Zimbabwe is a welcoming destination with something for everyone - from gentle pursuits to andrenaline-pumping activities on water, underwater and in the air. The country is also blessed with a landscape of natural wonders and has more then eight national parks and conservation areas for wildlife enthusiasts.
Lake Kariba is one of the world's largest man-made lakes, home to more then 40 different species of fish. The breathtaking Victoria Falls is justifiably world famous and remains Zimbabwe's premier attraction. The falls which flow all year round, are a must-see for any serious world traveller.
The largest national in Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park, is home to one of world's largest elephant populations and provides stunning photographic opportunities. The Gonarezhou National Park, also a heaven for elephants, contains the red and white banded sandstone Chilojo Cliffs and stunning views over the Runde River.
Zimbabwe is blessed with beautiful mountain ranges in the Eastern Highlands and the the Great Zimbabwe and can boast some of the greatest man-made structures still standing south of the equator in Africa, such as Victoria Falls Bridge. Each one on the Zimbabwean cities has impressive attractions and stories that will captivate travellers and make for a fulfilling trip.
Beyond the spectacular sights, travellers can also immerse themselves in the spirit and traditions of Zimbabwe and its people on a cultural tour. In Binga, there are the Tonga people who have preserved their traditional way of life for generations.
Only in Zimbabwe will visitors fin a range of balancing rock formations at Matobo Hills and Epworth which look like they are purposely placed there. More singular sights, this time underwater, are on display at Chinhoyi Caves, one of the best cave diving sites in the world.
Zimbabwe Adventures - The Epitome of African Beauty
Zimbabwe really does have it all - a sophisticated country, full of culture offering beautiful scenery and the best of hospitality, yet it remains a hidden gems tucked away in southern Africa.
There is no doubting Zimbabwe's rich heritage of history and culture, while its natural assets include a series of breathtaking landmarks as well as impressive national parks.
The wildlife of Zimbabwe is a particular attraction. Visitors have an opportunity to get a close-up view of all kinds of animals. There is also a chance to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World by visiting the Victoria Falls in north-eastern Zimbabwe, while other attractions include the ruined city of Great Zimbabwe, now a Unesco World Heritage Site, as well as rock art sites dating back to the Stone Age.
With its unmistakably African atmosphere and with so many activities and attractions to choose from, Zimbabwe is the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.
Zimbabwe Adventures - Parks and Wildlife
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority manages various parks both national and recreational across Zimbabwe.
These parks offer an experience like no other, with an amazing diversity of landscapes, natural features and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy some of the best game viewing in Africa, as well as fun activities such as hiking, canoeing, and horse riding, all in combination with first-rate hospitality.
Chimanimani National Park on the border with Mozambique, is an unspoilt area of rugged mountain grandeur. Wildlife includes eland, sable, bushbuck, blue duiker, klipspringer and the occasional leopard. There are no roads in this wild area, only footpaths and narrow tracks.
Chinhoy Caves Recreational Park is home to a series of remarkable caves, tunnels and caverns. In colonial times, the caves were discovered in 1887 by the European hunter Frederick Selous. Before that, they are believed to used as a stronghold by the outlaw Nyamakwere.
Chizarira National Park on top of the Zambezi Escapement in north-west Zimbabwe, is the country's third largest national park, covering nearly 2,000 sq km. This remote park is a place of jagged mountains, gorges, ravines and lush valleys.
Gonarezhou National Park located in the south-eastern Lowveld region and covering about 5,000 sq km is a place of rugged and beautiful landscapes. The park is known for its large elephant population - known also under the name of : "Place of Many Elephants".
Hwange National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe and one of Africa's premier conservation area. Located south of Victoria Falls, the 14,650 sq km national park offers an outstanding range of amjor animals as well as over 400 species of birds.
Kazuma Pan National Park, in the north-west corner of Zimbabwe, is an extension of the Matetsi Safari Area and was developed as a refuge for animals during the hunting season. Many animals migrate between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Large numbers of elephant and buffalo can be seen when water is scarce.
Mana Pools National Park home to a great diversity of wildlife, is an outstanding destination for classic safaris. The 2,196 sq km parki s situated along the Middle Zambezi Valley in northern Zimbabwe. Visitors can drift past crocodile and hippo on a zambezi River canoe, while the banks are lined with buffalo, elephant and other wildlife species.
Matobo National Park located 34km south of Bulawayo and covering 44.500 hectares , offers a diverse package of tourist attractions and activities. The park was established in 1953 and provides an intensive Protection Zone, for endangered black and white rhino.
Matusadona National Park on the shore of Lake Kariba, was proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958, in advance of the construction of the Kariba Dam. THe 1.400 sq km park has three distinct ecological areas: the lake with its shore grassland; the Zambezi Valley floor of thick woodland; and the escarpment area.
Nyanga National Park lies on one of the most scenic areas of the Eastern Highlands, with fresh mountain air, rolling green hills and perennial rivers. A variety of animals can be seen in this mountains terrain. The 47.000 hectare area is home to Mutarazi Falls, the country's highest waterfall at 760 metres.
Victoria Falls National Park situated on the western tip of Zimbabwe, this park is home to one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders. Visitors have a choice of a dozen viewing area. The falls are 1.7 km wide and the water plunges up to 100 metres into the chasm below.
Zambezi National Park covers an area of 560 sq km.On the northern side is the Zambezi River, which marks the border with Zambia, for much of its length. In addition to buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion, visitors can expect to see sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
Zimbabwe is about much more than the natural beauty of its national parks, waterfalls and its wildlife. This los homeland of a cultured and hospitable people. The cultural diversity of Zimbabwe - form music and dance to festivals and food - is a major draw of tourists.
The National Gallery in Harare has long promoted fine art, while the Tengenenge Art Village in Guruve District has produced many of the nation's most famous sculptors which are acclaimed and exhibited around the world.
The first novel in the Shona language was published in 1956 and the first in Ndebele a year later. An international book fair is held in each August in Harare.
Dance is a key part of the Zimbabwean culture and it features in religious and spiritual ceremonies as well as in community events. Music is usually provided by the mbira or thumb piano, the hosho, the magavhu, the ngoma, and of of course the human voice.
For any visitors looking to experience the Zimbabwean way of life, it's well worth trying the local cuisine. Most dishes consist of a starchy element together with meat or stewed vegetables. On celebration days, the food of choice is roast or stewed meat, typically beef of goat, accompanied by rice.
