Sunrise over Zimbabwe
Guest Post by Michal Kniec
I was on my gap year last summer when a few friends and I decided that what was needed was a nice trip. Not ever having been to Africa, I suggested that we spend a few weeks traveling through the various countries like nomads. I was particularly interested in exploring the sights of Zimbabwe just from the tales of travellers discussing its natural beauty. Waiting patiently we road through the north and finally came to the nation of my choice.
I took the main map from my friend and immediately pointed in the direction of the nation’s most famous landmark: Victoria Falls. After a small trip into the wilderness we came out upon “the smoke that thunders,” a 100m behemoth. Having seen my share of waterfalls, including Niagara Falls a few times, I was still shocked at how large it and how powerful the gusts of air feel. Costing around £20, it was a sight that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Like the trustee tour leader, I convinced my friends that visiting a historical site was essential to understand the local culture. Finding our way to Bulawayo, on the edge of the city are the historical Khami Ruins that speak to the nations ancient past. Dating to the 16th century it was Zimbabwe’s former capital, a busy location full of markets and trade. The site has a small museum dedicated to all the history that the region represents and is certainly worth a visit.
The next wonder on our list was the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a ancient structure that is the second largest in Africa, just after the pyramids! Surrounded by houses hundreds of years old, the structure is shaped like a large eye. All stone, it is believed to be the home of the gods, vacationing on earth when they’ve had enough ruling for the day. While we couldn’t feel their presence, it was nonetheless a great experience.
Feeling a little hungry after travelling such a long time, we tried to locate the ideal Zimbabwe restaurant. Trying to find something familiar with a local twist, we stumbled upon the humorously named “In-Da-Belly” restaurant that served foods for as low as £1. Trying their famous hamburgers with local beers was perhaps the highlight of the entire trip. Absolutely great staff, I’d love to visit again if I had the chance.
As out trip, and indeed the day, came to a close I had one last place I wanted to visit. In the Matopos National Park, located south of Bulawayo, we passed nature itself with any number of African animals simply roaming the roads. When we finally reached the Matobo Hills we climbed to the vary top to see the sunset over the horizon. We all had a fabulous time and while the trip to Zimbabwe came to a close we had memories that would last us a lifetime. An extraordinary trip, go out and explore it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
Michal Kniec is a travel blogger and automotive news writer who still somehow finds the time to study law. Apart from his love of anything historic, he enjoys writing, creating music, and traveling as much as possible on this pale blue dot.
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
