When in Zimbabwe, you have to make the trek out to Victoria Falls. With a hundred of tonnes of water gushing down this waterfall every second, this natural wonder is as powerful as it is beautiful. Marking the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this massive waterfall is almost 2 kilometres long and reaches heights of 108 metres. Easily one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Africa, spend a day exploring its beautiful national park. With plenty of different viewing decks at different vantage points, take your time wandering down its walking trails and marvelling at this impressive site.
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ZIMBABWE
TRAVEL IN ZIMBABWE
With amazing wildlife, national parks and a tonne of history, a trip to Zimbabwe has all the makings for the adventure of a lifetime.
In western Zimbabwe, near the Zambian border, you’ll find one of the most breath-taking sites in the country: Victoria Falls. Crashing over a natural chasm that looks like a deep crack in the Earth’s surface, Victoria Falls pours into the Zambezi River. Spend some time marvelling at this natural wonder, before turning up the adventure levels. Between the 111-metre Victoria Falls Bride bungee jump and the Victoria Falls Gorge swing, you’ll have plenty of adrenaline-inducing attractions to keep you entertained.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love every moment you spend in Gonarezhou National Park. Located in the lowland region of south eastern Zimbabwe – right near the Mozambique border – this national park is home to the world’s biggest elephant population. As well as these grey, friendly giants, you’ll see some of the other Big Five, including lions and leopards.
If you need a break from all that outdoor exploration you’ll be doing, take the opportunity to learn more about Zimbabwe’s culture and history. Our suggestion? Start by checking out some of the country’s best museums. Between the National Museum and the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, you’ll soak up so much knowledge about the country and its people.
But don’t get it wrong: Zimbabwe isn’t just wildlife and natural history; it’s got tonnes of human history, too. With its name translating to ''great house of stone,'' Great Zimbabwe Monument is one of the most important archaeological sites in sub-Saharan Africa. This ancient city dates back to around 1250 AD, and is believed to be a spiritual city of the Shona, ancestors of the modern Bantu people.
With amazing food, history and safaris, get ready for one hell of an adventure in incredible Zimbabwe!
In western Zimbabwe, near the Zambian border, you’ll find one of the most breath-taking sites in the country: Victoria Falls. Crashing over a natural chasm that looks like a deep crack in the Earth’s surface, Victoria Falls pours into the Zambezi River. Spend some time marvelling at this natural wonder, before turning up the adventure levels. Between the 111-metre Victoria Falls Bride bungee jump and the Victoria Falls Gorge swing, you’ll have plenty of adrenaline-inducing attractions to keep you entertained.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love every moment you spend in Gonarezhou National Park. Located in the lowland region of south eastern Zimbabwe – right near the Mozambique border – this national park is home to the world’s biggest elephant population. As well as these grey, friendly giants, you’ll see some of the other Big Five, including lions and leopards.
If you need a break from all that outdoor exploration you’ll be doing, take the opportunity to learn more about Zimbabwe’s culture and history. Our suggestion? Start by checking out some of the country’s best museums. Between the National Museum and the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, you’ll soak up so much knowledge about the country and its people.
But don’t get it wrong: Zimbabwe isn’t just wildlife and natural history; it’s got tonnes of human history, too. With its name translating to ''great house of stone,'' Great Zimbabwe Monument is one of the most important archaeological sites in sub-Saharan Africa. This ancient city dates back to around 1250 AD, and is believed to be a spiritual city of the Shona, ancestors of the modern Bantu people.
With amazing food, history and safaris, get ready for one hell of an adventure in incredible Zimbabwe!
FAST FACTS
Language: English, Xhosa, Tonga, Shona, Venda and others
Currency: South African rand, Botswana pula, Pound Sterling, Indian rupee, Euro, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan and the United States dollar
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Zimbabwe.
