Zimbabwe Attractions

Best Zimbabwe Attractions

Zimbabwe is a remarkable destination for wildlife, landscapes, history and adventure. From the immense power of Victoria Falls to the elephant-filled plains of Hwange National Park and the remote wilderness of Mana Pools, the country offers a surprisingly diverse range of experiences.

Zimbabwe’s attractions are also wonderfully varied. You can combine a safari with walking or canoeing, explore ancient stone ruins, discover dramatic granite landscapes, cruise the Zambezi or simply take in the extraordinary scenery of the country’s national parks and wilderness areas.

At Earth Trip, we create private, tailor-made Zimbabwe holidays that combine the places and experiences that interest you most. Whether you are visiting Zimbabwe for the first time or returning for a more adventurous safari, we can build an itinerary around you.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s great natural wonders and one of the most famous attractions in Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi River reaches a series of gorges before plunging over the edge of the falls, creating a vast curtain of water and spray. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the Smoke That Thunders, the Falls are particularly impressive when viewed from the network of paths on the Zimbabwean side.

There is more to Victoria Falls than simply seeing the waterfall. Depending on the season and your interests, your stay can include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, a scenic flight, guided walks, wildlife experiences and time to explore the surrounding area.

Victoria Falls also makes an excellent starting point for a wider Southern African itinerary, including Hwange, Botswana or Zambia.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of the country’s most important wildlife destinations.

The park is particularly famous for its elephants and supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and numerous species of antelope.

Its varied habitats range from woodland and grassland to seasonal pans and waterholes. The changing availability of water plays an important role in wildlife movements, particularly during the dry season.

A private safari in Hwange can include game drives, specialist wildlife guiding and carefully selected accommodation close to some of the park’s most productive areas.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive wilderness areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park lies along the Zambezi River and is known for its floodplains, woodland and exceptional wildlife. It is particularly famous for walking and canoe safaris, offering a much more intimate way of experiencing the African bush than a conventional vehicle safari.

Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, lions and a wide range of birdlife can be encountered around the Zambezi and its seasonal pools.

Mana Pools is particularly well suited to experienced safari travellers and anyone looking for a genuine sense of wilderness.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Great Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most important archaeological sites and gave the modern country its name.

The extensive stone ruins were constructed between approximately the 11th and 15th centuries and were the centre of a powerful medieval civilisation. The site includes enormous stone walls, the Great Enclosure and the distinctive Conical Tower.

A visit provides an opportunity to explore Zimbabwe’s history beyond its wildlife and landscapes, making Great Zimbabwe an excellent addition to an itinerary for travellers interested in archaeology and culture.

Matobo Hills

The Matobo Hills are characterised by huge granite formations, balancing rocks, valleys and wooded hills in southern Zimbabwe.

The area is important for both wildlife and cultural heritage. Ancient San rock art can be found in caves and rock shelters, while the hills provide habitat for rhino and a wide variety of other wildlife.

Walking with a knowledgeable local guide is one of the best ways to experience the landscape, combining wildlife, geology, archaeology and local history.

Matobo can be particularly rewarding for travellers who want to include cultural and walking experiences alongside a traditional safari.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba stretches for hundreds of kilometres along the Zambezi between Zimbabwe and Zambia and provides a completely different experience from Zimbabwe’s safari parks.

The lake is ideal for travellers looking for a slower pace, with opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and spectacular sunsets.

Boat trips can provide views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birdlife along the shoreline, while a stay beside the lake makes a relaxing addition to a more active safari itinerary.

Gonarezhou National Park

For travellers looking to venture further from Zimbabwe’s better-known safari destinations, Gonarezhou National Park offers a more remote wilderness experience.

The park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area and is known for its rugged landscapes, baobabs, elephants and diverse wildlife.

Its relative remoteness means it is particularly attractive to experienced safari travellers looking for a quieter and less-visited destination.

Harare

Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, offers a different perspective on the country. The city has museums, galleries, gardens, restaurants and markets, as well as a growing contemporary cultural scene.

For travellers arriving in Zimbabwe or travelling through the country, Harare can provide useful insight into modern Zimbabwe and can be incorporated into a longer cultural or Southern African itinerary.

Bulawayo

Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and an important cultural and historical centre in the south-west of the country.

The city provides access to attractions including the Matobo Hills and offers an opportunity to experience Zimbabwean urban life away from the main Victoria Falls and safari routes.

Eastern Highlands

The Eastern Highlands offer a cooler, greener side of Zimbabwe, with mountains, forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints close to the border with Mozambique.

The region is particularly suited to walking, photography and travellers looking for a change of pace after a safari. Nyanga National Park and the surrounding highlands provide some of Zimbabwe’s most attractive mountain scenery.

Which Zimbabwe Attractions Should You Visit?

Zimbabwe Attractions With Earth Trip

The best Zimbabwe holiday is rarely about ticking off as many attractions as possible. The country is most rewarding when the itinerary gives you enough time to experience each destination properly.

Aleem Raheem is an Earth Trip specialist for Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. His knowledge of the destination helps us match the right attractions, safari areas, guides and accommodation to each traveller.

Whether your priority is wildlife, photography, walking, history, adventure or simply experiencing Zimbabwe at a relaxed pace, we can design the route around you.

We can combine Victoria Falls with Hwange, add the wilderness of Mana Pools, explore the Matobo Hills or Great Zimbabwe, or create a longer Southern African journey incorporating neighbouring countries.

Plan Your Zimbabwe Holiday

Explore our Zimbabwe bespoke holidays, discover our Zimbabwe hotels and safari lodges, or read our Zimbabwe Travel Guide for practical information about the country.

Ready to start planning? Contact our specialist team and tell us which Zimbabwe experiences appeal to you. We will create a private itinerary around your interests, available time and preferred style of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe Attractions

What is the most famous attraction in Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s most famous attraction and one of Africa’s great natural landmarks. The Falls can be combined with a safari in Hwange or a wider Southern African itinerary.

What is the best safari destination in Zimbabwe?

Hwange National Park is an excellent choice for a classic Zimbabwe safari, particularly for elephants and general wildlife viewing. Mana Pools is better suited to travellers looking for walking and canoe safaris, while Gonarezhou offers a more remote experience.

Is Victoria Falls worth visiting from the Zimbabwe side?

Yes. The Zimbabwean side provides access to a large number of viewpoints along the Falls and is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Zambezi region.

What can I do at Victoria Falls besides seeing the waterfall?

Depending on the season and your interests, activities can include Zambezi cruises, scenic flights, guided walks, wildlife experiences and adventure activities.

Is Mana Pools suitable for a first-time safari?

Mana Pools can be included in a first safari, but its walking and canoe experiences tend to appeal particularly strongly to travellers who want a more adventurous and immersive experience.

How many days do I need to see Zimbabwe’s main attractions?

Around 7 to 10 days can combine Victoria Falls with one major safari destination. Around 10 to 14 days allows a more varied itinerary incorporating destinations such as Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo or Great Zimbabwe.

Can I combine Zimbabwe with Botswana or Zambia?

Yes. Zimbabwe is particularly easy to combine with neighbouring Zambia and Botswana, especially around Victoria Falls. Earth Trip can create a multi-country itinerary based on your interests and available time.

Can Earth Trip create a private Zimbabwe attractions itinerary?

Yes. Earth Trip specialises in private, tailor-made travel. We can select the attractions, accommodation, guides and transport around your interests rather than following a fixed itinerary.