Zimbabwe - 1984

Once we had an opportunity to visit Zimbabwe with my sister and her family.

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. On the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls make a thundering 108m drop into narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping. Downstream are Matusadona and Mana Pools national parks, home to hippos, rhinos and birdlife. 

HISTORY

In 1965, the colonial government declared itself independent as Rhodesia, but largely failed to secure international recognition and faced sustained internal opposition in the Rhodesian Bush War.

After fifteen years of war, following the Lancaster House Agreement of 1979 there was a transition to internationally recognised majority rule in 1980. The United Kingdom, which had never recognised Rhodesian independence, briefly imposed direct rule in order to grant independence on 18 April that year as the new country of Zimbabwe.

In the 2000s Zimbabwe's economy began to deteriorate due to various factors, including the imposition of economic sanctions by Western countries led by the United Kingdom and widespread corruption in government. Economic instability caused many Zimbabweans to emigrate. Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

Mugabe's government changed the capital's name from Salisbury to Harare on 18 April 1982 in celebration of the second anniversary of independence. Our friend was appointed by United Nation to take care of Financial matters in Zimbabwe. She invited us to visit us there. She had a spacious Bungalow, so we all were accommodated. We went there in the summer of 1984 when my daughter finished her studies in school. They went ahead of us and we three, my husband and me and my brother in law went later. That was the last Air India flight going to Zimbabwe. Formerly it was extension of Mauritius.

First few days we spent in the city and  decided to begin our sightseeing in Harare.

National Botanic Gardens

A lush green oasis about 4 km north of the city centre in Alexandra Park. 

Great for relaxing walks, picnics, seeing both indigenous and exotic plants. 

Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve

A nice escape into nature close to the city.

• Walking trails, wildlife (zebras, impalas, etc.), guided bird walks. 

• Horse riding available

We did not have much time. So we omitted this local sights

Natural Wonders

• Victoria Falls – One of the world’s largest waterfalls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). Visitors can walk along trails with spray rising in the air, or even see it from the air.

• Zambezi River – Famous for sunset cruises, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

• Lake Kariba – A huge man-made lake, popular for houseboat trips, fishing, and watching wildlife along the shores.

• Eastern Highlands – A green, mountainous area with tea plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

  
  

Wildlife & Safaris

• Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, known for huge elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and many bird species.

• Mana Pools National Park – A UNESCO site, wild and beautiful, great for walking safaris and canoeing.

• Matobo Hills – Known for its balancing granite rocks and as a place with a high concentration of leopards and rhinos.

. History & Culture

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins – An ancient stone city (UNESCO World Heritage), once the capital of a powerful African kingdom between the 11th–15th centuries.

• Harare – The capital, with galleries, markets, and a lively atmosphere.

• Bulawayo – A charming old city with colonial architecture, close to Matobo Hills.

Many tourists combine nature (safaris, falls, rivers) with history (Great Zimbabwe) and family or cultural encounters.