After 10 long years of being out in the cold politically, Zimbabwe tourism is starting to ‘happen’ again. At one point in the early to mid nineties, Zimbabwe was the place to go on holiday. Every able bodied person visiting Zimbabwe made it their mission to go white water rafting on the Zambezi River. It was so popular it became almost a right of passage for young adults.

In the interim 10 years since Zimbabwe fell off the tourist map, the world has changed but I am happy to report that the essential things that made Zimbabwe popular as a tourist destination remain largely unchanged – like the unwavering friendliness of the people, the pure wilderness of the national parks and the lack urban sprawl.

These are my 10 top Zimbabwe destinations:

1. Victoria Falls is the obvious number one. Next to Cape Town, Victoria Falls is the best known destination in Southern Africa. It has to be done at least once in a lifetime. It’s still natural and not overly developed. Millions of litres of water flow over the 1.2 km wide lip in high water with spray so thick you cannot at times see the rock formations over which the water tumbles.

2. If pachyderms are your thing then Hwange is the place for you. This is elephant country. It’s a wondrous sight to see hundreds of elephants at a waterhole. Unlike humans, elephants are orderly. No barging in here. Each herd waits patiently before taking takes a chance. The other wildlife is varied and plentiful too. Besides the usual Big Five, the smaller mammals like bat eared foxes, jackals and civet are plentiful making Hwange a superb all round safari destination.

3. Canoe the Zambezi. If you want to do the real thing then it has to be within the Mana Pools nature reserve. This is an unspoiled wilderness with extraordinary wildlife – and very few tourists to boot. Sleep each night under canvas and listen to the sounds of Africa. This is a taste of the world as it was created.

4. The rock formations of the Matopas National Park are a natural engineering feat. Huge boulders lie one upon each other in a seemingly tenuous balancing act. This national park has many excellent examples of San art, a healthy rhino population and huge local historical significance. The notorious colonialist Cecil John Rhodes loved the beauty of the landscape so much he chose it as final resting place.

5. Southern Africa doesn’t have a lot of examples of ancient architecture. The most notable exception is the mysterious ancient city at Masvingo, also known as the Zimbabwe Ruins. Believed to possibly be linked to King Solomon’s mines, the massive walls of this once bustling city were built by a lost civilisation. If you like myth and legend then read Wilbur Smith’s 70′s epic novel, The Sunbird which is set in this, the original Zimbabwean metropolis.

6. Lake Kariba is water wilderness of immense proportions. The most popular way to enjoy the wildlife is by houseboat. These live aboard boats range from big to small, basic to luxury. Nearly all boats come equipped with small tender boats so guests can enjoy game viewing and take on Africa’s best known fresh water game fish – the Tiger! There are two centres from which to board a houseboat – either from the town of Kariba in the north of the dam or in Binga, in the south.

7. Go horse riding in the Mavuradonha. This destination is the ultimate ‘long way from anywhere’ kind of place – a pure bushveld destination where you can completely lose yourself in the untouched rugged scenery. With over 300 species in the area it’s also a birders’ paradise. In addition to riding, you can swim in natural streams and waterfalls and discover the many rock paintings hidden way in caves and ledges.

8. Go trout fishing in the Eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. Here where Zimbabwe touches Mozambique, the countryside changes into lush green hills interlaced with crystal clear streams. A spectacular golf course with superb views is to be found at the grand old Leopard Rock hotel.

9. Dive the clearest, bluest water of the Chinhoyi Caves. The caves are steeped in history and are named after a local chief who sought refuge from Ndebele raiders. The caves are best experienced in summer when the sun is high in the sky and the light shines directly onto the water. The main pool known as the Sleeping Pool or Chirorodzira (Pool of the Fallen) leads onto an extensive cave system. The full depth of the cave system is unknown and is believed to be more than 200 metres deep. There is a camp site and a small hotel but the best place to stay in the area is on the Henderson’s farm. The camp has an unrivalled hilltop position from which one can see for miles.

10. Gonarezhou in the southwest corner of Zimbabwe is a vast 5000 square kilometer expanse that forms part of the newly formed Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a massive Pan African ‘peace park’ initiative that encompasses South Africa’s Kruger Park and Mozambique’s Gaza Park. Gonarezhou, or ‘place of elephants’ in the local language, has impressive rugged landscapes that feature massive red sandstone cliffs, a vast diverse array of fauna and flora, and an estimated 400+ species of birds.

Located on the southern region of the African continent, Zimbabwe has over the years developed as a major tourist destination of the world. The country boasts of diversified attractions that range from national parks, waterfalls, historical sites, heritage monuments, to rivers. The country is also popular for introducing the tourists to spectacular views of nature and for being home to a varied range of geographical formations.

The major attraction of the country includes the likes of Hwange and Victoria Falls along with several other national parks. Zimbabwe is mostly famous for its well-preserved national parks and wildlife. This African country features as an ideal tourist destination for adventure lovers. Explore the picturesque side of the nature and take a plunge into adventure, as you visit Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls ranks as one of the top tourist destination of the country. It could be one of the many reasons of your planning a trip to this spectacular country in the African continent. Located on the Zambezi River between two tow countries Zimbabwe and Zambia, the waterfall is also known as the Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning Smoke That Thunders. The Victoria Falls is popular for being the biggest waterfalls in the world.

