Zimbabwe, along with Zambia, was part of Rhodesia and was called South Rhodesia when it was annexed as a self-governing British colony in 1923. After a prolonged civil war that ended in 1980, the country was renamed Zimbabwe, meaning Dzimba dza Mabwe or Houses of Stones in the Karanga dialect of the Shona people. The word is inspired by the Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Masvingo, an Iron Age city once home to millions of Shona people. It is believed that the ruins were so impressive that the colonialists refused to believe that early Zimbabweans built them.

But Zimbabwe’s population is even older, dating to 50,000 years ago when the ancestors of the San people probably inhabited it. The country was a multi-ethnic society with different tribes ruling different areas, including the Shangis in the southeastern parts of the plateau and the Ndebele in the southwest: western scholars, however, club these various groups into two blocks—Ndebele and Shona.

Zimbabwe has vast natural resources, including platinum, gold, emerald, diamond, and nickel. The land is equally productive, with 33.3 million hectares of agricultural land producing corn, wheat, millet, cassava, and banana. The country is the largest producer of tobacco in the world.

The country has 11 national parks, including Hwange, the largest national game reserve. Some famous tourist attractions in the country include the Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls National Park, Chinhoyi Caves, Matobo, and Lake Kariba. And, of course, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. We’ve included all of these places in our Zimbabwe tour packages.

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Zimbabweans are friendly, non-confrontational, and very welcoming of tourists. They believe in tsika, a virtuous and polite way of behaving that involves respecting elders, having patience and self-control, and observing cultural norms.

• Zimbabwe gets its name from Dzimba dza Mabwe, or House of Stones, referring to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
• Zimbabweans call every brand of carbonated water, Coke, and toothpaste Colgate. When buying soft drinks, you’ll be asked what type of Coke you’d like.
• It is the country with the most official languages in the world – 16 in total.
• Zimbabwe follows a multi-currency system.
• It has the world’s largest reserves of diamond & platinum.
• Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water.
• Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume.
• It was the last country to achieve independence from colonial rule in 1980.
• The country permits polygamous marriages among black Zimbabweans.
• Great Zimbabwe ruins are believed to be the capital of the legendary Queen of Sheba
• Zimbabwe was formerly called Southern Rhodesia, an ode to British financer Cecil Rhodes.
• The country has the highest concentration of rock art.
• Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in the world.

• Zimbabwe offers a 30 day visa on arrival to Indian citizens. The single entry fee is ~INR 3500.
• While the ZiG is the official currency, the USD is widely accepted and is easier to use.
• Do not travel alone, especially around night. Keep an eye on your personal belongings.
• Military camouflage is illegal in Zimbabwe.
• Carry your ID, such as your passport, with you, as immigration and police officials might ask you to show it to them.
• Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country.
• Zimbabwe prohibits photographing airports, government offices, official residences or demonstrations, and military establishments or officials.
• Stick to bottled and boiled water and avoid consuming undercooked or raw food.
• Stay away from swimming in the lakes and rivers as there is a risk of contracting waterborne diseases.
• Zimbabwe has an HIV/AIDS issue. Make sure you are careful.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses, as the medical facilities available in Zimbabwe are substandard.
• Take preventative anti-malarial medication, along with yellow fever vaccines.
• Zimbabweans call every carbonated water Coke and every brand of toothpaste Colgate. When buying soft drinks, you’ll be asked what type of Coke you’d like.

Here are the multiple reasons why you should book our Zimbabwe tour packages immediately:

Regarding wildlife sightings in Africa, Zimbabwe surely offers some unforgettable visuals. The country is home to an impressive variety of reptiles, mammals, and bird species. With over 11 national parks, you can view the Big Five and various animals like cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, impalas, wild dogs, and sable antelopes. Birdwatchers, too, will have a gala time in Zimbabwe since the country is known to have over 670 bird species amidst its flora and fauna.

Zimbabwe’s currency is not highly valued so that you can get top-quality services in the country at comparatively affordable rates. Compared to its neighbouring destinations, you can plan a comprehensive trip at much cheaper prices while still enjoying all the traditional experiences.

