The most beautiful natural sites to discover Zimbabwe

The highest point of all the falls. You can often see rainbows. Spectacular. 

All east of falls, facing the Rainbow Falls, is Danger Point. From this end, it is possible to observe the waters throughout the gorge. Careful, as its name indicates, you must be careful because no barrier or vegetation borders the cliff, we are literally above the void. The point is dangerous, vertiginous, but sensational.

These are the main falls. Certainly the most impressive panorama. An immense curtain with a throughput of almost one million m ³ per minute. The volume of water is so huge that the water turns immediately into smoke on the whole waterfall.

These falls are not very large or very high, but their flow rate is very powerful. The name comes from the neighbouring island of Zambezi, where the natives performed all kinds of rites and sacrifices, considered by missionaries to be "diabolical".

8 km from Chinhoyi, this recreational park was created in 1975 to protect interesting caves. These caves consist of a system of tunnels and caverns which unfortunately are slowly collapsing. These collapses can be noticed by sinkholes, sinkholes and depressions in the surroundings. The caves are mainly composed of the Wonder Hole, the Sleeping Pool and the Dark Cave . The Wonder Hole, a huge cave with a collapsed roof, has vertical walls of 45 meters overlooking the Sleeping Pool . A major curiosity of the site, this natural pool with crystal clear water illuminated by the sun, has a surprising blue color reflecting a depth of 91 meters. The Sleeping Pool is accessible in two ways. The first is to take the main entrance and land directly on the viewpoint, the second more sportive is to go through the Dark Cave tunnel, a real labyrinth, but the steps are steep and the passages narrow. Near the end of the Dark Cave there are three submerged tunnels. One of them leads to a small cavern known as the "blind cave". The second joins the Sleeping Pool 58 meters below the surface. The third has not yet been explored. It seems likely that other caves remain to be discovered. Since the temperature of Sleeping Pool never varies and remains at 22°C, research suggests that the water in the cave is connected to an even larger body of water.

One of the most interesting rock painting sites in the country dating back about two thousand years. Several theories try to explain the scene on this painting. None is unanimously accepted. Two theories put forward during the colonial era speak of the burial of a king and a social ceremony, but the majority speak of a trance ceremony to communicate with the Khoisan gods around a black antelope. The person in trance would enter the world of the gods to ask for peace, rain or the end of an epidemic.

Not to be confused with the site of the same name in Matopos, this "world view" is a site overlooking large precipices and offering a beautiful panorama on the north of Zimbabwe, and in particular on the Connemara lakes, at least if the weather allows it, the fogs being frequent. It is also the highest point in the country accessible by car. Orientation tables are placed on the railing. The site is decorated with plantations and sculptures. Another viewpoint also located in the vicinity is called Eagle's View.

These Balancing Rocks are the most famous in Zimbabwe along with those in the Matopos Mountains National Park. It is an interesting geological site, even appearing on the bond bills issued by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The site also hosts some rock paintings, but for these, it is better to choose Domboshawa. Our advice is to avoid the complete visit if you go to the Matopos site, the latter is more impressive. On the other hand, the site can offer a pleasant half-day escape at the gates of the capital.

Mukuvisi Woodland is a sanctuary of about 270 ha, consisting of a beautiful forest and a game reserve. The latter is home to several varieties of antelope, as well as zebras, giraffes and crocodiles. A huge aviary has also been built next to a viewing deck, a conference center and a children's playground. Mukuvisi Woodland happens to be the headquarters of half a dozen other environmental associations. It's a fun family outing just a short walk from downtown Harare.

These falls have the form of a horseshoe, hence their name. They have a smaller volume of water than others, and it is the first to dry up in October-November.

These are the second highest falls, well visible from the Zambian shore. Côté Zimbabwe, you will have a breathtaking view of them since Danger Point.

The 1,250 ha Nyazengu private reserve at the foot of Mount Nyangani is accessible from the parking lot at the start of the hiking trails (a gravel road preceded by a sign indicating "No Entry" leads to the private section, 5 km further on). The landscapes are similar to those of the park in which it blends, surrounded by marked walking paths, but some lead to natural pools dug in amber or to pretty waterfalls, such as the Nyazengu Falls, impressive 90-metre falls.

A must for anyone who loves nature, the garden is also popular with botany enthusiasts. Punctuated by a network of paths, waterways and a small lake, it features orchids, hydrangeas, begonias, aloes, to name a few floral species. In addition to the 42-hectare botanical reserve, the 159-hectare park allows for easy day trips. The garden is also worth a stop as it offers beautiful picnic sites.

At 40 hectares, this reserve is smaller than the Bvumba Botanical Garden, but it is home to a variety of endemic plants and various bird species. It has trails, natural waterways and majestic views. Marshall's pygmy chameleon is present, as are several restricted-range birds, including Swynnerton's robin, Mountain bulbul, Chirinda's Apalis, and Fringed-tailed Elminia.

