Mashonaland Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure to Mashonaland, Zimbabwe with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and much more.


Introduction to Mashonaland

Mashonaland is a region located in northern Zimbabwe, known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and friendly people. With a range of attractions, from museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic vistas, Mashonaland offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Mashonaland

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places: Visit the National Museum of Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Chiremba Balancing Rocks, and Mbare Musika Market.
  • Natural Attractions of Mashonaland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views: Explore the Nyanga National Park, Mtarazi Falls, Chimanimani Mountains, and Lake Kariba.
  • Hiking/Biking Routes of Mashonaland: Go on the Chirinda Forest Canopy Walk, Mount Nyangani Summit Trail, and Harare Green Belt Trail.
  • Best Things to Do in Mashonaland: Activities and Tours: Experience the Zimbabwe Bird Sanctuary, Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls, and the Wild Zambezi River.
  • Food and Drink Scene of Mashonaland: Taste local dishes, such as sadza, game meat, and peanut butter rice, accompanied by traditional beers, tea, and coffee.
  • Where to Stay in Mashonaland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses: Book your stay at Meikles Hotel, Donnybrook Guest Lodge, Highlands Inn Hotel, and Cresta Lodge Harare.
  • What to Buy in Mashonaland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home: Purchase locally made crafts, pottery, textiles, paintings, and carvings at Mbare Musika Market, Avondale Flea Market, and Eastgate Shopping Centre.
  • Local Culture and Customs of Mashonaland: Learn about the Shona and Ndebele ethnic groups’ traditions, beliefs, and customs, including music, dance, and crafts.
  • Best Time to Visit Mashonaland: Visit Mashonaland during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures are mild and wildlife sightings are excellent.
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Mashonaland: Respect local customs, dress modestly, avoid political discussions, and carry cash in small denominations.
  • Safety and Health: Stay safe by avoiding walking alone at night, protecting yourself from mosquitoes, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Getting to Mashonaland: Transportation Options and Logistics: Fly to Harare International Airport or drive from neighboring countries, such as Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique.
  • How to Get Around in Mashonaland: Rent a car, take a bus or taxi, or hire a private driver to explore the region.
  • Where to Go Next from Mashonaland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions: Extend your trip to Zimbabwe’s other regions, such as Matobo Hills, Bulawayo, Hwange National Park, and the Eastern Highlands.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mashonaland is home to some of Zimbabwe’s most significant cultural landmarks, such as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century. This mysterious site, made up of granite blocks, is believed to have been the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, displaying the unquestionable architectural skill of its builders. The National Museum of Zimbabwe, situated in Harare, contains an impressive collection of exhibits on Zimbabwe’s archaeology, history, and culture. The museum also houses a gallery filled with European and African artwork. Other notable museums include the Mutare Museum, which showcases the region’s colonial history and displays traditional craftworks, and the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Mashonaland boasts some of Zimbabwe’s most important historical landmarks, such as the Chiremba Balancing Rocks, located just outside Harare. These rock formations, steeped in myth and legend, are considered sacred by locals and are aligned with the ancient astronomical calendar. The monument’s uniqueness and magnificence create a breathtaking view for photography enthusiasts. Mbare Musika Market, located in Harare, is the most significant outdoor marketplace in Zimbabwe, showcasing an array of traditional crafts, fabrics, fresh produce, and cooked meals. Mbare is also the heart of Zimbabwe’s transport system, with the infamous “Kombis” - a term used for minibusses - with flashy graphics and loud music playing as they amble along Harare streets.

Natural Attractions of Mashonaland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Home to the famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Mashonaland’s natural beauty and wonders are astonishing. Besides Victoria Falls, activities like hiking, trekking, bird-watching, and game drives are other ways of experiencing Zimbabwe’s hidden gems. Nyanga National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts; it has the highest peak in Zimbabwe, the Mt. Nyangani Summit towering 2 592m tall. It also features hiking trails, walking tours, waterfalls, and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The Mtarazi Falls, located nearby, is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe, with a drop of 762 meters. The Chimanimani Mountains, situated in eastern Zimbabwe, offer breathtaking views of the valley below, with the scenic town of Chimanimani at their base. While the Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, provides excellent fishing, sunset cruises and wildlife exploration opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mashonaland

Mashonaland has an abundance of hiking and biking opportunities, providing a great way to explore the region’s natural attractions. The Chirinda Forest Canopy Walk, located in Mount Selinda, is Zimbabwe’s first canopy walkway. It consists of eight suspension bridges and a 90-meter-long main walkway suspended nearly 30 meters above the forest floor, providing a bird’s-eye view of the evergreen forest. The Mount Nyangani Summit Trail is a popular day trip for visitors, with its stunning views, scenic waterfalls, and historic ruins. The Harare Green Belt Trail is a 52-kilometer cycling route around Harare’s outskirts, passing through parks, wetlands, and rural farmland.

