​

Secondary Destinations & Hidden Gems

Beyond Victoria Falls, Hwange, and the Eastern Highlands lie Zimbabwe’s hidden treasures - authentic towns, undiscovered natural wonders, and off-the-beaten-path experiences where tourism hasn’t diluted local culture. These secondary destinations offer genuine Zimbabwean life, lower costs, and unique experiences away from the crowds.

​

Why Visit Secondary Destinations?

Authentic Zimbabwe:

• Real local life, not tourist-oriented
• Genuine cultural interactions
• Traditional markets and businesses
• Less commercialized experiences
• True insight into Zimbabwean culture

Economic Benefits:

• Much cheaper accommodation
• Local restaurant prices
• Budget-friendly activities
• Money goes directly to local communities
• Can extend trip with savings

Unique Attractions:

• Natural wonders tourists miss
• Historical sites without crowds
• Local festivals and events
• Undiscovered hiking and nature
• Pioneer tourism experiences

Breaking the Circuit:

• Different from typical safari/Falls route
• Add variety to itinerary
• Enroute stops on longer journeys
• Combine multiple towns on road trips

​

Midlands Region

​

Gweru

Zimbabwe’s geographical center Why Visit:

• Midway between Harare and Bulawayo (perfect road trip stop)
• Antelope Park (lion rehabilitation)
• Military Museum (Zimbabwe’s military history)
• Boggie Clock Tower (city landmark)
• Gateway to Midlands wilderness areas

Attractions:

• Antelope Park - Conservation park with lion rehabilitation program
• Military Museum - Comprehensive military history collection
• Midlands State University - Vibrant student city
• Kudu Horn Shrine - Traditional spiritual site nearby

Practical:

• Stay: $30-80/night (guesthouses, small hotels)
• Eat: Local restaurants $3-10 per meal
• Access: A5 highway (Harare 3hrs, Bulawayo 2hrs)
• Best For: Road trip stop, budget base for Midlands exploration

Local Tip: Gweru has authentic local markets with lower tourist prices than big cities.

​

Kwekwe

Historic gold mining town Why Visit:

• Gold mining heritage
• Access to Sebakwe Recreational Park
• Traditional mining culture
• Enroute to Hwange from Harare (alternative route)

Attractions:

• Sebakwe Recreational Park - Dam, fishing, boating, wildlife
• Gold mining areas - Historic and active mines (view from outside)
• Local markets - Gold trading (legal) still happens
• Mbizo Stadium - Soccer culture (attend match if timing right)

Practical:

• Stay: $25-60/night (basic accommodation)
• Eat: Very cheap local food ($2-8)
• Access: Between Gweru and Kadoma on A5
• Safety: Some areas rough at night - ask locals about safe areas

​

Kadoma

Cotton and gold town Why Visit:

• Gateway to remote Sengwa Wildlife Research Area
• Cotton farming region (scenic drives during harvest)
• Authentic small-town Zimbabwe
• Budget overnight stop

Attractions:

• Nearby cotton fields - Agricultural landscapes (harvest Feb-May)
• Sengwa Wildlife Research Area - Remote, rarely visited reserve
• Local culture - Authentic market town experience

Practical:

• Stay: $20-50/night (limited options)
• Eat: Local spots $3-8
• Access: West of Harare on A5
• Best For: Enroute stop, gateway to Sengwa

​

Southern Region

​

Masvingo

Gateway to Great Zimbabwe and southeast Zimbabwe Why Visit:

• Base for Great Zimbabwe Ruins (30km away)
• Kyle Recreational Park (boating, fishing)
• Mutirikwi Lake (scenic, crocodiles!)
• Southeast Lowveld gateway
• Authentic provincial capital

Attractions:

• Great Zimbabwe - UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby (see full guide)
• Lake Mutirikwi - Boating, fishing, wildlife
• Kyle Recreational Park - Rhinos, game viewing, water activities
• Chevron Hotel - Historic landmark
• Local markets - Soapstone carvings (cheaper than tourist areas)

Practical:

• Stay: $25-100/night (range of options)
• Eat: $3-15 per meal (local to hotel restaurants)
• Access: 3 hours south of Harare on Beitbridge road
• Best For: Base for Great Zimbabwe, budget option vs. expensive lodges, gateway to Gonarezhou

Local Tip: Buy soapstone carvings directly from artisans in Masvingo - much cheaper than Victoria Falls tourist shops.

