Zimbabwe Bucket List | Unique Things to Do in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers a mix of thundering waterfalls, massive wildlife reserves, and ancient history. Top experiences include viewing Victoria Falls by helicopter, walking safaris in Hwange National Park, canoeing the Zambezi River, and exploring the UNESCO-listed Great Zimbabwe Monument.
Here are the top ten things to do in Zimbabwe that you should consider when planning your vacation.
Zimbabwe has everything an African traveller could want: beautiful archaeological sites, a lively capital city, thrilling adventure sports on the powerful Zambezi River, breathtaking safaris where you can see the big five, and more. The best time to visit Zimbabwe, which is from May to August, is during the cooler months since that’s when all of the country’s unique wildlife species congregate at the watering holes. You may look forward to amazing game drives with top-notch African guides from Matopos to Hwange and the Mana Pools during this period. On the Zimbabwean side, you may also take in breathtaking views of the thunderous Victoria Falls, whose spray and roar will surprise you. Travelling to Zimbabwe is a great way to see the many wonders of Africa.
Get in touch with our locations experts if you have any questions about combining a visit to Zimbabwe with other African places. As part of your Zimbabwe trip guide, make sure to include this list of the top ten things to do in Zimbabwe, compiled by the experts at The Bespoke African Safari Co.
Unique Things to Do in Zimbabwe
1. Go on a safari in the Gonarezhou National Park
Most people probably see South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana when they picture safaris in Africa. On the other hand, a safari in Zimbabwe will treat you to a veritable feast of wildlife. Expect to see massive herds of elephants while on safari at Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park. There are additional predators like lions and leopards, as well as buffalo.
Limpopo Transfrontier Park includes Gonarezhou. Along with its breathtaking wildlife, Gonarezhou is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful and mountainous scenery.
2. Trek in Nyanga National Park
The Eastern Highlands are home to the expansive 47,000-hectare Nyanga National Park, an ideal destination for hikers and campers.
Zebras, antelopes, and waterbucks are just a few of the many animals that call this park home. It is also home to several rivers and waterfalls.
3. Enjoy a safari in Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the perfect place for a safari because it is home to large herds of buffalo and elephants. The expansive savanna environment of the park is also home to kudus, waterbucks, impalas, hyenas, and giraffes.
On guided bush walks, you might be lucky enough to see leopards, cheetahs, or lions up close and personal. One of the best things to do in Zimbabwe is to visit this!
4. Go on a canoe safari at Mana Pools National Park
Canoe safaris through one of Africa’s most spectacular parks allow visitors to encounter the park’s abundant animals. As you soak in the sunset above the Zambezi River, keep an eye out for predators, zebras, buffalo, and elephants.
The Lower Zambezi Valley’s numerous waterways and islands become inundated as the rainy season ends. Birds and other species flock here from all over because of the abundance of water. On your canoe excursion, you may be able to spot them swimming or lounging on the shore.
5. Explore Matusadona National Park
On the shores of Lake Kariba, in Matusadona National Park, visitors can go on safaris, wildlife drives, and bush walks amidst verdant, perfect landscapes.
On land, you can find lions and the extremely uncommon black rhino, while in water you can find crocodiles and hippos.
6. Discover the wonders of Matopos National Park
Alternating with gentle verdant landscapes, the granite hills of Zambia date back millions of years. With its stark contrasts, Matopos National Park is one of the country’s most picturesque parks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it contains 3,000 rock paintings that have been well-preserved and date back to the Stone Age.
When it comes to wildlife, you might see antelope, leopards, hyenas, black and white rhinos, and more.
7. Explore the ruins of Great Zimbabwe
The breathtaking Great Zimbabwean Ruins City is a living museum of Zimbabwe’s past. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this site was once the Munhumutapa Empire’s capital and enjoyed great prosperity during the eleventh and fifteenth centuries.
Historians estimate that the first buildings in this now-demolished city were constructed about the year 1100. Because of its strategic commercial position, the city was also very prosperous.
8. Marvel at the Khami ruins
As the country’s second-most-important archaeological monument, the Khami ruins are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Amazing creative stone walls with lovely patterns were built using a unique prehistoric building technique.
9. Take a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls
If you want to see one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders from above, a helicopter ride above Victoria Falls is probably your best bet. Marvel at the spray while you listen to the rumble!
The River Zambezi offers a variety of exciting adventure sports that are sure to pump your adrenaline.
10. Explore the capital city of Harare
Travellers flock to Harare, the modern capital of Zimbabwe, for its vibrant marketplaces and world-class museums, such as the world-renown National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which has exhibits from all over the globe. Over nine hundred different kinds of plants call the Botanical Gardens home.
Shop for unique trinkets to remember your time in Zimbabwe by perusing the curio sellers.
Get expert holiday planning assistance from The Bespoke African Safari Co. and discover the top attractions in Zimbabwe. Read up on Zimbabwe in our travel guide, or get in touch for a personalised, no-risk tour plan.