9 fun facts about Zimbabwe

Fact #1: There are two major ethnic groups in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s society is made up of two dominant ethnic groups: descendants of the Shana people and the Ndebele people, each with their own customs and cultures. 

The Shana people trace their ancestry back to farmers, and have an intimate connection to the land. Family is equally important, and family members are bound together by totems or ‘mutupos’, which represent family lines. Many families also still practise the ancient tradition of burying a newborn baby’s umbilical cord close to the family kitchen hut – representing an intrinsic connection to the land. Unsurprisingly, home is always held in high regard by Shana peoples, and referred to as ‘kune makura amadzitateguru angu’ (the place where my ancestors are buried).

Ndebele peoples can trace their origin back to the South African Zulus in the 19^th century. Although the Ndebele was originally a warlike people, their tribe split from the Zulus, and embraced farming and family-centric principles – similar to the Shana. In Ndebele communities, the men typically tend to the cattle, and their primary crop is maize. 

Of course, while both groups remain connected to the land, many individuals have taken jobs in the country’s towns and cities. 

Fact #2: Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980

Under British Colonial rule, Zimbabwe was once known as Rhodesia. After years of conflict and turmoil, elections took place in February 1980, when Robert Mugabe and the ZANA party secured a landslide victory. 

On the 18^th April 1980, the country’s independence was officially recognised. King Charles attended and gave an amicable farewell salute while ‘God save the Queen’ was played by the Rhodesian Signal Corps. Many foreign dignitaries were also present, celebrating the momentous occasion. And even Bob Marley made an appearance at the nation’s festivities, singing his song, ‘Zimbabwe’, at the invitation of the government.

Fact #3: Zimbabwe speaks 16 languages

We know – the mind boggles. In fact, Zimbabwe even holds the Guiness World Record for the country with the highest number of official languages in common parlance. These include: Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koi-san, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda – as well as English and Sign Language.

We don’t know anyone who can speak all 16, ourselves – but then some do overlap linguistically. If you’d like to try learning one, or simply pick up a few phrases prior to travelling, check out our blog:The best way to learn a new language

Fact #4: Zimbabwe is entirely landlocked

Zimbabwe is landlocked in Southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. It’s bordered by Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the southwest. Zimbabwe’s capital is Harare, and Bulawayo is the second city. 

Of course, landlocked means no seas and no beaches – not ideal for sun-worshippers looking to lounge. But then the country is famed for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, found in its parks, reserves, and safaris. It’s also home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping lakes and waterfalls (more on these next). 

Fact #5: Zimbabwe is home to the Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is home to the world’s largest waterfall: Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders). It’s part of the great Zambezi River – which, at this point, is 2 km wide and plunges 180m down a series of basalt gorges. The sound of the crashing water is truly epic – and a beautiful, iridescent mist (occasionally a fully-fledged rainbow) can be seen from over 20 km away.

Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the world’s largest sheet of falling water. It’s nearly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls, and well over twice its width.

Fact #6: The world’s largest man-made lake is in Zimbabwe

Weighing in at a volume of over 180 km³, with a surface area over 5,580 km², Lake Kariba is a water giant. It’s situated along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and was engineered to generate hydroelectric energy for both countries. 

Construction began in the early 1950s, and its design was masterminded by French engineer and renowned ‘arch dam’ specialist, André Coyne. The dam measures 579m in length, and is truly a sight to behold – one that does well not to detract from the stunning surrounding landscapes.

Once construction was complete, Kariba gorge was flooded. Today, the lake has a maximum width of 40 km, and maximum length of 223 km. It holds so much water, it has even been known to trigger seismic activity, reaching over a whopping 5 on the Richter scale.

Fact #7: Zimbabwe has the highest concentration of rock art

See, Zimbabwe rocks! The country is home to Southern Africa’s highest concentration of rock art. Over 300,000 paintings, dating back up to 20,000 years, can be found in the Motobo Hills National Park (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). This striking region, with its famed World View escarpment, was given its name by the founder of the Ndebele people, King Mzilikazi, and means ‘bald heads’.

Wonderful rock art can be found throughout the area, but Inanke cave and Nswatuyi cave are particularly worth visiting. You’ll find vibrant representations of dramatic Stone  Age hunts; as well as paintings of indigenous wildlife, such as antelope, giraffe, and elephants. 

These paintings, typically ochre and red in colour, were made by the San (bushmen people) using an assortment of plant extracts, egg shells, and blood as art materials. Paint brushes, meanwhile, were fashioned from feathers and porcupine quills – or they simply used their fingers. (You could say they were a pretty hands-on bunch.)

Fact #8: Zimbabwe has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

We’ve already discovered a couple, but why stop there? Zimbabwe has not one, not two, but five World Heritage Sites: 

• Mana Pools. A collection of islands, channels, sandbanks and lakes, all part of the Zambezi River – home to a stunning array of South African wildlife. 

• Khami Ruins. The remains of a dry-walled 14^th century citadel – once capital of the Kingdom of Butua, of the Torwa dynasty. 

• Victoria Falls. The world’s largest sheet of falling water, part of the great Zambezi River. 

• Matubo Hills. A sheer rock escarpment, and a treasure trove of Stone Age art – all within a beautiful national park. 

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The remains of an advanced stone-walled fortress – once a thriving Iron Age African city. 

Fact #9: There are 8 currencies in Zimbabwe

As we’ve learned by now, Zimbabwe isn’t a country that does things by half. And when it comes to currencies, it’s no different. The country has a whopping 8 in circulation, including: the US dollar, the South African rand, the British pound, the Botswanan pula, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, and Japanese yen. 

Why? The multi-currency economy is a move by the Zimbabwean government to prevent hyperinflation. It’s hoped that, this way, more cash will enter circulation within the economy, and beat an ongoing liquidity crisis. 

In fact, the crisis once got so bad, some Zimbabwean shop owners were forced to give customers low-value goods – candy or airtime sims – in place of physical change. Today, though, the Zimbabwean economy continues to move in the right direction. 

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The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice, you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.