Zimbabwe is full of adventure and culture, and five days are a great start to experience the best of what this country has to offer. This itinerary gives a balance of adventure, nature, and history. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a flexible, no-rush visit.
Day 1: Harare
Your journey starts in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. It’s a surprising city with plenty to see. Start by exploring the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where you’ll find local contemporary art and some great insight into the country’s history.
Afterward, take a walk through Harare Gardens, a peaceful spot in the city where you can relax and enjoy the green spaces. If you’re into local markets, visit Mbare Musika, the city’s largest market. You’ll find fresh produce, crafts, and a lively atmosphere.
In the evening, head to a local restaurant to try some traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Try sadza, which is the staple food.
Day 2: Great Zimbabwe Ruins
This day is all about history and culture. From Harare, drive down to Masvingo, where you’ll visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. These are some of the most well-preserved ancient structures in Africa.
Explore the impressive stone ruins and learn about the history of the Shona people and their kingdom, which once controlled much of southern Africa.
Spend a few hours wandering through the complex before heading to your accommodation in Masvingo. You don’t need more than a couple of hours here, so this day won’t feel rushed.
Day 3: Matobo National Park
On your third day, head west to Matobo National Park. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Masvingo, but it’s worth the trip. The park is famous for its rocky landscape and historical significance.
Explore the balancing boulders around the park. The highlight is Cecil Rhodes’ grave on World’s View Hill, with stunning views of the surrounding area. You’ll also want to visit the cave paintings left by the San people thousands of years ago.
If you’re into wildlife, there are opportunities to see white rhinos here. Matobo is a very peaceful place, and you can decide how much time you want to invest depending on your energy levels.
Day 4: Hwange National Park
Early in the morning, leave Matobo and drive toward Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve and is popular for safaris.
Spend the day on a game drive, looking for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and more. Hwange has one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa, so you are likely to see a few herds roaming around.
You can book a guided safari through your accommodation. The park is huge, so it helps to have someone who’s familiar with the area. If being out for a whole day sounds tiring, you can also do a shorter afternoon drive and relax afterward.
Day 5: Victoria Falls
On your final day, head to Victoria Falls, one of the most famous attractions in Africa. It’s about a two-hour drive from Hwange. Try to get there early in the day to enjoy the falls at their best.
Walk along the paths that offer different views of the falls. You can see the impressive spray and rainbows on a clear day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go for a helicopter ride over the falls or try white-water rafting in the Zambezi River.
Before you end your trip, visit the small town of Victoria Falls and grab a bite. In the evening, if you have extra time at hand, consider a sunset cruise on the Zambezi to wind down from your trip.
After five days in Zimbabwe, you’ll have experienced breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and some epic wildlife. While there’s still much to explore, this itinerary will give you a good sense of the country without feeling rushed.
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