5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Zimbabwe

Planning a trip to Zimbabwe becomes easier when you know a few basic facts before arriving. Travellers should also check the Zimbabwe visa requirements for their nationality before making their travel plans.
Here are 5 useful things to keep in mind about Zimbabwe.

1. Zimbabwe has 16 officially recognised languages

English is one of Zimbabwe's officially recognised languages and is widely spoken by people across the country, alongside Shona, Ndebele and several other languages. The country's Constitution lists 16 officially recognised languages, but there are also other local languages spoken in different regions.

English is widely used in tourism, business and official communication, so visitors can generally use English in tourist settings.

2. Victoria Falls is shared with Zambia

Victoria Falls is not entirely inside Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi River forms the border area between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the waterfall can be viewed from both sides. UNESCO recognises the site as a shared World Heritage property.

3. Great Zimbabwe gave the country its name

Great Zimbabwe is a major archaeological site near Masvingo.

The stone city was built between the 11th and 15th centuries and became an important trading centre. The ruins are also one of Zimbabwe's three cultural World Heritage sites.

4. Zimbabwe has major wildlife areas

Wildlife is a major part of tourism in Zimbabwe. The country has national parks including Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Matobo and Zambezi.

Mana Pools is particularly known for its Zambezi River setting and large wildlife population.

5. Zimbabwe has five World Heritage properties

UNESCO currently lists five World Heritage properties in Zimbabwe: Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills, Mana Pools and Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls.

A quick takeaway

Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with many places to visit, not only Victoria Falls. Its languages, archaeological sites, national parks and shared natural heritage with Zambia all add different sides to a visit.