Top Tourist Attractions In Zimbabwe
The top tourist attractions in Zimbabwe are an interesting mix of adrenaline rush inducing adventures and cultural experiences. This landlocked country in Southern Africa shares borders with Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.
With its fertile soils, vibrant metropolitan cities and a rich flora and fauna, Zimbabwe is definitely worth a visit.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls. The world’s largest water fall is both Zimbabwe and Zambia’s pride and joy. Victoria Falls offer a wide variety of activities ranging from mild and relaxing, to extreme and adrenaline-rush inducing.
Observe the diverse flora and fauna surrounding the falls. The grounds around Victoria Falls are home to a plethora of endemic species of birds, and fish. If you’re into sports fishing, the nearby Zambezi River is a slice of heaven.
Visitor Tip: If you’re brave enough, bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge for a once in a lifetime experience.
Hwange National Park. If observing Zimbabwe’s flora and fauna is your cup of tea, visit Huwange National Park, one of the top tourist attractions in Zimbabwe. This park is home to a great variety of game (one of the highest concentration of game, as a matter of fact). With an area of 146,000 square kilometres, the National Park is home to 107 species of animals and over 400 species of birds.
Harare. Head off to Zimbabwe’s capital for a taste of culture. Harare’s cosmopolitan environment is perfect place to hunt for local and gourmet cuisines to whet your whistle, or satisfy your craving for some souvenir shopping in Mbane Musika market, one of the greatest open-air market in Africa.
You can also check out some of Africa’s best artworks in the National Gallery or interesting artefacts in the Queen Victoria Museum.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins. For history buffs, visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the remnants of the ancient Kingdom of Munumatapa which was built between the 13th and 15th century.
Top Destinations In Cwmbran
There are a few discerning top destinations in Cwmbran that is worth one’s while for choosing this part of United Kingdom as a place to spend one’s vacation. It is interesting to take note that this town, categorized as new town, was established for the sole purpose of providing employment for the people around South Wales.
This fact alone pretty much shapes its modern history and contemporary culture. During the dawn of the 20th Century, this town is one of the biggest manufacturers of coal, like everywhere else in Wales and England. But when the coal industry reached its twilight, Cwmbran sought different means to promote the local industry and opted for commerce.
Now it still retains a huge number of employed citizens. But apart from its development, Cwmbran also has a strong tourism potential and they manifest themselves in some of its few attractions.
1. Greenmeadows Community Farm
One of the most popular of the top destinations in Cwmbran that is out of the ordinary tourism itinerary is the Greenmedows Community Farm. This farm has been operating for over 250 years and until now, it still prides on its practical traditional methods of diverse agricultural activities, particularly animal husbandry. This community farm has a very cozy café where visitors can simply unwind instead of going through the first-hand learning experience of doing the dirty work. Their café serves organic treats and even today, they aim to extend their culinary selection with home-grown fruits and vegetables. This place also serves a variety of treats that children also enjoy. The Greenmeadows Community Farm is definitely a suitable choice of attraction for the entire family.
2. Cwmbran Boating Lake
Although Cwmbran’s natural bodies of water are identified with streams and canals, the Boating Lake proves to be another unique addition in the top destinations in Cwmbran. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy the serenity of this enclosed body of water, surrounded by thick foliage that fosters a rich microcosmic biodiversity. This is the best place for parents to introduce little children to the idea of loving nature. Ducks in this area are used to the presence of humans and they make a quirky addition to the spectacle of magnificent birds hovering around the lake.
3. Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
People with great fascination for arts could also choose the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre as a favorite local attraction. This gallery features some of the town’s best works of art. In addition, this gallery also holds educational seminars and workshops. Lastly, one can visit the café to relax or buy some hand-made trinkets at the crafts shop.
4. Cheeky Monkeys
By the mere sound of it, anyone can guess that this is the one place to unlock the exhilaration within young children who has to put up with their parent’s boring rules and conditions. The Cheeky Monkey’s playground encourages kids to have fun at an almost “cheeky” extent. This place could be quite a bit pricey, but it is the best place to hold birthday parties.
Your Road Trip Guide To 2014: Five Destinations Worth The Mileage in the US
A road trip can be a way to refresh your spirit after a hectic year of work and family activities. Cruising down an open road, with new sights, sounds and personalities along the way can be the best way to spend time away from home. A number of destinations are recognized as always worth the trip – Check out some of these worthwhile locations in the US:
The Grand Canyon/Sedona
One of the classic road trips for Americans is the trip to north central Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. The canyon itself was the site of human habitation
Today, you can walk along the South Rim, enjoy the museum, browse the bookstore or listen to one of the ranger-led programs. Visitors can stay in one of the six lodges within the park, hike down to the bottom of the canyon or ride the mules on canyon paths. A short distance away along some extraordinarily picturesque byways, are the red rocks of Sedona, a city devoted to artistic endeavors and spiritual growth. There, you can enjoy a class, hike through the rock formations and discover one of the energy-filled vortexes that made the area famous.
