Map Of South Africa And Zimbabwe
Top Attractions
South Africa and Zimbabwe are two of the most beautiful countries in Africa, with a wealth of attractions for travelers to explore. In South Africa, you can’t miss the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Kruger National Park for wildlife viewing, and the stunning beaches of Durban and Umhlanga. In Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a must-visit attraction, as well as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Matobo National Park, and the Hwange National Park for game drives.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, South Africa and Zimbabwe have plenty of hidden gems to explore. In South Africa, the Cederberg Mountains and the Wild Coast are both stunning natural wonders that are often overlooked by tourists. In Zimbabwe, the Eastern Highlands and the Gonarezhou National Park offer incredible hiking and safari opportunities.
Food Scene
The food scene in South Africa and Zimbabwe is diverse and delicious, with a mix of traditional African cuisine and international flavors. In South Africa, don’t miss the braai (barbecue) and boerewors (sausage), as well as the Cape Malay curries and bunny chows. In Zimbabwe, try the sadza (cornmeal porridge) and nyama (meat dishes), as well as the local beers and wines.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget in South Africa and Zimbabwe is possible with a few tips and tricks. In South Africa, consider staying in backpacker hostels or camping sites, using public transportation or Uber instead of taxis, and eating at local markets instead of restaurants. In Zimbabwe, stick to budget accommodations and public transportation, and avoid using US dollars as much as possible.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, South Africa and Zimbabwe offer a range of adventure activities. In South Africa, try bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, hiking the Otter Trail, or surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay. In Zimbabwe, go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, trekking in the Chimanimani Mountains, or canoeing in the Mana Pools National Park.
Historical Landmarks
Both South Africa and Zimbabwe have a rich history, with plenty of landmarks and monuments to explore. In South Africa, visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. In Zimbabwe, explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Matobo Hills rock art sites, and the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids in South Africa and Zimbabwe can be fun and educational. In South Africa, take the kids to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, the Gold Reef City theme park in Johannesburg, or the uShaka Marine World in Durban. In Zimbabwe, visit the Victoria Falls Snake Park, the Harare Gardens, or the Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for unique experiences in South Africa and Zimbabwe, there are plenty of options. In South Africa, explore the Soweto township in Johannesburg, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, or the Route 62 wine route. In Zimbabwe, visit the Vumba Botanical Gardens, the Domboshava rock formations, or the Chinhoyi Caves.
Natural Wonders
South Africa and Zimbabwe are renowned for their natural beauty, from mountains and beaches to waterfalls and wildlife reserves. In South Africa, don’t miss the Blyde River Canyon, the beaches of the Garden Route, or the Hogsback Mountains. In Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the most famous natural wonder, but there are also the Eastern Highlands, the Mana Pools National Park, and the Nyanga National Park.
Vibrant Nightlife
When the sun goes down, South Africa and Zimbabwe come to life with a vibrant nightlife scene. In South Africa, Cape Town has a thriving bar and club scene, as well as live music venues like the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts. In Zimbabwe, the nightlife is centered around Harare, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore.
Local Markets
If you want to experience the local culture and cuisine, South Africa and Zimbabwe’s markets are a must-visit. In South Africa, head to the Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg, the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, or the I Heart Market in Durban. In Zimbabwe, visit the Mbare Market in Harare, the Victoria Falls Craft Market, or the Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village in Victoria Falls.
Beaches and Mountains
South Africa and Zimbabwe offer a mix of beautiful beaches and stunning mountains for travelers to explore. In South Africa, some of the best beaches are found in Durban, Umhlanga, and the Garden Route. For mountains, don’t miss the Drakensberg Mountains or the Cederberg Mountains. In Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba has some lovely beaches, while the Eastern Highlands offer incredible mountain scenery.
Cultural Immersion
To truly experience South Africa and Zimbabwe’s culture, immerse yourself in local traditions and customs. In South Africa, learn about the Zulu and Xhosa cultures, visit a traditional homestead, or attend a traditional dance performance. In Zimbabwe, visit a rural village, try your hand at basket weaving or pottery, or attend a Shona sculpture workshop.
Art and Music Scene
South Africa and Zimbabwe have a thriving art and music scene, with a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. In South Africa, visit the Zeitz MOCAA museum in Cape Town, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, or the Market Theatre for live performances. In Zimbabwe, explore the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the Book Cafรฉ in Harare, or the Harare International Festival of the Arts.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore South Africa and Zimbabwe’s cities and landmarks. In South Africa, take a walking tour of Cape Town’s historic neighborhoods, the graffiti art in Johannesburg, or the Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town. In Zimbabwe, explore the Harare Gardens, the National Heroes Acre, or the Great Zimbabwe Ruins on foot.
Architectural Marvels
South Africa and Zimbabwe have a mix of modern and historic architectural marvels to explore. In South Africa, don’t miss the Voortrekker Monument, the Cape Dutch buildings in Cape Town, or the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. In Zimbabwe, visit the Victoria Falls Bridge, the National Heroes Acre in Harare, or the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Historical Sites
Both South Africa and Zimbabwe have a rich history, with plenty of historical sites to explore. In South Africa, visit the Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, or the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. In Zimbabwe, explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Matobo Hills rock art sites, or the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Biking Routes
South Africa and Zimbabwe offer some fantastic biking routes for travelers to explore. In South Africa, try the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the Amashova Durban Classic, or the Sani Pass Cycle Challenge. In Zimbabwe, take a cycling tour of Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands, or the Matobo Hills.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to recharge and rejuvenate, South Africa and Zimbabwe have some amazing wellness retreats to choose from. In South Africa, try the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, or the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. In Zimbabwe, visit the Mana Pools Safari Lodge, the Victoria Falls Hotel, or the Imire Rhino & Wildlife Conservation.
Adventure Sports
South Africa and Zimbabwe offer a range of adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. In South Africa, try skydiving in Cape Town, shark cage diving in Gansbaai, or sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay. In Zimbabwe, go bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, zip lining in the Eastern Highlands, or abseiling in the Matobo Hills.
In conclusion, South Africa and Zimbabwe have a wealth of attractions, hidden gems, and experiences to offer travelers. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone in these two incredible countries.