Zimbabwe – The Land of Best Climate and Rich Culture

We all have heard about the downfall of this alluring nation through the world’s media. Well! To do this, I would say simply visit the country and you will experience a completely different outlook. Surprised? But this is a fact if you want to go for a group tour or plan your own itinerary for this is the most awaiting nation of charisma and superb wilderness.

The sheer wild environs of the Mana Pools National Park, the historic remains of the Great Zimbabwe, the eastern mountains over Mozambique, the delicious dining in Harare, or bungee jumping above the Victoria Falls – all are pretty captivating.

A striking feature here was that over 11 percent of the country’s land that comes to 44,688 sq km is just generously dedicated to parks and wildlife sanctuaries. This land holds 10 national parks, 10 recreational parks, numerous botanical gardens, and sanctuaries.

My family had booked a group tour here with which we visited the following interesting places in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Tourist Attractions

• Harare (Salisbury):
  Also known as the ‘Sunshine City’ due to decent climate, this is the capital of Zimbabwe that is a commercial and industrial hub, and the heading point for any other destination. A clean city full of blooming trees, colorful parks, and modern design; we visited the modern museum and art gallery, the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park offering a lake and game reserve, the Lion & Cheetah Park, the Larvon Bird Gardens, and the Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens with gardens of aloes and cycads.
• Bulawayo:
  This is the second commercial, industrial, and tourist location. Here, we visited the National Museum, headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, the ancient Khami relics, and the Rhodes Matopos National Park in the south famous for its striking creations of giant granite boulders.
• Matobo National Park:
  Situated near to the city of Bulawayo, the park is remarkable due to its stunning granite rock creations and its asset of ancient rock paintings. You can visit the tomb of Cecil Rhodes’ grave at Malindidzimu (View of the World) and the Nswatugi and Pomongwe caves.

• The Eastern Highlands:
  These include the Inyanga (the highest mountain in Zimbabwe), Vumba, and Chimanimani ranges famous for its key holiday facilities in the cool environs. The main attraction here is the stunning and varied views of deep valleys, gorges, granite peaks, slopes covered with pine forests, and streams descending the sheer cliffs. Next is the series of challenging sports that attract the adventure enthusiast. These include hilly golf courses, pony rides, mountain climbing, squash, tennis, bowls, and snooker. Alas! Due to mountainous and forested landscape, game viewing is possible  if you are lucky enough. For viewing the wildlife, one can spot a leopard and few forest antelopes.
• Great Zimbabwe National Monument:
  This is a must visit historic site located to the south of the pyramids of Egypt. It is the huge land of ruins in Africa. Here, the main enclosure, also known as the temple, is bound by walls that are 9 m in height and 4 m wide and depicts manual mortarless stonework. The remains are that of a city/state that prospered somewhere in the 13th and 15th centuries due to trade in gold. Do not miss the visit to Lake Kyle National Park nearby and you can spot a well-maintained campsite near the lake.
• Hwange National Park:
  This is considered among the largest parks in Zimbabwe with respect to its area coverage and the different animals and birds housed here. Hwange is among the last elephant sanctuaries in the continent holding more than 40,000 elephants  in the park. Previously known as the Wankie National Park, the park holds three camps from which the set of game-viewing roads will take you to the places where you can spot animals easily and to waterholes that are worth visiting in the evenings when wild animals meet here. For convenience and safety, you will notice platforms built at some waterholes.
• Victoria Falls:
  Located at a distance of 120 km from the Hwange National Park, these falls  are the largest waterfalls on the planet – 2.5 km wide where 550 million liters of water falls 100 m down every 60 seconds. The showers are so huge that you can view them even from 30 km. The main attraction here is to try out the ‘Flight of the Angels’ light plane trip, which is a cruise on the great Zambezi River. For another striking view, stroll across to Zambia that will be done with minimum formalities. After seeing it from these views, you will realize that the falls are among the planet’s most brilliant natural manifestation. Do also visit the nearby Zambezi National Park to spot sable antelopes and other interesting animals grazing in the surroundings.

• Mana Pools National Park:
  This is among the most wonderful national parks in the forest located along the bank of the Zambezi River. Unlike the Hwange National Park, game viewing is not permitted on walk here. You can easily spot hippo, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and varied antelopes. For bird lovers, the birdlife along the river and in the bush is just perfect.
• Lake Kariba:
  This is famous for its second largest manual dam on the planet located in the northwest region on the Zambian border and contains a million gallons of water. You can view the game from the various safari camps, a cruise vessel, or a self-contained safari-craft.
• Nyanga National Park:
  This park is located in the mountain range in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. Here, we could view the elevated grasslands, forests, waterfalls, cliffs, and lakeside cottages. One can experience the trek to Mount Inyangani from here, which is the tallest peak in Zimbabwe. Further, the World’s View mesmerizes you with a stunning look at the northern Zimbabwe. Lastly, do not forget to walk down a sheer path that takes you to the route to the Nyanga village famous for its English gardens and church.

Best Time to Visit

Although Zimbabwe is in a tropical zone, the climate is moderate due to its high altitudes. Summer with high temperatures is from November to April and winter with lower temperatures is from May to October. The time around September/October is the best time for wildlife watching.

Tip

Do not take motorcycles into a national park for safety purpose.

Accommodations

The capital city of Harare is best to pick up a stay of your own choice.