Zimbabwe should, by rights, be one of Africa's top tourist destinations. And – easy to forget today – for a few years in the 1990s that's exactly what it was. Adrenaline junkies flocked to Victoria Falls to raft the white waters of the Zambezi and bungee jump from its historic bridge. Safari enthusiasts enjoyed world-class wildlife viewing in the likes of Hwange and Mana Pools. A plethora of scenic highlights, headed by the peerless Victoria Falls, was complemented by a tangible cultural heritage that included the monumental ruined city of Great Zimbabwe and some breathtaking prehistoric rock art sites.
Boosted by tourist amenities that catered to every corner of the market, and one of Africa's highest literacy and education levels, Zimbabwe back then was positively pumping, and it felt like a country with the rosiest of futures.
A quarter century of political and economic turmoil now separates us from those halcyon days. Having been regular visitors to Zimbabwe back in its heyday, Ariadne and I returned earlier this year on a six-week self-drive trip, to experience a country that seems ideally poised to continue its tourist revival.
The likes of Victoria Falls, Hwange and Great Zimbabwe are as alluring as ever. The travel infrastructure is still in unexpectedly good shape. And, at risk of generalisation, the people of Zimbabwe, despite all they've had to contend with, remain as welcoming and articulate as ever. So, what were the highlights from our trip?
