Harare: The Heartbeat of Zimbabwe
When I think of the capital of Zimbabwe, the violet blossoms of the Jacaranda trees are the first image that comes to mind. If you are fortunate enough to visit in late September or October, you will notice how these trees transform the city. They burst into bloom, transcending Harare’s avenues from ordinary streets into a powerful plethora of colour, an explosion of a purple and green utopia. To me, these trees are the true soul of the city.
Life here is a vibrant mixture of urban energy and natural beauty. Just minutes from the bustle of the city, you can find peaceful escapes like Wild is Life, a sanctuary for rescued animals, or Mukuvusi Woodlands, where impalas and giraffes roam freely along the paths. The domes of Domboshava are perfect for an evening hike, rewarding you with unmatched views and sunsets that set the city alight.
The weekends in Harare are defined by the lively markets. The Avondale Flea Market and Old Stables Market are troves of unique treasures of handwoven baskets, bright kakoi pants and vibrant home decorations. However, these markets aren’t just about shopping– they’re places to gather, share food and bring the community together. For something truly special, a stop at Patrick Mavros is unforgettable. His jewellery and sculptures are inspired by Zimbabwe’s wildlife, and capture the spirit of the country in timeless pieces.
And of course, a visit to Zimbabwe is not complete without experiencing the cuisine. At the heart of it is Sadza- a staple maize dish at the centre of Zimbabwean cooking. It is often paired with meat, stews and vegetables and is the perfect way to feel connected to the culture when visiting. Other beloved dishes include Nyama (grilled meat), Kapenta (tiny fresh-water fish), and mopane worms, a unique delicacy often enjoyed as a snack. Sipping on refreshing local beers like Zambezi and Castle Lager is the perfect compliment to a meal, making the dining experience authentic and unforgettable.
Victoria Falls: Adventure at the Edge
No matter how many times I visit Victoria Falls, it never loses its magic. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya- “the smoke that thunders”- the falls are the exact mirror of their name: an overwhelming landscape of cascading water, cloaked in mist that rises like smoke and thunders with unending power.
The town that surrounds the falls has become the heart of adventure in Zimbabwe. Here you can bungee jump from the gorge bridge, hop across the border to swim in the famous Devil’s Pool right at the edge of the falls or, my personal favorite, raft through the Zambezi River’s unrelenting white-water rapids. It’s an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Yet the falls offer far more than adrenaline. You can slow the pace with a game drive through the national park, surrounded by elephants, buffalo and more. Alternatively, embark on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi river, where hippos break the river’s calm and the horizon bursts into tiers of orange, pink and violet.
At the end of the day, the town comes alive with its food and culture. Sip on a cocktail at the Lookout Café and take in unbeatable views of the gorge, enjoy lively music and traditional dishes at the iconic Boma Restaurant, or head to Dusty Road for authentic Zimbabwean cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Victoria Falls is a destination that has its all- gorgeous landscapes, vibrant culture and adventure, all while carrying the magic of Zimbabwe with it.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Walking Through History
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient stone city, stand as a powerful testament to Zimbabwe’s rich culture and heritage. The towering granite walls, while weathered, have guarded the site for centuries. Walking among them feels as if you are stepping foot into another world, as the walls whisper stories of the people who lived there. It is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest treasures, where the history can be felt just by being there. If you only have a day, this site can still be done, but it is well worth slowing down for. The surrounding area is wondrous too, with Lake Mutirikwi adding to the beauty of Masvingo. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, making it an ideal compliment to visiting the ruins.
Wild Zimbabwe: National Parks
If you want to experience Zimbabwe’s true heart, you won’t find it among the busy cities, but in its magnificent national parks. Hwange, Zimbabwe’s most famous park, is a paradise of wildlife where vast herds of elephants and buffalo roam freely. Here, with luck, you might spot the full Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a quieter experience where you can canoe alongside hippos and catch sight of wild dogs roaming along the banks. Gonarazhou, perhaps the country’s most underrated gem, is my personal favourite. Its striking red sandstone cliffs and towering Baobab trees make it the ideal camping location. Matobo, renowned for its large granite boulders, provides one of the rarest opportunities to encounter rhinos in the wild. Each park contains its own beautiful and unique wonders, but together they create an unforgettable picture of true Zimbabwean beauty.
Nyanga: Mist and Mountains
When I need to escape the city, I head to my favorite place in Zimbabwe: Nyanga. The second I arrive at this enchanting landscape, it feels as though I am transported into a watercolor painting. Crisp mountain air fills my lungs, trout-filled streams bustle with water and soft mist wraps around the hills. It is a place of duality, perfect for long walks with dogs or quiet afternoons curled up with a book. No visit is complete without heading to the Troutbeck Resort for their famous tea and scones. The resort also offers golf, horseback riding through the surrounding forests, and canoeing across the tranquil lake- making it the perfect place for both adventure and relaxation. For those seeking adventure, a climb up Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest point, is a journey through small trails and misty slopes, rewarding you with breathtaking views at the top that seem to stretch on forever.
Lake Kariba: Sunsets and Stars
Finally, there’s Kariba- vast, humid and unforgettable. As the largest man-made lake in the world, it offers a slower, more tranquil side of Zimbabwe. Life here revolves around houseboats, where you spend your days fishing, unwinding and drifting lazily across the expanse of water. Each day ends with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country, the horizon burning with gold and purple. Yet the beauty does not fade with daylight; when night falls, the sky comes alive with stars. There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck of a boat, surrounded only by an expanse of water and an endless roof of stars above. There truly is an expanse of experiences waiting only to be discovered.
