Zimbabwe is a country with a rich and diverse natural landscape, full of several extraordinary wildlife and nature sites to visit in the country. We have scoped out the best ones to save you the homework.
Ok lets’ get the most famous one out of the way first, if you ever have the good fortune of visiting you will immediately understand the reason for its popularity. Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world and is located on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is widely considered to be one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with an astonishing width of 1.7 kilometres (1.06 miles) and a height of 108 meters (354 feet).
The falls are named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and were first explored by European settlers in the late 19th century. Today, they are a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year to awe at their magnificent beauty and participate in a range of adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic zipline flights over the falls.
In addition to their natural beauty, Victoria Falls also have a rich cultural history, with the local people considering the falls to be sacred and an important source of spiritual and cultural significance. The area around the falls is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and other big game animals, making it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing and adventure activities.
1. Victoria Falls
Pro tip: The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the rainy season, between February and May, when the water levels are at their highest and most spectacular. However, even during the dry season, the falls still flow and provide a stunning sight.
The largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering a whopping area of over 14,000 square kilometres (5,400 square miles). It is located in the western part of the country, close to the border with Botswana, and is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and game viewing.
The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other species of big and small game. It is also home to a large number of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
One of the unique features of Hwange National Park is its extensive network of waterholes, which attract a large number of animals, including elephants, during the dry season. These waterholes are also a common spot for game viewing, and many luxury lodges and campsites offer visitors the opportunity to view wildlife up close from hides and platforms overlooking the waterholes. What a sight that must be!
Hwange National Park is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas in Zimbabwe and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.
2. Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park Day Trip From Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe
Pro tip: In addition to game viewing, there are several other activities available in Hwange National Park, including walking safaris, cultural tours, and horseback safaris. The park is also a great place to go for a self-drive safari, as it has well-maintained roads and several picnic and rest areas.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Zimbabwe, on the banks of the Zambezi River. The park is known for its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and other big game animals.
One of the unique features of Mana Pools is the opportunity to go on a walking safari, as the park has a strict policy of only allowing visitors to enter on foot. This allows visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife and to experience the wilderness in a more intimate and authentic way.
In addition to walking safaris, there are also several other activities available in Mana Pools, including canoeing, fishing, and game drives. The park is also home to several species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
Overall, Mana Pools is a unique and breath-taking natural area that offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa’s wilderness up close and in its raw, unspoiled form. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, birdwatching, or just getting away from it all, Mana Pools is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe.
3. Mana Pools National Park
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Pro tip: The best time to visit Mana Pools is between June and October, when the water levels are low and the wildlife concentrates around the remaining pools and river, making for excellent game viewing opportunities.
A truly unique and ancient landscape of balanced rocks, towering boulders, and sandstone formations located in southern Zimbabwe. The park is considered to be one of the oldest and most biologically diverse areas in the world and is a yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site on our list.
In addition to its geological significance, Matobo Hills is also a significant cultural and spiritual site for the local people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The park is home to numerous rock art sites and sacred places, including the graves of several famous leaders, such as the warrior-king Mzilikazi and the visionary leader Cecil Rhodes.
The park is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing, as it is home to a diverse range of species, including baboons, kudus, elands, and other antelopes. There are also several species of birds, making it a great destination for birdwatching.
This special place offers visitors the opportunity to experience a unique combination of geological, cultural, and wildlife wonders. Whether you’re interested in history, geology, wildlife, or just getting away from it all, Matobo Hills is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe.
4. Matobo Hills National Park
Southern Africa Safari Tour | Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Pro tip: Visitors to Matobo Hills can go on guided walks, hike to the top of one of the many hills for panoramic views, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are several lodges and campsites located within the park, allowing visitors to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
TORRO | All in one Family Passport holder Wallet
The only place on this list that is man-made, Lake Kariba is a large artificial lake located in Zimbabwe and Zambia, created as a result of the construction of the Kariba Dam back in the 1950s. The lake covers an area of over 5,500 square kilometres (2,100 square miles), making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
However, that’s not the reason it made it on to this list. The lake is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the unique features of Lake Kariba is the opportunity to go on a houseboat safari, as there are several houseboats available for hire that allow visitors to explore the lake and its surroundings in a comfortable and convenient way.
In addition to wildlife viewing and boating, there are also several other activities available around Lake Kariba, including scenic flights, cultural tours, and visits to nearby wildlife reserves. Lake Kariba is a popular destination for a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
This lake is a stunning and unique destination, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse range of outdoor and wildlife-related activities in a truly spectacular setting. Whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, or just getting away from it all, Lake Kariba is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe.
5. Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls, Chobe, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, & Okavango Delta | Zimbabwe-Botswana
Pro tip: The best time to visit Lake Kariba is between May and October, when the weather is warm and dry, and the lake is at its fullest, allowing for excellent boating and fishing opportunities.
We have saved the smallest for last. Chinhoyi Caves, also known as the Chirorodziva Caves, are a group of limestone caves located in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. The caves are a popular tourist destination, known for their natural beauty and unique geological formations.
The main attraction of the Chinhoyi Caves is the Blue Pool, a deep, crystal-clear pool of water that is said to be bottomless. The pool is surrounded by towering cliffs and is lit by natural light, creating a stunning and eerie underwater environment. Visitors can swim in the pool which is popular with scuba divers, although access is restricted to ensure the preservation of the caves and their delicate ecosystem.
Visitors to the Chinhoyi Caves can take guided tours of the caves, which provide a fascinating and educational look at the geological formations and the history of the area. There are also several picnic sites and hiking trails in the surrounding hills, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
This gives visitors the opportunity to experience a truly unique and captivating underground environment. Whether you’re interested in geology, underwater environments, or just getting away from it all, Chinhoyi Caves is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe.
6. Chinhoyi Caves
Pro tip: In addition to the Blue Pool, there are several other caves and underground passages to explore, including the Crystal Pool, the Main Chamber, and the Upper Chamber. The caves are also home to a variety of bats, as well as several species of frogs and other aquatic life.
These are just a few of the many wonderful and outstanding wildlife and nature sites in Zimbabwe, with many more that are well worth a visit. If you would like us to do a video on more of these sites or if you would like to know more about wildlife and nature sites in other countries, let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more travel videos focused on your wellbeing.
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