In the news more for Robert Mugabe and his seemingly endless grip on the political environment, Zimbabwe is one of the most beautiful and exciting places in Africa. Adventure, culture, history, and wildlife combine to make Zimbabwe an ideal tourist destination. Routinely passed over for its more stable neighbors South Africa, Botswana, or Zambia, the country has shed its xenophobia and (most of) its economic woes, and the future is bright, especially for tourists. If you weren’t convinced before, check out these stunning photos of a country on the brink and maybe you’ll change your tune.

1) Sunset on Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba was filled after the completion of the Kariba Dam in 1958. The lake is now home to a number of fish, crocodiles, hippos, eagles, elephants, and other types of wildlife.

2) The open road

With over 18,000 km (12,000 mi) of paved road and a dozen national highways, Zimbabwe hosts some of the best tarmac in southern Africa.

3) Hungry hungry hippo

One of Zimbabwe’s most dangerous and most popular attractions, hippos number in the thousands and live throughout the country.

4) Cave diver in Chinhoyi

With underwater caves and caverns that extend deeper than 300 feet (100 meters), the caves are visited and explored by dozens of thrill seekers every year.

5) Washing in the river

Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s 13 million people are classified as rural or not living in a city.

6) Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

Once the site of a great empire that flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe are some of the largest stone ruins in all of Africa and one of Zimbabwe’s primary tourist attractions.

7) Wildlife Hwange National Park

With some of the most diverse wildlife in southern Africa, it’s quite common to spot the big five in most of Zimbabwe’s national parks.

8) Victoria Falls

Probably the most famous waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls brings thousands of visitors per year to both the Zimbabwe side and adjoining Zambia as well.

9) Get in touch with nature

Zimbabwe has several wildlife rehabilitation centers where visitors can get up close and personal with injured and rehabilitated animals like this lion.

10) Downtown Harare

The capital, most popular, political, and economic heart of the country, Harare is home to over 1.6 million in the city limits.

11) Party time

Zimbabwe is host to a number of international art, music, dance, and cultural festivals, like the International Carnival, shown here.

12) The river wild

The Zambezi River is known to have some of the best Class IV and V rapids in the entire world and enthusiasts come from all over to test their paddling skills.

13) Sundowner

Nothing is better after a long day of rafting or safari than cruising the river and watching the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.

14) Nyanga Mountains

Set in the Eastern Highlands near the border with Mozambique, Nyanga National Park is a prime destination for hiking.

15) Dance with the devil

Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls allows the brave to swim right up to the precipice.

More from AFKTravel:

Dining In Paradise: The Top Restaurants In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Elegant Escapes: 10 Lodges In Zimbabwe That We Love

How To Spend 48 Hours In Harare, Zimbabwe

This article was originally published November 28, 2014.

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