10 Things to Do in Zimbabwe

You’ll find Zimbabwe packed with experiences that’ll challenge your assumptions about African travel. From thundering waterfalls that drench you in mist to ancient stone cities that predate European arrival by centuries, this southern African nation delivers adventures you won’t encounter elsewhere. Whether you’re tracking endangered rhinos on foot or paddling past hippos in crocodile-infested waters, Zimbabwe’s raw beauty and untamed wilderness will test your limits in ways you never expected.

Marvel at Victoria Falls From Both Sides of the Zambezi

Victoria Falls commands attention as one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, stretching approximately 1,700 meters across the Zambezi River and creating a thunderous curtain of water that plunges up to 108 meters into ancient basalt gorges.

You’ll experience distinct perspectives from both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park offers 75% of viewing points with excellent wildlife encounters, while Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park provides closer access to 60% of the falls’ width, including the famous Devil’s Pool.

The spray rises 500 meters high, creating rainbows visible from 50 kilometers away. The falls are positioned halfway along the 2,700-kilometer Zambezi River, marking the midpoint of this mighty waterway’s journey from source to sea.

Visit during March-April for peak water flow or October-November for clearer visibility and easier geological access.

Take a Walking Safari in Mana Pools National Park

While most African safaris confine you to vehicles, Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe offers something extraordinary—the chance to explore one of Africa’s wildest landscapes entirely on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Zambezi River provides Africa’s premier walking safari experience, where you’ll encounter elephants standing on their hind legs reaching for acacia pods just meters away.

Professional guides lead you through riverine forests and open woodlands, where habituated wildlife allows incredibly close encounters with buffalo, lions, and wild dogs. These guides are licensed through rigorous professional examinations that ensure your safety during close encounters with dangerous game. You’ll access remote areas unreachable by vehicle, enhancing the wilderness experience.

The dry season from July to October offers ideal conditions, with concentrated wildlife around water sources and excellent visibility through sparse vegetation.

Experience the Elephant Herds of Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park houses Africa’s second-largest population of wild savanna elephants—an estimated 45,000 giants roaming across 14,000 square kilometers of diverse wilderness. You’ll witness these ecosystem engineers in action as they dig waterholes with their tusks and reshape vegetation patterns across the landscape.

Visit during dry season (June to October) for ideal viewing when herds congregate around remaining water sources. You’ll often spot groups of up to 100 elephants at waterholes, creating spectacular wildlife photography opportunities. With Zimbabwe’s total elephant population reaching around 100,000, these magnificent creatures face population pressure that occasionally leads them to venture beyond park boundaries.

The artificial boreholes established since the 1930s ensure year-round elephant presence, though many herds migrate to western Botswana during wet seasons.

Hwange’s strict anti-poaching measures and conservation efforts have stabilized this remarkable population, making it one of Africa’s premier elephant viewing destinations.

Explore the Ancient Stone City of Great Zimbabwe

Beyond Zimbabwe’s incredible wildlife encounters, you’ll discover one of Africa’s most remarkable archaeological treasures at Great Zimbabwe, the ancient stone city that gave the modern nation its name. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 80 hectares and showcases the sophisticated Shona civilization that thrived between the 11th and 15th centuries.

You’ll explore three distinct areas: the Hill Ruins with their narrow passageways and sacred cave, the massive Great Enclosure featuring walls up to 36 feet high, and the Valley Enclosures. The granite blocks were fitted together without mortar, demonstrating incredible engineering skills.

Don’t miss the iconic Zimbabwe Bird carvings and the conical tower. Archaeological finds reveal Great Zimbabwe’s role as a major trading hub, with artifacts from China, Persia, and Arab territories proving its international significance. At its peak, this remarkable city supported a population of 10,000 to 20,000 people in its central area, making it one of the largest settlements in medieval sub-Saharan Africa.

Go Bungee Jumping From Victoria Falls Bridge

For the ultimate adrenaline rush during your Zimbabwe adventure, you’ll find few experiences that match the heart-pounding thrill of bungee jumping from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. This 111-meter plunge ranks among the world’s highest commercial jumps, offering four seconds of pure free fall before the cord catches you above the Zambezi River.

The 1905 bridge provides spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge.

Experienced operators with nearly three decades and 300,000+ jumps maintain a perfect safety record through rigorous equipment inspections and weight-based cord selection.

You’ll need your passport for border access, and jumps operate daily 9 AM-5 PM (weather permitting). Single jumps cost $160-$180 USD, with photo and video packages available for an additional fee.

Minimum requirements include 14 years old, 40kg weight, and good physical health.

Cruise Lake Kariba on a Houseboat

When you’re ready to trade the rushing adrenaline of Victoria Falls for tranquil waters and pristine wilderness, Lake Kariba’s houseboat cruises offer an entirely different but equally memorable Zimbabwe experience. You’ll cruise the world’s largest artificial lake, spanning 5,000 square kilometers of stunning waterways framed by mountain ranges like Matusadona.

