THERE are certain places on earth you just have to experience for yourself. Places so unique in landscape and so rich in culture and heritage that only a first-hand encounter will do them justice. Report by Melissa Mpofu Supplements Reporter
Our beautiful country, Zimbabwe, is one such place. Ask why we love our country so much . . . and you will hear many different answers. Some will say that it is our people’s friendliness, the way we wrap each visitor in genuine hospitality and warmth.
Others will tell you about our sound infrastructure that enables visitors to explore the country extensively, allowing them to indulge in the luxury of fit-for-kings-and-queens five-star hotels and lodges; yet others will tell you about our magnificent natural wonders like the Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River, the ancient baobab trees, the precariously balancing rocks found in many parts of the country as well as intricate ecosystems and biodiversity.
You will be told about monuments that bear testimony to human and our predecessors’ ingenuity and courage, particularly as they are expressed by the great construction feats of Lake Kariba and its Dam Wall as well as the incredible Great Zimbabwe, where the spirits of its former Shona inhabitants appear to still magically linger.
One of the most enticing reasons to visit Zimbabwe is our people’s stories. No one knows this country better than us Zimbabweans. Who else but a Zimbabwean will be able to share its magical tales? Or tell you about the serenity and peace of sailing on a houseboat on Lake Kariba or the mighty Zambezi River? Or whisper in your ears about the haunting beauty and mystery-filled tales of the Eastern Highlands? Wonderful people and culture
Hospitality and etiquette are the flagships of traditional Zimbabwean culture. Generally, people are friendly, kind, accommodating and so willing to initiate conversation. Nevermind the occasional stares when strolling the streets of Zimbabwe; it is more often than not the shy effects of not having the guts to welcome you in a more personal manner to the lovely land of Zimbabwe.
Rich and amazingly diverse is the culture of Zimbabwe. Religion is a major attribute of the Zimbabwean culture. This has an influence on the arts, music and dance of its people. Rich history and heritage
Explore the abundant history of the people of Zimbabwe that dates back to over 30 000 years and is preserved in various store-houses such as The Natural History Museum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, Mutare Antiquities Museum and Gweru Military & Police Museum. Or rather still, why not experience it by witnessing the world renowned ancient African rock paintings scattered all over beautiful Zimbabwe. The National Museums and Monuments has recorded over 2 000 known painted caves and sites, with the most beautiful being the Nzwatugi Caves in the Matopos. What of the numerous monuments and heritage sites that you can visit to totally absorb the meaning of being Zimbabwean from as far back as the 16th century. The majestic Victoria Falls
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One of the most recurring things on many “Things You Must Do Before You Die” lists is a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls. Being one of the seven wonders of the world, Mosi-oa-Tunya is an acclaimed World Natural Heritage Site of incomparable beauty. It is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa, with more than 50 activities available for tourist consumption. Lunar rainbows otherwise known as Moonbows at the Victoria Falls are a regular spectacle. It is an amazing and romantic sight.
Great Zimbabwe — The Medieval Palace
The name Zimbabwe and its variant Dzimbahwe derives from the Shona words “Dzimba dzamabwe” directly translated “houses of stone”. The heritage of the “Stone City” is the treasure of pride and achievement that has been handed down from a civilisation of extraordinary visionaries.
Take a trip through time, back to the medieval era and experience the rich history of Zimbabwe. You do not only learn of the historical significance of the World Heritage Site, but you also get the chance to explore this wondrous maze of ruins. Pristine wildlife and nature The mere mention of Africa draws mental pictures of wildlife. Wilderness safaris in Zimbabwe’s game parks are a great thrill because of the high encounter possibility with the Big Seven. Hwange National Park is one of the leading game reserves in the world and largest in Zimbabwe. It is home to over 100 species of mammals and over 400 bird species.
Mana Pools National Park is another very intriguing game park in Zimbabwe that can be visited on foot and without a guide. Imagine the thrill of wild animal encounters in the wild, and please note that it is not unusual to come across lions and even some of the last remaining black rhinos.
The mystique of the Eastern Highlands
Here is where one can find the most stunning landscapes in Africa. The Eastern Highlands mark the peak of Zimbabwe with the highest point being the Mount Nyangani. The weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year, but can get a bit too chilly during winter.
The Eastern Highlands abound with not only scenic views, such as the magnificent series of cascading Nyangombe Falls, or the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe being the two-tier Mtarazi Falls, or the Vumba Mountain overlooking Mozambique, but it also has some of the finest hotels in the country, world class golf ranges, abundant deciduous fruits, spans of plains game offering an opportunity to encounter the blue duiker and an opportunity to be just ease in the pine breeze.
Mythical Kariba and the Mighty Zambezi
There is a story of the Mythical River God of Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world is phenomenal. Legend has it that Nyaminyami – the protector and guardian of the Lake, who had the body of a snake but with a fishes head, made occasional charity appearances above the water surface and paused for the locals to slice pieces of meat off its back before returning under. Watching the spectacular African sunset on the water-front, or game viewing from the famous house-boats will sure leave an indelible mark. The “Mighty Zambezi” is Africa’s fourth largest river. It passes through six countries and happens to be Africa’s only major river to flow east into the Indian Ocean. Tourists that feel the need for an adrenalin burst should never miss an opportunity to try out the extreme activities available on the wild Zambezi River. Popular activities include the famous white water rafting, kayaking, and canoe trips, in fact the list is endless.
