’s most famous attractions is Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Known as the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with a width of over 1.5 kilometers and a height of over 100 meters. Visitors can take a helicopter ride over the falls, go white-water rafting in the Zambezi River below the falls, or even bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering an area of over 14,600 square kilometers. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, as well as over 400 species of birds. Visitors can go on game drives, guided walks, and even overnight camping trips to experience the park’s wildlife up close.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city located in the southeastern part of the country. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which was one of the most powerful states in southern Africa at the time. The city is known for its impressive stone structures, including the Great Enclosure, which is made up of walls over 5 meters high and 12 meters thick.
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern part of Zimbabwe. The park is known for its unique landscape of granite kopjes (rocky outcrops), as well as its diverse wildlife, including black and white rhinos, leopards, and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can go on guided walks to explore the park’s natural beauty, as well as visit the park’s historical sites, including the burial place of Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is located in northern Zimbabwe, along the Zambezi River. The park is known for its stunning scenery, including floodplains, riverine forests, and sandstone cliffs. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and over 350 species of birds. Visitors can go on game drives, guided walks, or even canoe trips on the Zambezi River to experience the park’s beauty up close.
Eastern Highlands
The Eastern Highlands are a range of mountains located in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, near the border with Mozambique. The region is known for its stunning scenery, including lush forests, rolling hills, and spectacular waterfalls. Visitors can go on guided walks, horseback rides, or even mountain biking tours to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River. The lake is known for its stunning scenery, including the Matusadona Mountains, which rise up from the lake’s eastern shore. Visitors can go on boat cruises to explore the lake’s islands and wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and over 40 species of fish.
Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park is located in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe, along the border with Mozambique and South Africa. The park is known for its rugged, wild terrain, which includes sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and dense forests. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and over 400 species of birds. Visitors can go on game drives, guided walks, or even wilderness camping trips to experience the park’s untamed beauty.
Chimanimani Mountains
The Chimanimani Mountains are a range of mountains located in eastern Zimbabwe, near the border with Mozambique. The region is known for its stunning scenery, including deep gorges, waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams. Visitors can go on guided hikes to explore the region’s natural beauty, as well as visit the nearby Chirinda Forest, which is home to some of the tallest trees in Africa.
Harare
Finally, no trip to Zimbabwe would be complete without a visit to its capital city, Harare. The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and lively markets. Visitors can explore the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which houses a large collection of contemporary African art, or visit the Mbare Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe may be less well-known as a tourist destination compared to other African countries, but it has a wealth of stunning attractions that are sure to leave visitors in awe. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the rugged wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, and from the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe to the vibrant capital city of Harare, Zimbabwe has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or cultural enthusiast, Zimbabwe is definitely worth a visit.
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