Top Ten Tuesdays – Things to Do in Zimbabwe

The following is a guest post.

This weeks “Top Ten Tuesdays” post comes from Jack Jones and is on the lovely country of Zimbabwe. From Safaris to white water rafting, this country is full of tons of incredible things to do!

Zimbabwe is a wonderful country, characterised by stunning natural beauty, an incredible diversity of wildlife and warm, welcoming people. Although the country has experienced its fair share of problems over the last few years, these are domestic issues and don’t generally affect outsiders. With so much to offer, it can sometimes be difficult deciding exactly how to spend your time here, so here is a countdown of the Top Ten attractions to get you started.

Houseboat on Lake Kariba
Spending a few days lounging on a houseboat on the largest manmade lake in the world is a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and something that you absolutely must try when visiting Zimbabwe. You will moor up each night in a different spot and be able to view game, such as lions and leopards, in the Matusadona National Park. Aside from that, you can fish by day, enjoy the African sunsets come evening and listen to the sounds of nature in an utterly tranquil environment at night.

Photographic Safaris
There are lots of companies in Zimbabwe that make use of the wonderful array of wildlife by taking visitors on photographic safaris. The best places to see mammals are Hwange, Matusadona and Matobo Hills National Parks, whereas the bird enthusiasts will want to check out the Eastern Highlands and the Honde Valley for a spectacular diversity of the colourful, feathery tweeters.

‘Flight of the Angels’ over Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and few people who have seen them question why. One of the best ways to see them is to soar over in a helicopter – a ride known as ‘Flight of the Angels’ – and experience the majestic scenery from a bird’s eye view. The flight lasts approximately 15 minutes and will cruise lower than most planes, giving the best possible view of the thunderous cascades.

Bungee Jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge
One of the best bungee jumps in the world is the one that sees you plummet off the 111m-high Victoria Falls Bridge towards the mighty Zambezi River that weaves through the steep valley below. Presuming the rope holds, you’ll be winched back up to the bridge where you can bask in all your marvellous glory and receive irrefutable photographic evidence of your awesomeness.

White Water Rafting on Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is one of the greatest in the world, and there is no better way to experience it than crashing through its swirling, white-water rapids on a raft wielding nothing more than a paddle. Expert guides will ensure you’re taken care of while you negotiate the churning river, and when you pop up (hopefully) at Bokata Gorge, you’ll be served ice-cold refreshments with which you can toast your continuing existence.

Tiger Fishing on Zambezi River
Be warned: tiger fish don’t give up without a fight. But then fishing was never the most exciting sport, so surely this can only be a good thing. The best place to catch the ominously named tiger fish is on the lower Zambezi River from September to November, when they’re at their most frisky. There is a wide selection of well-equipped camps lining the riverbanks, so booking in advance isn’t usually necessary.

Golfing in the Eastern Highlands
The most beautiful golf courses in Zimbabwe are located in the Eastern Highlands, so if you’re planning to swing those clubs, make sure you come here. Leopard Rock Hotel boasts one of the most scenic golf courses on the planet, with jaw-dropping vistas at practically every hole, and in the Nyanga region Claremont and Troutbeck are brilliant fun due to their highly challenging holes.

Horseback Safari in Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park covers an area approximately the size of Belgium and is filled with classic African wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, giraffes, rhinos and lions. One of the most memorable and relaxing ways to enjoy this wonderful place is not to go crashing along the dusty tracks in a roaring 4×4, but to sit atop a horse and let it trot leisurely through the African savannah. You’re practically guaranteed to see the Big 5. On the other hand, lions are partial to a bit of horse…

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must for history buffs. The buildings that are now the Great Zimbabwe Ruins were constructed an incredible 1,000 years ago and made almost entirely from stone. What stands today is an atmospheric reminder of an ancient culture, and as you wander through the crumbling edifices you can try to imagine the people that once called them home. The country is named after these spectacular relics, which are situated just outside the town of Masvingo.

Hike the Chimanimanis
This staggeringly scenic mountain range in the Eastern Highlands marks the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and is one of the best places in the world for hiking. The tropical Chirundu Rainforest is draped across the foothills, and contains a trove of fascinating, rare plant species that cannot be found anywhere else. Other attractions include the striking Bridal Veil Falls and the millennium-old Big Tree.