Things to Do by Region
Zimbabwe’s diverse geography means each region offers distinctly different experiences. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or peaceful nature retreats, this guide organizes Zimbabwe’s top activities by geographic region to help you plan your perfect trip.
Northern
Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana Pools
Eastern
Highlands, hiking, forests
Southern
History, remote safaris
Western
Big game safaris
Central
Cities, culture, caves
Northern Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools The north is Zimbabwe’s adventure capital, featuring the mighty Victoria Falls, world-class wildlife viewing, and the vast Lake Kariba.Victoria Falls Area
Adrenaline Activities
World-Class Adventures:
- Bungee jumping (111m from Victoria Falls Bridge)
- White water rafting (Grade 5 rapids in Batoka Gorge)
- Gorge swing (70m free fall + 95m swing arc)
- Zip-lining across the gorge
- Bridge slide and bridge walk
- Micro-light flights over the Falls
- Helicopter tours (“Flight of Angels”)
Victoria Falls Experiences
The Falls Itself:
- Rainforest walk along Falls edge
- Lunar rainbow viewing (full moon nights)
- Devil’s Pool swim (Sep-Dec, Zambia side)
- Sunrise/sunset viewpoints
- Historical bridge tour
Wildlife Activities
Near Victoria Falls:
- Zambezi National Park game drives
- Walking safaris along river
- Elephant encounters (ethical sanctuaries)
- Lion walks (controversial - research before)
- Crocodile farm visit
- Bird watching along Zambezi
River & Water Activities
On the Zambezi:
- Sunset cruises (iconic experience)
- Canoeing above the Falls (safe sections)
- Fishing (tiger fish)
- Jet boat rides
- River boarding
Lake Kariba Area
Water Activities
On the Lake:
- Houseboat safaris (multi-day floating accommodation)
- Sunset cruises
- Sport fishing (tiger fish, bream, vundu)
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Swimming (designated safe areas)
- Water skiing (at some resorts)
Land-Based Activities
Around Kariba:
- Game viewing along shoreline
- Matusadona National Park safaris
- Dam wall engineering tour
- Crocodile farm
- Walking safaris
- Bird watching (fish eagles abundant)
Mana Pools & Zambezi Valley
Premier Safari Activities
Mana Pools UNESCO Site:
- Walking safaris (Zimbabwe specialty)
- Canoe safaris on the Zambezi
- Game drives in pristine wilderness
- Photography (famous for elephants standing on hind legs)
- Fly camping under the stars
- Night drives (at some camps)
Adventure Activities
Wilderness Experiences:
- Multi-day canoe expeditions
- Walking trails
- Fishing expeditions
- Specialist photographic safaris
- Mobile camping safaris
- Birding (400+ species)
Chinhoyi Caves
Underground Adventures
Cave Experiences:
- Viewing the spectacular “Sleeping Pool” (crystal blue water)
- Cave diving (certified divers only - world-class site)
- Swimming in designated pools
- Cave system exploration
- Historical and archaeological interest
- Picnicking in surrounding reserve
- 2 hours from Harare
- Entry: $5 USD
- Cave diving: Requires certification and booking
Eastern Zimbabwe
Eastern Highlands, Mutare, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Bvumba The east offers Zimbabwe’s most dramatic scenery - mountains, waterfalls, misty forests, and cool highland retreats.Nyanga Highlands
Mountain Activities
Hiking & Climbing:
- Mount Nyangani summit (2,592m - Zimbabwe’s highest)
- Numerous waterfall hikes
- Nyangombe Falls trail
- Mtarazi Falls viewpoint (Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall)
- Ancient pits and ruins exploration
- Multiple difficulty levels available
Water & Wildlife
Fishing & Nature:
- Trout fishing in highland streams and dams
- Lake fishing (Rhodes Dam, Mare Dam)
- Bird watching (highland endemics)
- Horse riding through highlands
- Golf at Troutbeck resort
Chimanimani Mountains
Trekking & Hiking
Premier Hiking:
- Multi-day mountain treks