The park is easily accessible. From downtown, head towards Zambia. The entrance is on the left a few hundred meters from the border crossing. The park remains open from sunrise to sunset and exceptionally on full moon nights, to allow visitors to come and contemplate the lunar rainbow: like a strange and fascinating ghost. We insist: it is highly recommended to protect your equipment and anything that could be affected by water (passports, money, driver's license...) with waterproof bags because the rain is permanent along the falls. It is possible to contemplate the falls on the Zambian side: you will have to cross the iron bridge linking the two countries. Only the Eastern Cataracts are visible (which is very limited compared to what you can see on the Zimbabwean side). There are several viewpoints that offer great views of the waterfalls and the rainforest below.

It takes about two hours to walk along the giant rift, in a lush jungle, and take time to admire the beauty of the place. While going along the falls, we have fun to come on the promontories to contemplate the various cataracts of the fault. Between the sprays, big rainbows come to life and seen from the sky, the show is complete. When you look at the falls from the park, whether it is during the flood season or the dry season, you can see that they give off an impressive flow that constantly drenches you. It is not every day that you will feel the rain under an azure blue sky! The curtain of sprays is more impressive seen of face, side Zimbabwe. We usually visit the falls following this established circuit (from west to east). After the entrance, turn left to reach the Livingstone statue; the path follows the falls from here.

The path follows the falls from here on, taking in different parts of the falls: Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horse Shoe Falls, Rainbaw Falls, Danger Point and Eastern Cataract:

Devil's Cataract: these falls are not very big nor very high (30 m wide and 70 m high), but their flow is very powerful. The name comes from the neighboring island of the Zambezi where the natives performed all sorts of rites and sacrifices, considered by the missionaries as "diabolic";

Main Falls: these are the main falls (1 km wide and 93 m high). Certainly the most impressive panorama. A huge curtain with a flow of nearly one million cubic meters per minute. The volume of water is so colossal that the water immediately turns into a steaming mist over the entire waterfall;

Horse Shoe Falls (95 m high): these falls are shaped like a horseshoe, hence their name. They have a smaller volume of water than the others, and are the first to dry up in October-November;

Rainbow Falls : the highest point of all the falls (108 m). Rainbows can be seen there frequently. Spectacular.

Danger Point : from this point, facing Rainbow Falls, it is possible to observe the water all along the gorge. Attention, as its name indicates it, it is necessary to be careful because no barrier nor vegetation border the cliff, one is literally above the void. The point is dangerous, dizzy, but sensational.

Eastern Cataract: these are the second highest falls (101 m), well visible from the Zambian side. On the Zimbabwean side, you will have an unobstructed view on them from Danger Point.

Before returning to the exit, you can make a detour to admire the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi.

Before returning to the entrance, you can take a short detour to the viewpoint of the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Whatever the season, the falls are beautiful, but their flow varies from season to season, offering different sensations and views:

- February to July (with a peak in March and April). This period of high water corresponds to the end of the rainy season; the falls reach their strongest flow and offer an impressive spectacle: a curtain of white foam bubbles without interruption on 1 700 m and the foam is such as the sight is blurred. In a few minutes, one finds oneself soaked, refreshed by millions of hot droplets and as if caught in a deafening din;

- from July to August. The flow of the falls remains impressive but tends to diminish gradually with the dry weather. The gorge becomes more distinct and it is much easier to take nice pictures;
- August to January. Low water period, when the water tends to become more and more scarce; the curtain separates into some no less impressive waterfalls. Devil's Cataract and Main Falls continue to flow, but the eastern part of the fault is only watered by a few thin streams of water (when it is not completely dry!). The fault is clearly visible and no more drops come to refresh the walkers. The lowest level is between November and December;
- from January to February. The falls gradually fill up with the thunderstorms at the end of the day. The flow becomes more impressive, but the gorge remains visible. The atmosphere is hot and stifling, and the water splashes are a real delight!

6 Km above the falls a park stretches from 56 000 ha, shared between forest and raised or shrubby savannah. Bordering the Zambeze river on 40 km, this protected area attracts a multitude of wild animals and is a pleasant place for safari for all travelers come to spend a few days to Victoria Falls. The park is well appointed and has easily accessible paths along the river, as well as many sites of picnic with lovely views of the islands zambéziennes. Especially famous for its black herds of hippotragues, the park also elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, baboons, grivets, koudou, impala, kobs with croissant and some cats.

The park is a very easy access: once you get to Victoria Falls, take Park Way towards Natural Zambeze Sanctuary; the entrance to the national park is a few hundred metres away. If you do not have a car, the branches of the city can arrange a 4x4 safari, on foot or riding hikes. Those who wish to camp in the park will have to book their place downtown near the Office of the national parks.