ZIMBABWE
GEOGRAPHY
Zimbabwe acquires is nomenclature from ancient stone rock-piles rightly called the Great Zimbabwe or the abode of stone; these structures can easily be compared to the pyramids of Egypt. The nation has so many vibrant topologically varied sites of allure that a visit may prove insufficient to visit all of them.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa landlocked by Zambia in north by 797 km, Botswana 813 km towards west, the Republic of South Africa 225 km in its south and Mozambique 1231 km is in east. The nation is south of equator.
The country is undulating granite plateau defending in terrace like fashion into fertile river valley in the west and south; most areas are dry grassland savanna and thin tropical woodland. There are several national parks and game reserves to protect the rich wildlife which includes the lion, rhinoceros, giraffe, and hippopotamus. The tsetse fly is a common pest.
Only a small percentage of the land is farmed. The most important crops are tobacco, sugar cane, maize, and cotton. The nation’s economy revolves around mineral wealth. Chromites, gold, asbestos, antimony, tungsten, iron ore, and coal are mined.
Major cities are Bulawayo, Gwelo,
The highest elevation in the area is Inyangani at 2592m whereas the deepest location is at Runde and Save Rivers at 162m only.
Chief rivers of the region the biggest being Zambezi on fringe separating Zimbabwe with Zambia and upholding Kariba dam, Limpopo, Sabi, Lundi.
THE CAPITAL
Harare the central plateau capital city in south east is very attractive. It is well laid out with convenient infrastructure green belts and blooming gardens. The roads are lined with tall trees and the air is very fresh.
THE CLIMATE
It is tropical altering by altitude with a summer rainy season. The monsoon happens in the months November- March each year. The plateau temperature is pleasant, but the river valley is scorching and wet. October till April is considered summer months here. May till September it is winter times. Most tourist destination at this season is white water rafting, game seeing within grass, and canoeing.
THE POPULATION
The nation is composed of authentic African people the Shona, Ndebele or Matabele, making the predominant ethnic aggregates, the remaining being Sotho, Tonga, Hlengwe, Sena, mixed pedigree Asians and British.
Religion practiced is Animist, Christian, syncretic who follow Christianity and local region, and Muslim minority.
The official way of communication is English. The ethnic group makes use of African dialect Shona, Sindebele and some other languages like Sotho, Nambya etc.
The economy uses Zimbabwe dollar as currency.
There is an efficient railway system and a rail link with the port of Beira, Mozambique. The country has a good system of roads and internal air services.
HISTORY
Mosaic of African civilization is inter-woven in this land dating back to 13th and 14th century. Ancestry of migrant Bantu tribe of 10th century could be traced through these people. Masyingo ruins are indicators of this as well. Earlier excavation as ancient as 500,000 years has shown human existence in the region. Khoisan flourished in 200 BC and later Bantu Shona Nguni and Zulu controlled the land. As the middle of the 19th century approached Nguni and Zulu were a force to reckon with.
The region Rhodesia came into being once in 1850 the British explorers proved to be trailblazer for others and the white population grew in number. By 1923 the Europeans were rulers of south Rhodesia; after a lot of realignment of territories after World War Zimbabwe as an independent nation came into being in 1980. The nation is governed as a parliamentary democracy.
TOURISM
As a nation the country has a lot to offer in terms tourism; the awe inspiring Victoria Falls the astonishing stone yard of the Great Zimbabwe and animal herds in natural settings.
Enjoy and feel of ancient stone construction 11 meters tall and 6 meters in diameter at Great Zimbabwe dating back to 800 to 1500 AD. The region was once a hub of trade activities known far and wide. The remains of the place give a fair indication about the pioneering effect of the region on other nations.
For boating, trail strolls; good accommodation in hotels or camping and viewing of birds in rainforest is all possible once Victoria Falls region and the gorges below are visited. The Zambezi Valley beyond the falls has a lot of nature related activities to offer. Bumi Hills and Chizarira in the central Kariba Basin is difficult to venture but it has its rewards in the way of rare bird sighting in vegetation. Aviary of all sizes and color co exists at Mana Pools National Park in the lower Zambezi region. Gosha Park adjoining Morondera is worth a visit for bird watching.
Business tourist visit Bulawayo the second largest city in the south as it is the business capital with many industries.
The serene beauty of Eastern Highlands attracts many for tranquility on the 300 km run of trio mountain ranges of Nyanga, Bvumba and Chimanimani.
Hwange National Park in 14,600 sq km can be reached either by road train or by small aircraft. The biggest wildlife reserve is enriched by the presence of Victoria Falls. The herds of elephants make a very pretty site to watch. It is well laid out with gravel roads, and trails undertaken only with a guide, night jungle drive is very interesting and good accommodation is available on site.
Kariba’s artificial lake on Zambezi River and its surroundings has exceptional scenic exquisiteness that allures most tourists to be there at least once.
Masvingo is World Heritage Site and has been there since colonial period.
Honde Valley is aviary for all to see in their natural habitat. The topology is in lowland varying to jungle swamp tall trees and agricultural farmlands. For night bird sights it is best to visit the Matopos National park along with 300 other some rare species.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation is relevant for the travel goal in mind. Even in camping there are classified tents from luxury to single or double occupancy and basic amenities. On several day long safaris on each day the choice of tent accommodation based on size rent facilities can vary on choice. There are many options and flexibility for visitors comfort.
Otherwise in cities there is star rated hotels lodges bed and breakfast choice but an advance booking is the best recourse in vacation planning.
FOOD
The blooming tourist industry has added all type of food flavors to menu; it is east to get national and international food here. Tourists relish the local cuisine Sadza a corn dish accompanied with meat or gravy. Nhedzi is mushroom soup. Meat of unusual type is also served as local delicacy such as that of warthog, ostrich, and tail of crocodile. A drink of Whawha is always welcomed; it is prepared from corn.
NIGHTLIFE
Not all towns have good choice of night outing. The bigger cities nightclubs, cinemas and theaters or casino usually do brisk business.
The open sky recreations are rejuvenating be it is the safari trip or exciting sports like Bungee Jumping from the maximum height the bridge that connects this country to Zambia; hiking and trekking on Eastern Highlands, or climbing Mt. Nyangani. Fishing for tiger fish at Lake Kariba or play golf tennis or enjoy a horse ride. Those who have forgotten nature living in concrete jungles will be amazed to find how nature heals!
Click to Hide