The country’s national parks precede its reputation. Our Zimbabwe tour packages will allow you to explore Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, South Gonarezhou National Park, Matobo National Park, and more.

The private concessions within Zimbabwe’s national parks help you conserve wildlife. This is why spots such as the Hwange National Park can provide tourists worldwide with some of the most priceless wildlife viewing experiences.

While the sights in Zimbabwe are indeed something to marvel at, another factor that will leave you in awe is the warmth and friendliness of the locals. They welcome visitors with a positive attitude and a kind smile wherever they go. You will also witness this in the tour guides you meet in the country with our Zimbabwe tour packages.

Most of these guides undergo intensive training to learn about every famous tourist destination. This gives travellers a well-rounded experience of the several sightseeing spots. Whether you ask them about the species of animals found at a particular natural park or the history of a monument, they have all the information you need.

Due to its colonisation history, Zimbabwean cuisine has some English influence. This can be seen in the porridge most people in Zimbabwe have during breakfast, followed by a cup of tea at 10 a.m.

A typical lunch in the country in a Zimbabwean household could include sadza, sandwiches, or leftovers from last night’s dinner. It is common to have afternoon tea before dinner; some even have tea after dinner. If you’re in the mood to try different meats, Zimbabwe is the right place. Apart from traditional beef, you can also try out warthog and crocodile meat during your trip.

Zimbabwe is overflowing with heritage and history in almost every corner. Various ethnic groups exist in the country, with the largest being the Shona. Making up 80% of Zimbabwe’s population, their soapstone sculptures are very popular in the country.

The precolonial era in Zimbabwe saw plenty of prosperity, after which a period of colonialism and tumultuous events eventually led to its independence. As you explore the country deeper, you will learn further about the endurance, resilience, and evolution that Zimbabwe has displayed over the centuries.

There are two distinct seasons in Zimbabwe: dry and green. You can pick one depending on the experiences you wish to enjoy. The dry season offers a cooler climate and usually lasts from April to October.

The best time to visit the country depends on whether you are alright with the heat or prefer more temperate conditions. It also depends on what you’d like to explore. For instance, September and October are ideal for elephant viewing in the Hwange National Park.

The best time to view Victoria Falls is between June and September when the water is lower. If you love river rafting, pick Zimbabwe tour packages around August to February, when the water on the Zambezi River is low.

The dry season in Zimbabwe is usually considered the best time to visit if wildlife viewing is your main agenda. The land dries up during this season, leading to fewer water sources. As a result, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and other animals can be seen gathering around the watering holes, offering a fantastic game-viewing experience. The landscape gets dustier at this time, and the presence of foliage and grass is reduced, too, which gives you better opportunities to view the wildlife of Zimbabwe.

While the days are pleasant and warmer during the dry season, the early mornings and evenings bring a cooler atmosphere. The temperature at night drops from May to August and rises again during September and October. With the latter being the driest months, vast herds of elephants can be seen migrating in search of water. In mid to late November, the country begins to see rainfall, signalling that the green season is coming.

Living in India often means experiencing heavy monsoons, so you might want to avoid Zimbabwe when the rainfall is at its peak. This happens between December and February, so we recommend grabbing our Zimbabwe tour packages before or after this period. For those who wish to enjoy better discounts and deals and experience Zimbabwe with fewer people around, we suggest visiting during the shoulder months, which are March, April, and November.

The clouds create a majestic canvas during the green season, which photography enthusiasts might want to note. At this time, baby animals can be seen in the wilderness of Zimbabwe, along with birds in full migration mode. The landscape turns deliciously green and lush, guaranteeing the best social media posts imaginable. Victoria Falls are the most majestic during April and May, but they are also splendid to look at throughout the year.

One of the most thrilling aspects of booking our Zimbabwe tour packages is the vast array of activities you will enjoy. Do you love animals and dream of witnessing the country’s beautiful wildlife? Perhaps you hope to engage in some adventurous outdoor activities with your spouse. Regardless of the must-do activities on your list, Zimbabwe has something for everyone to have the time of their lives.

