Few
destinations have what Zimbabwe has to offer all in one country, with
spectacular variety and beauty - each area offering something different
and unique to enjoy.
The
Victoria Falls is known as one of the world's most spectacular natural
wonders, whilst Lake Kariba has the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking
sunsets as well as awesome game fishing for the well known tiger fish.
The Eastern Highlands, one of the most picturesque areas in the country,
provides great walking and trout fishing opportunities. There are numerous
game parks allowing one to get close to Africa's wildlife. Throughout
the country, one will also find ruins of past civilisations with the most
popular being the Great Zimbabwe and Khame Ruins found in the Masvingo
and Bulawayo areas respectively.
Zimbabwe is
able to cater for the needs of every traveller and guarantees an unforgettable
adventure.
Listed
below are a few of the main tourist attractions/areas in Zimbabwe.
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| Masvingo
The
dry stone granite ruins of Great Zimbabwe are situated 20km from Masvingo.
The towering stone houses are the remains of a city which flourished between
1250AD and 1540AD and belonged to some 20 000 Shona-speaking people. The
word Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona phrase, "dzimba dzambabwe" meaning
either stone house or venerated house. This entire area extends over 720
hectares. Great Zimbabwe was constructed entirely from granite rocks which
were fitted together without the aid of mortar. This area has been classified
as a World Heritage site. |
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Gonarezhou National Park
This
wilderness area is open all year round. The striking Chilujo sandstone
cliffs form a backdrop for a variety of game. Fishing is permitted in
the Runde River. |
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| Mutare/Vumba/Nyanga/Chimanimani
Mutare
is the main commercial and industrial centre of this area known as The
Eastern Highlands which stretches along the border of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The Eastern Highlands comprises of three mountain groups, Nyanga, Vumba
and Chimanimani. In the north, lies Nyanga which has often been compared
to the Scottish Highlands. The rugged mountains with tumbling cascades
and man-made lakes stocked with trout, make Nyanga a popular holiday
destination. The Chimanimani Mountains are located at the southern end
of the range and possesses some of the most spectacular scenery to be
found. “The Mountains of Mist” (Vumba) are situated between the Nyanga
and Chimanimani mountains and is the most popular destination of these
areas. It offers amazing scenic walks and drives and is also home to
the world famous Leopard Rock Golf Course.
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| Harare
Regarded
as one of Africa's most vibrant cities, Harare derived it's name from
a local Shona chief, Harare, "the one who never sleeps". It is the capital
city and there is no shortage of entertainment. Top attractions include
the National Gallery with stunning collections of African art and sculptures.
Some of the finest golf courses in the country are to be found around
the city. The layout of the city makes it easy to explore on foot. |
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Mana
Pools National Park
This
area has been referred to as possibly the wildest and most beautiful
part of the country. It has the countries biggest population of hippo
and crocodile and more than 380 species of birds have been recorded.
Incredible opportunities for game viewing and canoeing safaris are available
in one of the least developed game parks in Southern Africa.
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Kariba and Lake Kariba
Lake
Kariba stretches over 5200 square kilometres, is 280km long and 32km
wide at it's widest point. In 1958, Lake Kariba was created when the
Zambezi River was dammed to provide hydroelectric power for Zimbabwe
and Zambia. For thousands of holiday makers, Kariba offers the unique
combination of soaking up the sun, adventure activities such as canoeing
safaris, yachting, water skiing, houseboat cruises and game fishing.
Kariba's game rich shorelines are home to large concentrations of wildlife.
A sunset on the lake is an image that will endure forever. |
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Victoria Falls
Referred
to as one of the "Natural Wonders of the World", The Victoria Falls
attracts thousands of visitors every year. During the peak season from
March to April, some 500 000 cubic meters of water spill over The Falls
every minute. The spray from The Falls can be seen some 70km away and
can be as high as 100 meters. There are dozens of viewpoints leading
through rainforests which allow one to view this picturesque sight.
A host of activities are available around The Falls, why not fly over
them, bungi jump from the bridge above the gorge, white water raft down
the turbulent river, or if you prefer, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the
Zambezi. |
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Hwange National Park
The
Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe, some
14 650km square. A road network of 500km allows one to get close to
35 large mammal species, including elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe,
zebra and impala and scores of predators, including lion, leopard and
cheetah. There are also 400 kinds of bird species. The density and variety
of wildlife in Hwange National Park makes it comparable with the best
in the world. |
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Bulawayo
Bulawayo
is the second largest city in Zimbabwe. The city is steeped with history
and has maintained a special character with many attractive buildings,
dating back to the 1800s. The city is a major industrial centre with
museums, art galleries and theatres. A fascinating display of geology
and history is displayed at the National Natural History Museum. For
those who enjoy sport, there are a host of comprehensive sporting facilities
including some fine golf courses. |
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Matobo Hills National Park
The
Matobo (meaning "bald heads") Hills National Park is a "rock garden",
situated just south of Bulawayo. The area is richer in high quality
ancient rock paintings and strange granite rock formations than in animal
species of which the more interesting being black and white rhino and
the largest concentration of black eagles in the world. Other species
of wildlife found in the area include leopard, giraffe, zebra, sable,
kudu, bushbuck, klip-springer and baboons. The landscape and "balancing"
rock formations are most interesting and unusual and still within the
Matobos, a visit to World's View and the awe-inspiring site of Cecil
John Rhodes' grave is a must. The ruined city of Khame, stronghold of
the Torwa tribe that flourished in the sixteenth century, is also nearby. |
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