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Zimbabwe Provinces & Regions

Zimbabwe landscape Zimbabwe is divided into 10 provinces, each with distinct geography, culture, and attractions. Understanding the provincial structure helps travelers plan efficient routes and discover regional highlights that might otherwise be missed.

10 Provinces

8 rural provinces plus 2 metropolitan provinces (Harare & Bulawayo)

390,757 km²

Total land area - roughly the size of Japan or California

Diverse Geography

From the Eastern Highlands (2,592m) to the Zambezi Valley (340m)

Rich Cultures

Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, and other ethnic groups across regions

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Province Overview Map

Zimbabwe’s provinces span from the mighty Zambezi River in the north to the Limpopo in the south, encompassing dramatic highlands in the east and vast wildlife areas in the west.
ProvinceCapitalArea (km²)Key Attractions
Harare (Metropolitan)Harare872Museums, galleries, urban culture
Bulawayo (Metropolitan)Bulawayo479Colonial architecture, railway heritage
Mashonaland WestChinhoyi57,441Chinhoyi Caves, Lake Kariba
Mashonaland CentralBindura28,347Farming region, Mazowe Valley
Mashonaland EastMarondera32,230Domboshawa, agricultural estates
ManicalandMutare36,459Eastern Highlands, mountains, waterfalls
MidlandsGweru49,166Antelope Park, mining heritage
MasvingoMasvingo56,566Great Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou
Matabeleland NorthLupane75,025Hwange, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba
Matabeleland SouthGwanda54,172Matobo Hills, border regions

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Metropolitan Provinces

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Harare Province

Zimbabwe’s Capital & Largest City

Population

~2.1 million (Greater Harare area)

Elevation

1,483m above sea level
Character: Modern, cosmopolitan capital with a blend of colonial heritage and contemporary African urban culture. Tree-lined streets, vibrant arts scene, and excellent dining options. Top Attractions:
  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe - Premier art collection
  • Harare Gardens - City center green space
  • Mukuvisi Woodlands - Urban nature reserve
  • Mbare Musika - Authentic market experience
  • National Heroes Acre - Monument to independence
Best For:
  • Cultural immersion and museums
  • Business travelers
  • Gateway to national parks
  • Dining and nightlife
Climate: Pleasant year-round due to altitude. Cool winters (May-Aug), warm summers with afternoon rains (Nov-Mar). Getting There: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport serves international flights. 4-5 hours drive from Bulawayo, Victoria Falls (6-7 hrs), or Mutare (3 hrs).

Explore Harare

Complete Harare city guide with attractions, dining, and practical information

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Bulawayo Province

City of Kings & Queens

Population

~650,000

Founded

1894 (on site of Lobengula’s royal kraal)
Character: Zimbabwe’s second city with rich Ndebele culture, colonial architecture, and a slower pace than Harare. Known as the “City of Kings” - site of the Ndebele kingdom’s capital. Top Attractions:
  • Natural History Museum - One of Africa’s best
  • Railway Museum - Steam locomotive heritage
  • Bulawayo Gallery - Contemporary African art
  • Matobo Hills - UNESCO site 30km south
  • Colonial architecture - Wide streets, historic buildings
Best For:
  • Ndebele cultural experiences
  • History enthusiasts
  • Gateway to Hwange and Matobo
  • Railway heritage
Climate: Semi-arid, slightly warmer than Harare. Hot summers (Oct-Feb), mild winters. Getting There: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. 5 hours from Harare, 2.5 hours from Victoria Falls, 1.5 hours from Matobo Hills.

Explore Bulawayo

Complete Bulawayo city guide with Ndebele culture, museums, and history

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Mashonaland Provinces

The three Mashonaland provinces cover northern and northeastern Zimbabwe, the heartland of Shona culture.

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Mashonaland West

Gateway to Lake Kariba & Zambezi Valley Capital: Chinhoyi Key Areas: Chinhoyi, Karoi, Kariba Geography: Descends from the highveld plateau down into the hot Zambezi Valley. Home to Lake Kariba - the world’s largest man-made lake by volume. Top Attractions:
  • Chinhoyi Caves - Spectacular limestone caves with crystal-clear blue pools, national monument
  • Lake Kariba - Houseboats, fishing, wildlife on shoreline
  • Matusadona National Park - Lake-shore wildlife reserve
  • Mana Pools National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site (shared with Mashonaland Central border)
Economic Activities: Tobacco farming, tourism, fishing Culture: Predominantly Shona (Zezuru dialect). Traditional farming communities in highlands, fishing communities along Zambezi/Kariba. Climate: Highland areas pleasant; Zambezi Valley extremely hot (40°C+) in summer (Oct-Mar). Best time: May-September. Getting There: 2-4 hours northwest of Harare by road. Kariba has a small airport.