Located on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Traditionally, the waterfall is called Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘the smoke that thunders’. The Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone viewed the falls for the first time in November 1855. With a width of 5,604 ft., the region around the waterfalls is filled with numerous animal and plant species.

Victoria Falls is 354 ft. high, double the height of Niagara Falls and more than double its width. Since the mid 20th century, the spot has contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s tourism. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s seven natural wonders.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in the world. Covering an area of about 14,600 sq km, it offers a spectacular wildlife viewing experience. You can spot the Big Five at this park, which includes lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Another activity you can enjoy at the Hwange National Park with our Zimbabwe tour packages is bird watching, which is best between November and April.

The park once served as the royal hunting ground for the Ndebele warrior-king, Mzilikazi, in the early 19th century and was named after a local Nhanzwa chief. In 1929, it became classified as a protected national park. It contains more than 100 species of mammals and about 400 species of birds. The park is also home to around 40,000 tusker elephants.

The Chinhoyi Caves are a group of dolomite and limestone caves in north central Zimbabwe. The main cave has a cobalt-blue pool of water. This pool is called the ‘Sleeping Pool’ or ‘Chirorodziva’. The latter means ‘Pool of the Fallen’, and there is a tale behind this name. In 1830, the locals were attacked by certain members of the Angonni tribe, and their bodies were thrown into a cave to get rid of them.

In 1888, a British explorer named Frederick Courtney Selous described the Chinhoyi Caves for the first time. These caves are the biggest cave system the public can access in Zimbabwe. According to the beliefs and traditions of the African people, they also have a vital role. Engulfed by a sacred forest, they serve as a spot for the rainmaking ritual.

Mana Pools National Park is a national park and wildlife conservation area located in the northern region of Zimbabwe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of 543,000 acres. In January 2013, this national park was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance. It is among the world’s wildest and most well preserved natural ecological areas, home to more than 350 bird species, an eclectic array of mammals, and aquatic animals.

The word ‘mana’ means ‘four’ in the Shona language, which refers to the four large pools in the park formed because of the Zambezi River. Some wildlife you will spot at this park include elephants, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, and African buffaloes. The park also houses threatened animal species, such as the cheetah and the African wild dog, along with near-threatened animals like the brown hyena and leopard.

Lay your eyes on the largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume, Lake Kariba. The Kariba Dam was built in 1959, and the lake was filled between 1958 and 1963. Covering an area of about 6,000 square km, the park is often flooded with tourists looking for boating, fishing, and watersports opportunities.

The history associated with the dam is quite profound. Back when the discussion of the dam being built was initiated, there was fear that it would flood the surrounding areas. Due to this, the Tonga people of the Gwembe Valley were relocated. It was believed that this relocation would financially benefit both Zimbabwe and Zambia. However, the locals thought building the dam would anger Nyami Nyami, the Zambezi River God. Even today, some believe that the God Nyami Nyami resides under a rock close to the dam’s wall.

The Matobo National Park is the oldest national park in Zimbabwe. It’s the most vital part of the Matopos Hills, which existed more than two billion years ago. The park covers an area of 424 sq km and stretches along the river valleys of Thuli, Mtshelele, Maleme, and Mpopoma. Established in 1926, the park was known as Rhodes Matopos National Park and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

More than 200 tree species exist in the national park, including the paperbark acacia, wild pear, and mountain acacia. In addition to wild herbs, aloes, and more than 100 species of grass, the park also houses several rare endemic plants. The fauna you will witness at the Matobo National Park is immensely diverse. This includes 88 mammals, 175 bird species, 16 species of fish, and 39 species of snakes. A game drive along the national park allows you to witness leopards, impalas, sable antelopes, and white rhinos.

Great Zimbabwe refers to the stone ruins of an ancient African city. It is located near the town of Masvingo, close to Lake Mutirikwe. From the 13th century, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The central area of the ruins and the surrounding valley were home to 10,000 to 20,000 Shona people. Between the 11th and 15th centuries, Great Zimbabwe saw a booming business in trading.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Great Zimbabwe was a royal residence for the local monarch. The tower’s walls were its most striking feature, with some being 36 ft high. The site is divided into three core areas: the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex, and the Great Enclosure. The oldest architectural group of these three is the Hill Complex, which was occupied from the 11th to the 13th century.

