Visit Zimbabwe

One of Africa’s most diverse destinations, Zimbabwe flaunts a wide range of attractions, from legendary game parks and archeological sites to mighty rivers and waterfalls, as well as a population comprising 16 major ethnic groups.

The main event is “the smoke that thunders” — Victoria Falls — where the Zambezi River tumbles 355 feet into a narrow gorge filled with mist that resembles clouds of smoke as it rises high above the crashing water. Helicopter tours, bungee jumping and whitewater rafting are among the various way that visitors can experience the watery wonderland.

The Zambezi flows downstream to Mana Pools National Park, renowned for its hugepopulation of hippos, crocs, elephants and other animals that hang out along the river and the four lakes (“mana”) that give the park its name. A short drive south of Vic Falls, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest game reserve, home to more than 500 species of birds and mammals including rare creature like the colorful Africa wild dog.