Zimbabwe’s open roads lead travellers through stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and heartfelt hospitality. French tourists keep returning, captivated by thrilling adventure, peaceful moments, and vibrant culture. Whether it’s the vast savannahs of Hwange or the thunderous spray of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s true magic reveals itself when you explore on your terms. Discover what draws French visitors back time and again and how renting a car can turn your trip into an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore the reasons behind this irresistible allure!
Zimbabwe has become a favored destination for French tourists seeking an authentic African experience beyond typical safari circuits. Several factors contribute to this strong connection:
France's longstanding interest in Africa, through historical exploration and contemporary travel writing, draws many French travellers to countries with rich colonial histories. While Zimbabwe's colonial past under British rule differs from the French narrative, there's a shared appreciation for understanding European influences on modern African nations. This curiosity leads visitors to sites like the Great Zimbabwe ruins, showcasing a sophisticated civilization that once traded with distant lands.
Numerous lodges and tour operators in Zimbabwe cater to French-speaking clientele. French-speaking guides are often available in national parks like Hwange, facilitating easier navigation of bookings, game drives, and cultural tours. Additionally, some guesthouses and boutique hotels offer French-language menus and informational materials, easing transitions for those with limited English proficiency.
French travellers often learn about Zimbabwe's wonders through friends or travel writers. Experiencing attractions like Victoria Falls or the serenity of Lake Kariba encourages repeat visits, with each trip exploring new routes or revisiting favorite spots. This cycle of recommendations and personal nostalgia strengthens the bond between French tourists and Zimbabwe.
French tourists often return to Zimbabwe because its diverse landscapes are easily reachable by road. Unlike the regulated routes of larger nations, Zimbabwe's highways often wind through unfenced wilderness areas, bringing travellers close to wildlife and varied ecological zones. Here are some compelling scenic drives:
This route transitions from urban sprawl to lush woodlands, savannah plains, and the dramatic Zambezi River gorge. Starting on the A1 highway towards Gokwe, travellers pass small farming communities before continuing on an unsealed road through cotton-growing villages to reach Binga, located on the shores of Lake Kariba. The final stretch follows the Zambezi River upstream, culminating at Victoria Falls.
Located in eastern Zimbabwe, this area features rolling hills, misty valleys, and small farms. The P4 road from Mutare towards Chimanimani and Mozambique winds through granitic ridges and pine plantations. French tourists often liken this region to the European countryside, enhanced by African flora and fauna. The Chimanimani Mountains offer hiking opportunities, with towns like Chipinge and Chimanimani serving as ideal rest stops.
Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The road from Kariba town to Binga via the P12 traces the lake's southern shore, offering breathtaking water views. The terrain is flat and open, with wildlife occasionally grazing near the roadside. Many French visitors detour into Matusadona National Park, where tracks weave through woodlands. Boat safaris and game drives reveal hippos, buffalo, and black rhinos.
The drive from Masvingo to the Great Zimbabwe ruins is essential for history enthusiasts. The A9 road passes through farmland and villages. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Great Zimbabwe rises from a plateau overlooking the Sabi River valley. French tourists often combine this visit with stops at traditional homesteads, experiencing local crafts, dance, and cuisine. The return route skirts Lake Mutirikwi, offering birdwatching opportunities.
From Gweru, travellers head southwest towards the Matobo Hills, characterized by granite domes and ancient rock art. The R2 road to Bulawayo passes near the Khami Ruins, another UNESCO site. The Matobo Hills road loops through valleys and plateaus, with frequent sightings of rock outcrops. Descending into Bulawayo offers a glimpse of urban architecture before heading to national parks like Hwange.
French tourists are enticed by the opportunity to observe wildlife directly from their vehicles, without joining large guided tours. Zimbabwe's parks often lack fences along their boundaries, allowing elephants, giraffes, and antelopes to roam near main roads. Notable wildlife-rich areas include:
A few hours from Bulawayo, Hwange is Zimbabwe's flagship wildlife reserve. Entering through Ngweshla Gate, the road curves through woodlands, with herds of elephants and buffalo visible. French travellers favor self-drive safaris, pausing at waterholes like Mandavu and Gour Pools. At dawn or dusk, baobab trees provide silhouettes of giraffes or zebras against pastel skies.
Situated on the Zambezi's northern bank, Mana Pools offers a remote experience. Visitors often cross the Zambezi River at Kariba and drive south to the park. Sandy tracks trace the river, with hippos lounging nearby. French tourists enjoy camping at sites like Chitake Spring, where animal tracks appear overnight. The absence of fences allows lions to roam freely, and leopards can be spotted in fig trees along the water's edge.
Near Bulawayo, the Matobo Hills feature a distinctive landscape that attracts diverse wildlife. The area is famous for rhino sightings, especially the reintroduced white rhinoceroses, and for its population of black eagles. Roads lined with boulders lead to secluded picnic spots, where baboons and impalas graze nearby. The combination of natural beauty and rare species sightings makes Matobo a favorite for many.
Beyond wildlife, French tourists are captivated by Zimbabwe's rich cultural tapestry. Travelling by car offers opportunities to engage with communities, craftspeople, and historical sites. Notable cultural stops include:
Driving through rural Zimbabwe, you’ll see clusters of thatched huts and brick houses. Travellers in places like the Nyanga Highlands can take part in “nhimbe,” communal gatherings filled with food, music, and dance. At these events, locals share traditional skills such as pottery making, basket weaving, and brewing “mahewu,” creating meaningful connections.
Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe showcases Shona's ingenuity. Tourists can plan drives to coincide with guided tours explaining the symbolism of soapstone birds and the Great Enclosure's layout. Walking through the ruins offers a profound experience, with opportunities to explore lesser-known sites like the hill fort at Khami or nearby Naletale ruins.
Known as Zimbabwe's "City of Kings," Bulawayo boasts a rich urban culture influenced by Ndebele traditions and colonial history. Travellers can visit the Natural History Museum, featuring displays of early human fossils and regional geology. The Bulawayo Railway Museum displays vintage steam engines, offering a glimpse into the region’s history. Nearby cafés and bistros serve a mix of local dishes and French-inspired pastries, pleasing visiting French speakers.
Tourists driving to Zimbabwe often cross from South Africa at Beitbridge or from Mozambique at Machipanda. These border experiences offer insights into regional trade economies, with fruit stalls, markets, and artisans selling crafts. Navigating fuel prices, tolls, and customs procedures highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of local vendors. Many travellers enjoy bargaining for hand-carved woodwork or kudu-horn necklaces before continuing their journey.
Rent a car in Zimbabwe to explore in your own way. Booking is quick and easy, and you’ll have access to a wide selection of vehicles—whether you need a compact car for the city or a tough 4×4 for safari terrain. Each rental has full insurance, 24/7 roadside support, and handy add-ons like GPS to match your travel stle. Friendly staff are always ready to assist, and flexible cancellation means you can plan confidently. From Harare to Victoria Falls and beyond, Finalrentals makes exploring Zimbabwe smooth and stress-free.
Zimbabwe’s open roads offer a rewarding journey for French travellers drawn to natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife. From the misty spray of Victoria Falls and the wide savannahs of Hwange to the lush Eastern Highlands and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, every journey offers something new to discover.
Plan by mapping your route, checking road conditions, and picking the best times to travel. Along the way, connect with local communities, visit historic sites, and enjoy close encounters with wildlife. When ready to hit the road, Rent a car in Zimbabwe with Finalrentals for a smooth, flexible, and unforgettable adventure. See you on Zimbabwe’s open roads!
