Lewis Nunn, a senior travel editor published an article in Forbes Travel Magazine, naming Zimbabwe as the top destination for travelers in 2025. Well, it is not a massive place, and it doesn’t have a coast, so read on to find out why it was chosen.
How Did They Arrive At The #1 Destination?
Pretty much, the decision to name the country formerly known as Rhodesia in the top spot came after collaboration with Kayak. Interestingly, Morocco was also high on the list. The criteria was mainly based on their latest Travel Check-in report. Furthermore, they looked for amazing spots that also focus on wellness, make city-hopping easy, and offer more relaxed, low-intensity vacations.
Did Zimbabwe check all the boxes? Well, the assessment was that the Southern African country presents stunning wild landscapes and deep cultural roots. From the mysterious jagged granite mountains to plains and rivers, and of course, the famous Victoria Falls, there’s much to attract visitors.
History & Accessibility
The Forbes article factored in the historical side of it. For example, they mentioned the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe. It’s believed to have been constructed by the ancestors of the modern Shona people between the 11th and 15th centuries. Less often mentioned is the beautiful Eastern Highlands mountain region and, of course, the massive wilderness areas in Matabeleland in the west.
Cities are accessible, vibrant, and up-beat. Meanwhile, immersion in local culture, and many wild places with the Big 5 all make it a place to put on your bucket list. These days, some folks in the indigenous communal areas also offer nice places to dine or stay. Meanwhile, there are many comfortable hotels to choose from. From camping to luxury tours and road trips, the choices fit almost any budget, and crime is relatively low.
Interest Surges
Possibly, because of people like Jeremy Clarkson, who explored the country in the finale of The Grand Tour, more people seek information about flights. According to the data from Kayak, flight searches for Zimbabwean cities skyrocketed. For instance, searches for Bulawayo have increased by more than “80 percent” for this summer. Similarly, interest in flights to Harare jumped “by 56 percent.”
Right now, Zimbabweans celebrate their recognition because they experienced some setbacks in the 1990s and a change of governance that some international countries objected to. But the winds of change still blow, and things look up now that the place is “Open for business.” For now, while locals might grumble on social media, the government looks set to remain in place, and the focus is on rehabilitating infrastructure like roads and hospitals.
A Big Why That Is Possibly Overlooked
There is one thing that hasn’t been mentioned much in articles about the top destination identification. By September 2021, Zimbabwe made a major move to welcome the world back. The nation reopened its skies to international flights, while many other countries kept their borders firmly shut. However, the government kept its land borders closed to most road traffic. Instead, it focused on allowing flights into major hubs like Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.
At the time, visitors could enter as long as they produced a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours. Later, the rules eased even more, and fully vaccinated travelers could enter without any test at all. Consequently, hotels and tour operators in Victoria Falls immediately began welcoming tourists under strict health guidelines. They worked hard to revive a local economy severely damaged by earlier lockdowns.
Ahead Of The Pack
In stark contrast, many other popular nations were still enforcing some of the world’s toughest border rules. For example, Australia and New Zealand remained closed to almost all tourists until well into 2022. Similarly, Asian destinations like Thailand and China also limited entry to select groups, who then faced heavy testing and quarantine regimes. Even popular Pacific islands like Fiji and Samoa were only just beginning to discuss their reopening plans at that time.
Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s strategy made it a standout destination, and you know how it goes: have backpack, will travel. Feedback on social media seemed to recognize the country as being one of the few African countries offering real access to international travelers in late 2021. Therefore, compared to much of the world, its tourism hubs were far ahead in cautiously welcoming back global visitors.
There are many reasons to visit the country. So, Remember to come back here often for all your travel news and updates.