Best Things to Do in Mashonaland: Activities and Tours

Besides cultural landmarks and natural wonders, visitors can also enjoy a range of activities and tours in Mashonaland. Zimbabwe Bird Sanctuary is home to over 600 indigenous bird species and flora species, offering exceptional bird-watching opportunities. The Wild Zambezi River is another must-visit destination for adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping. The Mana Pools National Park is also a great choice for self-drive game viewing or a guided walking safari.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mashonaland

Here is a week-long itinerary for visiting Mashonaland:

  • Day 1: Start your adventure by visiting the National Museum of Zimbabwe to get insights into the country’s history and culture.
  • Day 2: Take a day trip to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore 11th-century ruins.
  • Day 3: Go on a wildlife safari in the Mana Pools National Park for a chance to spot elephants, lions, and other animals.
  • Day 4: Experience the Wild Zambezi River and bungee jump or white-water rafting.
  • Day 5: Take a scenic drive through Nyanga National Park or go on a hike to Mount Nyangani Summit or Mtarazi Falls.
  • Day 6: Explore Harare city and visit the Mbare Musika Market, Chiremba Balancing Rocks, and the Botanical Gardens.
  • Day 7: Relax at Lake Kariba and enjoy a sunset cruise or do some fishing.

Food and Drink Scene of Mashonaland

Mashonaland’s culinary scene features a blend of African and European influences, with its traditional dishes such as sadza and game meat, from the Shona and Ndebele tribes, making a staple. Sadza is a thick cornmeal paste that locals eat with their hands to scoop up stews or vegetables. Other local delicacies include peanut butter rice, muriwo unedovi, and kapenta. Local beverages to try out include tea, coffee, beer, and the traditional African beer brewed using fermented cornmeal, known as the Chibuku Shake Shake.

Where to Stay in Mashonaland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mashonaland offers accommodation options for travelers with different budgets and preferences. Choose a luxury stay at Meikles Hotel, located at the heart of Harare Central Business district, offering world-class service and comfort. Alternatively, Donnybrook Guest Lodge, located in Harare, provides a more affordable option, with spacious rooms and a serene environment. For a more local experience, opt for the Highlands Inn Hotel or Cresta Lodge, situated in a more residential area and offers a view of Harare’s suburbs.

What to Buy in Mashonaland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mashonaland offers a unique shopping experience, thanks to its myriad of traditional craft works, pottery, textiles, paintings, and carvings. Mbare Musika Market is the largest outdoor market, providing a wide range of fabrics, beads, baskets, and furniture. The Avondale Flea Market is a great place to find second-hand clothing, accessories, and local crafts. Eastgate Shopping Centre offers a more modern shopping experience, with several local shops, stalls selling traditional souvenirs, and artwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Mashonaland

The traditional culture of Mashonaland is infused with beliefs, practices, rituals, and customs passed from generation to generation. The Shona and Ndebele peoples, the largest ethnic groups in Mashonaland, share similar customs but have distinct cultural practices based on their histories. Music and dance are a significant part of Mashonaland culture, and several local performers use the ancient mbira, a thumb piano-like instrument, to play traditional songs.

Best Time to Visit Mashonaland

The best time to visit Mashonaland is during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures are mild, and there’s little to no rainfall. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and game viewing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mashonaland

Here are some do’s and don’ts to observe while visiting Mashonaland:

  • Do: Respect local customs, dress modestly, carry cash in small denominations, and exchange money at authorized exchange bureaus.

Safety and Health

Mashonaland has generally low crime rates, but visitors should take some precautions to stay safe. It’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night, keep your belongings secure, and take precautions against mosquitoes by using repellent and covering exposed skin. Make sure to check with your doctor or travel clinic to get updated information about any necessary vaccinations for Zimbabwe.

Getting to Mashonaland: Transportation Options and Logistics

International visitors can fly to Harare International Airport, the country’s main airport. The airport has several flight options, including from Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and British Airways. Visitors can also drive from neighboring countries such as Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique.

How to Get Around in Mashonaland

Getting around Mashonaland is easy and affordable, with several transport options, including rental cars, taxis, and minibusses (Kombis). Private drivers are also available for hire, and they offer a more convenient and customizable experience.

Where to Go Next from Mashonaland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Zimbabwe has a range of exciting destinations to explore beyond Mashonaland, such as Matobo Hills, Bulawayo, Hwange National Park, and the Eastern Highlands. Matobo Hills, located south of Zimbabwe, features an impressive collection of ancient rock art and a chance to track black or white rhinos. The eastern highlands are a paradise for nature lovers, with towering peaks, lush forests, and dramatic waterfalls. Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, offering a glimpse of the country’s colonial history through its architecture.

Conclusion

Mashonaland is a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly people, making it a great destination for travelers seeking an authentic African experience. Follow our comprehensive guide to explore the region’s top attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, local cuisine, and much more. Remember to take precautions, respect local customs, and enjoy your adventure in Mashonaland!



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