Turning a corner in Zimbabwe is like putting your hand in its magic hat and drawing a different landscape each time. Zimbabwe’s diversity promises an even more leisurely lifestyle and an escape where you will be chilled.
But wait! If you are looking for adrenaline, then a holiday to Zimbabwe is also the right place to find it. The country’s mix of high-octane activities, historical attractions, and epic landscape means you can set your pulse into overdrive. Go white water rafting and even peering over the edge of the Victoria Falls from Devils Pools or go boating along Kariba dam or River Zambezi. If you would rather have something a little wilder, Eastern Highlands got you covered. The highlands provide a perfect opportunity for hiking and bird sighting. That’s just scratching the surface – sky diving, climbing, ziplining, horse riding, and canyoning are other heart-pumping activities you can enjoy right across the country. On the Zimbabwe holiday, adventure is everywhere!
Highlights
Zimbabwe Capital: Harare
Population 14.86 million people
Area: 390,757 km²
Major Religion: Christianity
Official Language: Zimbabwe has no fewer than 16 official languages (most of any country). Amongst these, Ndebele and Shona are the most widely spoken, in that order.
Climate: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to September.
Dialing code: +263
Zimbabwe Currency
Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar
Symbols: Z$
DESTINATION AND CULTURE
Shona people
Shona culture is an integral part of Zimbabwe’s DNA, and it still burns bright today. Zimbabwe is the best country to get an all-encompassing glimpse of Shona culture, from enjoying a slice of Game meat including crocodile tail, Warthog, and Ostrich to breathtaking ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Local legend has it that Great Zimbabwe was once a playground for the giants – evidence of the ancient civilization can be found in the Motopos Hills where some of the best-preserved rock paintings in Africa are located. The (Shona) showcase some of the most exquisite Zimbabwe traditional sculptures, like soapstone sculptures, which you can observe while you are there. Zimbabwe is well worth a visit!
Zimbabwe Clothing
Both women and men wear headscarves. The national dress of the country is wraparound cloth, necklace, earrings, and head wrap.
Zimbabwe music and dance
Jerusarema and Muchongoyo dance occupies a vital place in Zimbabwean culture. The dances are performed for three main objectives; ceremonial, social, and religious. They are also employed to recite Zimbabwe’s history, encourage people to work, and, more importantly, help communities connect with their ancestors. For culture enthusiasts, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t regret it!
Zimbabwe cuisine
British colonization certainly left its mark on Zimbabwe’s food culture, as is clearly shown by the excellent high teas that you will find at many safari camps and hotels.
Meat in Zimbabwe is incredible, and exotic game meat such as ostrich and crocodile are readily available in most restaurants. To top it all, Zimbabwe is a hotbed of hospitality with diverse restaurants serving different food across the globe -at some of the best prices. You don’t have an excuse for not putting Zimbabwe on your bucket list!
Mana Pools National Park
This brilliant park boasts some of the best safaris, with a plethora of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and lions.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe provides an insight into the country’s incredible history and lingers as a reminder of ancient African Civilization. Great Zimbabwe – meaning “big houses of stones” was the capital of the Zimbabwe kingdom during the country’s Late Iron Age. Its epic history is mind bogging!
Hwange National Park
Lying in the west, on the main road between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo and near Dete. This leads to a variety of wildlife experiences, from a massive number of buffalo, elephants, and the rest of the Big Five game to cruise to spying hippos. The park creates an epic adventure like no other.
Bird lovers rejoice! You will also love it here, with nearly 420species calling the park home. A bucket list is not complete unless it has Hwange National Park in it!
Victoria Falls
When it comes to the overall waterfalling experience, it is also hard to beat Victoria Falls. It is one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 AWE! Its dynamic wonder makes a holiday in Zimbabwe action-packed.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world. The lake’s famous for its population of tiger fish and houseboat vacation. Its epic natural beauty grips any traveler who visits!
Zambezi River
The Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa after the River Nile, Niger, and Congo. Zambezi River is home to the world’s finest and most thrilling one-day white water rafting.
How to get a visa to Zimbabwe
Fill out and sign the application form. Attach your passport (2 coloreds) valid for six months from entry into Zimbabwe. Also, attach documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit to Zimbabwe!
Helpful Travelling tips
- Book through an agent directly to save costs. Since OTA’s takes commissions
- Currency and Banking. The currency of Zimbabwe is Zimbabwean Dollar. There are approximately 1 Z$= 1.09$.
- You need to bring an unlocked smartphone with you. You can get a sim card for your stay, which will allow you to add minutes and be able to call your family or friends.
- Dress Modest
- Recommended packing list. Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, camera, and a portable backpack with a zipper for daily use.