Zimbabwe – Home of the Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe, known for its beautiful landscapes, the great Victoria Falls and diverse wildlife, should definitely stand on your bucket list. It’s a landlocked country in South East Africa, which is separated from Zambia by the Zambezi River, bordered in east by Mozambique, and in west by Botswana. The Limpopo River in the south forms part of the border with South Africa.

Frikkie and Mark were recently traveling through this beautiful piece of land and put together their favorite things to do and see in Zimbabwe:

1. The Victoria Falls – the impressive UNESCO World Natural Heritage which forms a natural border with Zambia.

Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below. It is just amazing – mother nature is so impressive! You can get pretty close to the falls by feet (don’t forget to wear a raincoat ;)) or you can enjoy an amazing view with a helicopter ride.

2. The Chinhoyi Caves

The Chinhoyi Caves (previously the Sinoia Caves) are a group of limestone and dolomite caves in north central Zimbabwe.

Since 1955 they are designated as a National Park and managed by the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority. The traditional name for the Caves is “Chirorodziva” which means the “Pool of the Fallen”. 

The name was derived from an incident which took place in the 1830s when the Angoni Tribe, who were moving northwards surprised people living near the Caves and flung them into the pool.

Surrounded by a National Park, the Chinhoyi Caves are a National Monument in Zimbabwe. These Caves are definitely worth a visit, the blue water, the rock formation, everything is simply overwhelming.

Bridal Veil Falls is an ideal picnic site within easy walking distance from the Chimanimani Village. Tucked away at the base of high cliffs, where time seems to stop and all that’s to be heard are birds singing and the water trickling over rocks into a crystal clear pool. 

Best way to enjoy the place is to go by foot preferably through the pork pine mountain. It’s a beautiful enclosed area, which will definitely not disappoint. If you feel brave, take a swim in the icy waters. Or simply dipp your tired feet :)

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the largest collection of ruins in Africa south of the Sahara. Located in the heart of southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, they are testament to a culture of great wealth and great architectural skill.

If you are looking for a more calm and historically valuable activity, then the ruins are made for – take a great walk through the ruins and see granite walls – embellished with turrets, towers, platforms and elegantly sculpted stairways. We recommend a guide to take you back into the history about the Ruins.

5. Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) 

Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe. The park lies in the west, on the main road between Bulawayo and the Victoria Falls and near to Dete

The national park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lion, leopard and rhino, and is known for its large population of elephant. Here you can see some elephants :)

6. Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is almost the undiscovered Riviera! It is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume. It lies 1300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It offers amazing views, stunning sunsets and plenty of activities like fishing, boating opportunities or water sports. Or you simply take some days off and soak up some sunshine. No matter what you have in mind, you will spend your time useful.

Their tip: make the ferry cruise and sleep on the boat, there is nothing like waking up being so close to the water.

7. SkyWalk

If you are afraid of heights, then this attraction might be a bit challenging ;)

Depending on the day and weather you may find yourself flying through clouds or crystal clear skies over the 2ndhighest waterfall in Africa. At an estimated height of 500m and flying for 400m at 50-70km/h it is both uplifting and exhilarating. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor prepared to brave the tremendous spray, with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls.

This Zipline gives you the opportunity to get close to nature and enjoy these wonderful views. But notice, there are certain rules to follow:

• Weight limit; minimum 20kg maximum 120kg (weather permitting).

• All guests to stay in the designated areas.

• Do not damage any flora.

• Only two persons on take-off platform at any one time.

• No jumping, running, launching or any extreme movement when taking off.

• No loose clothing or unsecured items.

• Hair to be tied up.

• No extended selfie sticks.