With its blend of natural wonders, rich history, and warm hospitality, Zimbabwe invites travelers to
explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether trekking through national parks, marveling
at ancient ruins, or enjoying local cuisine, Zimbabwe promises an unforgettable African adventure.
Beach Resorts:
n/a
Ski Resorts:
n/a
Spa Resorts:
Several lodges and resorts offer spa facilities,
ideal for relaxation after safari adventures.
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
Eastern Highlands offer hiking and stunning vistas.
Seaside Locations:
Lake Kariba offers water-based activities and sunset cruises.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Great Zimbabwe Ruins provide insights
into ancient African civilizations.
Ethnicity and Languages:
Zimbabwe is predominantly inhabited by the Shona (majority) and
Ndebele peoples, with English as the official language and several
indigenous languages spoken widely.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: $100 - $150 per week
Hotel: $300 - $500 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: $5 - $10
Restaurant: $25 - $30
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The dry season (May to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing
and visiting Victoria Falls when water levels are high and
skies are clear.
Brief Travel Information about Zimbabwe
Drinks
Chibuku: A popular traditional beer brewed from maize or
sorghum, known for its cloudy appearance and sour taste.
Mazoe: A fruit drink made from concentrated juice, particularly the
orange variant, Mazoe is widely enjoyed across Zimbabwe.
Doro: A traditional beer brewed from millet or sorghum, often
consumed during social gatherings and ceremonies.
Palm Wine: Known as tchuma or dende, this alcoholic beverage
is tapped from palm trees and enjoyed fresh.
Hunyimwa: A traditional beer brewed from finger millet, offering a
unique flavor profile.
Tea: Zimbabweans enjoy tea, often served with milk and sugar,
as a popular hot beverage.
Coffee: Locally grown coffee beans are roasted and brewed to
make a rich and aromatic cup of coffee.
Mageu: A fermented porridge-like drink made from maize meal,
often sweetened and enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.
Whawha: A distilled spirit made from sugarcane, similar to rum
but with its unique Zimbabwean twist.
Rooibos: Though originally from South Africa, rooibos tea has
gained popularity in Zimbabwe for its health benefits and refreshing
taste.
Foods
Sadza: This staple is made from maize meal and is the
cornerstone of every Zimbabwean meal, often served with various
relishes.
Nyama: Grilled or roasted meat, particularly beef and chicken,
seasoned with local spices or marinades.
Muriwo Unedovi: A traditional vegetable dish made from greens,
often collard greens or spinach, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and
sometimes peanut butter for richness.
Dovi: A peanut butter stew usually made with chicken or beef,
often served with sadza.
Bota: A traditional porridge made from maize meal and flavored
with butter and milk, enjoyed as a breakfast dish.
Huku neDovi: Chicken cooked in peanut butter sauce, a hearty
and flavorful dish.
Mopane Worms: A delicacy enjoyed by many Zimbabweans,
these are large caterpillars often fried or cooked in a spicy sauce.
Matemba: Dried kapenta fish, served either as a snack or cooked
in stews.
Chimodho: A popular snack made from grilled or roasted maize
kernels, seasoned with salt and spices.
Maheu: A traditional drink made from fermented maize,
sweetened with sugar, and sometimes flavored with milk or fruits.
Zimbabwe Cusine and Beverages
Zimbabwean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, blending
traditional African dishes with influences from British, South
African, and indigenous Shona and Ndebele cultures. Here’s
a glimpse into the most popular foods and drinks enjoyed
across the country
Victoria Falls: Nestled along the Zambezi River on the border of
Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls stands as one of the most
awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-
Tunya," meaning "The Smoke That Thunders," this colossal curtain
of falling water stretches over 1,700 meters wide and drops more
than 100 meters into the gorge below. The sheer power and misty
veil created by the falls can be seen and felt from miles away,
drawing visitors who come to witness its majestic beauty and hear
the thunderous roar that resonates through the surrounding
rainforest.
Hwange National Park: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's
largest game reserve, offers a sprawling wilderness sanctuary
where diverse ecosystems unfold across vast plains and
woodlands. Home to over 100 species of mammals, including large
elephant herds, lions, and giraffes, as well as an abundant birdlife,
Hwange captivates with its untamed beauty and rich biodiversity. Its
waterholes, particularly during the dry season, become lively hubs
where wildlife congregates, providing exceptional opportunities for
safari enthusiasts to observe nature in its purest form.