• Bungee jumping
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Caving
• Hiking
• White water rafting
• Ziplining

At Vaadiyan Luxury Holidays, we know Zimbabwe is a mix of delightful wildlife, thrilling safaris, stupefying natural landscapes, and unique food. Hence, the Zimbabwe tour packages we design comprise all these elements. Our team ensures that all the country’s national parks are a part of the packages so you can witness the wildlife of Zimbabwe as you venture out for a day of game drives. If you want to dedicate some time, particularly to adventure sports, we can include those in your itinerary, such as hiking, bungee jumping, etc.

Given how popular Zimbabwean tour guides are, we ensure you have a guide who will provide you with a detailed history of every place you visit. After all, having someone by your side who truly understands the historical importance of every sightseeing spot will only enhance your holiday.

While the sense of sight and sound will bring you great joy as you go sightseeing in Zimbabwe with our Zimbabwe tour packages, there is another sense that you will get to employ. We’re talking about the sense of taste because tasting the cuisine of Zimbabwe is a unique experience on its own. The diversity of the country is very well reflected in its dishes. While preparing most of the common foods in Zimbabwe is relatively more straightforward, it doesn’t mean the locals aren’t skilled in cooking.

Due to their resourcefulness, Zimbabweans have cultivated a culinary tradition in which even deceptively simple ingredients explode with flavour. Since Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, most of the popular dishes are crafted using local agricultural products. Local ingredients play a significant role in elevating the exoticness of Zimbabwean food, coupled with the mix of spices and herbs.

Let’s dive right in so we can tell you about exactly which dishes to try out during your vacation with our Zimbabwe tour packages:

Sadza is one Zimbabwean food that is essential, loved, and common. It is served with various dishes, including mopane worms or tomato relish. Sadza is a thick porridge created using fine cornmeal or a mealie meal. The cornmeal is boiled until it resembles a thick paste. This dish is one of the most common ways of consuming carbohydrates for the locals, which is why sadza is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sadza is often served alongside a plate of leafy vegetables, chicken, or beef stew. It is available throughout Africa, prepared differently, and has different names. For example, it’s called ugali in Tanzania, and it is known as pap in South Africa.

Reading the word ‘worms’ in a dish might make you want to look away, but let us tell you that consuming mopane worms is a part of enjoying the uniqueness of Zimbabwe’s food culture. These worms belong to a caterpillar species that is harvested during the rainy season. They are then dried to be eaten throughout the year.

Mopane worms can be purchased from any supermarket across the country. There are numerous ways of eating them. Some like to dry them, whereas others like to have them in a stew. This stew uses onions, garlic, tomatoes, and curry powder or cayenne pepper. These worms have been part of Zimbabwe’s cuisine for about 6,000 years. The locals consume them knowing they are high in protein and immensely nutritious.

Gango is the name of a chicken dish with a unique twist. The twist is that Zimbabweans utilise all the parts of a chicken for this dish, which are usually thrown away. This includes the gizzards, feet, and livers. These parts are put in a pot and mixed with spices, such as red pepper flakes, curry powder, and garlic.

Often served along with sadza or rice, this dish includes vegetables like peppers, onion, and kale. While gango hasn’t been around in Zimbabwe for a long time, the eateries have recently caught on to it due to its unique nature. So, when you’re touring around the country with our Zimbabwe tour packages, you can try it out at one of the restaurants our tour guides take you to.

Chimukuyu, or biltong, is a dried and cured meat. While beef is the most common meat used to make this dish, some also use other kinds of meat, such as kudu and ostrich. The meat is cut into strips and then hung over a log with a fire burning below. Once the meat is dried, it is marinated in a mix of salt, sugar, ground pepper, coriander, and apple cider vinegar.

