Zimbabwe was recently named the “world’s best country to visit in 2025” by Forbes. While the Zimbabwean government has credited President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership for this recognition, the American magazine’s regularly updated tourism report did not, in fact, mention the nation’s leadership.
According to Forbes magazine, the Southern African nation’s most compelling features are Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands, and its stunning landscapes, which are ideal for hiking.
The European Union called Zimbabwe’s recognition “well-deserved” in a statement. The EU praised the nation for its “astonishing landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality.”
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The EU then announced that they were joining forces with Zimbabwe to invest more than USD 42 million to preserve the country’s rich biodiversity and promote tourism development that uplifts rural communities.
Under the leadership of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), these initiatives aim to protect and preserve the region’s unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
The EU wrote, “As Zimbabwe enters the 2025 list as a top global travel destination, we invite visitors to explore its majestic landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant communities — and to experience firsthand the positive impact of sustainable tourism and international cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the recognition of Zimbabwe as a top travel destination is also evidenced by a substantial increase in flight inquiries. Searches for flights to the capital, Harare, have jumped by 56%.
Even more striking is the surge in interest for Bulawayo, in the southwest, where flight searches have risen by over 80% in recent months, as reported by Forbes. Bulawayo serves as the entry point to Matobo National Park and is also home to the Natural History Museum, Zimbabwe’s primary museum.
Forbes’ report on top global tourist destinations was compiled based on interviews with travel experts. The magazine also considered “opportunities for wellness travel, city jumping, and low-intensity travel” as key criteria for its ranking.
Zimbabwe topped the global list, followed by Lithuania in second place and Sri Lanka in third. Morocco was the only other African nation to feature in Forbes’ top 10, securing the sixth position.
The Zimbabwean government praised both President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for the country’s recent international recognition as a top tourist destination. The First Lady, who serves as the country’s culture and heritage ambassador, was specifically commended for her role in “positioning” Zimbabwe as a tourist hub.
Despite this commendation, Zimbabwe’s tourist arrival figures for 2024—1.6 million—lag significantly behind other African nations. This number is considerably lower than Morocco’s 17.4 million tourists and Egypt’s 15.7 million, which ranked second.
Tunisia recorded nearly 10.3 million tourists, placing it third on the continent. South Africa followed with 8.9 million, and Algeria completed the top five with 3.5 million visitors. Other countries making the top ten, in descending order, were Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Uganda.
Unlike other rankings based purely on tourist numbers, Forbes’ “best country to visit” report anchored its decision on the country’s scenic sites and the ease of movement for visitors.
Zimbabwe, despite ranking eighth in terms of tourist arrivals, generated $1.2 billion US dollars from tourism in 2024. The country, home to nearly 17 million people, has an economy heavily reliant on the services sector, agriculture, and mining, according to TRT Africa.