​

Triangle & Chiredzi

Sugar plantation region, gateway to Gonarezhou Why Visit:

• Gateway to remote Gonarezhou National Park
• Sugar industry tours possible
• Authentic rural Zimbabwe
• Enroute to Mozambique border

Attractions:

• Gonarezhou National Park - 30km from Chiredzi (see full guide)
• Sugar estates - Vast sugarcane plantations (scenic drives)
• Hippo Valley - Working sugar estate
• Save Conservancy - Private conservancy (ask about access)

Practical:

• Stay: $20-70/night (limited options, book ahead)
• Eat: Basic local meals $3-8
• Access: Southeast from Masvingo (2-3 hours)
• Fuel: Fill up - remote area beyond
• Best For: Gonarezhou base, Mozambique border crossing

Note: This is rural Zimbabwe - basic facilities, but gateway to spectacular Gonarezhou.

​

Beitbridge

South African border town Why Visit:

• Border crossing point (South Africa)
• Gateway between countries
• Affordable overnight if crossing border early morning
• Limpopo River

Reality Check:

• Border town, not tourist destination
• Hot (very hot!) lowveld climate
• Basic facilities
• Interesting for border culture observation

Practical:

• Stay: $25-60/night (border town hotels)
• Purpose: Overnight near border crossing
• Access: 6 hours south of Bulawayo
• Border: Busy - arrive early (opens 6am)
• Climate: One of Zimbabwe’s hottest towns

Tip: If crossing to South Africa, stay in Musina (SA side) for better accommodation options.

​

Eastern Region

​

Mutare

Gateway city to Eastern Highlands and Mozambique Why Visit:

• Eastern Highlands base (cheaper than mountain resorts)
• Mozambique border nearby (Beira Corridor)
• Vumba Mountains access
• City amenities + mountain proximity
• Christmas Pass viewpoint
• Cultural diversity (Portuguese influence)

Attractions:

• Vumba Mountains - 30km away (see Bvumba guide)
• Murahwa Hill - Rock paintings, hiking
• Cecil Kop Nature Reserve - City nature reserve, hiking
• Christmas Pass - Spectacular viewpoint into Mozambique
• National Gallery (Eastern Highlands branch)
• Mutare Museum - Local history, transport collection
• Cross-border shopping - Mozambique day trips

Practical:

• Stay: $30-100/night (city hotels, guesthouses)
• Eat: $5-20 (variety from local to upscale)
• Access: 3 hours east of Harare
• Best For: Budget base for Bvumba/Nyanga, Mozambique border access, city comforts near mountains

Local Experience: Visit Sakubva market for authentic local market atmosphere (busy, crowded, fascinating).

​

Chipinge

Remote southeastern mountain town Why Visit:

• Coffee and tea growing region
• Chirinda Forest (tallest indigenous tree in Zimbabwe)
• Authentic highland town
• Gateway to remote Chimanimani South
• Birding paradise

Attractions:

• Chirinda Forest Reserve - Ancient rainforest, Big Tree (65m tall!), birding
• Coffee estates - Zimbabwe coffee (tours possible at some estates)
• Tea plantations - Scenic drives through highland tea
• Mount Selinda - Hiking, views
• Birdwatching - Endemic and rare species

Practical:

• Stay: $20-60/night (limited options, Chirinda Forest camp)
• Eat: Very local ($3-8), limited choices
• Access: Remote! From Mutare via Chimanimani or from Triangle
• Best For: Serious nature lovers, birders, off-the-beaten-path adventurers

Note: Very remote, very authentic - infrastructure limited but nature spectacular.