Dialing Code: +263
Time Zone: GMT+2
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN ZIMBABWE
Be amazed by the famous natural wonder - Victoria Falls
Bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge
If you came to Africa to tick a few things off your bucket list, how does bungee jumping at one of the most iconic spots in Zimbabwe sound? Thrill seekers, get ready to get your heart racing as you experience the drop from Victoria Falls Bridge. Consistently named as one of the best bungee dive experiences in the world, this 111-metre free-fall into the Zambezi River is nothing short of exhilarating. Lasting for four whole seconds, nothing can prepare you for this joy-ride towards the rushing waters below. Hold onto your stomachs as you defy the laws of nature at the Victoria Falls Bridge bungee jumping experience.
Experience the highest levels of adrenaline rush at Gorge swing
If you don’t have a death wish, the idea of jumping off a bridge towards gushing waters probably isn’t for you. But then again, we do have something that comes pretty close in terms of adrenaline rush, without having to take the actual plunge. Outdoor adventurers, get one of the best views of the falls from the Victoria Falls Gorge swing! On a platform that stands 120 metres above the Zambezi River, you’ll be fitted into a harness and attached to a long rope. Once you’re ready, swing off into the open gorge. Hold your breath as you drop 70 metres before swing back and forth in the open abyss. Enjoy every moment of this scenic joyride at the Victoria Falls Gorge swing.
See elephants and other animals at Gonarezhou National Park
In the lowland region of south eastern Zimbabwe, right near the border of Mozambique, lies Gonarezhou National Park. With its name translating to “Place of many elephants,” a trip to Gonarezhou means one thing: amazing elephant encounters! Covering over 5000 square kilometres in size, this place isn’t just beautiful; it’s one of the best conservation success stories in the world. Boasting the biggest herd of elephants in the world, and with local lion populations more than doubling in the last decade, you’ll feel good about visiting a safari park that does things right. As well as being blown away by all the elephants, you’ll see lions, leopards, cheetahs, antelope and tonnes of other African animals at the amazing Gonarezhou National Park.
Explore the ancient city walls of Great Zimbabwe
If you’re wondering where Zimbabwe got its name, here’s your answer. Meaning ''great house of stone,'' Great Zimbabwe Monument is the ruins of an ancient medieval city of the same name. As one of the most important archaeological sites found in sub-Saharan Africa, the jury is still out on the origins and purpose of this city. What is believed to be a spiritual city of the Shona, ancestors of the modern Bantu people, Great Zimbabwe was built sometime between 1250 to 1450 AD. With walls extending more than 240 metres in length, take some time to wander in-and-around this fascinating site. Keep your eyes peeled for symbols of the Zimbabwe Bird, the country’s national symbol, which was believed to have spiritual and mythological significance in this ancient town.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN ZIMBABWE
With friendly, passionate locals and a vibrant culture to match, you can bet that there’s always something happening in Zimbabwe. When in town, be sure to check out some of the awesome festivals and events happing around the country. Here are five of our favourite Zimbabwe festivals.
Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) - Art & Culture
The Harare International Festival of Arts is held annually at the end of April and is one of the biggest events of the Zimbabwean calendar. This massive festival spans the creative disciplines of music, theatre and the visual arts; HIFA features both local and international acts in a tonne of amazing performances.
Bulawayo Music Festival – Music
Hosted by the Zimbabwe Academy of Music, the Bulawayo Music Festival is held every two years from May 23-27. With performances spanning classical music, pop, jazz, and gospel, the festival is one of best musical showcases in the country. With heaps of performances and workshops, the this one is definitely a must for music lovers.
Zimbabwe International Book Fair – Literature
If you’re a bit of a bookworm, you’ll love the Zimbabwe International Book Fair. Held every July in the beautiful Harare Gardens, this is a massive celebration of Zimbabwe’s authors, poets and publishing industry. With a program featuring artists’ talks, writing workshops and seminars, this is one of the best cultural events in the country.
Zimbabwe International Film Festival – Film
Held in Harare every August, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s cinematic arts. Spanning over 10 massive days, this festival showcases the best feature films, shorts and documentaries from across the country and the continent. With a number of screenings, workshops and associated events, check out the best of African cinema at this incredible festival.
