Zimbabwe · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
These are the places worth your time in Zimbabwe, from Harare's galleries and markets to the rainforest at Victoria Falls, Hwange's waterholes, the granite hills of Matobo, the stone walls of Great Zimbabwe and the misty Eastern Highlands. Classics sit beside quiet corners few travellers see, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Harare
Arts and Culture
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Julius Nyerere Way)
The country's main art gallery, with changing shows of Zimbabwean painting, textiles and sculpture. - Chapungu Sculpture Park (Msasa)
Gardens full of Shona stone sculpture where you can meet carvers and buy direct. - National Heroes' Acre (Warren Park)
A huge hillside monument to the liberation struggle that explains how the nation tells its story. - Reps Theatre (Avondale)
A long running theatre that stages plays, musicals and comedy in an intimate setting.
Shopping and Markets
- Mbare Musika (Mbare)
The country's biggest market and bus hub, loud, colourful and best visited in daylight with a local. - Avondale Flea Market (Avondale)
A relaxed spot for crafts, fabrics, books and secondhand finds in the northern suburbs. - Sam Levy's Village (Borrowdale)
An open air shopping village with cafés, a weekend market and an easy, family friendly feel. - Doon Estate (Msasa)
A cluster of craft, design and furniture shops in old industrial buildings, with a café.
Nature and Outdoors
- Mukuvisi Woodlands (Hillside)
Woodland trails close to the centre where you can walk among giraffe, zebra and antelope. - Lake Chivero Recreational Park (Norton)
A lake park west of the city with rhino, giraffe and San paintings at Bushman's Point. - Domboshawa (Domboshawa)
A granite dome north of Harare with rock paintings, caves and wide views at sunset. - Ewanrigg Botanical Garden (Shamva Road)
Gardens famous for aloes and cycads, at their most colourful in the dry winter months. - Epworth Balancing Rocks (Epworth)
Remarkable stacked granite boulders once shown on the country's banknotes.
Things to Do
- Wild Is Life (Harare)
A wildlife sanctuary that cares for orphaned elephants and other animals, visited by booking.
Restaurants
- Gava's Restaurant (Mukuvisi Woodlands)
Traditional Zimbabwean dishes such as sadza, road runner chicken and greens in a woodland setting. - Garwe Restaurant (Eastlea)
A popular spot for hearty local food and a buzzing, everyday Harare atmosphere. - Amanzi Restaurant (Brooke Park, Highlands)
Elegant dining in lush gardens, a favourite for special occasions. - The Fishmonger (Borrowdale)
Seafood and a lively terrace, popular for long lunches and evenings out.
Bars and Nightlife
- Pariah State (Avondale)
A lively bar with good food, live music and a young local crowd at weekends.
Stays
- Meikles Hotel (City centre)
A historic grand hotel facing Africa Unity Square, a Harare landmark since 1915. - Amanzi Lodges (Highlands)
Garden suites with a calm, boutique feel in a leafy northern suburb. - Bronte Hotel (Avondale)
A garden hotel close to the centre that is comfortable and good value.
Places to Visit in Victoria Falls
Nature and Outdoors
- Victoria Falls Rainforest (Victoria Falls National Park)
The classic walk along the gorge, with views across the main falls from many points. - Zambezi National Park (Zambezi Drive)
A riverside park just upstream of town with elephant, buffalo and sable. - The Big Tree (Zambezi Drive)
An enormous old baobab by the river, once a meeting place for early travellers.
Things to Do
- Victoria Falls Bridge (Zambezi Gorge)
The historic 1905 bridge with bungee, swing and bridge tours, and views of the falls. - Lunar rainbow viewing (Victoria Falls National Park)
Special full moon openings of the rainforest when a moonbow forms in the spray. - Batoka Gorge white water rafting (Zambezi River)
Some of the world's wildest one day rafting, best in the low water months.
Restaurants
- The Boma Dinner and Drum Show (Victoria Falls Safari Lodge)
A lively evening of local dishes, drumming and dancing that everyone enjoys. - Stanley's Terrace (Victoria Falls Hotel)
High tea or drinks on the lawn with the spray rising beyond the bridge. - Three Monkeys (Town centre)
A relaxed restaurant with wood fired pizza and a fun, busy evening atmosphere. - Mama Africa Eating House (Town centre)
Local dishes and live music in a friendly, informal setting. - Zambezi House (Zambezi River)
A riverside spot for drinks and food with sunset views over the water.
Cafés
- Lookout Cafe (Batoka Gorge)
Lunch on a deck right on the gorge edge with views of the bridge and the rafters below.
Shopping and Markets
- Elephant's Walk Shopping and Artist Village (Town centre)
Galleries and craft shops selling quality carvings, textiles and jewellery. - Victoria Falls Craft Village (Town centre)
Stalls of carvings and baskets where you can watch artisans at work and bargain kindly.
Arts and Culture
- Jafuta Heritage Centre (Elephant's Walk)
A small museum on the cultures of the Tonga, Ndebele and other peoples of the region.
