Zimbabwe, a landlocked nation in southern Africa, is a country of varied landscapes and rich natural resources. Bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, Zimbabwe's geography is characterized by its high plateaus, mountains, and valleys.
The country's total land space is estimated to be 390,757 sq. km, making it the 24th largest country in Africa. With a population of 14.8 million, it is the 14th most populous country on the African continent and the 72nd most populous country in the world.
Map of Zimbabwe showing elevation and major geographic features.
Key Geographical Features
Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa, landlocked between South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. The country consists mainly of vast plateaus, mountains and valleys.
Plateaus and Highlands
The landlocked nation of Zimbabwe finds itself at a slightly higher altitude than its surrounding African neighbors. Much of the country is on a plateau with a higher central plateau (high veld) forming a watershed between the Zambezi and Limpopo river systems. The flattish watershed region is part of an ancient etchplain called the African Surface covers large swathes of the continent. While the African Surface occupy the higher ground, spurs and small interfluves a younger "post-African" surface occupy lower positions with occasional rock domes, koppies and tors protruding rolling or plain landscape.
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The Eastern Highlands, along Zimbabwe`s eastern border with Mozambique, is a region of forests and mountain streams rising to elevations of 2 592 metres (Mt. Inyangani is the country’s highest point) and stretching from Chimanimani in the south to Nyanga in the north. The Eastern Highlands experience a Mediterranean type of climate suitable for tea growing, timber production and fruit production. It is the agricultural heart of Zimbabwe and includes most of the country’s highly productive commercial farms.
Rivers and Water Resources
The country lacks access to waters along the coast, but well makes up for it with ample access to water from its two main river veins, the Zambezi and Limpopo river systems. It is a landlocked country wedged between two major rivers: the Limpopo in the south and to the north the Zambezi, which flows into the world renowned Victoria Falls and into the rocky Batoko gorge.
The Limpopo and the lower Zambezi valleys are broad and relatively flat plains. The country is divided into six drainage basins. The largest are the Zambezi and the Limpopo. Western parts of Matabeleland connect to the Okavango inland drainage basin through the Nata River. Most of southern Mashonaland and adjacent parts of Masvingo drain through the Save river into the Indian Ocean. Two smaller drainage basins cover parts of Manicaland, and drain into the Indian Ocean through Mozambique. These are the Pungwe river to the north and the Buzi river to the south.
Major rivers and drainage basins of Zimbabwe.
Geological Formations
The southern and western parts of the country have massive domes of granite and are generally not well suited for agriculture.
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The Great Dyke, a band of short, narrow ridges and hills spanning 530 km across Zimbabw’s centre from north to south, is extremely rich in platinum, chromium and other ore deposits that support the Zimbabwe economy.
Climate and Weather Hazards
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa lying north of the Tropic of Capricorn. During summer, the whole country experiences warm temperatures as a result of the sun being directly overhead. It straddles an extensive high inland plateau that drops northwards to the Zambezi valley where the border with Zambia is and similarly drops southwards to the Limpopo valley and the border with South Africa.
The climate varies markedly with altitude with the Eastern Highlands at 1,878 metres or 6,161 feet above sea level being much wetter and cooler than lower altitudes. There is a dry season, including a short cool season during the period May to September, when the whole country has very little rain. The rainy season is typically a time of heavy rainfall from November to March. The whole country is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone during January. In years when it is poorly defined there is below-average rainfall and a likelihood of serious drought in the country, as happened in 1983 and 1992. When it is well defined rainfall is average or well above average, as in 1981 and 1986.
Zimbabwe is affected by various weather hazards including droughts, floods, heat wave, lightning and wildfires over the past century. These weather hazards has affected a lot of people in Zimbabwe resulting to a number of deaths and other challenges. Sixteen districts across six provinces Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Midlands and Matabeleland North in Zimbabwe have been affected by heavy rains and floods since the 2021/2022 rainy season began in October 2021.
In Zimbabwe droughts carry many effects which include factors leading to economic struggles. Inflation rates go up as farmers undergo crop failure and loss of livestock a well as often wildfires.
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Flooding refer to an abnormal overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits, especially over what is normally Drylands. The primary effects of flooding include loss of life and damage to buildings and other structures, including bridges, sewerage systems, roadways, and canals. Floods also frequently damage power transmission and sometimes power generation. In January 2022 the country's Department of Civil Protection (DCP) set up 394 evacuation centers in Manicaland province to deal with the impact of Cyclone Ana. This was the government's way of limiting the effects of the floods as it was noted that parts of Mutasa and Chimanimani districts were already receiving strong winds and heavy rains associated with the storm. Another way of mitigating the effects of flooding is relocating people before during and after the floods and ensuring that everyone is at safe place when the cyclone hits the area.
Lightning is associated with weather patterns whereby there is a natural electrical discharge from the clouds which occurs for a very short period and it heats the ground or earth, it is usually accompanied by a bright flash and typical thunder. Lightning is very harmful; it affects both livelihood as well as the infrastructure.
Agriculture expert Mr Ivan Craig encouraged farmers to reduce damage of crop to frost by growing crops that are less susceptible to frost in winter these are onion, peas, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot and winter cabbage among others. People who are in areas always affected by frost are encouraged to keep warm all the time to avoid developing frostbites.
Zimbabwe's Attractions
Zimbabwe offers travelers a diverse range of attractions, making it an ideal destination to explore. From the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the historic Great Zimbabwe monuments, numerous national parks, the country boasts of authentic wildlife experiences, rich heritage, and natural beauty. Adventurers can immerse themselves in the Eastern Highlands’ mountainous scenery, cruise on Lake Kariba, and discover the abundant national parks dotted around the country.
- Victoria Falls: Known locally as “Mosi Oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders) in the Tonga language, is the world’s largest curtain of falling water. Situated on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, it sits on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Hwange National Park: It is the country’s largest national park famous for its authentic wildlife experiences and the Big Five (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard & Rhinoceros). Its the home to the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe including Africa’s largest population of the endangered wild dogs.
- Matobo National Park: A world heritage site and the country’s oldest national park featuring the Matopo Hills, massive granite rock formations which are a marvel for visitors.
- Gonarezhou National Park: Gonarezhou, meaning “Place of Elephants,” is the second-largest park in Zimbabwe. It is in the remote southeast corner of the country, along the border with Mozambique.
- Lake Kariba: It is one of the largest man-made lakes and features several islands that offer incredible experiences, especially for those interested in water sports. Most accommodations are conveniently located on the lake’s shores, giving visitors panoramic views.
- Great Zimbabwe: Great Zimbabwe was the royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch and the center of political power. The name “Great Zimbabwe” means “houses of stones,” which is the origin of the country’s name.
- Eastern Highlands The ultimate nature and outdoor adventure destination in Zimbabwe. It is home to Mt. Nyangani, the country’s highest mountain at 2593m, as well as Chimanimani and the misty Vumba mountains. The region is famous for its numerous waterfalls, most notably Mtarazi, Nyangombe, Pungwe, and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Harare Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is well known for its stunning jacaranda trees, which create a delightful summer ambiance. The city provides a wide array of leisure options, such as game parks, adventure parks, nature parks, and themed restaurants.
- Bulawayo The second largest city in Zimbabwe, known as the City of Kings and Queens because of the Ndebele Kings who ruled the area. As the country’s cultural hub, it boasts of a thriving community of creatives and artists.
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