Chinhoyi Caves

Explore the famous blue caves

Lake Kariba

World’s largest man-made lake

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Mashonaland Central

Agricultural Heartland Capital: Bindura Key Areas: Bindura, Mount Darwin, Mazowe, Shamva Geography: High plateau country with rich soils. The breadbasket of Zimbabwe with extensive farming operations. Top Attractions:
  • Mazowe Valley - Citrus estates and dam, scenic drives
  • Bindura - Mining town and gateway to remote north
  • Mavuradonha Wilderness - Remote mountain wilderness area
  • Shamva - Gold mining heritage
Economic Activities: Tobacco, maize, citrus farming, gold mining Culture: Shona heartland (Korekore and Zezuru dialects). Traditional farming communities, spiritual sites. Climate: Pleasant highland climate, similar to Harare. Getting There: 1-2 hours north of Harare. Visitor Notes: Less developed for tourism but offers authentic rural Zimbabwe experiences. Excellent for those interested in agriculture and mining heritage.

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Mashonaland East

Day Trips from Harare Capital: Marondera Key Areas: Marondera, Ruwa, Mutoko, Mudzi Geography: Rolling highland country east of Harare, transitioning toward the Eastern Highlands. Top Attractions:
  • Domboshawa - Ancient rock art and granite formations (30km from Harare)
  • Ngomakurira - Sacred mountain with rock art
  • Imire Game Reserve - Private reserve with black rhino
  • Marondera - Colonial architecture, wine estates
  • Bushman Rock Vineyards - Zimbabwe’s premier winery
Economic Activities: Horticulture, tobacco, small-scale farming Culture: Shona (Manyika influence near eastern border). Mix of commercial farming and communal areas. Climate: Highland plateau, pleasant year-round. Getting There: 30 minutes to 2 hours east of Harare.

Domboshava

Ancient rock art and stunning granite formations

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Manicaland Province

The Eastern Highlands Region Capital: Mutare (Zimbabwe’s 3rd largest city) Key Areas: Mutare, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Bvumba Geography: Zimbabwe’s most dramatic scenery - mountain ranges, waterfalls, forests, and misty highlands along the Mozambique border. Contains Mount Nyangani (2,592m), Zimbabwe’s highest peak. Top Attractions:
  • Nyanga National Park - Mountains, waterfalls, trout fishing
  • Chimanimani National Park - Spectacular hiking and mountain wilderness
  • Bvumba Mountains - Botanical gardens, forest walks, views into Mozambique
  • Mutare - Gateway city with museums and border access
  • Chirinda Forest - Ancient rainforest with Zimbabwe’s tallest tree
  • Honde Valley - Tea and coffee plantations
Economic Activities: Forestry, tea, coffee, fruit farming, tourism Culture: Shona (Manyika dialect). Portuguese influence from Mozambique border. Mountain communities with distinct highland traditions. Climate: Cooler than rest of Zimbabwe. Can be cold at night year-round in mountains. Misty, higher rainfall than elsewhere. Best Time: September-November (spring) or April-May (autumn) for hiking. Year-round for forest walks and scenic drives. Getting There: 3-4 hours east of Harare to Mutare. Additional 1-3 hours to highland areas.

Eastern Highlands

Overview of the highland region

Mutare

Gateway city to the highlands

Nyanga

Northern highlands and waterfalls

Chimanimani

Mountain hiking paradise

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Midlands Province

Zimbabwe’s Geographic Center Capital: Gweru Key Areas: Gweru, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Shurugwi, Zvishavane Geography: Central plateau region, transition zone between Mashonaland and Matabeleland. Mix of farmland and mining areas. Top Attractions:
  • Antelope Park - Lion rehabilitation and conservation programs
  • Sebakwe Recreational Park - Dam, fishing, boating
  • Gweru Military Museum - Comprehensive military history
  • Nalatale Ruins - Stone ruins similar to Great Zimbabwe
  • Mining heritage - Gold and chrome mining areas
Economic Activities: Mining (gold, chrome, iron), agriculture, manufacturing Culture: Mix of Shona (eastern areas) and Ndebele (western areas). Industrial working-class heritage. Climate: Moderate, slightly warmer than Harare. Best For: Road trip stops between Harare-Bulawayo, conservation tourism, mining heritage. Getting There: 3 hours from Harare or 2 hours from Bulawayo on main A5 highway.

