Annual Leave Explorers

When most travellers picture Zimbabwe, their minds jump straight to the big names: the thunderous Victoria Falls, the shimmering expanse of Lake Kariba, and the wildlife‑rich plains of Hwange National Park. These iconic destinations are absolutely worth visiting — but Zimbabwe has a quieter, wilder, more soulful side that many visitors never experience.

If you’re dreaming of a trip that goes beyond the usual tourist trail, this two‑week itinerary is the perfect blend of mountains, wilderness, and safari. It begins in the breathtaking Eastern Highlands, where the landscapes look like a cross between Scotland and New Zealand, and ends with a week in one of Zimbabwe’s most extraordinary national parks — either Gonarezhou or Mana Pools. It’s the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Week One: The Eastern Highlands — Zimbabwe’s Mountain Wonderland

The Eastern Highlands stretch along the border with Mozambique and feel like a world apart from the rest of the country. Misty mornings, rolling green hills, pine forests, waterfalls, and dramatic escarpments define this region. It’s peaceful, cool, and impossibly scenic — the perfect place to slow down and breathe.

For this itinerary, the best base is Juliasdale, a charming and beautifully situated village that gives you easy access to Nyanga National Park, Mount Nyangani, and all the surrounding viewpoints and waterfalls. It’s also wonderfully quiet, making it ideal for travellers who want to experience Zimbabwe’s nature without crowds.

Where to Stay in Juliasdale

Juliasdale and its surroundings offer a lovely mix of cosy cottages, boutique lodges, and scenic farm stays. One of the most memorable places to stay is Froggy Farm, a warm and welcoming spot tucked into the hills. Many travellers know Froggy Farm for its excellent food, but it’s also a fantastic accommodation option — peaceful, beautifully located, and perfectly positioned for exploring the area.

If you prefer self‑catering, there are plenty of Airbnbs scattered across the hills, often built from stone with fireplaces, verandas, and sweeping valley views. They’re ideal if you want privacy and the feeling of having the mountains all to yourself.

For those who prefer hotel comforts, Montclair Hotel & Casino sits close to Juliasdale and offers classic accommodation with easy access to the main road. A little further out, Pine Tree Inn and Troutbeck Resort provide charming, old‑world stays surrounded by dramatic scenery. No matter where you choose, you’ll wake up to crisp mountain air and landscapes that feel untouched.

Climbing Mount Nyangani — A Hike You’ll Never Forget

The highlight of any trip to the Eastern Highlands is climbing Mount Nyangani, the highest peak in Zimbabwe. Despite its impressive title, the hike is surprisingly accessible and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. It’s one of those rare trails that rewards you almost immediately — and keeps getting better.

The hike begins with a steep ascent that gets your heart pumping, but after the first section, the trail opens up into a wide plateau with sweeping views in every direction. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and open grassland, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop every few minutes just to take it all in.

The climb usually takes two to three hours up and one to two hours down, depending on your pace. A guide is mandatory, and you can easily hire one at the park entrance. We simply arrived and picked one up on the spot, but you can also stop by the day before to arrange it. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and essential for safety — the mountain is known for sudden weather changes, and having someone who knows the terrain makes all the difference.

For me, this was genuinely one of the most beautiful hikes of my life. The combination of altitude, solitude, and scenery creates a sense of peace that’s hard to describe. It’s a must‑do for anyone visiting Zimbabwe.

A Well‑Deserved Lunch at Froggy Farm

After descending Mount Nyangani, there’s no better reward than heading straight to Froggy Farm for lunch. Whether you’re staying there or just visiting for the meal, it’s a highlight of the region. The food is hearty and delicious, the drinks are cold, and the views are spectacular. Sitting on the terrace after a long hike, surrounded by mountains and fresh air, is one of those simple travel moments that feels perfect.

Exploring More of the Eastern Highlands

While Mount Nyangani is the star of the show, the Eastern Highlands are full of other incredible places to explore. The Mutarazi Falls Skywalk offers a thrilling perspective over Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall, with suspension bridges that give you a bird’s‑eye view of the gorge. Nyangombe Falls is an easy and beautiful stop, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. And the Pungwe Gorge Lookout is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the country, especially at sunrise.

The region is also known for trout fishing, scenic drives through pine forests, and peaceful walks along rivers and valleys. It’s the kind of place where you can fill your days with adventure or simply sit on a veranda with a cup of tea and watch the mist roll in.

Week Two: The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari — Gonarezhou or Mana Pools

After a week in the mountains, it’s time to head into the wild. Zimbabwe’s national parks are some of the most untouched in Africa, offering a safari experience that feels raw, intimate, and deeply connected to nature. If you want wildlife encounters without crowds, this is the place.

You can choose between two extraordinary parks: Gonarezhou National Park or Mana Pools National Park. Both offer unforgettable safari experiences, but each has its own character.

Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou, meaning “Place of Elephants,” is one of the most scenic parks in Africa. Towering red sandstone cliffs rise above wide rivers, and huge elephant herds roam the plains. It’s remote, rugged, and incredibly beautiful — perfect for travellers who want dramatic landscapes and a sense of true wilderness.

Accommodation ranges from the luxurious Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge to the immersive Gonarezhou Bush Camps, as well as classic campsites like Chipinda Pools and Chinguli for self‑drivers.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. Known for its walking safaris, canoeing, and close wildlife encounters, it offers a safari experience that feels almost spiritual. Elephants stand on their hind legs to reach the trees, painted dogs trot across the floodplains, and the Zambezi River glows at sunset.

You can stay in luxury camps like Nyamatusi or Vundu, or choose riverside campsites such as Nyamepi or the remote Mucheni sites.

Driving in Zimbabwe — Safe, Scenic, and Getting Better Every Year

One of the best things about travelling in Zimbabwe is how safe and easy it is to self‑drive. The roads are quiet, the people are friendly, and navigation is straightforward. Even better, road upgrades are happening all over the country, making travel smoother every year. Zimbabwe is clearly investing in tourism, and it shows.

The Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

For both hiking and safari, the dry season (May to October) is ideal. Wildlife gathers around water sources, the roads are accessible, and the temperatures are comfortable. It’s also the best time for clear views in the Eastern Highlands.

Why This Two‑Week Zimbabwe Itinerary Is Perfect

This itinerary captures everything that makes Zimbabwe special: the peaceful beauty of the Eastern Highlands, the thrill of climbing Mount Nyangani, the charm of Juliasdale, the warmth of Froggy Farm, and the unforgettable wildlife of Gonarezhou or Mana Pools. It’s a journey that blends adventure, serenity, and authentic African travel — without the crowds.