Choose from intimate boutique vessels to larger houseboats accommodating up to 28 passengers, all featuring air-conditioned cabins, panoramic lounges, and sun decks. You can fish for prized tiger fish, observe elephants and hippos from tender boats, and enjoy evening beach barbecues under African skies. Bird watchers will spot fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons throughout the diverse ecosystem.

Most operators offer 3-5 day tailored itineraries with full-service crews handling everything from gourmet meals to guided game drives in adjacent Matusadona National Park. These 102-foot vessels provide spacious accommodations with nine en-suite cabins designed specifically for comfortable group safari experiences on the water.

Track Rhinos in Matobo National Park

Where else can you walk alongside prehistoric giants in one of Africa’s most successful rhino sanctuaries? Matobo National Park offers small-group tracking experiences lasting 5-6 hours, where experienced guides lead you through dramatic granite kopjes to spot white rhinos up close.

You’ll learn to identify tracks, dung, and behavioral signs while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s unique terrain.

With a 95% success rate, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter these endangered species, sometimes in groups called a “crash.”

Beyond rhinos, you’ll discover medicinal plants, ancient San rock paintings dating back 20,000 years, and visit Cecil Rhodes’ grave. The area also features the world’s densest population of leopards, making it possible to spot these elusive cats during your safari experience.

Tours include hotel transfers, refreshments, and lunch.

Wear appropriate safari clothing and bring your camera for this unforgettable walking safari through Zimbabwe’s conservation success story.

Paddle the Zambezi River by Canoe

Why settle for viewing wildlife from a vehicle when you can silently glide alongside elephants drinking at the water’s edge? Paddling the Zambezi River offers Zimbabwe’s most immersive safari experience.

You’ll cover 10+ kilometers daily in stable Canadian canoes, building strength while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife like kingfishers and bateleur eagles.

Plan your trip between late July and mid-January when lower water levels expose rapids and create ideal conditions. Early November offers the calmest waters at just 5% of peak flow.

Multi-day expeditions lasting 2-7 nights let you camp on remote islands and sandbanks. The experience connects you to local culture, as wearing a Nyami-Nyami necklace symbolizes the river god’s protection and safe passage according to ancient legends.

Always follow your guide’s instructions—the Zambezi includes dangerous Class V rapids requiring expert navigation.

This meditative adventure combines serious physical exercise with unparalleled wildlife encounters in Africa’s fourth-longest river system.

Hunt for Birds at Malilangwe Private Reserve

Since Malilangwe Private Reserve protects 130,000 acres of southeastern Zimbabwe’s most diverse habitats, you’ll discover one of Southern Africa’s premier birding destinations with over 400 recorded species.

You’ll find an exceptional concentration of raptors here—14 eagle species, 11 hawks, and 9 owls soar above Mopane forests and granite outcrops.

Visit during the green season (November to March) when migratory birds peak, or choose the dry months (May to August) for easier spotting with mild temperatures.

Only two private lodges offer access, ensuring exclusive experiences with specialist guides.

You’ll explore varied terrain through walking safaris and game drives, from baobab groves to Malilangwe Dam’s waterbird populations. The reserve also protects over 100 rock art sites that date back more than 2000 years, adding cultural depth to your birding adventure.

The reserve’s conservation efforts across 38 ecological zones directly support thriving bird communities.

Discover Bulawayo’s Colonial Architecture and Museums

As Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo showcases Southern Africa’s most intact collection of Victorian and Edwardian colonial architecture. You’ll walk tree-lined streets flanked by ornate cast-iron facades and red sandstone buildings dating from the 1890s gold rush era.

Start at the iconic City Hall (1897-1914) with its Edwardian Baroque clock tower, then explore the Goldfields Building featuring Burmese teak interiors and ‘Elwyn Chimes.’ You’ll discover the operational Post Office with red and white sandstone construction, plus Nesbitt Castle’s unique architectural blend.

Visit the National Gallery in historic Douslin House and the Railway Museum showcasing industrial heritage. The building now serves as the administrative heart of Bulawayo, hosting council meetings, cultural events, and weddings while housing key municipal offices. The city’s preserved wide streets and authentic Victorian structures create Zimbabwe’s premier heritage destination.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible adventures waiting in Zimbabwe, from thundering Victoria Falls to intimate wildlife encounters in Mana Pools. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills like bungee jumping or peaceful moments tracking rhinos in Matobo, this country delivers unforgettable experiences. Don’t rush through your itinerary—give yourself time to absorb the ancient history at Great Zimbabwe and appreciate the diverse landscapes. Pack comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for Africa’s most authentic adventure.