Top 10 Best Things To Do in Zimbabwe

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

With its diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe has a lot to offer. Once a safari hot spot, the country sees relatively low visitor numbers today. This up-and-coming travel destination is in its post-Mugabe era, and for visitors it’s a great time to beat the crowds. Wondering what to see or what to do? Read on for our favorite things to do in Zimbabwe.

234 Zimbabwe Safaris

1. Marvel at Victoria Falls

Sunrise over the falls

Victoria Falls is officially ranked as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. When you see it, you’ll know why. This 1.7km/1mi-wide curtain of water, which tumbles down more than 100m/328ft, is a truly impressive sight. Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke That Thunders), a name that evokes the overwhelming sensation of being submerged in the roaring sound and mist when standing close to this Unesco World Heritage Site.

313 Victoria Falls Tours

2. Spot the Big Five at Hwange NP

Herd of elephants at a waterhole

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s top wildlife destination. It’s a great place to look for the Big Five, though rhinos are now quite rare. And it doesn’t stop there. With 108 mammal species recorded, Hwange’s animal diversity is remarkable. The variety of antelope alone is impressive: gemsbok, sable and roan antelope are just some of the unusual types you might encounter. Elephant ‘super herds’ of up to 500 individuals are a spectacular sight at the waterholes in the Dry season.

62 Hwange Safaris

3. Go Back in History at Great Zimbabwe

The conical tower and circular wall of Great Zimbabwe

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Zimbabwe is to explore the ruined stobe city of Great Zimbabwe. This Unesco World Heritage Site was built by a sophisticated indigenous civilization that peaked in importance between the 11th to 15th centuries, when it exported gold mined in present-day Zimbabwe to the ports of the Swahili Coast. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate one of the most dramatic architectural landscapes in sub-Sahara Africa.

15 Great Zimbabwe Tours

4. Take a Walk on the Wild Side in Mana Pools NP

A pack of wild dogs playing

A walking safari is not for the fainthearted. With all your senses on high alert, even a bird flying up from the grass might get your heart racing. The reward of approaching wildlife on foot is enormous, though. Mana Pools National Park is famous for its walking safaris and there is no better place in Africa to experience this thrilling activity.

20 Mana Pools Safaris

5. Discover Ancient Rock Paintings at Matobo NP

Rock formations

The first thing that strikes you when visiting Matobo National Park is its spectacular scenery. The landscape is dotted with big balancing boulders, seemingly defying gravity. Hidden between these granite outcrops are thousands of ancient rock-art sites. You’ll be guided to the most interesting panels and learn the significance of these sacred sites.

17 Matobo Safaris

6. Paddle a Canoe on the Upper Zambezi

Canoeing down the Zambezi River

While the rapids below Victoria Falls are perfect for the adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting activity, the upper Zambezi is mostly calm. Paddling along this stretch of river is peaceful, and a perfect way to appreciate the scenery. Hippos and crocs are abundant, and you’ll be able to spot elephants and other wildlife while gliding through Zambezi National Park.

Zambezi Safaris

7. Go Underground in the Mysterious Chinhoyi Caves

Sleeping Pool, Chinhoyi Caves

Although it is easily visited en route from Harare to Mana Pools NP or Lake Kariba, Chinhoyi Caves National Park is one of the country’s best-kept tourism secrets. Follow a footpath connecting the caves and sinkholes, which are filled with deep, crystal clear pools of water, and learn about the legends surrounding this mystical place. A rather specialized activity associated with these caves is scuba diving.

Chinhoyi Caves Tours

8. Hike in the Eastern Highlands

Lake in Nyanga

The scenic mountains of the Eastern Highlands stretch along the Mozambican border for about 300km/186mi. The region, with its cool climate, misty forests and cascading waterfalls, is in sharp contrast with the dry low-lying savannah that dominates most of the country. The highlands offer the perfect terrain for hiking, horseback riding, trout fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Don’t expect to see lots of wildlife, but the birding is fantastic and includes many localized forest species, including the near-endemic Chirinda apalis and Swynnerton’s robin.

Eastern Highlands Tours

9. Explore Lake Kariba on a Houseboat

Dead trees, Lake Kariba

Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake. There is no better way to explore this scenic expanse of water than cruising along the shores on a houseboat for a few days. Approach Matusadona National Park on the southern shore in a small boat or canoe for the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. And don’t miss out on photographing the stark tree silhouettes sticking out of the water at sunset, the ultimate Kariba scene.

Lake Kariba Tours

10. Bungee Jump From Victoria Falls Bridge

Bungee jump preparation, Victoria Falls. Source: flickr.com/photos/hobgadlng/7818361988

For an extreme adrenaline rush nothing beats a bungee jump. At 111m/364ft, the bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the highest in the world. And with Victoria Falls as a backdrop and the mighty Zambezi below, the setting surely trumps all others.