Zimbabwe has been named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes magazine, underscoring its emergence as a premier international travel destination. This recognition reflects Zimbabwe’s rising global profile and the resilience of its tourism sector, which continues to flourish despite broader challenges.
According to a government report released in September, Zimbabwe welcomed over 1.6 million international tourists in 2024, generating US$1.2 billion in tourism receipts and attracting US$190.5 million in new investments. The country’s tourism sector is diversifying, with offerings that now include wellness travel, city hopping, and low-intensity travel experiences that cater to a wide range of interests.
Forbes praised Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage—where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves.” Among the iconic attractions highlighted were:
- Victoria Falls: The mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, creating mist and rainbows.
- The Great Zimbabwe Monument: An ancient city built with dry-stone walls, rich in history and culture.
- The Eastern Highlands: A region of cloud-wreathed mountains, winding trails, and serene natural beauty.
Interest in Zimbabwe is on the rise, with flight searches to Bulawayo up by more than 80% and to Harare by 56% for 2025, according to travel site KAYAK. Other countries featured in Forbes’ top destination list include Lithuania, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Argentina, Morocco, and Norway.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi welcomed the international recognition, emphasizing that it affirms Zimbabwe’s reputation as a safe and peaceful destination. She described the accolade as prestigious and a testament to the country’s appeal to global travelers.