Several of Zimbabwe’s traditional dishes use peanut butter as an ingredient, and muriwo unedovi is an example of one such dish. Leafy vegetables are used in this concoction, and peanut butter is added to it all to lend a delicious twist. The vegetables often used for muriwo unedovi are collard greens, spinach, or kale. The green veggies are first sauteed with tomatoes and onions, after which peanut butter is added along with water.

The recipe mentioned above is among the simplest ways to make this dish. Various parts of the country have different versions of this dish, with some even adding scotch bonnet pepper sauce, garlic, and smoked paprika.

Nyama is a traditional beef stew made and served during most celebrations in Zimbabwe, be it birthdays or Christmas. To make this dish, beef is fried along with garlic. Water is added to the mix, and once it gets reduced to a simmer, the other ingredients are added, such as carrots, tomatoes, onions, green beans, and curry powder.

Every home and restaurant makes a different version of this stew; some prefer kale and allspice seasoning. Since the entire animal is consumed in Zimbabwe, various cuts of beef may be found in the dish. The stew is often served along with sadza and must be consumed when hot.

Muboora is a soup made with pumpkin leaves and meat. Having this soup as a first course during a meal in Zimbabwe is common. The vegetables and meat are combined to create a curry using either peanut butter or fresh cream. The soup is often served with sadza.

Boerewors are popular sausages in Zimbabwe but are originally from South Africa. It’s a crucial part of Zimbabwean, South African, Namibian, Botswanan, and Zambian cuisine. The sausage gets its name from two words: ‘Boer’ and ‘wors’, which mean farmer and sausage, respectively, in Afrikaans. Usually made using pork or beef, boerewors contain a minimum of 90% meat or fat from beef, pork, lamb, or goat. The remaining 10% is made up of spices and other ingredients.

Kapenta is a small fish that is found in the Zambezi River. It is often served alongside rice and sadza and used to make sauces. Travelling around the country with our Zimbabwe tour packages, you will find it sold as a snack at streetside stalls.

Mupunga unedovi is one of the most beloved and popular dishes of Zimbabwe. It is also a testament to how much Zimbabweans like peanut butter. The dish is basically peanut butter rice.

To make this dish, you start by cooking rice normally and adding a bit of salt. Eventually, a generous quantity of peanut butter is added to the rice. It’s often served with chicken or beef stews. Although the dish may seem simple, it tastes delicious and is an ideal comfort food with stew.

• Respect the older citizens; ignoring, criticising, contradicting, or disagreeing with them is considered disrespectful.
• The people of Zimbabwe are usually reserved and formal when meeting strangers. However, they open up once they get to know you properly.
• If you’re among a group of people and someone new enters, stand up to greet them.
• Remember that when women in Zimbabwe meet, they give a slight curtsy, whereas men give a slight bow.
• Do offer a guest hot water to wash their hands before you offer them tea.
• Zimbabweans clap their hands twice to say “thank you”. If one of your hands is occupied, you can place the other hand on your chest instead to convey your gratitude.
• Use both your hands to receive and pass items. Even when you’re being casual, make sure to put your right hand forward.
• If you’re wearing a hat, remember to remove it when entering someone’s home or while talking to them.
• Don’t be offended if a Zimbabwean is late to an appointment. They aren’t too strict about time when it comes to personal or casual meetings.
• Zimbabweans offer their guests water to wash their hands before and after every meal.
• Avoid discussing politics in public, as it is a pretty sensitive subject.
• When visiting someone’s home in Zimbabwe, remember to carry a gift.
• Always ask for permission before clicking someone’s picture.

Zimbabwe’s ancient history and substantial diversity are reflected in its souvenirs. We design our Zimbabwe tour packages so you have plenty of time to shop in the country.

Sustainability is essential to the region, and artisanship is vital to Zimbabwe’s culture. The raw materials found in the country are used to make several souvenirs, contributing to the livelihood of the craftsmen and artists. Listed below are the must-buy souvenirs to check out during your trip:

Raku is a kind of alchemy that uses all four elements to produce unique and delicate ceramic pieces. The process originated as a type of Japanese pottery used to create products used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Made up of different textures and colours, these pieces can be purchased for yourself and your loved ones.

