Fast Facts About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, gained independence from Britain in 1980. It is at the very heart of Southern Africa and is bounded in the north by Zambia, in the east by Mozambique, the south west by Botswana and the south by South Africa.

The great Zambezi River forms a natural border with Zambia and its passage over the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is the foundation of the country's tourist trade. No one travelling to Southern Africa can afford to miss 'The Smoke that Thunders', or 'Mosia Tonya' in the local dialect. Victoria Falls is also home to the famous Victoria Falls Bridge which has been painted and photographed numerous times.



Zimbabwe is at the centre of the region's modern history, being the first leg of Cecil John Rhodes' legendary dream of a link from Cape to Cairo. It is also home to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a historical monument.

Arguments still persist today about the origins of this monument, notable for its skilled stonemasonry using blocks of granite with absolutely no mortar. History favours Great Zimbabwe being created by the indigenous Shona people, around the 13th century, as a fortified encampment or a burial place for kings. Others argue it was part of a series of settlements guarding Arab slave trade routes from the Mozambique coast to the interior. Part of the attraction of visiting this site is second-guessing the historians.

The country has two main tribal groupings the majority being the Shona people and the minority being the Ndebele people (an offshoot of the South African Zulu).

Although very much a primary producer, Zimbabwe's agricultural and mining base (gold, platinum, coal, emeralds) support one of the most sophisticated financial sectors on the continent. Industries too have grown up around mining and farming although recent economic problems have reduced the industrial base.

Tourism (mainly because of the Victoria Falls and the historic and architectural importance of the Great Zimbabwe Monument) is a mainstay of the economy and is well developed.

Zimbabwe is the home of African Sun, the continent's fastest growing hotel and leisure group. It has properties in all the main centres and all tourist spots, with three (including The Victoria Falls Hotel) in Victoria Falls itself. African Sun sees itself as the custodian of the ecological wellbeing of the Victoria Falls area, a World Heritage Site.

Hwange National Park, one of Africa's great wildlife reserves, is in the north west of the country near Victoria Falls. It is famous for "The Big Five" (elephant, rhino, lion, giraffe and leopard) and is thought to have the world's largest elephant population. It is very effectively "policed" by the National Parks Service, whose rangers are known world-wide for their skills.

The country is also home to what is commonly referred to as "Africa's best kept secret" - The Mana Pools National Park. In the north east of the country, this park is home to spectacular birdlife and wildlife and, like Hwange, is, as are the visitors, well served by rangers of the National Parks Service.

The range of attractions of this country provides something for everyone. From the cool temperate climate of the Eastern Highlands, to the fierce summer heat of the Zimbazi Valley with its water sports at Kariba providing welcome relief, and an excellent road system connecting them, the heart of Southern Africa is well worth a visit.