Harare International Food Festival – Food
Foodies, get excited: the Harare International Food Festival is one of the tastiest events on the Zimbabwean calendar. Showcasing everything from international cuisine to regional wine, this festival brings together the best producers, chefs and restaurateurs from around Zimbabwe and the world. Happening every November in Harare, make sure come arrive hungry.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN ZIMBABWE
When it comes to things to do in Zimbabwe, we suggest checking out some of its amazing museums. From learning about the history of this African nation to checking out some seriously-cool vintage cars, here are our picks for five Zimbabwean museums to visit.
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
Built in 1962, the Natural Museum of Zimbabwe is a science and natural history museum. Located in the Centenary Park in Bulawayo, the museum is one of the biggest and most important on the entire continent. With displays covering archaeology, palaeontology and entomology, you’ll geek out at this awesome museum.
Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
Covering human history in Zimbabwe from the Stone Age into the Iron age, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences has an incredible collection of historical artefacts and archaeological displays. Its collection is best known for ngoma lungundu, a 700-year-old wooden artefact which some believe to be an replica of the Ark of the Covenant.
Bulawayo Railway Museum
Bulawayo Railway Museum is a locomotive museum that tells the story of the Rhodesian Railway. Located next to Bulawayo railway station in Zimbabwe, the museum’s collection includes original trains from 1897, as well as Cecil Rhodes' personal railway coach.
Mutare Museum
Another one of Zimbabwe’s history museums, the Mutare Museum is located in the city of Mutare, close to the border of Mozambique. This history and culture museum spans across disciplines like anthropology and zoology but is most famous for its vintage car collection.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Art lovers, this one’s for you. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is an amazing art gallery in the city of Harare. Dedicated to preserving and showcasing Zimbabwe's art history, the National Gallery has an amazing collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Definitely worth the visit.
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FOOD IN ZIMBABWE
If you’re planning on visiting Zimbabwe, take our advice: arrive hungry! As a country that loves to eat, you’ll be stuffing your face as soon as you step off the aeroplane. From fancy restaurants to local favourites, here are five Zimbabwe foods that you need to try.
Sadza
Much like Tanzanian ugali, sadza is Zimbabwe’s answer to polenta. Made using cornmeal that is boiled into a soft, mashed potato-like consistency, sadza is a staple of Zimbabwean cuisine. Cooked on its own or with a peanut sauce, you can try sadza at the Boma Dinner & Drum Show at Victoria Falls.
Best eaten at - Gavas Restaurant, Belgravia Sports Club, 2nd Street, Harare
Dovi
Quintessentially Zimbabwean, dovi is one of the most beloved dishes of the country. This peanut stew is made using crushed peanuts, onions, garlic carrot, okra, tomato and meat. Brewed together using a delicious stock, you can pick up some amazing dovi at Amanzi Restaurant in Harare.
Best eaten at - Amanzi Restaurant, 158 Enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare
Nhedzi
One of the more traditional meals in Zimbabwe, nhedzi is a rich soup made from wild, local mushrooms. Simple and delicious, while it’s usually hard to find this dish in restaurants, Organikks Restaurant in Harare does an amazing rendition of this local favourite.
Best eaten at - Organikks Restaurant, 1 Dacomb Drive Road, Harare
Nyama Choma
Zimbabweans love a barbeque, and that means one thing: nyama choma. A staple of African cuisine, nyama choma refers to grilled meat. Chunks of beef, chicken and Boerwors are marinated and slow-cooked over a smokey fire. Gavas Restaurant in Harare does some of the best nyama choma in Zimbabwe.
Best eaten at - Gavas Restaurant, Belgravia Sports Club, 2nd Street, Harare
Mapopo candy
A childhood favourite of all Zimbabweans, mapopo is a papaya candy. Similar in appearance and texture to Turkish delight, strips of papaya, mint and lemon are dissolved into a sugar syrup, before being cooled, re-heated and formed into soft cubes. Try this sweet treat at any supermarket in Zimbabwe.
Best eaten at - Buy from any local supermarket
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