A decisive relief
Zimbabwe is divided in two by a vast central plateau, which rises to an average of 1,500 m above sea level. Along a southwest-northeast axis, it occupies one third of the country's surface and extends for 600 km. It is bordered to the east by a succession of mountain ranges (the Eastern Highlands), to the north by a 500 km long escarpment (the Zambezi Escarpment) and to the southwest by a multitude of granite domes and rocky kopjes. It gradually softens into intermediate plateaus before giving way to the lowveld: very low territories, with a dry and hot climate, which are located in the extreme north and south of the country, through which the Zambezi River and the Limpopo River respectively flow. These changes in relief give rise to significant climatic differences that determine the wilderness or developed areas.
The central plateau
With its mild temperatures and high rainfall, the central highlands are home to the most productive agricultural land, the largest cattle ranches and the most densely populated cities in the country, including the capital, Harare, a modern city with art galleries, as well as Gweru and Bulawayo, a city with many colonial buildings, which together contain three-quarters of Zimbabwe's urban population. The central plateau also abounds in mining operations, but protected areas are rare. However, Lake Chivero, Sebakwe, Umfurudzi and Mavuradonha are worth mentioning. The southwestern part of this plateau is home to historical sites, including the Khami ruins, similar to those in Great Zimbabwe, and ancient paintings; it is rugged and looks like a granite paradise where a carefree giant had fun balancing large rocks. The Matopos (or Matobo) Mountains National Park, famous for its rhino population and high concentration of black eagles, serves as the natural burial ground for English imperialist Cecil John Rhodes.
Kalahari and Zambezi Valley
To the west, the Kalahari extends its easternmost sandy tongues and creates vast territories of little fertility, of which only the Victoria Falls break the monotony. In the northwest, the waters of the Zambezi River unfold into a vast lake that acts as a veritable inland sea. The West is the most touristic region of Zimbabwe; essentially composed of savannah plains (grassy, shrubby, wooded), it is home to vast wild spaces, including the Hwange National Park, the largest in the country and one of the richest in Africa, but also the Kazuma Pan. It is here that the most impressive natural curiosity of the south of the continent is located: an incredible curtain of foam and bubbling water 1.7 km long and 100 m high, the Victoria Falls. If these are located in a small national park, the Zambezi National Park is not far from them. In the northwest, the rushing Zambezi River gradually slows down to become a gigantic lake, attracting a multitude of birds and mammals to its shores. This is the main reason why the Creative City concept is so important for the development of the city and its surroundings. This is the main reason why it is so important to have a good understanding of the concept of the city as a whole, as well as of the city as a whole, in order to be able to understand it. On the southern shores, two national parks (Matusadona National Park and Chizarira National Park) protect a less diverse but relatively abundant fauna. The north and northeast of Zimbabwe are even wilder. The Middle Zambezi Valley is a sparsely developed nature sanctuary, mainly dedicated to flora and fauna. There is a succession of safari areas and the magnificent Mana Pools National Park is internationally protected for its exceptional ecosystem and its great beauty. Extremely wild, this part of the country lends itself particularly to canoe safaris and adventure-filled expeditions.
Eastern Highlands
The east of the country is a very rainy region. There is a mountain range shared with Mozambique. The main city is Mutare. It is a very fertile region with huge plantations of tea, coffee and exotic fruits. The green hills are adorned with waterfalls, rainforests, trout lakes and vast plantations, making it the kingdom of hikers and naturalists. The Nyanga and Chimanimani National Parks are inviting for excursions, while beautiful botanical gardens display lush and exotic vegetation. The Bvumba Mountains are another area to visit.
The South East
The southeastern part of the country, where the Limpopo Valley is located, is characterized by a relatively dry climate. It is home to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, which gave its name to the country: mysterious stone enclosures from the 12th and 13th centuries bear witness, like the pyramids of Egypt, to the existence of a powerful and prestigious civilization. To the south-east of the medieval city, along the border with Mozambique, lies the Gonarezhou Park: a remote and little visited area, where pink and ochre colored cliffs stand out. Other protected areas in the region include the Save Valley Conservancy and Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park.
The South West
The southwest is also home to historic sites, including the Great Zimbabwe-like ruins of Khami and ancient paintings; it is rugged and resembles a granite paradise in which a careless giant had fun balancing large rocks. Matopos (or Matobo) Mountains National Park, famous for its rhino population and high concentration of black eagles, serves as the natural burial ground for English imperialist Cecil John Rhodes. It is located south of Bulawayo, a town with many colonial buildings.
