These ancient city ruins have intrigued both locals and visitors for centuries. The local name for the area was “Dzimba dza mabwe” (roughly “Houses of Stone”) or simply “Zimbabwe”. When Rhodesia became independent in 1980, the nation was named after this city, and the country itself was called Zimbabwe. The ruins of the ancient city then became known as “Great Zimbabwe”.
The Khami (Kame) Ruins is perhaps the least known of Zimbabwe’s five World Heritage sites. Situated just 22km (14 miles) outside of Bulawayo, Khami was the capital of the Torwa state between 1450 and around 1650, after the capital at … Continued
Although you need to book ahead for a number of activities in Victoria Falls, there are still plenty of things to do if you’re feeling spontaneous. Seeing the Victoria Falls themselves is one such example – all you need to do … Continued
Updated Feb 2024 In 2013, I (Beth) was lucky enough to do the elephant ‘safari’ with Wild Horizons. Now, updating this article in 2024, please be aware that this activity is now an elephant ‘encounter’, and it is not the … Continued
Our time in Victoria Falls was busy but happy – there’s a wide variety of things to do here, from spa days to white-water rafting. This corner of Zimbabwe has managed to keep going despite the country’s ups and downs. … Continued
Many people planning a trip around Zimbabwe will face a conundrum: How do I travel between Kariba and Victoria Falls? The roads around the Lake Kariba can be onerous, charter flights can break the budget, so the best option is to … Continued
Zimbabwe’s capital, is busy and gritty in the south, genteel and well-to-do in the north, and bursting with people in the city centre. What to expect, transport, shopping, places to go, weather, getting around, practical info, health, best time to visit
Many visitors to Zimbabwe will start their journeys in Harare. Being the capital, it’s the major airline hub for the country. Flights from South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Dubai, UK and further afield land at Harare International Airport, which is a … Continued
Harare is a curious place: sometimes ugly and overbearing, sometimes soft and enchanting. Although some of the city is urban and gritty, you’re never too far away from trees and greenery in unexpected enclaves. Here’s a rough map of the areas … Continued
(Last updated March 2024) Internal flights in Zimbabwe: Full list of airlines and routes Zimbabwe has many fantastic national parks and cities, but a number of them require a road transfer journey lasting at least four hours. Air travel is … Continued
(Last updated March 2024) Information about driving in Zimbabwe Driving yourself around Zimbabwe means you have more independence, which often provides a more authentic experience. Self-driving is one of the best ways to explore the country’s national parks – but … Continued
The Harare itineraries and tours below are a starting point for visitors to get to know the city. I’ve grouped some of my favourite places and I’ve suggested itineraries to cover over a number of days. The places in the … Continued
The nature of Zimbabwean hospitality is that staff will go the extra mile to make your stay an unforgettable one. Most of the accommodation options below have on-site swimming pools, wild animals nearby, activity desks and natural surroundings.
Best of the rest: More activities include Livingstone Island, sundowners at Victoria Falls Hotel, cultural tours … the list goes on!
