Wonderful wildlife and spectacular scenery
Stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife and one of the world's most famous waterfalls - Zimbabwe's huge appeal for any visitor is obvious. But this fascinating, breath-taking nation, so ethnically diverse it has 16 official languages, is equally worth visiting for its rich cultural and historical heritage.
The country has around 20 airports, but flights to Zimbabwe are most likely to take you into Harare International Airport, on the outskirts of the capital.
Wildlife
Zimbabwe's ten national parks are perfect places to spot the big five - elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos - and endless other creatures, including zebras, giraffes, monkeys and baboons. The country is a world-famous birding destination - Hwange National Park, the largest national park, is home to 400 species of birds, as well as 30,000 elephants, one of the world's largest populations. If you want to be supremely close to nature, head to the remote Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has no fences. You're even allowed to walk round without a guide.
Sights
Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the world-famous Victoria Falls lie on the border with Zambia. At 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres high - twice as high as Niagara - they are the largest falls in the world by volume of water. You can walk along the path at the top of Bakota Gorge, or if you are particularly brave, bungee jump off the bridge into the gorge. Look out for hippopotamuses, crocodiles and antelopes in the surrounding Victoria Falls National Park.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, is another World Heritage Site and are some of the oldest structures in southern Africa. The city was the greatest in sub-Saharan Africa in its heyday, thought to have been between 1200 and 1500AD. You can explore by yourself or with a tour guide.
Matobo National Park, another World Heritage Site, is a landscape of stunning rock and boulder formations, and is a superb place for hiking. As well as Zimbabwe's highest density of leopards, the park has a protected area where black and white rhinos are breeding successfully, and is also known for its population of black eagles. There are also some 3,000 registered rock art sites in the park, some of which are thought to be between 6,000 and 10,000 years old.
Eating and drinking
In Harare, Victoria 22 is a colonial house-turned-restaurant which serves international food and is popular with locals. For Portuguese food, head to Paula's Place, which offers homemade desserts and a kids' menu.
At Victoria Falls, the Livingstone Room at the Victoria Falls Hotel combines Edwardian appearances with fine dining and music from a live band. The restaurant was named the seventh finest in the world by website The Daily Meal in 2013, and offers a choice of an a la carte menu or a seven-course tasting menu.
