‘Zimbabwe, we really did save the best until last’ – so said Jeremy Clarkson when the Grand Tour trio were chatting about their latest, and last, TV road trip. A country rich in history, natural beauty, and untamed wildlife, was shown in all its glory as Clarkson, May and Hammond drove three cars they had always wanted to own through the country for one last hurrah. From the vibrant city of Harare to the untamed wilderness of Mana Pools, the serene shores of Lake Kariba, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls the best of Zimbabwe was captured and you can follow in their footsteps on your very own ‘Grand Tour’.
1. Harare: The Heartbeat of Zimbabwe
Harare, the bustling capital of Zimbabwe is known as the “Sunshine City” and is a vibrant metropolis that offers a fascinating mix of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage. Spend your first few days of your Grand Tour exploring the city’s art galleries, local markets, and botanical gardens. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing both contemporary and traditional African art. Don’t miss the Mbare Musika market, a bustling centre for local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Harare is also a great base for day trips to nearby attractions like the Domboshava Hills, where you can hike to see ancient rock paintings and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
2. The Eastern Highlands: Zimbabwe’s Little Scotland
From Harare, venture east to the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe’s answer to Scotland’s rolling hills and misty mountains. This region is a haven for nature lovers, with its cool climate, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes. The Nyanga National Park offers scenic hiking trails, waterfalls like Mutarazi Falls (the highest in Zimbabwe), and an abundance of wildlife, including zebras and antelope. Further south, Chimanimani is a rugged wilderness perfect for those seeking more challenging hikes, with dramatic mountain peaks, caves, and cascading waterfalls.
The Bvumba Mountains near Mutare are famed for their stunning views and botanical gardens, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature. The Eastern Highlands is also home to Zimbabwe’s tea estates and trout-filled streams, making it the perfect stop for a relaxing yet invigorating break on your Grand Tour.
3. Mana Pools National Park: A Wilderness Wonderland
Next, head north to the Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Situated along the Zambezi River, Mana Pools is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. Elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and large herds of buffalo are frequently spotted here, along with countless bird species.
What sets Mana Pools apart is its walking safaris—here, you can follow expert guides on foot through the bush, getting up close to wildlife in a way that few other places allow. Canoeing along the Zambezi is another unforgettable experience, as you silently glide past hippos and crocodiles, with the majestic escarpment rising in the background. Mana Pools offers a sense of remoteness and untouched wilderness that makes it a highlight of any Zimbabwean Grand Tour.
4. Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park: Serenity and Wildlife by the Water
From Mana Pools, continue west to Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake by volume in the world. With its shimmering blue waters set against the backdrop of rugged hills and the Zambezi escarpment, Lake Kariba is a paradise for both relaxation and adventure. The lake is perfect for houseboat trips, offering the chance to unwind while cruising past scenic shorelines dotted with wildlife. Fishing enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to catch the famed tiger fish, while others may prefer to simply enjoy the sunsets, which paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.
On the southern shores of Lake Kariba lies Matusadona National Park, a rugged wilderness area that offers some of Zimbabwe’s best wildlife viewing. Here, the combination of lake, bush, and mountain creates a diverse ecosystem that is home to elephants, lions, and the endangered black rhino. Game drives and boat safaris in Matusadona provide a unique way to explore this untamed part of Zimbabwe, making it a must-stop on your Grand Tour.
5. Victoria Falls: The Grand Finale
No Grand Tour of Zimbabwe would be complete without a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of falling water on the planet, and witnessing its sheer power and beauty is an awe-inspiring experience. Stand on the edge of the falls as millions of litres of water plunge into the Zambezi Gorge below, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away.
For the adventurous, Victoria Falls offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides that provide stunning aerial views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest. Sunset boat trips on the river are a wonderful way to end a day in Africa, often watching wildlife as it comes down to drink at the waters edge.
Victoria Falls is also a gateway to more wildlife experiences in Zambezi National Park or Hwange National Park, where game drives and walking safaris offer the chance to see Zimbabwe’s Big Five up close.
Extension – Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Camp Kalahari: A Desert Oasis
To complete the same Grand Tour that Clarkson, Hammond and May took, consider extending your journey to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in neighbouring Botswana—a short hop from Zimbabwe. The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world, offer a surreal, otherworldly landscape that stretches endlessly under vast, open skies. This arid desert transforms into a lush oasis during the wet season, attracting large herds of wildebeest and zebra, along with the unique desert-adapted wildlife like meerkats, brown hyenas, and the rare gemsbok.
Nestled on the edge of this dramatic landscape is Camp Kalahari, a charming and laid-back safari camp that blends luxury with the ruggedness of the wilderness. Here, you can explore the pans on quad bikes, embark on game drives, and walk with the famous San Bushmen to learn about their traditional way of life. Whether witnessing the vivid sunsets or stargazing under some of the clearest skies on earth, a stay at Camp Kalahari in the Makgadikgadi is a magical experience that perfectly complements the wild beauty of Zimbabwe’s Grand Tour.
Zimbabwe’s Grand Tour
Zimbabwe offers a wealth of experiences for those seeking adventure, culture, and the wonders of nature. From the urban charm of Harare to the wild beauty of Mana Pools, the serenity of Lake Kariba, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, history and culture of Bulawayo and the Matopas and more wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park, this country promises a journey like no other. Whether you’re looking to walk among elephants, explore ancient mountains, or marvel at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, following in the footsteps of the Grand Tour in Zimbabwe will leave you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s timeless beauty.
If you would like to chat about a Grand Tour of your own to Zimbabwe, or any other holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean, please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help.