The thunder of Victoria Falls now echoes a nation’s return to the world stage, as a former pariah becomes a premier destination.
by BERNARD CHIKETO
FOR decades, Zimbabwe was a byword for political and economic turmoil, its world-class tourist attractions overshadowed by international isolation and internal strife. That chapter may be closing.
In a stunning reversal of fortune, the country has been named the best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes, a recognition that promises to redefine its global image and accelerate its economic recovery.
This accolade is built on a tangible surge in international interest. Data from the travel platform KAYAK, which informed the Forbes ranking, shows flight searches to Bulawayo have increased by more than 80% this year, while the capital, Harare, saw a 56% rise.
This is not merely an honorary title but a data-driven indicator of shifting global perception, as travellers seek new, authentic experiences beyond well-trodden paths.
A Landscape of Rugged Grandeur
Forbes describes Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage,” a country where “jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains.” This poetic description is anchored by several iconic destinations that showcase the nation’s profound beauty.
- Victoria Falls: Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), the Zambezi River crashes into thunderous gorges, sending plumes of mist that catch the sun in fleeting rainbows. It remains one of the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders.
- Great Zimbabwe Monument: The ancient stone city stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s layered past. Its dry-stone walls, built without mortar, are steeped in centuries-old history, speaking to a sophisticated pre-colonial civilization.
- The Eastern Highlands: Offering a quieter contrast, this region features cloud-covered slopes, the country’s tallest and Africa’s second tallest waterfalls – Mutarazi Falls, winding hiking trails, and pockets of mist-laced mountain stillness, far from the sun-baked plains. Its rich bird diversity makes it a prime avi-tourism destination.
From Pariah to Premium Destination
The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consistently highlighted tourism as a key driver of economic growth. In a strategic move to capitalise on this momentum, the cabinet recently approved a review of licences and fees in the sector. These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, welcomed the Forbes recognition, describing it as both an endorsement of Zimbabwe’s tourism brand and a testament to the country’s safety and stability. “This confirms that Zimbabwe is a safe, peaceful, war-free tourist destination,” she stated, directly challenging the outdated narratives that have long deterred visitors.
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