Zimbabwe has suffered major political and economic turmoil in the past decade which has led to a huge downturn in tourism. Over recent years, however, the country has become more stable, leading to a slow rise in travellers coming back. Zimbabwe really is an incredible country with a lot to offer, including some of the friendliest, most welcoming people on the continent.
Here are five reasons to travel to Zimbabwe:
1. Get drenched by Victoria Falls
Africa’s most famous waterfall and one of the continent’s most spectacular sights is worth making a trip to Zimbabwe alone. The mist that rises from the world’s largest sheet of falling water can be seen 50 kilometres away – giving you an idea of the sheer power of it. Once you’ve taken in the jaw-dropping spectacle, there’s loads of adrenaline-inducing fun to be had around the falls – choose from bungee jumping, white water rafting, abseiling or flying in a microlight.
2. Go on safari
Zimbabwe has some excellent game reserves, and none of them are crowded like Africa’s more famous parks, such as Kruger National Park and the Serengeti. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, is home to a hundred species of mammals and over 400 bird species, while Mana Pools National Park is lauded as one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas and draws adventurous safari goers who are willing to tackle 4×4 tracks and camp out in the wild to spot four of the Big Five – elephant, leopard, buffalo and lion – along with countless other animals and birds.
3. Go houseboating on Lake Kariba
In the north of Zimbabwe on the border of Zambia is Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest artificial lakes, is a perfect combination of water and wildlife. Spend days cruising the lake’s calm waters on a houseboat, taking in magnificent sunsets, going on fishing trips and spotting wildlife on shore and in the water – hippos, crocs, elephants, lions, buffaloes and loads of birds.
4. Explore Great Zimbabwe
The ruins of the city of Great Zimbabwe is the country’s greatest archaeological treasure, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, is spread across 2000 acres so there’s lots to explore – and hardly any other tourists around. Hire a guide who can give you some background on the city’s 1000-year settlement, and can explain what all the buildings are. Stay at the campsite nearby so you can get up at sunrise to see the ruins bathed in beautiful golden light, with only a few baboons for company.
4. Check out the art of Matobo National Park
Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park is the best place in southern Africa to see rock art – here there are 3000 sites that span more than 13 000 years spread out among an otherworldly landscape of giant boulders in what’s considered to be the country’s spiritual home.
Zimbabwe budget tour package
Inspired to travel to Zimbabwe? We offer a seven-day budget tour package that covers the highlights of the country, including Matobo National Park, Great Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.
We also offer other budget tours to southern Africa that include Zimbabwe – have a look at all of our Zimbabwe budget tours and overland safaris packages.
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