What to see in Zimbabwe: 6 must-sees

Stand at the basalt edge of Matabeleland North, where the Zambezi River plunges 108 meters over a front 1,708 meters wide. The curtain of water raises a permanent mist that feeds a rainforest facing the viewpoints. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, the area offers trails along the edge of the abyss, birdwatching among the cliffs, and walks across the bridge that links it to Zambia.

Cross the Matobo Hills, in Matabeleland South, where balanced granite boulders form shapes that change with the daylight. Recognized by UNESCO since 2003, they shelter rock paintings in their rock overhangs, vestiges of the ancient San people. Wander the trails among millennia-old rocks, watch rhinos, eagles, and antelopes, and climb to the viewpoint known as World's View, near the grave of Cecil Rhodes, with sweeping views over the whole park.

Explore Great Zimbabwe, the largest stone city in sub-Saharan Africa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. A few kilometers from Masvingo you'll find the Great Enclosure, with its granite walls raised without mortar, and the conical tower that dominates the complex. The route then climbs the hill where the Ancient Citadel stands, center of the medieval Shona kingdom. Walk among the narrow passageways and you'll understand why this place gave the country its name. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat.

Explore the 14,651 km² of Hwange National Park, in Matabeleland North, where herds of elephants cross the Kalahari sand plains and lions stalk near the waterholes. Hike among acacias and teak trees, spot some of the more than 400 bird species recorded, and follow the tracks of giraffes, buffalo, and African wild dogs at dawn, when Zimbabwe's savanna awakens with every sound.

Take in Harare from the kopjes surrounding Zimbabwe's capital, where jacarandas in bloom between September and October dye the avenues violet. Visit the National Gallery, where Shona serpentine sculptures share space with contemporary African art. Buy baskets, batik fabrics, and wood carvings at Mbare Market, the city's oldest and busiest, or at the Newlands craft center. Stroll through Harare Gardens and the Ewanrigg Botanical Garden, some 40 kilometers away, famous for its aloes and cycads. At dusk, try sadza with vegetables at a local restaurant while live mbira music plays.