What Is Zimbabwe Famous For?

Zimbabwe is a land of raw beauty, rich history, and breathtaking wildlife. With its rugged landscape, ancient history, and welcoming inhabitants, this Southern African nation has long captivated tourists. So why is Zimbabwe so popular? From the breath-taking Victoria Falls to the historic city of Great Zimbabwe, the nation has something for every nature lover, adventure-seeker, and history buff.

Whether you're booking your next holiday or just curious about this incredible country, let's learn what makes Zimbabwe tourist attractions stand out in the world.

Zimbabwe's Natural Attractions That Make It Stand Out

Zimbabwe is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, most of which are some of the world's most stunning.

• Victoria Falls – Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Zimbabwe famous for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World . Locally it is referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders), and the enormous waterfall on the Zambezi River is a sight to be seen with millions of litres of water cascading over the edge every second. Visitors can see the falls from a variety of viewpoints, experience a hair-raising helicopter flight, or take a sunset cruise on the river.

• Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe's biggest national park, Hwange is paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. It shelters one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more than 400 species of birds. The remoteness of the park assures an untouched and unpolluted safari experience.

• Lake Kariba – The second-largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba is a haven of peaceful beauty and variety of activity from fishing to houseboat cruises to hippo- and crocodile-watching at the water's edge. The breathtaking sunsets over the lake make it one of Zimbabwe's loveliest attractions.

• Matobo Hills – These are not just awe-inspiring rock outcrops in nature but a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. They carry ancient San rock paintings, pilgrim sites for holy places, and home to a significant population of leopards. They also house the grave of Cecil Rhodes, British colonialist whom Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was named after. 

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Cultural and Historical Treasures

Zimbabwe's rich heritage and rich history place it at the top of Africa's most interesting travel destinations.

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins - The ancient capital is a national treasure and source of immense pride for Zimbabweans. Constructed in the 11th to 15th centuries, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins were the capital of a very influential kingdom. The stunning stone buildings, constructed without mortar, continue to inspire awe and wonder. The site is still one of the top Zimbabwe tourist place.

• National Heroes Acre – The monumental graveyard found in Harare is dedicated to Zimbabwe's national heroes of the country's liberation struggle. It is a sight to behold, with its exquisite sculptures and history, telling the story of the country towards freedom.

• Shona Sculpture – Zimbabwe Famous for its beautiful stone carvings, which are predominantly made by Shona artists. The pieces of art, which are usually derived from nature, mythology, and religion, are now world famous.

• Ndebele Art and Culture – The Ndebele of Zimbabwe are renowned for their vibrant murals and beaded work. Their unique artwork, often used to adorn the walls of their traditional homes, adds a vibrant cultural splash to the country's visual landscape.

Spine-Tingling Adventures and Lasting Memories

Adventurous souls and nature lovers will find in Zimbabwe some of the most spine-tingling experiences on the continent.

• White-water Rafting on Zambezi – Zambezi River has some of the world's best white-water rapids and is therefore an ideal destination for adventure tourists. The sport entails adventure tourists rafting through sheer gorges, with heart-pounding rapids and spectacular scenery.

• Walking Safaris – More personal than the usual game drives, walking safaris enable tourists to venture through Zimbabwe's wilderness on foot. With expert trackers as guides, tourists can walk alongside elephants, rhinos, and other amazing wildlife.

• Bungee Jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge – One of the highest bungee jumps in the world, this 111-metre leap of faith into the gorge below Victoria Falls is one you will never ever forget. The rush of adrenaline and breathtaking scenery make it an absolute necessity on your bucket list.

• Visiting Chinhoyi Caves – This cave complex, with its stunning deep blue natural pool, is one of Zimbabwe's most intriguing hidden treasures. Divers and thrill-seekers are attracted to its uncharted depths, and so it is one of the most intriguing Zimbabwe tourist spots.

Unusual Fauna and Conservation Practices of Zimbabwe

One of the greatest draws of Zimbabwe is its wildlife, and the country is participating actively in conservation programs to guard its staggering range.

• Big Five – The nation has the legendary Big Five: leopards, lions, buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. National parks such as Mana Pools and Gonarezhou provide some of the best possible views of the Big Five in their natural habitats.

• Painted Dogs Conservation – Also referred to as African wild dogs, these endangered and rare predators are being conserved by committed conservation in Zimbabwe. Their extremely social behavior and impressive appearance make them an interesting species to watch.

• Victoria Falls Vulture Conservation – Vultures may be under-rated, but they are very much needed in our environment. Victoria Falls vultures conservation entails safeguarding the birds themselves from poisoning and habitat loss.

Gastronomic Delights of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean cuisine is rich in cultural diversity, providing tourists with a chance to experience authentic and varied tastes.

• Sadza – Staple food made of maize-meal, usually served with vegetables, meat, or peanut butter sauce. It is the staple in Zimbabwean diets.

• Nyama Choma – It is barbecue meat, beef and goat meat in particular, and is the most prevalent party and celebratory food.

• Mopane Worms – A true Zimbabwean treat, the caterpillars are protein-packed and either dried or cooked in hot sauce. They constitute a nutritious snack.

• Traditional Beers – Zimbabwe boasts a rich brewing culture, and the locals love traditional sorghum beer (Chibuku). 

Why Zimbabwe Should Be on Your Travel Agenda

Zimbabwe has the ideal combination of adventure, history, culture, and nature. Whether you're interested in the vantage point of Victoria Falls, keen to view ancient ruins, or looking forward to a safari adventure, there is something for all of you in the country. From its abundant culture, hospitable people, and incredible wildlife, Zimbabwe places to visit are one of Africa’s greatest dividends. Before your trip, having full travel insurance is always wise. We at Niva Bupa have policies that cover medical emergencies, lost baggage, and unexpected cancellations of the trip, so you can journey to Zimbabwe and its marvels with confidence. Well, are you ready to experience the magic of Zimbabwe? Get your bags packed and be prepared for a ride like no other!