Miami/Everglades National Park
At the southern end of the Florida peninsula is the exciting city of Miami, a place that offers many cultural exhibits, ethnic restaurants and beautiful beaches. The Miami Metro Zoo, South Beach restaurants and viewing the historic architecture of the 1920s are some of the most popular activities for visitors. Off the far western edge of the area lies the Everglades National Park, where travelers of all ages can find an extraordinary ecosystem in the renowned “sea of grass,” with its unique variety of wildlife and plants. An afternoon at the park can provide fishing, kayaking, photographic opportunities and a wildlife tram tour to see some of the many alligators that inhabit the park.
Santa Fe-Taos, New Mexico
Just an hour outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, travelers can find the charming city of Santa Fe, a Mecca for artists nestled in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. The city offers numerous historical sites, and a number of places of archaeological interests are also nearby. Restaurants, shops and many cultural events make Santa Fe one of the favorites of road trip enthusiasts. Drive a bit further into the mountains, and you find the more pastoral city of Taos. A destination for skiers in winter, Taos also offers horseback riding, art galleries and a variety of historical sites. Take time to see the Taos Pueblo, once a settlement for Pueblo Indians now the traditional site for tribal ceremonies.
Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma
Riding across the middle of America, you will find the amazing opportunities of Chickasaw Country in Oklahoma. Located outside of Oklahoma City, the area offers entertainments for every taste. Recreation areas offer fishing and hunting; scenic drives; camping; hiking and boating. The Native American cultural influence from the Chickasaw tribe is strong in this area and provides numerous educational opportunities for children. Ride a zip line or hike to a waterfall. Adults can enjoy some time at the casino. A variety of resorts and lodgings are available to make your stay comfortable.
Take the time on your road trip to explore the neighborhoods, foods and people that make these destinations so unique.
Hanoi or Saigon?
Many people coming to Vietnam on holiday, ask me the same question, “I want to see a big city as well as some of the countryside, which is better Hanoi or Saigon?” It is an almost impossible question to answer, but I will at least attempt to give you some information on which to base your choice.
First, a bit of background information. Hanoi is the capital of the country and is based in the north. It was already the capital of North Vietnam and when the country was reunified in 1975, it got the nod ahead of its southern rival. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, as it is now officially called, is 720 miles south of Hanoi. The former capital of South Vietnam it is by far the largest city in the country, and one of the largest in Asia. It is home to about 12 million people and a staggering 3.4 million motorbikes.
One of many broad tree-lined boulevards in Saigon
Choosing a holiday destination is about, of course, more than just what is available inside the city. The surrounding areas and local hot destinations have to be taken into consideration. In the north you have Sapa and Halong Bay. These are the two biggest attractions in the country, with Halong Bay considered one of the finest destinations anywhere in the world. However, in the south you will find the Mekong Delta and no Vietnam trip can really miss out on seeing one of the world’s truly great rivers.
Saigon, as it is still known by most people, is quite simply one of the greatest cities anywhere. It is a huge sprawling city with a mixture of architectural styles that is very easy on the eye. Ancient Asian structures, fabulous French Colonial buildings and ultra modern glass towers, all rub shoulders here, in a riot of design. That it all works is something of a miracle, but work it does. The broad sweeping, tree-lined boulevards and the many parks, bring space and give the city its lungs.
Hanoi on the other hand, is smaller, quieter and not so dramatic. Of course the same three types of architecture are present, but the buildings are not quite so imposing and iconic. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is all very fine and much loved, but compared to the Notre Dame Basilica in Saigon, there really is no contest. Whilst the two highest glass towers in the country, The Landmark 72 and the soon to be completed Lotte Centre are found in Hanoi, the boldest and most iconic one, the Bitexco Financial Tower, is in Saigon.
The iconic Bitexco Financial Tower in Saigon
For culture and entertainment, most people head, in Saigon, to District One. There are many bars, restaurants, stores and cinemas. Everything you would want for a great night out. But Hanoi does it with more style. The Old Quarter is a fabulous maze of small streets with incredible restaurants and bars lending an almost Mediterranean feel to an evening out. However, if it’s shopping you want, then head to Saigon, the fashion stores here rival Paris or Milan.
A view of the old district in Hanoi.
So what is it to be, Hanoi or Saigon? There really is only one solution. Take a longer break and do both!
Keith Hancock is a singer/songwriter and writer based in Saigon, Vietnam. He has lived in Asia for more than 5 years and travels throughout the continent researching and writing. He owns and writes for Saigon Districts, an informative website about life in Vietnam’s largest city, aimed at the expat community. Keith is one of only two DIAMOND STATUS rated writers on Ezine articles in the whole of Indochina He has had work published in magazines and websites in the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and Asia. His great loves are music and travel, but he writes on a whole range of subjects.
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