Mashudu Netsianda/Rutendo Nyeve/Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporters
ZIMBABWE welcomed the first day of 2026 with a burst of colour, laughter and movement as tourist attractions and leisure centres across the country brimmed with life. From the historic ruins of Khami to the majestic curtain of Victoria Falls, families, friends and holidaymakers poured into heritage sites and entertainment spots, turning the day into a celebration of culture, nature and togetherness.
Fast-food outlets buzzed with queues that snaked out onto pavements, transport operators ferried excited crowds, and children’s amusement parks rang with squeals of joy. Cities like Bulawayo and Victoria Falls transformed into vibrant hubs of festivity, where the scent of grilled meat mingled with the hum of conversation and the rhythm of music. It was a day of indulgence, reflection and shared happiness.
In Bulawayo, the city centre pulsed with energy. The Large City Hall car park became a playground of laughter, dotted with jumping castles and colourful amusements that drew families in droves. Nearby, the Tower Block lawns turned into a social stage for the youth, who sprawled on the grass, snapped selfies and marked the dawn of a new year under open skies. Across the western suburbs, braai smoke curled into the air as friends and families gathered in Luveve, Matshobana and Old Pumula for hearty meals and animated conversations. By evening, the city centre was alive with queues at fast-food joints and drinking spots, stretching well past 10pm.
Just beyond the city, Khami Monuments – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offered a different kind of celebration. Here, history whispered through ancient stone walls as visitors wandered among intricate dry-stone architecture, marvelling at chequered patterns and winding passages. Families unpacked picnic hampers on grassy patches, children played freely, and adventurous souls climbed terraces for panoramic views of the rugged landscape. Against the backdrop of timeless ruins, cameras clicked, capturing moments that blended heritage with holiday cheer.
“I am shocked that we have such a beautiful and amazing place in Zimbabwe. This is my first time here and I have completely fallen in love with it. It has immense historical and archaeological significance,” said first-time visitor Nothando Khumalo.
For Judea Ndlovu from Lupane, the site was a sanctuary of peace.
“I enjoy quiet places, and coming here allows me to clear my mind. It’s beautiful and perfect for a family outing, although the access road needs attention to promote domestic tourism,” he said.
Taurai Maphosa echoed the sentiment.
“Khami Ruins is peaceful, educational and scenic. It’s important for families to visit such heritage sites and appreciate our history,” he said.
International visitors were equally enchanted. Gugu Dube from South Africa shared her delight.
“We are enjoying the beauty of nature and the rich history this place carries. There is so much flora and fauna here, and the dry-stone architecture is fascinating. Despite the heat, I am really enjoying myself and I would recommend this place to other South Africans. Zimbabwe is a lovely and peaceful country,” she said.
At Tshabalala Wildlife Sanctuary, the festive spirit unfolded under a canopy of trees. Families braaied at picnic sites, shared drinks and soaked in the tranquillity of nature. Others ventured deeper into the reserve, spotting wildebeests, zebras, impalas and even lions in enclosures.
“We chose to spend New Year’s Day here as a family because the environment is peaceful. There is plenty of wildlife such as wildebeests, zebras, impalas and even lions in enclosures.
Watching animals in their natural habitat is a special experience,” said first-time visitor Jacob Sithole.
Further north, Victoria Falls roared into 2026 with its usual grandeur. The rainforest was alive with tourists jostling for the best vantage points to witness the world’s largest waterfall in full glory. Boat cruises glided along the Zambezi, game drives rumbled through the national park, and adrenaline seekers chased thrills under the African sun. Away from the tourist hotspots, locals embraced their own traditions – braais, laughter and music filling popular chill spots as families bonded over shared meals. Children flocked to skate parks and play centres, their laughter echoing through the warm air, a soundtrack to a day steeped in joy.
The blend of international tourists and local revellers underscored Zimbabwe’s growing allure as both a global destination and a close-knit community.
According to ZimStat, the country recorded about 520 000 visitors by December 24, up from 454 000 during the same period last year. Improved air connectivity, infrastructure upgrades, aggressive destination marketing and Zimbabwe’s recognition as the world’s number one destination to visit in 2025 have all fuelled this surge.
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, the festive hum lingered – a reminder that Zimbabwe’s beauty lies not only in its landscapes and heritage but in the spirit of its people. A spirit that celebrates life, embraces history and welcomes the future with open arms.
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