Skip to main content

Winter ABC Day 23: 10 Things that You Didn’t Know About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a beautiful mess! Forget about Victoria Falls, the country in itself is a wonder. Through all the trials and tribulations, you can still find a people who are loyal to the nation.

There is so much to see and experience in Zimbabwe that travel brochures won't show you. I have jotted 10 unknown things about Zimbabwe.

Places

1. Mutorashanga

Yes we are a landlocked country but guess what, we have great water bodies. Mutorashanga is that place for great afternoon with friends. Carry your swimwear and enjoy the serene natural pools at this place.

2. The Kariba Islands

It took the filming of a television show for me to really experience Kariba. Most people speak of the common place on the man-made lake. But did you know that there are sightful islands by Lake Kariba? My favourite was Rhino island. If you are the adventurous type who doesn't mind having elephants and rhinos visit your campsite, then you will love this place. There's even a beach, just be careful of the crocodiles and hippos. Changa island is similar to Rhino island, although it's more glampy. But if you want a five star experience by the lake, then Bumi Hills is your vibe. I felt like I was in heaven and you will probably too.

3. Antelope Park

Want to walk with lions side by side? Then experience safari in the heart of Zimbabwe at the Antelope Park. Located in Gweru, Antelope Park, is tourism that went to private school. The accommodation is comfortable and homely. There is so much to do in this place, including mischievously chasing after wildebeest.

4. Nesbitt Castle

We have Great Zimbabwe and then we have Nesbitt Castle. Located in the city of Kings, Bulawayo, this castle is a must see. Yes, the castle includes archaic artefacts and has that noble feeling. If you want to sleep like the queen of England, then book your bed at Nesbitt Castle.

5. Bushman Rock

If you want to experience upper class lifestyle like the British nobility then you will need to visit Bushman Rock. This is where you dress to the nines and watch polo. Wine tasting events are also held at this plush venue. If you want an elegant wedding, then save your VIP list and allow them to share your day in style.

Events

6. Unplugged

What began as a bourgie event for families, is now a hangout for the lovers of things. Prior to 2019, Unplugged was a monthly event, with the main theme of picnic blankets, wine and live music. It's a great space to eat, drink and be merry at a slower pace than nightclubs. The Unplugged stage has been graced by many local and international musicians and continues to promote upcoming local artists.

7. Miombo Music Festival

If you thought that the hippy lifestyle only existed on TV then you haven't met the Miombo Music Festival. It often takes place during the weekend, artists and fans rough it out in the wild. You meet an eclectic group of people from all walks of life. It's got that African magic not found at any other music festival.

8. Shoko Festival

If you love hip hop, graffiti and freedom of expression then you need to attend Shoko Festival. The annual festival is a reflection of Zimbabwean urban, youth culture. It's like a mini Coachella but mainly for hip hop and spoken word. Spaces for activists, journalists and nerds are available as well. This is the best place to kick off summer.

The People

9. Humour

Al Jazeera, BBC and other international news outlets will always talk about the demise of Zimbabwe. Oh yes, this country is totally f@*#ed up! But the 'Lemonade' award must go to Zimbabweans. They are the one group of people who use humour for pain. Political satire is created every single day that if Zimbabweans were paid a US $; or pounds, we would be billionaires! Oh, we actually have been billionaires and trillionaires! My bad!

10. Hustlers Paradise

My friend's brother bought himself a car before he turned 21. He moved out of his parents home. He has upgraded his cars since then. He rents his own apartment, yes in this economy. Zimbabwe is the hustler's paradise. You have to have a hustle otherwise you will die of stress. People are still living lifestyles and purchasing goods in a senseless economy. If you have the hustle of a Colombian or Nigerian, then you are welcome. I didn't say that all hustles were legal or morally upright, but you can get rich or die trying.

I'm done with sounding like a brochure for today. What facts about Zimbabwe that were not placed on this list?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

P.S. Always write your own love story!

Ciao!

