Zimbabwe is a country known for dramatic ups and downs. It is a landlocked southern African country with spectacular landmarks from the savanna grasslands to the magnificent Eastern highlands,which will just blow your mind away. Its diversity of wildlife includes the big 5 other animals (elephant, lion, buffalo,rhino and giraffe) and over 3000 species of birds. The fascinating cultural heritage and history has always has had a surprising twist almost like a tall tale!
Attractions
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls – the holiday resort is the adventure capital of Africa. Its existence is due to the world’s largest curtain of falling water over a 1053m cliff plunging into a gorge splitting two countries from the fourth longest river in Africa.This spectacular site is one of the 7 wonders of the world and UNESCO world heritage site. The smoking waterfall, the iconic Victoria Falls bridge and the Victoria Falls Hotel both have a colonial aura as they were established with the inspiration of Cecil John Rhodes whose thought was,”to build the bridge across the Zambezi where the trains as they pass will catch the spray of the falls on their way from Cape to Cairo.”
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city that existed in the 12th century in the present day Masvingo town in the south eastern province of Zimbabwe.The architectural skill is matched to no other of its time and its level of civilisation is unique . lt is this ancient city and great monument that Zimbabwe derives its present day name. The city was the iron age capital of its time for 3 centuries and was inhabited by 20000 Kalangas of the Shona tribe. lts architecture, political, social and economic organization and structure is what attracts the modern day historian to this ruined city. Around it are also similar ruins of notable interest to a time traveller looking back in time.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe with 14,651sq km of African savanna occupied by ridiculously large amounts of wildlife, home of the big 5, some 400 species of bird life and counting. It has the most spectacular game viewing platforms and luxury lodges ecologically set up camps that do not upset the balance of nature or dent the wilderness environment. Hwange National Park offers a safari experience that allows an intimate encounter with wildlife while only leaving footprints no harm is done to wildlife its like you “were but not there” !This treasure nest of wildlife is located in the North Western corner of Zimbabwe, just an hour’s drive from the mighty Victoria Falls. Hwange has 3 entrances with the best being via Bulawayo Road Robin Camp which is 45km from Victoria Falls.
Chinhoyi Caves
Zimbabwe indeed carries a unique package of world heritage sites and land forms. Nestled along the Lusaka-Harare road close to Chivero national park is am impressive structure of pools ,caverns and caves which have been artificially lite but whose depth is yet to be explored.The caves have embedded fossils that a thrill to watch and its highlight being the sleeping pool which is a crystal clear lake that runs underground with depths of 130m and above.Its a divers delight in the landlocked southern African country of Zimbabwe!
Eastern Highlands
It seems Zimbabwe was neatly packing the very best within its borders.Along the eastern border running from north to south for some 300km lies a rugged landscape of peaks ,waterfalls,rolling hills ,breath taking valleys, rivers and lakes with its own unique climate lies the Chimanimani, Vumba and lnyanga mountains. A 360 view like no other!
Lake Kariba
Talk about daring engineering …the Victoria Falls bridge and then one of the biggest man-made lakes in the world. In 1958 the need for Hydro electrical power resulted in creating an” inland sea ” in a landlocked country to carter for the growing demand for electrical power.The dam resulted in a town that became an attractive tourist destination with great sightings of wildlife from Mutusadonha national park which became a sanctuary for all animals displaced by the construction of the dam.
Zimbabwe has other national parks including:
Gonarezhou National Park
Mana Pools National Park
Matobo National Park
Matusadona National Park
Nyanga National Park
Chizarira National Park
Harare
The capital city of Zimbabwe is known as Africa’s Sunshine City. lt has a wide choice of restaurants offering a variety of cuisine including French, English, lndian, Greek, Chinese, Italian and Japanese as well as Zimbabwean and other African dishes. ln the heart of the city is the National Gallery which has national art collections and Shona soft stone sculptures.Also worth seeing is the National Heroes Acre, the botanical gardens, the Balancing Rocks in Epworth and the Mbare Musika. Within city range are Botanical gardens and just on the outskirts of the city of Harare are wildlife game parks for one’s outdoor experiences. The international Festival of Arts Festival combined with Harare lnternational Carnival are a vibrant expression of arts, culture, theatre, dancing music, fashion and food the country is known for.