Stays
- The Victoria Falls Hotel (Mallett Drive)
The grand Edwardian hotel within earshot of the falls, worth a visit even for a drink. - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Squire Cummings Road)
A thatched lodge overlooking a waterhole where animals come to drink. - Ilala Lodge (Livingstone Way)
A comfortable lodge a short walk from the falls entrance with a lovely garden. - Shoestrings Backpackers (Town centre)
A sociable backpacker lodge with dorms, private rooms and a lively bar.
Places to Visit in Hwange
Nature and Outdoors
- Hwange Main Camp (Hwange National Park)
The park's main gateway, with self drive loops and a busy rest camp. - Nyamandhlovu Pan (Hwange National Park)
A raised platform over a busy waterhole, superb for elephants in the dry season. - Sinamatella Camp (Hwange National Park)
A hilltop camp with views across the plains in the wilder north of the park. - Masuma Dam (Hwange National Park)
A picnic site and hide over water that draws hippo, elephant and lion. - Mandavu Dam (Hwange National Park)
A large dam with crocodiles, hippos and a lovely spot to watch the evening. - Kennedy Pan (Hwange National Park)
A popular cluster of waterholes in the south east with plenty of plains game.
Things to Do
- Painted Dog Conservation (Near Main Camp)
A conservation centre explaining how rare painted dogs are being protected.
Stays
- The Hide Safari Camp (Eastern Hwange)
A long running tented camp with hides overlooking a waterhole. - Linkwasha Camp (Linkwasha concession)
A stylish camp on open plains in one of the park's richest wildlife areas. - Somalisa Camp (Kennedy area)
A small, elegant camp where elephants come to drink at the pool. - Davison's Camp (Linkwasha concession)
A classic tented camp overlooking a waterhole with strong guiding. - Hwange Safari Lodge (Near Main Camp)
A large, easygoing lodge with a waterhole view, good value close to the park. - Camp Hwange (Sinamatella area)
A small, walking focused camp in a remote part of the park.
Places to Visit in Bulawayo
Arts and Culture
- Natural History Museum (Centenary Park)
One of Africa's finest museums of wildlife, geology and history. - Bulawayo Railway Museum (Raylton)
Steam locomotives and carriages from the days of Rhodesia Railways. - National Gallery Bulawayo (Main Street)
Changing shows of local art in a fine old building in the city centre. - Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre (Mzilikazi)
A township art centre that has trained generations of Bulawayo potters and sculptors. - Khami Ruins (Khami)
A UNESCO listed stone city that followed Great Zimbabwe, rarely crowded. - Nswatugi Cave (Matobo National Park)
Some of the finest San rock paintings in southern Africa. - Silozwane Cave (Matobo Hills)
A rock shelter with vivid paintings, reached by a short climb. - Amagugu International Heritage Centre (Matobo Hills)
A community heritage centre celebrating Ndebele and local culture. - Bulawayo Theatre (Centenary Park)
A small theatre with plays, music and community shows.
Nature and Outdoors
- Centenary Park (City centre)
A green park for an afternoon stroll beside the Natural History Museum. - Hillside Dams (Hillside)
A quiet conservancy with walking paths and birdlife on the edge of the city. - Matobo National Park (Matobo Hills)
A UNESCO landscape of balancing boulders, rock art and rhino. - World's View (Matobo National Park)
A granite dome with sweeping views over the hills, best at sunset. - Maleme Dam (Matobo National Park)
A peaceful dam with parks lodges, picnics and walks among the boulders.
Things to Do
- Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage (Esigodini Road)
A sanctuary caring for injured and orphaned animals, a hit with children. - Rhino tracking in Whovi Wild Area (Matobo National Park)
Approach white and black rhino on foot with expert guides.
Events
- Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (Bulawayo Showgrounds)
The country's big annual trade fair, a lively few days in the city.
Stays
- Camp Amalinda (Matobo Hills)
Rooms built into the granite with a relaxed, romantic feel. - Big Cave Camp (Matobo Hills)
Chalets on a granite outcrop with superb views and rhino walks. - Matobo Hills Lodge (Matobo Hills)
Thatched chalets among the boulders near the park entrance. - The Bulawayo Club (City centre)
A historic club with rooms full of old world character.
Places to Visit in Masvingo
Arts and Culture
- Great Zimbabwe National Monument (Great Zimbabwe)
The largest ancient stone city in sub-Saharan Africa and a UNESCO site. - Great Enclosure (Great Zimbabwe)
Massive curved walls and the mysterious Conical Tower in the valley. - Great Zimbabwe Site Museum (Great Zimbabwe)
Home of the original soapstone Zimbabwe Birds found at the site. - Italian Chapel of St Francis (Masvingo)
A chapel decorated by Italian prisoners of war in the 1940s.
Things to Do
- Hill Complex (Great Zimbabwe)
A climb through boulders to the ancient royal enclosure and views over the valley.
Nature and Outdoors
- Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park (Lake Mutirikwi)
A lakeside park with white rhino, giraffe and lovely sunsets.
