Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country in Southern Africa which was once known as Rhodesia. There are 16 official languages, including English, the Bantu language Shona, and a form of sign language. The terrain is mostly savannah, but also includes evergreen and hardwood forests, and the climate is tropical. There are big game like elephants, leopards, and rhinoceri in Zimbabwe, but there are also smaller, more unusual species such as the klipspringer, the bush hyrax, and the African palm civet. Mainstays of the economy include mineral exports, gold, agriculture, and tourism.

Great Zimbabwe, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the ruins of a major medieval city which shows the high level of civilization attained in ancient Africa. Mana Pools National Park is also on the World Heritage List, and it is perhaps the most open and natural park that contains hippos, crocs, zebras, and elephants. There are no fences there, so animals can just walk by you. Guides are not required, but highly recommended, as is using caution.

Sadza cornmeal porridge is a very important dish in Zimbabwe. It can be eaten with cheese curds or with pumpkin, and in additional ways. Yams, millet, and cassava are other popular starchy staples. Typical vegetables include collards and other greens or spinach. Sausages are commonly eaten, and beef and goat are cooked on special occasions. For breakfast, there’s a thinner version of sadza prepared with less cornmeal and with added ingredients like butter, milk, peanut butter, and occasionally jam. Try kapenta, also known as the Tanganyika sardine. In Harare, there are restaurants with fresh juices and cuisines of the Middle East and India.
You can appreciate the British influence on Zimbabwe while taking a noontime and a 4:00 PM tea break.