ZIMBABWE

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

HARARE (HRE)

Harare, the sun-splashed capital of Zimbabwe, is an energetic city renowned for its rich cultural scene and beautiful, tree-lined avenues that burst into a canopy of purple jacaranda blooms each spring. The city’s creative heart beats at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which showcases a world-famous collection of Shona stone sculptures. For an urban safari, the nearby Mukuvisi Woodlands features wild giraffes and zebras roaming just minutes from the bustling downtown. Combined with the lively artisan crafts at Mbare Musika Market and the gravity-defying Epworth Balancing Rocks, Harare offers travelers an engaging, authentic introduction to southern African life.

Great Zimbabwe National Monument (alternative to Masvingo)

MASVINGO (MVZ)

Masvingo, a historic town in southeastern Zimbabwe, is celebrated as the ultimate gateway to the ancient Great Zimbabwe National Monument. This nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases monumental 11th-century dry-stone walls and towers built entirely without mortar by the Shona civilization, lending the modern country its name. Beyond this archaeological wonder, Masvingo offers exceptional natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Travelers can enjoy boating and fishing on the serene waters of Lake Mutirikwi or spot rare white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras at the adjacent Kyle Recreational Park, making the town a profound hub of African history and wildlife.