Stays
- Great Zimbabwe Hotel (Great Zimbabwe)
A hotel within walking distance of the ruins, ideal for early visits. - Norma Jeane's Lakeview Resort (Lake Mutirikwi)
Cottages on a hill above the lake with views and a quiet garden. - The Lodge at the Ancient City (Great Zimbabwe)
Thatched chalets among granite boulders close to the ruins.
Places to Visit in Gonarezhou
Nature and Outdoors
- Chilojo Cliffs (Gonarezhou National Park)
Towering red sandstone cliffs above the Runde River in a wild, remote park.
Stays
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge (Save River)
A lodge on a cliff above the Save River on the edge of Gonarezhou.
Places to Visit in Kariba
Things to Do
- Lake Kariba houseboats (Kariba)
Days afloat watching elephants on the shore and fishing at sunset. - Kariba Dam wall (Kariba)
The vast dam that created Lake Kariba, on the border with Zambia.
Nature and Outdoors
- Mana Pools National Park (Zambezi Valley)
A UNESCO river park famous for walking and canoeing among elephants.
Places to Visit in Eastern Highlands
Nature and Outdoors
- Nyanga National Park (Nyanga)
Rolling hills, pine forests, trout dams and waterfalls in cool mountain air. - Mount Nyangani (Nyanga National Park)
Zimbabwe's highest peak, a rewarding climb on a clear morning with a guide. - Mutarazi Falls (Mutarazi Falls National Park)
One of Africa's highest waterfalls, plunging off the escarpment. - Pungwe Falls (Nyanga National Park)
A quiet viewpoint over the Pungwe River plunging into a forested gorge. - Honde Valley viewpoint (Honde Valley)
Views over tea estates and the hills of Mozambique. - Bvumba Botanical Gardens (Bvumba)
Gardens and forest walks known for birdlife and mountain views. - Cecil Kop Nature Reserve (Mutare)
A reserve on the hills above town with antelope and good views. - Chimanimani National Park (Chimanimani)
Rugged peaks and multi day hikes in the wildest corner of the highlands. - Bridal Veil Falls (Chimanimani)
A pretty waterfall and picnic spot a short drive from the village.
Things to Do
- Mutarazi Falls Skywalk (Mutarazi Falls National Park)
A glass bottomed walkway and zip line above the drop. - Trout fishing at Nyanga (Nyanga National Park)
Fly fishing on cold mountain dams, with permits from the park office.
Arts and Culture
- Ziwa National Monument (Nyanga)
Ancient terraces, pit structures and stone ruins with a small museum. - Nyangwe Fort (Nyanga National Park)
Stone enclosures on a hilltop that recall the region's ancient farmers. - Mutare Museum (Mutare)
Antique transport, local history and natural history in a calm museum.
Stays
- Troutbeck Resort (Nyanga)
A classic highland hotel with a lake, log fires and walks. - Leopard Rock Hotel (Bvumba)
A grand hotel with a golf course and views over the misty Bvumba.
Cafés
- Tony's Coffee Shop (Bvumba)
A famous highland café known for indulgent cakes and hot chocolate.
Shopping and Markets
- Sakubva Market (Mutare)
A busy everyday market for fresh produce and local life.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Café Nush (Avondale, Harare)
A bright, busy café for breakfasts, salads and cakes in the northern suburbs. - Harare International Festival of the Arts (Harare, Harare)
A big arts festival of music, theatre and dance, though it has not run every year recently. - Vic Falls Carnival (Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls)
A New Year music festival that brings parties and live acts to the town. - Victoria Falls Crocodile Ranch and Nature Sanctuary (Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls)
A ranch with crocodiles and rescued animals, easy for families with time to spare. - Robins Camp (Hwange National Park, Hwange)
A remote camp in the far west, good for lions and few other visitors. - Bumbusi National Monument (Hwange National Park, Hwange)
Little visited stone ruins in the north of the park, best seen with a guide. - Ivory Lodge (Near Main Camp, Hwange)
Treehouse style rooms overlooking a waterhole on the park boundary. - Makokoba township walk (Makokoba, Bulawayo)
One of Bulawayo's oldest townships, full of history, best seen with a local guide. - Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo (Bulawayo, Bulawayo)
A September festival of theatre, poetry, music and dance. - Mutirikwi Dam wall (Lake Mutirikwi, Masvingo)
A dramatic dam wall in a gorge, a short drive from the ruins. - Great Zimbabwe campsite (Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo)
A simple campsite and lodges right at the monument. - Great Zimbabwe craft stalls (Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo)
Stalls selling carved birds and stone work near the entrance. - Aberfoyle Lodge (Honde Valley, Eastern Highlands)
A lodge among tea estates, popular with birders. - Pine Tree Inn (Juliasdale, Eastern Highlands)
A cosy country inn with fires and gardens on the Nyanga road. - Troutbeck Resort dining room (Nyanga, Eastern Highlands)
Fresh trout and a fireside dinner in old world surroundings.