- Skeleton Pass hike
- Mountain hut-to-hut trekking
- Rock pools and natural swimming
- Bridal Veil Falls (near village)
- Bailey’s Folly viewpoint
Nature & Culture
Village & Forest:
- Village walks in Chimanimani town
- Local craft markets
- Community tourism experiences
- Forest walks
- Birding (Swynnerton’s robin territory)
- Rock art sites
Bvumba Mountains
Gardens & Nature Walks
Botanical Experiences:
- Bvumba Botanical Gardens (world-class)
- Bunga Forest Reserve walks
- Orchid collection viewing
- Bird watching (rare species)
- Forest trails and nature walks
Scenic Experiences
Views & Relaxation:
- Scenic viewpoints into Mozambique
- Tea at Tony’s Coffee Estate
- Lodge gardens exploration
- Photography (misty atmospheric conditions)
- Golf at Leopard Rock
Mutare & Surrounding Areas
City & Day Trip Activities
In Mutare:
- Cecil Kop Nature Reserve (hiking, wildlife)
- Murahwa Hill rock art
- Mutare Museum
- Sakubva Market cultural experience
- Cross Kopje hike
- Christmas Pass viewpoint
- Mozambique border day trip (visa required for most)
- Penhalonga Valley drive
- Honde Valley tea estates
- Tiger’s Kloof Dam
Southern Zimbabwe
Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou, Save Valley The south combines Zimbabwe’s most important historical site with remote wilderness areas.Great Zimbabwe Area
Historical & Cultural
UNESCO World Heritage:
- Great Zimbabwe ruins exploration (half/full day)
- Guided tours of Hill Complex
- Great Enclosure exploration
- Museum and interpretation center
- Stone bird viewing
- Cultural demonstrations
Surrounding Activities
Lake Mutirikwi & Masvingo:
- Boating on Lake Mutirikwi
- Fishing (black bass, bream)
- Kyle Recreational Park (rhino, game)
- Mushandike Sanctuary (affordable game viewing)
- Masvingo town exploration
Gonarezhou National Park
Remote Safari
Wilderness Experiences:
- Game drives in pristine wilderness
- Walking safaris
- Chilojo Cliffs viewpoint (iconic red cliffs)
- Large elephant herds
- Runde and Save River drives
- Mobile camping safaris
Specialist Activities
Unique Experiences:
- Photographic safaris (dramatic landscapes)
- Multi-day wilderness trails
- Fishing on rivers
- Bird watching (400+ species)
- Night drives (at some camps)
- Cross-border Great Limpopo experience
Western Zimbabwe
Hwange, Bulawayo, Matobo Hills The west is Zimbabwe’s wildlife heartland, featuring the country’s largest national park and culturally significant Matobo Hills.Hwange National Park
Premier Safari Activities
Big Game Safari:
- Game drives (morning and evening)
- Waterhole watching (elephants in huge numbers)
- Walking safaris
- Night drives
- Hide/blind wildlife viewing
- Photographic safaris
Specialist Experiences
Unique to Hwange:
- Painted dog tracking (Hwange is a stronghold)
- Elephant-back safaris (ethical operators)
- Conservation experiences
- Multi-day walking safaris
- Mobile camping
- Cultural village visits
Matobo Hills
Wildlife & Nature
Unique Experiences:
- Black and white rhino tracking on foot
- Leopard viewing (high population)
- Balancing rock photography
- Bird watching (black eagle territory)
- Game drives through rock formations
Cultural & Historical
Rock Art & Heritage:
- San Bushman rock art sites (3,000+ sites)
- Nswatugi Cave paintings
- Cecil Rhodes’ grave (“World’s View”)
- Spiritual sites and shrines
- Cultural heritage tours
Bulawayo
City Activities
Cultural & Historical:
- Natural History Museum (one of Africa’s best)
- Railway Museum (steam heritage)
- Bulawayo Art Gallery
- Colonial architecture walking tour
- Khami Ruins (UNESCO site, nearby)
- Mzilikazi Art & Craft Centre
- Township tours (Makokoba)
- Local markets
- Ndebele cultural experiences
- Food tours (Ndebele cuisine)
Central Zimbabwe
Harare, Midlands, Domboshawa The central region offers urban culture, easy day trips, and often-overlooked attractions.Harare & Surrounds
City Culture
In Harare:
