Things to do in  Zimbabwe

Located the northeastern corner of Botswana, Chobe National Park encompasses more than 4,500 square miles (12,000 square kilometers) of floodplains, forest, swamps, and rivers. The park is known for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; most notably, a large elephant population.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, represents the largest sheet of waterfalls in the world, though not the widest or tallest. Dr. David Livingston named the falls after the Queen of England, but the Batonga people had already named them Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). On a clear day, you can see the mist generated by the falls from up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) away.

Named for the thundering falls at its heart, Victoria Falls National Park is a lush rainforest that surrounds the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. The park offers arguably the best views of the falls, providing more than a dozen overlooks for admiring the 5,604-foot (1,708-meter)-wide wall of water—known as the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

Roughly the size of Belgium, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most historical game reserve. Home to more than 100 mammals—including one of the world’s largest herds of elephants, and 400 avian species—the national park is one of the most diverse game reserves found anywhere else on Earth.

Experience the spray of the largest sheet of falling water in the world as you stand on Victoria Falls Bridge. Spanning the Zambezi River, the former railroad bridge is now a tourist attraction where visitors can marvel at the Zambezi gorge. A unique platform for viewing the falls, the bridge is also the jumping-off point for numerous high-adrenaline sports.

Mana Pools National Park is a 540,000+ acres (219,000 hectares protected wildlife preserve and UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Zimbabwe. Considered by many to be one of the best game-viewing destinations in all of Africa, the national park houses the country’s largest hippopotamus and crocodile populations.

As the country’s second largest city and original capital, Bulawayo might not have the same allure as Victoria Falls but is still a city rich with Zimbabwean culture and history. Once the country’s industrial center, Bulawayo dates back to pre-colonial days and has a mix of modern and historic structures.

As the second largest crocodilian on earth, the Nile crocodile is a top predator in the Zambezi River and around Victoria Falls. Get up close and personal with these reptiles at the Crocodile Farm in Victoria Falls—a nature park designed to educate the public about these fierce creatures.

The incredible power of Victoria Falls is on full display in Batoka Gorge–the waters surge and eddy to create thrilling opportunities for white-water rafting and stunning scenery for hikers. The Zambezi River created the gorge, which runs along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, providing an environment bursting with flora and fauna.

For a landlocked country, Zambia has some surprisingly beautiful beaches. Home to the largest artificial lake in the world—so big you can’t even see the other side—Lake Kariba was created by damming the Zambezi River in the 1950s. Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, the lake is now known for wildlife safaris, epic fishing, and great views.

The lush greenery of Victoria Falls is on full display in this private game reserve, where endangered black rhinos, sable antelope, and other members of the Big Five roam. Accompanied by your guide, you can follow the path of the Masuwe River and discover a diverse ecosystem teeming with life.