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

Baa baa Black Sheep

‘Baa baa black sheep have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full One for the master, One for the dame, One for the little boy who lives down the lane.”-Baa baa Black Sheep, Nursery Rhyme Oh how I loved nursery school! Learning was so much fun and colourful as the teachers taught using music, visuals and lots of play and let’s not forget nap time! Gosh! (I stare into a blank space with so much nostalgia). Hmm, question! Is there more to life than trying to constantly fit into other people’s moulds? Are my imperfections so great that those around are blinded to the planks to the planks in their own eyes? Or maybe I am just not appropriately in the right place? At one point or another, we all have faced identity issues, or have suffered from the ‘I don’t fit in’ syndrome. The worst time is the puberty-adolescent period. As an individual, one tries to live up to expectations from parents, teachers, peers and society at large. During that same period, an ...

Single Ladies: The Metrosexual

*Riding on a black horse* (I wish).* Beyoncé  wave* 'Hey single ladies!'. For a lady on a quest, the horse would have been ideal,right? Anyway ,how have y'all been? I hope the lessons that we are going through are helping us build character. (Wifen material). Today we have yet another bachelor under our radar. So we have so far, gone through our potential Mr Put-A-Ring-On-It who has been bachelor; the widower, the divorcee, the foreigner, the boy and last but not least, the single dad. Not so bad ladies. Now bachelor number six is,the metrosexual. Now why should we place such a man on our panel,you ask? Well,he is my personal favourite *wink*. The anatomy of a metrosexual. By definition a metrosexual is an urban man with a disposable income who spends a lot on his appearances. In other words, a guy's guy who is in touch with his inner pink. Now why would a metrosexual be a good candidate for Mr Put-A-Ring-On-It? He is not. Most metrosexual men, if not gay, or...

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...

My Point of View!

If I could afford one,I would have a shrink,but instead I have my point of view! There are days where I will write long blogs,others,I will keep it short and sweet,but at the end of the day,it is my therapy.But I also do intend to make an impact with this MPV. That's just me! P.S: Always write your own love story. Ciao! Lady E

The Writings On The Wall

Thou shall move onto the next! And then 'If You Leave' by Destiny's Child and Next starts to play. Gosh, 'The Writings on the Wall' remains my favourite Destiny's Child album, ever. The concept of the '10 commandments' of relationships. Brilliant!  Bonjour, mes amies! Comment ça va? Ça va bien!  (Caribbean accent) Your gyal ,  moi , has been experiencing epiphanies. And a few disappointments, but life is too sweet to be upset. Lick your ice cream and have sweet red wine! I travelled through the blogosphere for inspiration for our topic today. Ironically, I also had a discussion with an acquaintance about a similar topic. There's nothing that I love more than people who brag about their intelligence. Oh, my! People pride themselves on their levels of education, often equating it to intelligence. We assess our value based on having degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. If only those worked in relationships. I think of David Robson's '...