Gweru

Explore Zimbabwe’s geographic center

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Masvingo Province

Land of the Great Zimbabwe Capital: Masvingo Key Areas: Masvingo, Triangle, Chiredzi, Beitbridge Geography: Ranges from highveld around Masvingo town down to the hot southeastern lowveld (Save Valley, Gonarezhou). Top Attractions:
  • Great Zimbabwe - UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient stone city
  • Gonarezhou National Park - Remote wilderness, Chilojo Cliffs
  • Lake Mutirikwi - Boating, fishing, wildlife
  • Kyle Recreational Park - Rhino viewing, game drives
  • Mushandike Sanctuary - Affordable safari experience
Economic Activities: Sugar (Triangle/Chiredzi), cattle ranching, tourism Culture: Shona (Karanga dialect). Heartland of the ancient Zimbabwe civilization. Mix of highland and lowveld communities. Climate: Variable - pleasant around Masvingo (highland), very hot in lowveld areas (Chiredzi, Gonarezhou). Best For: Archaeological and historical tourism, remote wilderness safaris, budget travelers. Getting There: 3.5 hours south of Harare. Gonarezhou is 5-6 hours from Harare via Masvingo and Chiredzi.

Great Zimbabwe

UNESCO World Heritage ancient ruins

Gonarezhou

Remote wilderness national park

Masvingo

Gateway city to Great Zimbabwe

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Matabeleland Provinces

The two Matabeleland provinces cover western and southwestern Zimbabwe - Ndebele cultural heartland and home to major wildlife areas.

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Matabeleland North

Wildlife Capital of Zimbabwe Capital: Lupane (administrative), but Hwange and Victoria Falls are main tourism centers Key Areas: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lupane, Binga Geography: Semi-arid bushveld, teak forests, and the mighty Victoria Falls. Northern boundary formed by the Zambezi River. Top Attractions:
  • Victoria Falls - One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
  • Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve (14,650 km²)
  • Zambezi National Park - River-based wildlife viewing
  • Lake Kariba (western shore) - Fishing, houseboats
  • Binga - Tonga culture, hot springs
Economic Activities: Tourism (primary), timber, wildlife management Culture: Ndebele majority, significant Tonga population in Binga area (along Lake Kariba). Victoria Falls area highly cosmopolitan due to tourism. Climate: Hot, semi-arid. Best for wildlife: June-October (dry season). Best for Victoria Falls: February-May (high water). Getting There: Victoria Falls Airport has international connections. 5 hours from Bulawayo. Domestic flights from Harare.

Victoria Falls

The Smoke That Thunders

Hwange

Zimbabwe’s premier safari destination

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Matabeleland South

Land of Balancing Rocks Capital: Gwanda Key Areas: Gwanda, Plumtree, Beitbridge, Kezi Geography: Semi-arid to arid country in the south. Contains the famous Matobo Hills with their distinctive balancing rock formations. Top Attractions:
  • Matobo Hills National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site, balancing rocks, rock art, rhino tracking
  • Cecil John Rhodes’ Grave - “World’s View” in Matobo
  • Rock Art Sites - Over 3,000 San Bushman painting sites
  • Khami Ruins - UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bulawayo border
Economic Activities: Cattle ranching, mining (gold, asbestos historically), limited tourism Culture: Ndebele heartland. Traditional Ndebele villages, cattle culture, rich oral traditions. San/Bushman heritage in rock art. Climate: Hot and dry, especially toward Beitbridge (one of Zimbabwe’s hottest areas). Best For: Rock art enthusiasts, rhino tracking, cultural immersion, overland travelers to South Africa. Getting There: 30-40 minutes south of Bulawayo to Matobo Hills. Beitbridge is 5-6 hours from Bulawayo.