​

Chimanimani (Town)

Mountain village gateway to Chimanimani National Park Why Visit:

• Base for Chimanimani Mountains hiking
• Charming mountain village
• Crafts and local culture
• Authentic rural highland life

Attractions:

• Chimanimani National Park - Spectacular mountain hiking (see Eastern Highlands)
• Bridal Veil Falls - Easy waterfall hike from town
• Village life - Traditional mountain community
• Crafts - Local basketry and crafts

Practical:

• Stay: $15-60/night (budget lodges, guesthouses, campsites)
• Eat: Simple local meals $3-10
• Access: 2 hours south of Mutare
• Best For: Budget hiking base, authentic village experience

Hiker’s Base: Most hikers overnight here before multi-day Chimanimani treks.

​

Northern Region

​

Kariba (Town)

Not the lake - the town itself Why Visit:

• Budget base for Lake Kariba experiences
• Local Kariba life (not tourist lodges)
• Dam wall engineering marvel
• Cheaper than tourist lodges
• Self-drive base

Attractions:

• Kariba Dam Wall - Engineering feat, viewpoint
• Town viewpoints - Lake views
• Local boat hire - Cheaper fishing trips, sunset cruises
• Crocodile farm - Small attraction
• “Operation Noah” history - Animal rescue during dam filling (monuments)

Practical:

• Stay: $25-100/night (town lodges cheaper than lakeside resorts)
• Eat: $5-15 (local spots to hotel restaurants)
• Access: 4 hours north of Harare, or 6 hours from Bulawayo via Hwange
• Best For: Budget Kariba base, self-drive boat hire, avoiding expensive lodges

Budget Tip: Stay in town, hire local boat operator for lake excursions - much cheaper than lodge rates.

​

Chinhoyi

Famous for crystal-clear caves Why Visit:

• Chinhoyi Caves (incredible blue water caves)
• Enroute from Harare to Kariba
• Budget stopover
• Cave diving (certified divers)

Attractions:

• Chinhoyi Caves - Spectacular limestone caves, crystal-clear blue pool (sleeping pool), national monument
• Cave diving - Some of Africa’s best cave diving (certified divers only)
• Nearby ruins - Historical sites
• Swimming - In designated pools (not the sacred pool)

Practical:

• Stay: $20-60/night (basic options)
• Caves Entry: ~$5 per person
• Access: 2 hours northwest of Harare (enroute to Kariba)
• Best For: Day trip from Harare or enroute stop to Kariba
• Cave Diving: Need certification and advance booking with operators

Must Do: Chinhoyi Caves are genuinely spectacular - worth the detour!

​

Karoi

Farming town, Kariba route Why Visit:

• Tobacco farming region
• Enroute to Kariba stop
• Authentic farming town
• Cotton and tobacco auctions (seasonal)

Practical:

• Stay: $20-50/night (basic overnight options)
• Purpose: Enroute stop
• Access: Halfway between Chinhoyi and Kariba
• Interest: Agricultural if during auction season

Best For: Breaking the Harare-Kariba drive, agricultural interest.

​

Western Region

​

Hwange Town

Not the national park - the coal mining town Why Visit:

• Coal mining heritage
• Totally different from safari lodge experience
• Authentic working-class town
• Budget overnight near Hwange NP
• Understand Zimbabwe’s mining economy

Attractions:

• Coal mining - Town built around mines
• Working-class culture - Real Zimbabwe industrial life
• Hwange Colliery - Historic coal operation
• Budget base - Much cheaper than park lodges

Practical:

• Stay: $20-40/night (basic town lodges)
• Eat: Local meals $3-8
• Access: 1 hour from Victoria Falls, edge of Hwange NP
• Safety: Some areas rough - stick to main areas at night

Reality: Industrial mining town, not tourist-friendly but authentic and budget option.

​

Lupane

Rural Matabeleland town Why Visit:

• Authentic rural Matabeleland culture
• Enroute to remote northern parks
• Traditional Ndebele life
• Very off-beaten-path

Attractions:

• Local culture - Traditional rural life
• Nearby communal areas - Authentic village life (respectful visits)
• Gateway - Northern Hwange access, remote areas

Practical:

• Stay: $15-30/night (very basic)
• Access: North of Bulawayo
• Best For: Serious culture seekers, overland travelers

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, ask before photographing.

