{"id":1259,"date":"2025-11-13T04:56:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T04:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?p=1259"},"modified":"2025-11-13T04:59:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T04:59:56","slug":"matabeleland-magic-powers-zimbabwe-to-worlds-no-1-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?p=1259","title":{"rendered":"Matabeleland magic powers Zimbabwe to world\u2019s No.1 spot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA<\/em>
JOHANNESBURG<\/strong> \u2013 ZIMBABWE has been crowned the World\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of this triumph lies Matabeleland \u2014 a region whose breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality have captured the imagination of global travellers and adventure seekers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the majestic Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North \u2014 known to locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, \u201cThe Smoke That Thunders\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City of Kings and Queens, Bulawayo, has emerged as one of the continent\u2019s most searched-for destinations, registering an 80% surge in flight searches on Kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further south, Matobo\u2019s White Rhino Experience, Maleme Dam, and the Murenje Eco Safaris offer unmatched encounters with nature, blending conservation and adventure in equal measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 a region where history, wildlife, and culture intersect in stunning harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Matobo Hills, Matabeleland south<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chizarira and Kazuma Pan National Parks, though lesser known, are hidden gems for those seeking untouched African wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Matabeleland may be the shining star, the rest of Zimbabwe glows just as brilliantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the country\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the east, the Eastern Highlands \u2014 encompassing Nyanga, Vumba, and Chimanimani \u2014 offer mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil trails for hikers and romantics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Kariba, the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hwange National Park, Matabeleland North<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And for those seeking a taste of urban sophistication, Harare, the capital city, offers world-class cuisine, art galleries, and nightlife \u2014 a cosmopolitan contrast to Zimbabwe\u2019s wild frontiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forbes lauded Zimbabwe as \u201ca mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage \u2014 where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But beyond the scenery, Zimbabwe\u2019s allure lies in its people \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every corner of Zimbabwe tells a story \u2014 of heritage, hope, and the timeless African spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zimbabwe\u2019s recognition not only elevates its tourism industry but also positions Africa as the continent of the future for global travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bulawayo Railway Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cZimbabwe is beautiful \u2014 it\u2019s Africa\u2019s best-kept secret no more,\u201d said a jubilant Bulawayo resident, Nyasha Hove, echoing the nationwide pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the world rediscovers Zimbabwe, one truth stands clear: this is a land where nature roars, history whispers, and hearts are forever changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 Zimbabwe is not just a place to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a place to feel, to remember, and to return to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 CAJ News<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by SAVIOUS KWINIKAJOHANNESBURG \u2013 ZIMBABWE has been crowned the World\u2019s 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 \u2014 a region whose breathtaking landscapes, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1260,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77,5,46,81,3,83,84,16],"tags":[197,122],"class_list":["post-1259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-featured","category-features","category-hospitality","category-news","category-safaris","category-tour-guides","category-travel","tag-the-beauty-of-matabeleland-region","tag-zimbabwe"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North-150x150.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North-300x168.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg","large":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg","post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"administrator","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a3d5ebfe727f13fb325bd400aaaf5e789d3e2e20898883d9ae8e3d3d42d58cef?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"by SAVIOUS KWINIKAJOHANNESBURG \u2013 ZIMBABWE has been crowned the World\u2019s 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 \u2014 a region whose breathtaking landscapes, […]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["Arts & Culture","Featured","Features","Hospitality","News","Safaris","Tour Guides","Travel"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":146,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":4,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North.jpg",600,336,false],"medium":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North-300x168.jpg",300,168,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Victoria-Falls-Matabeleland-North-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"administrator","author_link":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?author=2"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a3d5ebfe727f13fb325bd400aaaf5e789d3e2e20898883d9ae8e3d3d42d58cef?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"Arts & Culture<\/a> Featured<\/a> Features<\/a> Hospitality<\/a> News<\/a> Safaris<\/a> Tour Guides<\/a> Travel<\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1259"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1265,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259\/revisions\/1265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}