by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
OHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE has been crowned the World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025 by the globally acclaimed publication Forbes, a distinction that celebrates not only its spectacular natural beauty but also the warmth and spirit of its people.
At the heart of this triumph lies Matabeleland — a region whose breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality have captured the imagination of global travellers and adventure seekers alike.
From the majestic Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North — known to locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders” — to the ancient granite formations of Matobo National Park in Matabeleland South, the region offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that embody the soul of Africa.
The City of Kings and Queens, Bulawayo, has emerged as one of the continent’s most searched-for destinations, registering an 80% surge in flight searches on Kayak.
Its charm lies in its elegant colonial architecture, vibrant art scene, and gateway proximity to the Matobo Hills, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic rock formations, Stone Age cave paintings, and the grave of colonial magnate Cecil John Rhodes, which overlooks the Valley of the Kings.
Further south, Matobo’s White Rhino Experience, Maleme Dam, and the Murenje Eco Safaris offer unmatched encounters with nature, blending conservation and adventure in equal measure.
Visitors can also explore the Silozwane Cave Paintings, or follow the trail to Beitbridge, the bustling southern gateway linking Zimbabwe to South Africa through the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area — a region where history, wildlife, and culture intersect in stunning harmony.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North dazzles with its world-famous attractions: the thunderous Victoria Falls, the vast wilderness of Hwange National Park teeming with elephants and lions, and the tranquil waters of the Zambezi National Park, perfect for sunset cruises and tiger-fishing adventures.
The Chizarira and Kazuma Pan National Parks, though lesser known, are hidden gems for those seeking untouched African wilderness.
While Matabeleland may be the shining star, the rest of Zimbabwe glows just as brilliantly.
In the country’s heartland lies the ancient stone metropolis of Great Zimbabwe, the 13th-century city that gave the nation its name and stands as a powerful symbol of African ingenuity.
To the east, the Eastern Highlands — encompassing Nyanga, Vumba, and Chimanimani — offer mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil trails for hikers and romantics.
Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir, offers unforgettable houseboat safaris, while Gonarezhou National Park in the southeast (Lowveld) mesmerizes visitors with its towering sandstone cliffs and herds of elephants roaming freely under copper sunsets.
And for those seeking a taste of urban sophistication, Harare, the capital city, offers world-class cuisine, art galleries, and nightlife — a cosmopolitan contrast to Zimbabwe’s wild frontiers.
Forbes lauded Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage — where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves.”
But beyond the scenery, Zimbabwe’s allure lies in its people — resilient, warm, and endlessly hospitable. Decades after overcoming political and economic challenges, Zimbabwe stands reborn as a beacon of sustainable tourism, community-driven conservation, and cultural pride.
From the moment travellers arrive, they are greeted with the melody of traditional imbube songs, the aroma of roasting nyama choma, and the sight of dancers celebrating life in full colour.
Every corner of Zimbabwe tells a story — of heritage, hope, and the timeless African spirit.
In the Forbes global rankings, Zimbabwe topped a list of ten countries that included Lithuania, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Argentina, Morocco, Norway, Moldova, Hong Kong, and Denmark.
Zimbabwe’s recognition not only elevates its tourism industry but also positions Africa as the continent of the future for global travel.
“Zimbabwe is beautiful — it’s Africa’s best-kept secret no more,” said a jubilant Bulawayo resident, Nyasha Hove, echoing the nationwide pride.
As the world rediscovers Zimbabwe, one truth stands clear: this is a land where nature roars, history whispers, and hearts are forever changed.
From the rumbling thunder of Victoria Falls to the tranquil silence of the Matobo Hills, from the sunrise over the Eastern Highlands to the sunset on Lake Kariba — Zimbabwe is not just a place to visit.
It is a place to feel, to remember, and to return to.
– CAJ News