This waterfall is also closely located to some of the most visited places in Zimbabwe including Victoria Falls, Kazuma Pan, and Hwange National Parks. While on a visit to this waterfall, you will also get to see an extensive range of wildlife and rare species of birds. A trip to this waterfall will also offer you with the opportunity of indulging into a range of water sports activities and adventure sports.

Hwange is another major attraction for the tourists in Zimbabwe. The biggest of all eight national parks in the country, this is famous for its diversity in flora and fauna. Situated on the Kalahari Desert, this also boasts of being the biggest game reserve in Zimbabwe.

The African country is also home to other national parks home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. These are also famous for offering spectacular sights of nature. The popular national parks in Zimababwe include Matopos, Mana Pools, and Nyanga. The national parks in Zimbabwe also feature as UNESCO World Heritage Site. While on a visit to these parks; you can also indulge in various other outdoor adventurous activities.

Several sports and games are played in Zimbabwe and among them the most popular are Cricket, Rugby, Field hockey, Football and Golf. Cricket is the most popular among all of the afore mentioned games. Zimbabwe has produced many athletes competing international events but most of them belong to Zimbabwe So Harare is also a central zone for sports and games. Thousands of people come across this city and reserve their cheap flights to Zimbabwe in case of any major sports event or tournament.

Soccer (Football) is another famous sport in Harare and The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League is considered the top professional soccer league division in Harare. Harare has hosted many sports events and tournaments and its grounds and stadiums are well constructed and worthwhile for the tourists who are always in search for the flights to Zimbabwe to anticipate in these tournaments and events.

Many players from Harare have also won gold medals in Olympics and also won several competitions in Common wealth games and All-Africa games as well. Quite similarly several teams from Harare competed in Tennis tournaments like Wimbledon and Davis cup. Rugby union is also a famous sport in Harare and Zimbabwe has taken part in Rugby world cup twice as this game is played in Harare since early nineteenth century. Several players from South Africa also played for Zimbabwe in Rugby. This sport is so popular that people from anywhere in Zimbabwe book their Zimbabwe flights when any major event takes place.

Quite recently Harare hosted a tri-angular Cricket series among India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean team has displayed an outstanding play and won twice against India and once against Sri Lanka, which depicts that this national team is progressing and becoming more effective against strong teams. This is indeed a very good sign for cheap flights to Zimbabwe Cricket and the host city Harare as well.

Chipangali in Zimbabwe is a wildlife sanctuary for animals which stand little chance of survival in the wild. Animals which have either been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. It is often the last refuge for those brought in sick or injured, and increasingly it is a sanctuary for confiscated animals.

The wildlife Orphanage was established in 1973 by Vivian Wilson and his wife Paddy. Chipangali is not a zoo, it offers a home to orphaned, abandoned and sick wild animals. When possible, rescued animals and birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, animals are cared for and kept for educational purposes and study. Endangered species may undergo captive breeding programs.

Zimbabwe is one of the major countries in Africa and is located among South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. Zimbabwe got its independents in 1980 from the British colonization. This event is considered as one of the major events of Africa that positively affected the continent. The country is divided into 5 major regions and each region is equally popular among international tourists.

Matabeleland region is the western part of the country that consists of Bulawayo and the great Victoria Falls. Lake Kariba and the Lower Zambezi region house many national parks such as Mana Pools National Park. Mashonaland region houses the most important part of the country i.e. Harare, the capital city. Similarly, Eastern Highlands region is a mountainous area that holds Mutare as a major city. Last but not the least Southeaster Zimbabwe region is the most beautiful part of the country in term of nature.

Zimbabwe has beautiful cities and each city is considered one of the best traveling destinations. Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls are three most famous cities of the country due to their natural and manmade beauty

Harare

Being a capital, Harare is chiefly involved in all economic and financial activities of the country. Most of the tourists’ start their Zimbabwe trip from Harare due to its international airport called Harare International Airport. Getting around the city is as easy as getting cheap flights to Harare. Its newly developed infrastructure makes it easy to travel around the city. National Gallery, Civic Centre, national Botanic Garden, the Mukuvisi Woodlands and the Kopje are some must visit places in the city. For shopping lovers, strolling in open flea market at Mbara would be the best activity to do.

Bulawayo

Bulawayo is the second largest city after Harare and is located South-west of the country. It’s a beautiful city with plenty of attractions to offer. If you really want to know the cultural history of the region then Bulawayo offers you the Natural History Museum, Bulawayo Art Gallery, Railway Museum, Kame Ruins, Mzilikmzi Art and craft Centre etc. Bulawayo has a sub tropical climate with the average temperature of 30 degree C in summer and 20 degree C during winters. The city houses a number of hotels ranges from simple to luxurious so you should stay in the city for few days to explorer each and every part of the city.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is located in western side of the country along the Zambian boarder. Victoria Falls has an international airport that operates some of the leading airlines such as British Airways and South African Airways. Both of these airlines offer cheap flights to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg. The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the main reason of its international popularity. In addition to great Victoria Falls, the city also offers you some most vibrant activities such as sunset cruise, helicopter ride and adventurous safari etc.