Masks are among Zimbabwean souvenirs that look splendid when displayed in your living room. They contain patterns related to ancient African rituals and designs of all kinds, including faces and animals.

In the country’s northwestern region, masks are used for coming of age rituals, which signify a child’s transition from boyhood to manhood. During the ceremony, the boys wear masks representing the spirits’ return to the physical world. The people of Zimbabwe also use masks for ceremonies meant to enhance fertility, pray for a good harvest, and shield themselves from evil spirits and bad luck.

The jewellery you will find in Africa isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also brimming with symbolism. Various kinds of materials are employed to make jewellery in Zimbabwe. This includes metal, teeth, feathers, minerals, colourful beads, and bones.

Ornaments have a significant meaning for the locals, who know that jewellery is used for different purposes. Jewellery is used for wedding celebrations, ceremonial dances, and decorating one’s body to attract the attention of the opposite sex.

The bronze products found as souvenirs in Zimbabwe are made using wax moulding. In this process, beeswax mould is used to sculpt bronze items. The bronze figure is carved, after which a thick layer of bronze is applied. Once the layer hardens, it is put inside the oven. As the wax melts through little holes, molten metal is injected into the surface. The final result is a durable bronze figure with intricate details.

Basket weaving is an art form practised by skilled artisans in Zimbabwe. The women of the country pass it down from one generation to another. Using local materials, they braid these products into existence using their own hands. The leaves from a palm tree are the most common material used for this purpose.

Vegetable substances derived from roots, bark, and leaves are used to colour these baskets. These unique items make fabulous gifts and can be purchased as you tour the country with our Zimbabwe tour packages. In some areas of the country, basket weaving is a livelihood for several women.

Textiles are some of the most popular souvenirs you can buy as you explore the country with our Zimbabwe tour packages. Available in vibrant colours, you will find fabrics of various designs in Zimbabwe. These will include animal designs, geometric patterns, and exotic motifs. You can get a suit made by the tailors available in the respective areas of the country. Zimbabwean men and women are often seen donning these colourful fabrics.

Cotton is the most commonly used material to make these pieces. It is dried through a traditional process using mud, leaves, or other natural ingredients.

• Zuvva: For cloth bags, jewellery, and African designs and fabrics.
• Kwamambo: For hand-painted ceramics, metal sculptures, and paintings.
• Dendera Gallery: For baskets, silver jewellery, and antique ceramics.
• Patrick Mavros: For silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
• Kiki’s Gallery: For handicraft and hand-painted porcelain items.
• Mbare Market: For baskets, sculptures, and wooden giraffes.
• Avondale Flea Market: For used books, local crafts, and clothes.

• Negotiating in the country’s bigger cities, such as Harare, isn’t exactly possible as most items are available at a fixed price.
• Bargain when shopping from local markets, stalls, and family-owned stores.
• No matter how much you bargain, remember always to be respectful to the sellers.

The sculptures created by the Shona people in the modern era mix European influences and African folklore. Some traditional forms of art practised by Zimbabwean artisans include jewellery making, carving, basketry, and pottery.

Zimbabwean literature is often written in Indigenous languages and English. It covers various themes, such as cultural identity, independence, and colonialism. Some Zimbabwean authors who have received international recognition are Chenjerai Hove and Tsitsi Dangarembga.

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, including Shona and Ndebele. Other languages include English, Chibarwe, Chewa, Kalanga, Shangani, Ndau, and Nambya.

Zimbabwean music is a balanced blend of contemporary and traditional styles. Mbira are a family of musical instruments that the Shona people play. They are played during important occasions in Zimbabwe, including celebrations, religious gatherings, and prayers offered to deities and ancestral spirits. Two of Zimbabwe’s most popular music genres are Sungura and Chimurenga music. The subjects explored in these genres include social justice, political history, and fighting for human rights. Traditional dances such as Amabhiza and the Mbende Jerusarema dance are often performed during cultural gatherings.