Zimbabwe Uncovered: 10 Incredible Places to Explore

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Zimbabwe’s 10 incredible places, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the country’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural history.

A landlocked country in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe packs an impressive array of natural beauty, cultural intrigue and wildlife adventures within its borders. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the “world’s best climate” serves up one remarkable experience after another. Zimbabwe welcomed 2.6 million international tourists in 2019, up 10% from the previous year. If you’re ready to uncover its wonders for yourself, start with these 10 incredible places to visit in Zimbabwe.

1. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls easily tops the list of best places to visit in Zimbabwe. Straddling the border with Zambia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Over 550 million litres of water cascade over its edge per minute during the rainy season. The best ways to experience the falls include:

• Walking trails through Victoria Falls National Park

• Scenic helicopter flights for an aerial view

• Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River above the falls

• White water rafting in the gorges below

Where to stay: The Victoria Falls Hotel, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most iconic hotels, offers Edwardian-style luxury with unbeatable waterfall views.

2. Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Its 14,650 square kilometres are home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Expect to spot:

Top experiences include walking safaris, game drives, horseback rides and sleeping under the stars at bush camps like Somalisa.

3. Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds along the banks of the Zambezi River. “Mana” means “four” in the local Shona language, referring to the park’s four main pools. Its lush floodplains and forests set the stage for incredible wildlife viewing, including:

• Large herds of elephants and buffaloes

• Hippos and Nile crocodiles in the river

• Birdlife like African fish eagles and southern carmine bee-eaters

For an immersive experience, embark on a guided canoe trail or a walking safari. Mvuu Lodge offers luxury tents overlooking the Zambezi.

4. Great Zimbabwe

No list of Zimbabwe tourist places would be complete without Great Zimbabwe. This ruined city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Late Iron Age. The site covers 7 square kilometres and includes:

• Massive dry stone walls up to 11 meters high

• The famous soapstone bird carvings

• The Hill Complex, once a royal palace

• The Great Enclosure, a walled area containing conical towers

Great Zimbabwe Hotel, located just 2 km from the ruins, makes a convenient base for exploring this enigmatic site.

5. Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park, a short drive from Bulawayo, is known for its captivating granite rock formations. But there’s more to discover:

• Over 3,000 San (Bushmen) rock paintings

• The grave of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes

• Hiking trails winding through granite hills

• Habitats for black and white rhinos, leopards and klipspringers

Where to stay: Camp Amalinda offers luxury thatched chalets tucked among the boulders of the Matobo Hills.

6. Nyanga National Park

Nyanga National Park in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands is a hiker’s paradise. Its rolling hills, waterfalls and forests are crisscrossed by scenic trails, including:

• The 6-hour hike to the summit of Mount Nyangani (2,592m)

• The Pungwe Gorge trail to Pungwe Falls

• The circular Mutarazi Falls trail

Other activities include trout fishing, horse riding and golf at the historic Troutbeck Resort.

7. Chimanimani National Park

Also in the Eastern Highlands, Chimanimani National Park is known for its rugged quartzite mountains and unique flora. Highlights include:

• Hiking to Skeleton Pass for views of Mozambique

• Spotting endemic plants like the Chimanimani cycad

• Exploring the Bundi Valley’s waterfalls and pools

• Rock climbing on the park’s challenging crags

Where to stay: Frog & Fern Cottages in the nearby village of Chimanimani offer rustic, self-catering accommodation.

8. Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park in southeastern Zimbabwe forms part of the larger Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park with South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park. This remote wilderness is known for:

• The iconic Chilojo Cliffs overlooking the Runde River

• Large herds of elephants, often over 100 strong

• Excellent birding with over 400 recorded species

• Scenic hiking trails like the Chivilia Loop

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge on the edge of the park offers game drives, walking safaris and cultural visits to local Shangaan villages.

9. Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, has a laid-back charm and well-preserved colonial architecture. Must-see places include:

• The Natural History Museum, showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife

• Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, a sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals

• The Bulawayo Railway Museum, housing vintage steam locomotives

• The National Art Gallery, displaying contemporary Zimbabwean art

Where to stay: Nesbitt Castle, a boutique hotel in a Gothic-style mansion, offers old-world elegance.

10. Harare

No trip to Zimbabwe is complete without visiting the capital, Harare. This cosmopolitan city offers a mix of tourist attractions:

• The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, with a large collection of African art

• The Balancing Rocks, a series of precariously balanced granite boulders

• The Harare Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the city

• The Mukuvisi Woodlands, a wildlife and birding sanctuary

For upscale accommodation, try the Meikles Hotel, a Harare landmark since 1915.

Stay Connected with Airtel Postpaid International Roaming

While discovering these most beautiful places in Zimbabwe, you’ll want to stay connected with loved ones back home. Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans offer seamless coverage across Zimbabwe. You can also take advantage of the auto-renewal feature, 24/7 customer support and in-flight connectivity on select flights. With Airtel, you can share your Zimbabwe adventures in real time without worrying about connectivity.

From the thundering Victoria Falls to enigmatic Great Zimbabwe ruins, this Southern African nation promises an unforgettable journey. By visiting these top Zimbabwe famous places, you’ll uncover its natural wonders, rich history and warm hospitality. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore the best of Zimbabwe.