Everyone knows of Zimbabwe’s recent history but there is a wonderful country to explore and enjoy behind the headlines. And it is in its ancient history that the wonders of Zimbabwe come into view. Search around to find the cheapest flights into Harare and book a trip from the capital out to Great Zimbabwe.

Great Zimbabwe is around a 4 hour drive from Harare and it’s best if you book onto a tour to take you out to the ancient site. Tours are recommended as the guides can give real context to the vast and sprawling site. Originally built in the 11th century, work continued here until the 15th century and it was once the capital of the kingdom of Zimbabwe. Now all that remains are stone ruins of a city that has been long abandoned. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the Sahara and it’s easy to be in awe of the ancient monuments. The site is split largely into three main parts: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Enclosure. There is also a museum of artefacts that can be visited.

The Hill Complex was the most important site during the city’s use, being home to the King. From the hill, he could survey his domain and the view from here is simply incredible. Explore the many royal enclosures and visit the ruins of the buildings where all rituals took place. The Great Enclosure is home to an the iconic conical tower which at 10m stands out and stays as an image imprinted in your memory whenever you think back to Great Zimbabwe. The circular, dry stone walls are an absolute delight to explore as they loom high above you. The Valley Enclosure was home to the townsfolk and so the ruins aren’t as well preserved as those of the Hill and Great Enclosure but it’s still an absolute pleasure to walk around and explore this ancient site.

Once you’ve finished exploring Zimbabwe’s ancient past, it’s time to move onto discovering its natural world. A trip south takes you to the Matobo National Park, an area dominated by dramatic looming hills. Here in the oldest national park in Zimbabwe, you can take in the natural wonders that the country has to offer and see beauty of the land. In such a vast land, there is much to see and do so it’s definitely worth making time in your schedule to spend a few days here.

The park has some spectacular views and provides many a picture-postcard image across its sacred land. As well as the hills, there are incredible balancing rocks and river valleys that wind their way through the park. Take a tour amongst the caves to view for yourself the rock paintings of the bushmen who lived in the hills over 2,000 years ago and it is this ancient artwork which saw Matobo declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. You must also take in a wildlife tour to see the many endangered species that live here.

Natalie Likness’ love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.