Matobo National Park: Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, presents a landscape of ancient granite hills and The
Chiremba Balancing Rocks formations that seem sculpted by an
otherworldly hand. Located near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-
largest city, Matobo is not only renowned for its natural beauty but
also for its cultural significance. It houses some of the country's
most significant historical sites, including rock art created by the
San people thousands of years ago and the burial place of Cecil
Rhodes, offering a blend of spiritual, historical, and natural
wonders.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins: The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, situated in
the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe, stand as a testament to the
once-great civilization of the Shona people. This ancient stone city,
built between the 11th and 15th centuries, comprises intricate dry-
stone walls that enclose the remains of palaces, houses, and
ceremonial structures. Its architecture, with its conical tower and
massive walls, speaks of a sophisticated society engaged in trade
and crafts. Beyond its historical significance, the Great Zimbabwe
Ruins evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting visitors to
ponder its past glory and cultural legacy.
Mana Pools National Park: Mana Pools National Park, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds along the banks of the
Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, offering a pristine wilderness
renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The park is
characterized by its seasonal floodplains, riverine forests, and
towering mahogany trees that create a haven for diverse species,
including elephants, hippos, and African wild dogs. Visitors to Mana
Pools can experience unparalleled opportunities for canoeing,
walking safaris, and wildlife viewing in an unspoiled environment
that epitomizes the untamed spirit of Africa.
Lake Kariba: Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made
lakes, stretches across the Zambezi River basin, forming a massive
reservoir that borders Zambia and Zimbabwe. Created by the
construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s, the lake's shimmering
waters are fringed by rugged mountains and lush islands, offering a
picturesque backdrop for boating, fishing, and wildlife encounters.
Its shores are dotted with fishing villages where local communities
sustain a way of life intertwined with the lake's abundant aquatic
resources, making Lake Kariba not only a scenic marvel but also a
cultural and economic lifeline for the region.
Eastern Highlands: Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands unfold in a
tapestry of rolling green hills, mist-shrouded peaks, and verdant
valleys that stretch along the country's eastern border with
Mozambique. This region, characterized by its cool climate and
lush landscapes, offers a retreat from the African savannahs,
showcasing cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and botanical
gardens filled with exotic flora. Popular destinations like Nyanga
National Park and Chimanimani Mountains attract hikers, nature
lovers, and birdwatchers seeking solitude and serenity amid this
breathtakingly scenic and ecologically diverse corner of Zimbabwe.
Harare, the capital city: Harare, Zimbabwe's vibrant capital city,
pulses with a unique blend of colonial charm and modern African
energy. Its wide avenues are lined with jacaranda trees that burst
into violet blooms during the spring, while its bustling markets, art
galleries, and cultural institutions reflect the country's rich heritage
and creative spirit. From the historic Queen Victoria Museum to the
bustling Mbare Musika market and the tranquil Harare Gardens, the
city offers a mosaic of experiences that capture the essence of
Zimbabwean urban life and hospitality.
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city: Bulawayo,
Zimbabwe's second-largest city and a cultural hub in the country's
southwest, exudes a distinctive charm rooted in its rich history and
artistic community. Known as the "City of Kings," Bulawayo blends
colonial architecture with traditional Ndebele culture, evident in its
vibrant markets, traditional dance performances, and historic sites
such as the Natural History Museum and the Khami Ruins. The
city's wide, tree-lined streets and welcoming atmosphere make it a
gateway to nearby national parks and historical sites, offering
visitors a glimpse into Zimbabwe's diverse cultural tapestry.
Gonarezhou National Park: Gonarezhou National Park,
meaning "Place of Elephants," stretches across southeastern
Zimbabwe, forming part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park
that links wildlife habitats across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and
Mozambique. This rugged wilderness is characterized by its
sandstone cliffs, baobab-dotted plains, and the meandering Runde
River, which sustains diverse wildlife populations including
elephants, lions, and rare species such as the nyala antelope.
Remote and untouched, Gonarezhou offers adventurous travelers
an opportunity to explore a pristine African landscape rich in natural
beauty and biodiversity.
