by Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It shares borders with Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west.
The capital and largest city is Harare. Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 15 million people and is known for its diverse wildlife, ancient ruins, and stunning natural landscapes, including Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
The official language is English, and the country’s currency is the Zimbabwean dollar. The economy of Zimbabwe is largely based on agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Here are the Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
1. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, which is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is considered to be one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with a width of 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) and a height of 108 meters (354 feet). The falls are named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and were first discovered by the explorer David Livingstone in 1855.
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see the impressive waterfall and experience the surrounding natural beauty. The area around Victoria Falls is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos, making it a popular destination for safari tours. Visitors can enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter tours to see the falls from above.
2. Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, located in the northwest corner of the country. The park covers an area of over 14,600 square kilometers (5,650 square miles) and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 400 species of birds.
Hwange National Park is known for its large population of elephants, which can be seen in large herds around the park’s waterholes during the dry season. Visitors to Hwange National Park can enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, and overnight stays in the park’s lodges and campsites. The park is easily accessible from Victoria Falls and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari tours.
3. Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a protected wilderness area located in northern Zimbabwe, along the banks of the Zambezi River. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, floodplains, and riverine ecosystems, as well as its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Mana Pools is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
One of the unique features of Mana Pools is that visitors are allowed to walk and canoe in the park, providing a more immersive and intimate wildlife experience. Guided walking safaris and canoe trips are popular activities in the park, and visitors can also enjoy game drives and camping in the wilderness. Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the top wilderness destinations in Africa.
4. Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is a protected area located in the southern part of Zimbabwe, just outside the city of Bulawayo. The park is known for its stunning landscapes of balancing rock formations and granite hills, as well as its rich cultural history, including San rock art sites and ancient ruins. Matobo National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black and white rhinos, leopards, hyenas, and over 200 species of birds.
Visitors to the park can enjoy guided walks, game drives, and visits to rock art sites and ancient ruins. One of the highlights of Matobo National Park is the opportunity to track black and white rhinos on foot, providing a unique and thrilling wildlife experience. The park is also home to a number of lodges and campsites for visitors to stay in and experience the wilderness of Matobo.
5. Eastern Highlands
The Eastern Highlands is a mountainous region in eastern Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush green forests, rolling hills, and stunning waterfalls. The Eastern Highlands is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with numerous trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of the highlights of the Eastern Highlands include the Nyanga National Park, which is home to Zimbabwe’s highest peak, Mount Nyangani, as well as the Mutarazi Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe.
Visitors to the Eastern Highlands can also explore the Vumba Mountains, which are known for their rich biodiversity, including rare bird species and unique flora. The Eastern Highlands is a peaceful and serene destination that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to reconnect with nature.
6. Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake was created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including tigerfish, bream, and tilapia, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Visitors to Lake Kariba can also enjoy boat tours and sunset cruises, which offer stunning views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. The lake’s shoreline is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles, and visitors can also explore nearby national parks such as Matusadona and Chizarira. Lake Kariba is a popular holiday destination for Zimbabweans and tourists alike, offering a range of activities and accommodations to suit every budget.
7. Great Zimbabwe Ruins
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in sub-Saharan Africa. The ruins are located in southeastern Zimbabwe, near the city of Masvingo, and are believed to have been built between the 11th and 15th centuries by the Shona people. The ruins consist of stone walls, towers, and enclosures that were built without mortar, using a technique known as “dry stone” construction.
The largest of these structures is the Great Enclosure, which is believed to have been a royal palace or a religious center. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the Shona people and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of ancient Zimbabwe. Visitors to the ruins can explore the site on foot and learn about the history and significance of the ruins through guided tours and exhibits at the nearby museum.
8. Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park is a protected wilderness area located in southeastern Zimbabwe, near the border with Mozambique and South Africa. The park covers an area of over 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles) and is known for its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and stunning riverine ecosystems. Gonarezhou is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 400 species of birds. The park is also home to rare species such as the nyala antelope and the Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.
Visitors to Gonarezhou can enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching, as well as camping and lodging in the park’s wilderness areas. One of the unique features of Gonarezhou is the opportunity to visit the Chilojo Cliffs, which offer spectacular views of the Runde River valley and the surrounding landscapes. Gonarezhou National Park is a remote and unspoiled wilderness area that offers a truly authentic African safari experience.
9. Chimanimani Mountains
The Chimanimani Mountains are a stunning mountain range located on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The mountains are known for their rugged beauty, with deep gorges, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. The Chimanimani Mountains are a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with a network of trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of the highlights of the Chimanimani Mountains include the Bridal Veil Falls, which is a spectacular waterfall that cascades down a steep cliff, and the Pine Tree Pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain range.
Visitors to the Chimanimani Mountains can also explore the nearby Chirinda Forest, which is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in Africa, as well as rare bird and butterfly species. The Chimanimani Mountains offer a peaceful and serene destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike, with a range of accommodations available for visitors to stay and explore the area.
10. Nyanga National Park
Nyanga National Park is a beautiful national park located in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. The park covers an area of over 47,000 hectares and is known for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear streams, and beautiful waterfalls. The park is named after the nearby town of Nyanga, which is located at the foot of the mountains.
Visitors to Nyanga National Park can enjoy hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and game viewing, as well as exploring the many historic sites and cultural attractions in the area. One of the highlights of the park is Mount Nyangani, which is the highest peak in Zimbabwe at over 2,593 meters (8,507 feet) above sea level. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking. Other notable attractions in Nyanga National Park include the Pungwe Falls, the Mutarazi Falls, and the Honde Valley. Nyanga National Park is a peaceful and tranquil destination that offers a chance to connect with nature and experience the natural beauty of Zimbabwe.