Lady E

Comments

Popular Posts

Single ladies: Wife material

MPV.....my point of view! Single Ladies: Wifen Material *Royal wave*Hey single ladies,your guide is back.The pursuit for Mr Put-A-Ring-On-It is on.Today I would like to make you a get-a-ring-on-it lady. Now following my articles,'Single Ladies Part 3',where I talked about the prince searching for a 'real princess',or 'Queen';and 'Brown Sugar',where the word 'brown sugar' was defined as wifen material,I would like to talk about 'wifey material'.(Whether we are that). How do we single ladies get that ring-on-it,you ask?By being wifey material.My uncle keeps on telling me,'If you want to become Mrs X,you should be a wife.You are a wife before he puts a ring on it'.What he means is that,a man will treat you the way you portray yourself.How,you ask? Ever noticed the difference between a wife and a girlfriend.Now let me break it down for you.A girlfriend usually,takes life in a more leisurely way;unlike a wife,whose focus is mo...

Script My Life: Love By the 10th Date

Finding love shouldn’t be a duty but it should be a journey that you enjoy the ride while you get to it... I don’t remember when was the last time I related to a number of female characters in one movie. I finally watched Lifetime movie ‘Love By the 10th Date’.  The trailer to the movie, written and directed by Nzingha Stewart, enticed me for a good chick flick...about women of colour. The all star cast includes the gorgeous Kelly Rowland, Meagan Good, Keri Hilson and Kellee Smith. We also see Cat Deely, Joshua T Jackson, Andra Fuller and UnReal’s Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. The story line follows a group of young, successful black friends who work for a high end, digital magazine Nina. The protagonist is Gabrielle Fateful a.k.a Gabby played by Meagan Good. Gabby is a graphic designer at Nina whose love life is an actual struggle. The scene that kickstarts the plot of the movie is when Gabby goes out for dinner with friends and workmates, Margot (Kelly Rowland), Bi...

Single Ladies: Thank You, Next!

I just had the most vivid dream about my high school crush ! I think I love him! But that's a conversation for another day. Hey single ladies, (Beyoncé wave)! How are you beautiful goddesses? I am fine thank you. The journey is so exciting and evolutionary. To imagine where we started from six years ago to date, the amount of internal change and personal growth. Like you, I'm still single, but I'm now single with a purpose. And I can safely say that I am ready for Mr Put-a-ring-on-it, and the whole shebang - flaws and all. Even my brother's girlfriend affirmed that I am a mature woman ready to settle down. But it's not the narrative for all the single ladies and that's okay! My older sister and I always have these conversations about personal growth and self love. She is a wellness and mental health consultant with a background in psychiatry. I am a work in progress with a nursing background, psychology and psychiatry included. I also use my personal e...

5 Inexpensive Dates in a Bad Economy

If he's making the economy an excuse, swipe left.... A guy who makes too many excuses whilst pursuing you is not worth your time. He will make excuses for not making time for you. More so, for not taking you on a date. A real man makes a plan...all the time! Yes, the economy is atrocious...a complete nightmare! Does that mean that humanity stops? Y'all,  we have procreation to continue until the end of time. A season of a recession, shouldn't hinder dates, relationships and the whole nine yards that come with that package. Couples over centuries overcame obstacles such as family feuds, classism, racism, tribalism, religious differences etc. They all found a way around those challenges. Any guy who uses 'in this economy' as an excuse is dropped like a pin. Honestly, such an individual lacks ambition and creativity. I want the flowers, chocolate, and the date. Otherwise...skrrr! You will have to show innovation in your pursuit. If you can't be strategic w...

Script My Life: Maid In Manhattan

"To serve people takes dignity and intelligence. But remember, they are only people with money. And although we serve them, we are not their servants. What we do, Miss Ventura, does not define who we are. What defines us is how well we rise after falling."-  Lionel, Maid In Manhattan In the spirit of mothers day,my script for today are most of the ''single mums'' movies from 'The Fighting Temptations', 'Are We There Yet' to 'Madea's Family Reunion' to 'Maid In Manhattan'. The story lines are about single mothers who have their struggles, also hoping to find love again and are really talented women. Yep, pretty much sounds  like me. Truthfully, I try by all means not to get caught up in movie world because the story lines are too good to be true. But somehow there is always that something that gives an individual that certain connection to a movie. I talked about 'Madea's family Reunion' last week, so tod...