Interesting Places to Visit Zimbabwe
Situated amidst the undulating savannahs of southern Africa,
Great Zimbabwe emerges as a marvel of ancient craftsmanship
and cultural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating
back to the 11th through 15th centuries, defies time with its
astounding stone architecture, meticulously assembled without
mortar. Its towering edifices, crafted by a civilization now lost to
history, bear testament to a bygone era of trade and cultural
richness, resonating with the echoes of its once vibrant past.
Formerly known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe carries the echoes of
a colonial epoch deeply etched into its contemporary narrative.
Named in homage to Cecil Rhodes, the ambitious British tycoon
and colonial architect, the country bore this moniker until shedding
it upon reclaiming its indigenous identity upon achieving
independence.
The year 1980 marked a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe's history,
as the nation emerged from the shadow of colonialism to embrace
self-rule. After years of steadfast resistance and resilience,
independence heralded a new dawn of sovereignty and self-
determination, illuminating a promising path forward for its people.
Long before European explorers traversed its landscapes,
Zimbabwe thrived as a cradle of ancient kingdoms. Among these,
the storied Mutapa Empire stands out, its legacy interwoven with
the vibrant tapestry of Zimbabwe's storied past. From its zenith to
its eventual decline, the Mutapa Empire left an enduring imprint on
the nation's cultural heritage and historical trajectory.
Robert Mugabe, revered as a national hero, assumed the mantle
of Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader, shaping its early
trajectory with a mix of accomplishments and controversies. His
tenure symbolized the aspirations of a newly sovereign nation,
navigating the complexities of self-governance amidst global
scrutiny and internal challenges.
Spanning the roaring Zambezi River like a colossal steel ribbon,
the Victoria Falls Bridge serves not just as a utilitarian link between
Zimbabwe and Zambia, but as a testament to the enduring
connections etched into Africa's vast panoramas. Erected in 1905,
this architectural marvel bridges not only physical divides but also
historical narratives, embodying the resilience and collaborative
spirit of the continent. As it stretches across the turbulent waters
below, it stands as a poignant symbol of unity amid the wild majesty
of Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political landscape unfolds like a vibrant tapestry
woven with triumphs and tribulations, a narrative shaped by epochs
of instability and economic flux. Yet, amidst these challenges, the
nation's path toward stability and prosperity has been illuminated by
the unwavering tenacity and indomitable spirit of its people. From
adversity springs resilience, and from hardship emerges a steadfast
resolve to forge ahead, defining Zimbabwe's journey through the
intricate interplay of its socio-political fabric.
Located serenely within the Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, ancient
rock art adorns the weathered granite escarpments, murmuring
tales of civilizations long past. Here, amid Africa's oldest artwork,
lies a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural tapestry of the
land's earliest inhabitants. Carved by ancient hands, these artworks
transcend time, offering a window into the beliefs, rituals, and daily
lives of those who once walked these storied hills, enriching the
region with a heritage steeped in mystery and reverence.
The Zambezi River, a lifeline coursing through Zimbabwe's
heartland, finds its might harnessed by the monumental Kariba
Dam. Completed in 1959, this engineering triumph gave rise to one
of the world's largest artificial lakes, a reservoir of human ingenuity
amidst Zimbabwe's breathtaking natural vistas. Serving as a
testament to collaborative effort and visionary ambition, Kariba
Dam not only provides hydroelectric power but also sustains vital
ecosystems and communities along the Zambezi, showcasing
humanity's harmonious coexistence with the awe-inspiring forces of
nature.
Within Zimbabwe's rich cultural tapestry, the Shona and
Ndebele peoples stand as towering pillars, their traditions
interwoven deeply into the fabric of daily life. Through vibrant
artistry, expressive languages, and time-honored customs, these
communities contribute a kaleidoscope of diversity that enriches the
nation's collective identity. Celebrating unity amidst their
distinctiveness, the Shona and Ndebele peoples embody resilience
and creativity, ensuring that Zimbabwe's cultural mosaic shines
brightly with the colors of heritage and shared history.
Interesting Historical Facts about Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country
known for its diverse wildlife, captivating landscapes, and rich
cultural heritage. From the iconic Victoria Falls to the ancient
ruins of Great Zimbabwe, this country offers a tapestry of
experiences for travelers seeking adventure, history, and
natural beauty.
Zimbabwe