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10 Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe Now

10 Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe Now

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Once considered the safest country in Africa, Zimbabwe fell off the tourist radar for six-or-so years when hyperinflation led to food and fuel shortages between 2001 and 2008. But a currency change (to the U.S. dollar) and a Chinese trade agreement led to an impressive turnaround in the last five years. Today, roads are newly paved, supermarket shelves are stocked, gas stations don’t run out of fuel and bars and restaurants are buzzing again. It is safe to say Zimbabwe is back, and here’s 10 reasons why to visit now.

www.planetblond.com
www.planetblond.com

1. Seeing one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders 

Whether you see it during the wet or dry season, Victoria Falls is spectacular, well worth every penny of the $30 admission fee. Plan to spend a half day in the rainforest checking out the “Smoke That Thunders” from all angles. For something truly magical, visit at dark during a full moon.

http://victoriafallsriverlodge.com/wp-content/themes/striking/cache/images/5017_white-water-rafting006-960x440.jpg
http://victoriafallsriverlodge.com/wp-content/themes/striking/cache/images/5017_white-water-rafting006-960×440.jpg

2. Getting the adrenaline flowing

Adrenalin junkies can get their fix at Victoria Falls, which is the femoral artery of Southern Africa’s extreme adventure scene. Try bungee jumping or bridge swinging over the river off a 330-foot-high bridge, rafting some of the world’s wildest whitewater on the Zambezi River through Batoka Gorge or a more tame, but still exhilarating, elephant-back safari where you can interact with an orphaned pachyderm.

http://dstaplesphotography.com/SOUTHERNAFRICA/images/Great-Zimbabwe-Ruins,-Zimb.jpg
http://dstaplesphotography.com/SOUTHERNAFRICA/images/Great-Zimbabwe-Ruins,-Zimb.jpg

3. Visiting a Unesco World Heritage Site

The World Heritage-listed stone ruins at Great Zimbabwe date back to the 11th century and are considered sub-Saharan Africa’s finest medieval city. A national treasure, for which Zimbabwe is named, the mystical site’s discovery proved that ancient Africa reached a greater level of civilization than had been previously believed.

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www.planetblond.com

4. Sitting in a hide and watching elephants bathing just feet away

Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s biggest elephant population. Known as the Presidential Herd, it isn’t unheard of to see up to 100 pachyderms in one go. Check into Ivory Lodge at the park’s southern edge and head straight to their fantastic hide either just before or after dark – the elephants come so close they practically brush you with their trunks!

www.planetblond.com
www.planetblond.com

5. Shopping for amazing handicrafts at bargain prices

Zimbabweans are famous for their handicrafts and you can expect to find everything from soapstone sculptures to intricately carved wooden and beaded pieces in even the smallest towns. Bartering is acceptable and expected. Prices vary wildly from region to region but expect to pay between $5 and $15 for a small soapstone sculpture, and around $25 to $50 for a medium sized wooden giraffe.

www.planetblond.com
www.planetblond.com

6. Art and culture in a lovable African capital city

From Zimbabwe Fashion Week (Aug 30-Sep 1) to the Harare International Festival of the Arts (late April/early May), the capital city is not only one of the safest and easiest to navigate in Africa, but is also home to a burgeoning and buzzing arts scene.

www.planetblond.com
www.planetblond.com

7. Houseboating like a local on Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, in the north of the country, is Zimbabwe’s Riviera where locals come to chill in houseboats, fish and drink beer while soaking up amazing sunsets and checking out hippos, elephants and crocs. Tourists can create their own Zim houseboat experience by renting one (check out www.houseboatsonkariba.com for info).

http://cdn.naturalhighsafaris.com/cdn/made/cdn/uploads/camp_images/New/Zimbabwe/Craig%20van%20Zyl%20%28Classic%20Africa%20Safaris%29/craig-van-zyl_%281%29_940_529_80_s_c1.jpg
http://cdn.naturalhighsafaris.com/cdn/made/cdn/uploads/camp_images/New/Zimbabwe/Craig%20van%20Zyl%20%28Classic%20Africa%20Safaris%29/craig-van-zyl_%281%29_940_529_80_s_c1.jpg

8. Walking with lions

Lions abound at Mana Pools National Park, and for the truly brave (or stupid) this is the only national park in Africa that allows you to walk unguided among them should you choose. Another Unesco World Heritage-listed site, the unfenced park is home to plenty of elephants, zebras, crocs, hippos and lions and you are allowed to exit your vehicle and walk without a guide (which we would not recommend).

www.planetblond.com
www.planetblond.com

9. Roads are in great condition, and cross-country buses reliable

Cross-country travel is safe and easy. Roads have been redone in the last five years and gone are the days of car-swallowing potholes. Expect to pay tolls driving between the three major cities – Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls – and also to pass through a number of police checkpoints (as long as you don’t argue, the worst these do is yield a “fine” for breaking some unknown road rule), but on the plus side, carjacking is practically non-existent here. You can also easily travel in comfy long-distance coach buses.

http://news.cheapflightzimbabwe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-Mystique-of-Eastern-Highlands.jpg
http://news.cheapflightzimbabwe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-Mystique-of-Eastern-Highlands.jpg

10. Getting off the beaten path in the Eastern Highlands

The narrow strip of wild mountain country by the Mozambique border is known as the Eastern Highlands. Home to the Bvumba Mountains and Nyanga National Park, the region makes for a great country retreat, and looks and feels more like Britain than stereotypical Africa – think cool misty green valleys, pine forested highlands, country gardens, excellent trout fishing and even proper teahouses.