​

Hidden Natural Wonders

​

Mavuradonha Wilderness

Remote mountain wilderness Why Visit:

• Completely undeveloped
• Pristine mountain wilderness
• Rock pools and waterfalls
• True adventure destination
• Virtually no tourists

Activities:

• Multi-day wilderness hiking
• Waterfall exploration
• Rock pools
• Wildlife (rarely seen)
• Total solitude

Access:

• Difficult: 4x4 essential, rough roads
• Between Harare and Kariba (side route)
• Requires planning and preparation
• Guide recommended

Facilities:

• None - true wilderness
• Wilderness camping only
• Bring all supplies

Best For: Experienced adventurers, true wilderness seekers, those wanting zero tourists.

​

Mushandike Sanctuary

Small park near Masvingo Why Visit:

• Affordable self-catering accommodation
• Game viewing
• Water activities
• Quiet alternative to big parks
• Family-friendly

Activities:

• Game drives (leopard, rhino, common game)
• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking
• Picnicking

Practical:

• Stay: $30-70/night (self-catering lodges)
• Entry: ~$5 per person
• Access: 1 hour from Masvingo
• Best For: Families, budget safari, combine with Great Zimbabwe

​

Zambezi Valley (Remote Areas)

Beyond the tourist circuit Areas:

• Remote stretches of Zambezi River
• Communal lands
• Fishing camps
• True wilderness

Access:

• Difficult: 4x4 essential
• Poor roads
• Plan carefully
• Local guide recommended

Activities:

• Tiger fishing (legendary)
• Wilderness canoeing
• Walking safaris (arrange with camps)
• Cultural experiences

Best For: Serious anglers, adventurers, overlanders.

​

Border Towns & Crossings

​

Victoria Falls Border (Zimbabwe/Zambia)

See: Victoria Falls guide for main coverage Border Town Vibe:

• Cross daily for Zambia side of Falls
• $50 day visa or$50 double-entry
• Easy crossing (touristy, organized)

​

Kazungula (Zimbabwe/Botswana/Zambia/Namibia Quadripoint)

Where 4 countries meet! Why Visit:

• Unique geographical point
• Access to Chobe (Botswana) for day trips from Victoria Falls
• Border crossing to Botswana
• Zambezi-Chobe confluence

Practical:

• Day trips to Chobe common from Vic Falls
• New Kazungula Bridge (2021) linking Zimbabwe-Botswana
• Vehicle crossing possible

​

Plumtree (Zimbabwe/Botswana)

Western border crossing Why Visit:

• Main Bulawayo-Francistown route
• Border town experience
• Gateway to Botswana overland

Practical:

• Basic facilities
• Overnight if needed ($20-40)
• Border crossing more relaxed than Beitbridge

​

Forbes Border Post (Zimbabwe/Mozambique)

Near Mutare, Beira Corridor Why Visit:

• Access to Mozambique coast
• Beira city (Mozambique)
• Cross-border commerce
• Diverse cultural experience

Practical:

• Mozambique visa needed (check nationality)
• Border 10km from Mutare
• Day trips to Mozambique possible

​

Planning Secondary Destination Trips

Self-Drive Itinerary Ideas: Midlands Circuit (5-7 days):

• Harare → Gweru (overnight)
• Gweru → Bulawayo via Matobo (2 nights)
• Bulawayo → Gweru → Harare
• Budget: $500-800 per person

Eastern Highlands Deep Dive (7-10 days):

• Harare → Mutare (1 night)
• Mutare → Chimanimani (2 nights, hiking)
• Chimanimani → Chipinge (1 night)
• Chipinge → Bvumba (2 nights)
• Bvumba → Nyanga (2 nights)
• Nyanga → Harare
• Budget: $600-1,000 per person

Southern Circuit (7-10 days):

• Harare → Masvingo (1 night)
• Great Zimbabwe (day trip)
• Masvingo → Gonarezhou (3 nights)
• Gonarezhou → Triangle/Chiredzi (1 night)
• Return via Great Zimbabwe or Harare
• Budget: $800-1,500 per person

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure (10-14 days):

• Harare → Chinhoyi Caves (1 night)
• Chinhoyi → Kariba town (2 nights, boat trips)
• Kariba → Mavuradonha (2 nights, camping)
• Mavuradonha → Harare → Mutare (1 night)
• Mutare → Chimanimani (2 nights)
• Chimanimani → Chipinge (2 nights)
• Return via Masvingo (1 night)
• Masvingo → Harare
• Budget: $900-1,400 per person

