by Patience Maganzo
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of The South) –Zimbabwe, a country not only rich in minerals boasts of a dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, making it one of the best tourist destination. Our rich culture and striking scenery attract thousands of tourists from all over the world year round. The beautiful evergreen mountainous land, so picture perfect brings back nostalgia to those who dare gaze at our motherland.
On the boarder of Zimbabwe and Zambia lies a culture rich town called Victoria Falls which encompasses of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The majestic Victoria Falls; the Smoke that Thunders as popularly known, termed “MOSI OA TUNYA” from the Kololo or Lozi language. The magnificent falls roars to life where the flowing Zambezi River plunges into a 106 metre deep gorge.
What could compare to that refreshing feeling that comes from taking a walk in the immaculate rain forest or zip lining across the falls. The scenery is so masterly crafted by nature as if plucked from a picture book.
The tourist attraction town is embellished with numerous facilities that cater for all types of people, ranging from canoeing, bungee jumping, game drives and river cruises. The lodges and restaurants in that area boast of luxurious views found nowhere else in the world.
Another beautiful part of Zimbabwe rich in culture is situated in Masvingo, the Great Zimbabwe. Founded by the early settlers, now standing in ruins, it once housed the late Iron Age ancestral Shona. The edifice’s most prominent features include over five metre high walls. A historical compound predating to the late Iron Age is intriguing, seeing mortar less structures standing tall after centuries have passed. The name Zimbabwe was derived from these structures called Dzimbadzemabwe which mean houses of stone. The Zimbabwean bird which is a national symbol found on the flag and currency originated from the Great Zimbabwe.
Muturikwi Dam National Park, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park and South Gonarezhou National Park amongst numerous wildlife parks strewn around the country house the Big Five. All of Africa’s big five animals; The Lion, the African Elephant, the Cape Buffalo, the Leopard and the Rhinoceros are found in Zimbabwe.
The abundance of wild animals make the game drives worthwhile, seeing the animals at their natural habitat. Viewing the wild sunbathing or at the watering hole, going about their day to day business is a rare sight which will connect you with nature.
The Eastern highlands, a series of mountainous area near the border of Mozambique is perfect for the adventurous, with activities such as mountain climbing, picnicking and game drives. Found there are; Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest mountain; Mutarazi Falls, Africa’s second longest waterfall and opulent grasslands and forests.
Bringing into the country tourists from abroad, the tourism industry can contribute revenue in forex that we are in dire need of. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism including other indirect services linked to it contributes 8% to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Such beauty if utilized and carefully harnessed stands to be an opportunity for further economic growth for the country.
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