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Zimbabwe is an amazing destination in southern Africa, full of incredible natural wonders, exciting wildlife experiences, and fascinating historical sites. From thundering Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe offers some of the best attractions on the continent. This article will highlight the 10 best things to do in Zimbabwe to help you plan an unforgettable visit.
Zimbabwe is a vastly underrated tourist destination that provides an authentic African experience on a budget. Safaris, bungee jumping, river rafting, hiking and more - Zimbabwe has it all. Discover the beauty and adventure of this incredible country. Here are the best things to do in Zimbabwe:
What are the top attractions and places to visit in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe may not be as famous as some other southern African destinations, but it is full of incredible sights. Here are some of the top questions travelers have about the best attractions in Zimbabwe:
What is there to see at Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and the main attraction in Zimbabwe. Located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is considered the largest waterfall in the world. Some of the top things to do at Victoria Falls include viewing the falls from different vantage points, getting soaked by the spray on the footbridges, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, helicopter tours, and visiting Livingstone Island. It's an awe-inspiring destination.
What can you see and do at Hwange National Park?
Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and one of the 10 largest national parks in Africa. Here you can see the Big Five - elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino - as well as over 400 species of birds. Safari drives allow you to get up close to the wildlife. You can also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Center to learn more about endangered African wild dogs.
What are the Great Zimbabwe Ruins?
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the remains of an ancient city built out of granite that was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe long ago. The ruins consist of temples, shrines, and more spread over a large area. They provide insight into a sophisticated pre-colonial African civilization and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is Mana Pools National Park known for?
Mana Pools National Park sits on the southern shore of the Zambezi River and is known for excellent wildlife viewing and safaris. You can see large herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, and other wildlife along the river banks and floodplains. The park is also famous for walking safaris, canoeing, and birdwatching.
Why visit Matobo National Park?
Matobo National Park contains a spectacular landscape of granite hills and boulders. You can see both black and white rhinos here along with leopards, hippos, zebras and numerous bird species. It also has ancient rock paintings and is where Cecil Rhodes is buried. Hiking among the boulders is a popular activity.
What are the best things to do in Zimbabwe?
Beyond the famous attractions, here are some of the top activities and experiences to enjoy during your visit:
Take a safari in Hwange National Park
Hwange is known for great game drives where you might spot elephant herds, lions on the hunt, graceful giraffes and more. Head out on early morning and sunset drives to see the most wildlife.
Visit Mana Pools for walking safaris
Mana Pools is one of the few parks in Africa that allows walking safaris. You'll be guided by experienced rangers who will take you close to elephants, buffaloes and other creatures on foot. It's an adventurous way to experience the bush.
See Victoria Falls from Zambia
While most visitors explore Vic Falls on the Zimbabwe side, one of the best things to do is also see it from Zambia. You'll get a different perspective of the massive cascades from viewpoints like the Knife Edge Bridge.
White water rafting on the Zambezi
Just below Victoria Falls, you can experience Class 5 rapids while whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River. It's an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the Batoka Gorge. Rafting trips range from full to half day outings.
Take a sunset cruise on Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. You can relax onboard a houseboat while spotting wildlife along the shores and watching breathtaking sunsets during an overnight cruise.
Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Walking around these expansive ancient ruins transports you back in time. Take a guided tour to truly understand the significance of the temples, monuments and more at this archaeological treasure.
See the Big Five on safari
One of the best things to do on a Zimbabwe trip is go on safari to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos in parks like Hwange National Park. Game drives bring you close to the incredible wildlife.
Spot birds in Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou is lesser visited but full of wildlife like elephants and hippos along with over 350 bird species. Go birdwatching to spot colorful bee-eaters, fish eagles, hornbills and more.
Explore Rhodes estates
Cecil Rhodes, founder of Rhodesia, left behind grand estates showcasing his wealth and influence. Visit his grave at World's View near Matobo National Park and see Rhodes estate house.
Go bungee jumping at Victoria Falls
For adventure seekers, jump off the Victoria Falls bridge that spans the Zambezi River. At 111 meters, it's known as one of the world's best spots for bungee jumping right on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
What is the best place to visit in Zimbabwe?
With all of these amazing attractions, experiences and activities, it can be hard to choose the single best place in Zimbabwe. However, most travelers agree that Victoria Falls stands out as the most spectacular natural wonder that Zimbabwe has to offer.
Seeing the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls should be at the top of any Zimbabwe travel itinerary. The sheer power and size of the falls is indescribable. You can view the falls from the Zimbabwe side as well as from Zambia for two incredible perspectives. Victoria Falls is also a hub for adventure activities like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping off the famous bridge over the Zambezi River.
In addition to the majesty of the falls themselves, the town of Victoria Falls provides easy access to safari tours, Zambezi River cruises, local markets and cultural experiences. Nearby national parks like Zambezi National Park and Chobe National Park in Botswana allow you to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other African wildlife.
With amazing photo ops, adventures and natural beauty, Victoria Falls is hands down the top attraction and best place to visit on a trip to Zimbabwe and southern Africa. Put the falls at the top of your list as you explore Zimbabwe's natural wonders and cultural heritage.
In summary, here are the 10 best things to do in Zimbabwe:
See majestic Victoria Falls and get soaked in the spray
Go on safari to spot the Big Five in Hwange National Park
Discover ancient history at the ruins of Great Zimbabwe
Experience walking safaris and wildlife viewing in Mana Pools National Park
See rhinos and explore Matobo National Park
Whitewater rafting and bungee jumping in Victoria Falls
Take a sunset cruise on Lake Kariba
Visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls for another viewpoint
Birdwatch in Gonarezhou National Park
Tour Cecil Rhodes' former estates
Zimbabwe offers an incredibly diverse experience for travelers. From adrenaline adventures and safaris to cultural sites and natural wonders, there are so many fantastic things to do. Victoria Falls is the shining jewel as the most impressive site, but all of these activities and attractions combine to make Zimbabwe a vastly underrated gem in southern Africa.
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