​

Practical Tips for Secondary Destinations

Accommodation:

• Book ahead (limited options in small towns)
• Lower standards than tourist areas (set expectations)
• Budget $20-60 per night typical
• Self-catering often best option
• Camping possible at some locations

Food:

• Local restaurants very cheap ($3-8)
• Limited variety (sadza, chicken, beef, vegetables)
• Towns have basic supermarkets
• Bring snacks for remote areas
• Bottled water essential

Transport:

• Self-drive best option (most not served by tours)
• Fuel available in towns (not always between)
• Road conditions vary (some rough)
• Distances deceiving (slow travel)
• Public transport exists but time-consuming

Services:

• ATMs in towns (carry cash backup)
• Limited WiFi (don’t rely on connectivity)
• Cell coverage in towns, spotty between
• Pharmacies in larger towns
• Mechanics available (variable quality)

Safety:

• Generally safe during day
• Be cautious at night (poorly lit)
• Don’t display valuables
• Ask locals about areas to avoid
• Friendly people, helpful

Cultural Sensitivity:

• Less used to tourists
• Photography: always ask permission
• Dress modestly
• Greet people respectfully
• Learn basic Shona/Ndebele greetings
• Respect local customs

​

When to Visit Secondary Destinations

Dry Season (May-October):

• Better road conditions
• Easier access to remote areas
• Cooler (more comfortable)
• Better for outdoor activities

Wet Season (November-April):

• Roads can be challenging
• Some areas inaccessible
• Spectacular scenery (green, lush)
• Waterfalls flowing
• Fewer travelers
• Lower prices

Best Times:

• April-May: After rains, green, good roads
• August-October: Peak season, great weather
• November-December: Pre-rain, hot, fewer people

​

Benefits of Exploring Secondary Destinations

For You:

• Authentic experiences
• Lower costs (extend trip or save money)
• Unique stories
• Fewer crowds
• Real cultural insights
• Pioneer tourism

For Communities:

• Tourism income to underserved areas
• Direct community benefit
• Encouragement for future tourism development
• Economic diversification beyond major circuits
• Cultural exchange

For Zimbabwe:

• Spreading tourism benefits beyond main areas
• Regional development
• Preserving culture through interest
• Diverse tourism economy

​

Challenges & Considerations

Infrastructure:

• Basic facilities
• Limited accommodation options
• Poor internet/phone
• Unreliable electricity (load-shedding)

Language:

• English less common than tourist areas
• Shona/Ndebele more necessary
• Translation apps helpful
• Patience required

Tourist Services:

• No tour operators in most places
• Limited guides
• Must arrange yourself
• Research essential beforehand

Expectations:

• Not luxury or even mid-range comforts
• Authentic = basic infrastructure
• Flexibility required
• Adventure attitude essential

​

Resources for Secondary Destination Travel

Maps:

• GPS essential (offline maps)
• Google Maps reasonably accurate
• Paper maps backup (Tracks4Africa)
• Ask locals for directions

Information:

• Limited online resources
• This guide!
• Local tourism offices (hit or miss)
• Facebook groups (Zimbabwe travel)
• Ask locals when there

Booking:

• Accommodation: email/WhatsApp directly
• Few online booking platforms
• Pay cash on arrival common
• Confirm bookings multiple times

Support:

• Local community members helpful
• Ask questions freely
• Build relationships
• Support local businesses

---

Ready to Explore Real Zimbabwe? These destinations aren’t for everyone - they require flexibility, adventure spirit, and acceptance of basic facilities. But for travelers seeking authentic experiences, cultural depth, and budget-friendly travel, secondary destinations reveal Zimbabwe beyond the tourist brochure. More Destination Guides:

• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Eastern Highlands
• Great Zimbabwe
• Harare
• Bulawayo

Planning Resources:

• Self-Drive Guide
• Budget Travel
• Cultural Guide
• Responsible Tourism

---

Venture beyond the tourist trail - discover the real Zimbabwe! Last updated: January 2025