Matobo Hills

Balancing rocks, ancient art, and spiritual landscapes

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Regional Travel Itineraries

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Northern Circuit (10-14 days)

Mashonaland West + Matabeleland North 
Harare → Chinhoyi Caves (1 night) → Kariba (2 nights) →
Victoria Falls (3 nights) → Hwange (3 nights) → Bulawayo (2 nights)
Highlights: Caves, lake safari, Victoria Falls, premier wildlife

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Eastern Circuit (7-10 days)

Mashonaland East + Manicaland 
Harare → Domboshawa (day trip) → Mutare (1 night) →
Bvumba (2 nights) → Chimanimani (2 nights) → Nyanga (2 nights) → Harare
Highlights: Rock art, mountains, hiking, forest walks, waterfalls

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Southern Circuit (7-10 days)

Masvingo + Matabeleland South 
Harare → Masvingo/Great Zimbabwe (2 nights) →
Gonarezhou (3 nights) → Matobo Hills (2 nights) → Bulawayo (1 night)
Highlights: Archaeological heritage, remote wildlife, ancient rock art

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Complete Zimbabwe (21+ days)

All regions 
Harare → Eastern Highlands (4 nights) → Masvingo (2 nights) →
Gonarezhou (2 nights) → Bulawayo (2 nights) → Matobo (2 nights) →
Hwange (3 nights) → Victoria Falls (3 nights) → Kariba (2 nights) → Harare
Highlights: Comprehensive coverage of all major regions and attractions

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Regional Comparison

FeatureMashonalandMatabelelandManicalandMasvingoMidlands
LandscapePlateau, farmsBushveld, wildlifeMountains, forestsMixed, lowveldCentral plateau
ClimateMildHot, semi-aridCool, mistyVariableModerate
CultureShonaNdebeleManyika ShonaKaranga ShonaMixed
Main DrawCities, cavesSafari, Victoria FallsHiking, sceneryHistory, remote safariTransit, conservation
Tourism LevelModerateHighModerateLow-ModerateLow
InfrastructureGoodGood (tourist areas)ModerateBasic-ModerateBasic

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Planning by Province

By Road:
  • Main highways connect all provincial capitals
  • Quality varies - excellent on main routes, rough in remote areas
  • Self-drive is the most flexible option
  • Allow more time than maps suggest
By Air:
  • Domestic flights: Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Kariba
  • Charter flights to remote lodges (Mana Pools, Gonarezhou)
  • Regional airlines connect to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
By Bus:
  • Long-distance coaches between major cities
  • Not recommended for tourism (slow, limited routes)
  • Rural areas: local kombis (minibuses) - adventurous option
Northern Provinces (Kariba, Victoria Falls):
  • Wildlife viewing: June-October (dry season)
  • Victoria Falls peak flow: February-May
  • Avoid: October-November (extremely hot)
Eastern Highlands:
  • Hiking: April-May, September-November
  • Avoid: June-August (cold nights), January-March (heavy rain)
Southern Provinces (Masvingo, Matabeleland South):
  • Great Zimbabwe: Year-round (avoid midday heat in summer)
  • Gonarezhou: May-October only (inaccessible in rains)
  • Matobo Hills: Year-round (best light: early morning)
Central/Mashonaland:
  • Year-round (highland climate)
  • Greenest: February-April (after rains)
Most Expensive:
  • Victoria Falls (tourist prices)
  • Safari lodges (Hwange, Mana Pools)
Mid-Range:
  • Harare
  • Eastern Highlands lodges
  • Kariba houseboats
Budget-Friendly:
  • Bulawayo
  • Midlands
  • Masvingo
  • Secondary towns throughout
Tip: Combine premium experiences with budget stops to balance costs.

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Understanding Zimbabwe’s Regions

Cultural Divide: Zimbabwe’s provinces roughly follow the historical Shona-Ndebele cultural divide:
  • Mashonaland provinces: Predominantly Shona people (about 70% of population)
  • Matabeleland provinces: Predominantly Ndebele people (about 16% of population)
This influences language, traditions, food, and local customs. Travelers benefit from learning basic greetings in both languages. Economic Patterns:
  • Agricultural heartland: Mashonaland provinces
  • Mining regions: Midlands, parts of Mashonaland Central
  • Tourism-dependent: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba
  • Conservation areas: Throughout, but concentrated in Matabeleland North
Tourism Development:
  • Well-developed: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba
  • Developing: Eastern Highlands, Matobo, Harare
  • Emerging: Gonarezhou, secondary destinations
  • Frontier: Remote areas in all provinces
Provincial Travel Tip: Don’t skip provinces thinking they’re “just transit.” Each province has unique attractions, and some of Zimbabwe’s best experiences are in lesser-visited areas. Ask locals about hidden gems - they know their province best!
Top Destinations: City Guides: Planning:
Last updated: January 2025