When you think of Africa, the words adventure and safari come to mind. Southeast of the world’s second largest continent is Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, and there is enough to experience here.
Zimbabwe means “great houses of stone,” derived from the Shona language. This African nation is surrounded by Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique. It finds itself between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world is Zimbabwe’s famed attraction and lies close to the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe’s capital is Harare and it is the largest city, followed by Bulawayo. Three languages are spoken here, English, Shona or Bantu, and Ndebele. Three airports service Zimbabwe: Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.
When planning a visit to Zimbabwe, in addition to your passport, you will need to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Best time of the year to visit Zimbabwe is April through May and August through September. You can expect hot and dry weather during the months of August through October, wet and rainy days from November through March. Some evenings, the temperature dips below freezing.
Depending on your state of mind, there are many things to experience in Zimbabwe. As mentioned earlier, there are many activities to keep you busy in Zimbabwe. Whether it’s just watching or being engaged yourself, the list goes on of things to do in this country.
There are safaris; you can bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge if you’re one for adrenaline sports; there is hiking and trekking; how about a splash into whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing (depending on your thrill level). There are parks to visit, whether it’s the Nyanga National Park, ancient ruin sites like Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Masvingo Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe, Dhlo-Dhlo, and Naletale; the Bvumba Mountains, and so on, the list is goes on. Then there are the “balancing rocks” strewn throughout Zimbabwe, another wonder of nature.
Ah yes, Zimbabwe has a lot to offer the visitor at large. Plan your trip to Zimbabwe, walk in the steps of David Livingstone.
