When Forbes International released its list of top destinations for 2025, Zimbabwe claimed the number one spot — a moment of pride for a country that has quietly captivated travellers for decades.
For those of us who've witnessed its wild beauty, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the sprawling plains of Hwange National Park, this recognition feels long overdue. Zimbabwe is more than just a travel destination; it's a place that moves you.
It's wonderful to see Zimbabwe finally getting the global attention it deserves. This recognition from Forbes shines a spotlight on a country that has long been a favourite among safari lovers and seasoned travellers, a land of immense beauty, deep cultural roots, and genuine warmth.
From Victoria Falls' misty grandeur to the quiet charm of the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe offers a rare combination of wild adventure and heartfelt hospitality. It's a place that feels both untouched and deeply human. And that's what makes it so special.
According to Forbes, Zimbabwe stands out 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." It's a poetic description. And an accurate one.
As travel interest surges (with Kayak reporting more than 80% growth in searches for Bulawayo and 56% for Harare this year), it's clear that the world is rediscovering what we've known all along: Zimbabwe is a destination that stays with you.
Wild Wings Safaris' 20th anniversary team journey
(Image: Ilaria Semprini-Sara)
We've always believed that travel should move you, not just across continents, but in ways that stay with you long after you've unpacked your bags. Zimbabwe does exactly that.
Having recently celebrated our 20th anniversary with a team journey through Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, we were reminded why this country holds such a special place in our story — and in our hearts.
Here are just a few of the reasons why we love Zimbabwe (and why we think you will, too):
Helicopter flight over Vic Falls
(Image: Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience)
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth. Watching the Zambezi River plunge 100 metres into the gorge below, rainbows forming in the mist, never gets old, no matter how many times we visit.
But Vic Falls is more than just a spectacular sight; it's also the adventure capital of Africa. From whitewater rafting and helicopter flips to sunset cruises and Zambezi safaris, there's something for every kind of traveller. And yet, beyond the adrenaline and the bucket-list photos, it's the people — their warmth, humour, and hospitality — that make every visit unforgettable.
Hwange elephants at sunset
(Image: The Hide Safari Camp)
Just a few hours from the Falls lies Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most diverse wildlife sanctuary. Here, elephants gather by the hundreds at ancient waterholes, lions call across open plains, and painted dogs roam free in one of Africa's most inspiring conservation success stories.
Our recent visit reminded us that Hwange's magic isn't just in the wildlife. It's in the atmosphere. The stillness before dawn. The laughter around the firepit. The genuine warmth of the guides and lodge staff who treat every guest like family.
Honorary Zimbabwean, Wild Wings Safaris guide, Rufus, in Hwange
(Image: Wild Wings Safaris)
There's a phrase we often use: You come for the scenery, but you return for the people.
Nowhere is that truer than in Zimbabwe. From our hosts at Masuwe Lodge singing us a welcome song on arrival, to the heartfelt smiles at Chundu Island and Hwange Safari Lodge, the human connections here are genuine and lasting.
Zimbabwean hospitality is something you feel — in the rhythm of the dance, the sound of the drums, the sparkle in someone's eyes when they share a story.
Game viewing in Matusadona National Park
(Image: Changa Safari Camp)
In an age where many destinations feel over-curated, Zimbabwe still feels raw and real, the kind of place where nature still sets the pace. Safaris here are intimate, unhurried, and profoundly immersive. You won't find traffic jams of safari vehicles; instead, you'll find space — for reflection, for connection, for wonder.
Guided walking safari on the shores of Lake Kariba
(Image: Changa Safari Camp)
If there's one thing that sets Zimbabwe apart from almost anywhere else in Africa, it's the outstanding quality of its safari guides. The country's guiding qualifications are among the most rigorous on the continent, combining deep bush knowledge, sharp tracking skills, and a genuine passion for conservation and storytelling.
Many of Zimbabwe's professional guides have spent years honing their craft, often passing through one of Africa's toughest certification systems. The result? Guiding that's not only informative, but truly transformative, blending education, safety, and a sense of wonder in every game drive or walking safari.
For travellers, this means an exceptional safari experience: insightful, safe, and deeply connected to the land. And for us, as safari specialists who run our own guided safaris in Kruger, we hold Zimbabwe's guiding tradition in the highest regard — it sets a benchmark the whole continent can be proud of.
Celebrating International Women's Day in Harare
(Image: Trust Tru Katsande I Unsplash)
Forbes' recognition marks a new chapter for Zimbabwe. After years of global challenges and under-the-radar beauty, the country is stepping into the light again — and it's about time. With improved infrastructure, growing investment, and renewed confidence from the international travel community, Zimbabwe's future is brighter than ever.
But it's not just the landscapes and wildlife that make Zimbabwe special. It's the people. Zimbabweans are resilient, resourceful, and warm-hearted, with an enduring optimism that carries them through challenges. Across the country, parents sacrifice so much to ensure their children's education, planting seeds of hope that will nurture generations to come. This spirit of determination and generosity infuses every encounter, from bustling towns to remote wilderness camps, and makes visiting Zimbabwe as much a journey of the heart as it is of the senses.
For travellers, it's a rare privilege to witness not only the country's wild beauty but also the spirit of its extraordinary people, who continue to shape Zimbabwe's bright and promising future.
Our anniversary trip reminded us that Zimbabwe isn't just a destination; it's a feeling.
It's the cool spray of the Falls at noon, the roar of lions across the savanna, the shared laughter over a campfire. It's the kind of magic that reminds us why we fell in love with Africa, and why we love sharing it with our guests.
So yes, Forbes got it right. Zimbabwe truly is the world's best destination for 2025 — and we couldn't be prouder to share its story.
If you'd like to experience it for yourself, we'd love to help you plan a journey that captures everything we adore about this remarkable country.
Start planning your Zimbabwe safari today — the adventure awaits.
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