From Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe offers world-class tourist attractions and cultural experiences. However, there’s so much more on offer.
Next time you visit the southern African country, how about stepping away from the regular itineraries and the usual pitstops and visiting lesser-known places to encounter the real heartbeat of a nation rich in wildlife and natural wonders?
1. Chinhoyi Caves
A place of mysterious wonder, Chinhoyi Caves are known to the locals as Chirorodziva, meaning “the pool of the fallen.”
The limestone and dolomite caves in north central Zimbabwe were officiated as a national park in 1955 and are managed by the Zimbabwe Wildlife Parks and Management Authority. The underground marvel holds a hidden lake, the Silent Pool, with crystal-clear waters that offer a refreshing dive for adventure enthusiasts.
Only a two-hour drive from Hahare, the caves are virtually unknown to many tourists but well worth the trip. The climb down (about 280 steps) to the caves does take a moderate level of fitness, but you’ll be entranced the second you’re greeted with the blue serenity of the underground water.
2. Vumba Mountains
Bordering Mozambique, the Vumba Mountains are sometimes referred to as the ‘Mountains of Mist’. It’s a fitting description as Bvumba is the Shona word for “mist.”
The mountains are covered in early-morning mist which dissipates by afternoon or stays for days. It’s a beautiful sight to behold when visiting the mountain as the day breaks. The mountains are topped with cool green hills in summer and transform into a golden sceptre in winter.
Birding devotees will be excited to know that the area is well known for its unique bird life, Botanical Garden and spotting the local Samango monkeys.
This part of Zimbabwe is reasonably cooler during summer. Take an extra pair of thicker clothing when visiting.
3. Mana Pools National Park
Take a U-turn off the beaten track to Mama Pools National Park. Located in the northernmost part of Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River, the national park is a Unesco World Heritage Site comprised of islands, channels and sandbanks.
Perfect for walking and river safaris, Mana Pools is a biodiverse area rich in wildlife. If your main aim for your holiday is to experience Zimbabwe’s Big 5, Mana Pools should be on your bucket list.
Hippos, crocodiles and elephants are just a few of the animals you’ll spot. Watering holes are easy pickings for the hunter and the hunted.
The abundance of acacia trees makes the area a prime spot for the park’s more than 12,000 elephant population. What makes Mana Pools uniquely special is its remoteness. It’s as extreme as you’ll get when experiencing Africa’s wildlife.
4. Great Zimbabwe Ruins
According to an ancient legend, the Ruins were the mecca of the Queen of Sheba. The city is a testament to the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Located 30km from Masvingo, the Ruins are divided into three areas: the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins. Traces of human settlements can still be seen in the Hill Ruins. The huge granite formation is accessed by narrow, partly covered, passageways.
The Great Enclosure is built of cut granite blocks and houses a series of daga-hut living quarters, a community area, and a narrow passage leading to a high conical tower.
A series of living ensembles scattered throughout the valley, the Valley Ruins dates back to the 19th century. Planning on visiting any of the above Zimbabwe destinations? Contact Cape Archives Tours to plan your bespoke Zimbabwe trip today.
