Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe emerged as one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations over the two decades following the end of white rule and change of name from Rhodesia in 1980. Sadly, political developments over the country’s third decade ruled by President Robert Mugabe have sent its once booming tourist industry into free fall. The good news is that the tourist attractions are still all there, the infrastructure remains in surprisingly good shape, and the economic and political landscape have both benefited from the recent establishment of coalition rule and the adoption of the US dollar to replace deflationary faltering Zimbabwean namesake. The ...

Zimbabwe emerged as one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations over the two decades following the end of white rule and change of name from Rhodesia in 1980. Sadly, political developments over the country’s third decade ruled by President Robert Mugabe have sent its once booming tourist industry into free fall. The good news is that the tourist attractions are still all there, the infrastructure remains in surprisingly good shape, and the economic and political landscape have both benefited from the recent establishment of coalition rule and the adoption of the US dollar to replace deflationary faltering Zimbabwean namesake. The country’s top attraction is the spectacular mile-wide Victoria Falls formed by the Zambezi River on the border with Zambia, but it is also home to several safari destinations, among them Hwange and Mana Pools, while action lovers are drawn to the rafting and canoeing possibilities along the Zambezi and peerless game fishing at Lake Kariba. Scenic attractions include the mighty boulderscapes of Matobo National Park and forested eastern highlands, while Great Zimbabwe, the ruined city for which the country is named, is easily the most compelling archaeological site in sub-equatorial Africa.

About the Expert

Philip Briggs has written or contributed to 50-plus editions of Bradt, Insight, AA and Berlitz guidebooks to African destinations.