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Mbare Musika market
- National Archives
- Museum of Human Sciences
- Art galleries and craft markets
- Live music and nightlife
Nature Near the City
Urban & Nearby Nature:
- Mukuvisi Woodlands (urban nature)
- Harare Gardens
- National Botanic Gardens
- Wild Is Life animal sanctuary
- Lake Chivero Recreational Park
- Lion & Cheetah Park
Day Trips from Harare
Domboshava
30km from Harare:
- Ancient rock art (3,000+ years old)
- Balancing rock formations
- Hiking to summit viewpoint
- Rock pools (seasonal)
- Spiritual and historical significance
Lake Chivero
32km from Harare:
- Game park (zebra, giraffe, antelope)
- Boating and fishing
- Bird sanctuary (400+ species)
- Picnic spots
- Accommodation available
Bushman Rock Vineyards
45km from Harare:
- Wine tasting
- Vineyard tours
- Farm-to-table restaurant
- Rock art on property
- Scenic mountain setting
Ngomakurira
50km from Harare:
- Sacred mountain
- Rock paintings
- Challenging hike
- Spiritual significance
- Panoramic views
Midlands Region
Central Zimbabwe Activities
Gweru Area:
- Antelope Park (lion conservation, activities)
- Military Museum
- Sebakwe Recreational Park (fishing, boating)
- Nalatale Ruins (stone ruins)
- Gold mining heritage
- Sebakwe Dam
- Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (remote)
Activities Quick Reference
By Interest
| Interest | Top Regions | Must-Do Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenaline | Northern (Vic Falls) | Bungee jumping, rafting |
| Safari | Western (Hwange) | Waterhole game viewing |
| Hiking | Eastern (Chimanimani) | Multi-day mountain trek |
| History | Southern (Great Zimbabwe) | Ancient ruins tour |
| Water Sports | Northern (Kariba) | Houseboat safari |
| Photography | Western (Matobo) | Balancing rocks sunrise |
| Birding | Eastern (Bvumba) | Forest endemic species |
| Fishing | Northern (Kariba/Mana) | Tiger fish |
| Culture | Central (Harare) | Markets and galleries |
| Rhinos | Western (Matobo) | Walking rhino tracking |
By Season
Dry Season (May-October)
Dry Season (May-October)
Best For:
- Safari (wildlife concentrated at water)
- Hiking (trails accessible)
- Canoeing (river levels good)
- Photography (clear skies)
- Hwange game viewing (Jul-Oct peak)
- Mana Pools walking safaris
- Chimanimani trekking
- Kariba fishing
- Victoria Falls (low water late season)
Wet Season (November-April)
Wet Season (November-April)
Best For:
- Victoria Falls (high water Feb-May)
- Bird watching (migrants present)
- Green season safaris (fewer crowds, lower prices)
- Waterfalls (spectacular flow)
- Victoria Falls viewing
- Eastern Highlands waterfalls
- Harare city activities (rain usually afternoon)
- Birding everywhere
- Mana Pools (closed)
- Gonarezhou (inaccessible)
- Chimanimani peaks (dangerous)
Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May, Oct-Nov)
Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May, Oct-Nov)
Best For:
- Balanced experiences
- Lower prices
- Fewer crowds
- Pleasant temperatures
- All regions accessible
- Victoria Falls good flow
- Wildlife still visible
- Hiking comfortable
By Budget
| Budget Level | Best Regions | Sample Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Budget ($30-50/day) | Central, Midlands, Eastern towns | City attractions, day hikes, local markets |
| Mid-range ($100-200/day) | Eastern Highlands, Kariba, Bulawayo | Lodge stays, guided activities, day tours |
| Premium ($300-500/day) | Victoria Falls, Hwange | Safari lodges, adventure activities, flights |
| Luxury ($500+/day) | Mana Pools, Premium Hwange | Exclusive camps, private guides, fly-in |
Planning Your Activities
Multi-Region Itineraries
Pre-planned routes combining the best of each region
Adventure Activities
Detailed guide to Zimbabwe’s adventure experiences
Safari Planning
How to plan your wildlife safari
Provinces Guide
Understanding Zimbabwe’s regional geography
Last updated: January 2025