Zimbabwe is a beautiful country located in southern Africa. It is home to majestic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Zimbabwe first gained independence in 1980 after years of struggle. The capital city is Harare and the population is just over 14 million people.
In this article we will explore 53 riddles related to various aspects of Zimbabwe. The riddles will cover topics like cities, landmarks, geography, people, culture, history, wildlife, food and more. Each riddle helps provide an entertaining way to learn more about this amazing country.
Cities and Landmarks
Riddle 1
I’m the capital city, where government business gets done. I’m named after a British guy, can you name this number one?
Answer: Harare, named after Lord Salisbury whose family name was Harare.
Riddle 2
Built high atop a big rock for all to admire, I’m a famous old fortress once used against fire. What am I?
Answer: Great Zimbabwe, an ancient city built on a plateau made of granite.
Riddle 3
I’m a natural Wonder close to the border with Zambia’s side, plunge down my gorge where adventure will abide.
Answer: Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls located on the Zambezi river border with Zambia.
Riddle 4
I’m a giant lake that borders three countries in all, I’m named for a queen – now can you guess my call?
Answer: Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes bordering Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique.
History and Culture
Riddle 5
I’m made the old fashioned way using grains that ferment, a beloved drink that’s customarily spent. What am I?
Answer: Zimbabwean beer made from sorghum.
Riddle 6
When greeting elders I’m the respectful thing to say, hands clapped in unison – what is my way?
Answer: The Shona greeting “Ramuka!” done with clapping.
Riddle 7
Carved of serpentine into birds and more, I’m a stone sculpture tradition from days of yore. What am I?
Answer: Zimbabwe Bird, the national emblem carved from serpentine and soapstone.
Riddle 8
I’m a fabulous fabric worn wrapped all around, with colorful patterns I tend to astound. What am I?
Answer: Kikoy, the vibrant wraparound skirts and clothing worn in Zimbabwe.
Wildlife and Geography
Riddle 9
I’m a cute baby horse who likes to roam in herds, with black and white stripes – now guess my words.
Answer: Zebra, known for their distinctive black and white striped fur.
Riddle 10
With a snoot that can sniff out a meal from far away, this striped furry guy leads his family every day.
Answer: Warthog, who have a longer snout/snoot and lead their groups.
Riddle 11
I’m a giant bellowing beast moving around with my herd, we migrate in circles which you may have heard.
Answer: Elephant, known for their seasonal migration patterns.
Riddle 12
I’m a gorgeous cat who recently got my day. 9 lives, sharp teeth – I’m best avoided at prey.
Answer: Cheetah Day was recently established to honor Zimbabwe’s cheetah population.
Riddle 13
Zimbabwe is divided by a natural feature into separate high and low what?
Answer: High and low veld, the grassland plateau divided by the highland rim.
Trees and Plants
Riddle 14
Shaped like a big cactus this signature tree dots sand and land, grown for both use and beauty I’m in strong demand. What am I?
Answer: Mopane tree, known for its wide spreading branches, butterfly shaped leaves and hard, termite resistant wood.
Riddle 15
With a sweet juicy center and hard outer case, crack me open for a bright orange space. What am I?
Answer: Nyii/Marula fruit, loved for their sweet fleshy pulp and crackable pits.
People and Culture
Riddle 16
Dark elixirs and customs I loudly proclaim, with energy and color I’m not for the tame! What am I?
Answer: Mbira music, known for its energetic style and healing tradition.
Riddle 17
I’m a cool time of day when it’s crazy dynamite, stories get told by glow of my light. What am I?
Answer: Hwedza/Bonfire gatherings popular in the evening.
Riddle 18
My elaborate stone towers were built long ago, ceremonial refuge spots as tradition may show. What am I?
Answer: Grand ancient zimbabwe ruins with intricate stonework.
Food and Drink
Riddle 19
A thick maize based drink I come out as sour or sweet, great with a meal, now take an educated guess!
Answer: Maheu/cornmeal drink that can be naturally fermented.
Riddle 20
I’m bubbly champagne from the Marula tree, cracked , fermented – then enjoy me with glee!
Answer: Marula beer brewed from the fruit.
Riddle 21
Chewy dried meat I certainly am, great for a walk even if you’re on the lam. What am I?
Answer: Biltong, seasoned/spiced dried meat.
Riddle 22
A thick cornmeal staple often served as lunch, dig into my tasty goop without a hunch.
Answer: Sadza, the porridge like cornmeal dish.
Riddle 23
Whitish clumps that quench your thirst, made from grains I’m the healthier first. What am I?
Answer: Mahewu, the refreshing fermented cereal drink.
More Wildlife
Riddle 24
With flapping ears I stay cool in the beating hot sun, I drink 50 gallons a day – now guess what I’ve become!
Answer: Elephant, known for their large ears and tremendous water intake.
Riddle 25
Equine family I may be, but striped is more key. Take a strong guess and decode tiny me!
Answer: Zebra foal or colt.
Riddle 26
Red beaked bird who struts upon the floor, my name sounds just like “nevermore”. What bird am I?
Answer: Ground Hornbill, with a booming territorial call.
Riddle 27
With scary claws and eagle vision I surely aren’t nice, I hunt in the skies – now just take your best guess twice!
Answer: African Hawk eagle, fierce bird of prey.
Reptiles
Riddle 28
On sandy ground I slide to get around, flickering tongue helps me sense what I’ve found. What am I?
Answer: Sand lizard, often found burrowing on sandy ground.
Riddle 29
Triangular head upon a long slinky pole, venomous biter I kill tiny or whole. What am I?
Answer: Spitting cobra snake able to spray venom as a defense.
Riddle 30
My second name’s the same as a sly pointy eared creature, first name is “Nile” – now tell me my feature!
Answer: Nile crocodile, named for the Nile river.
Fish and Rivers
Riddle 31
Zambezi, Save, and me – we’re the main rivers three. I end in “be”, now surely tell me!
Answer: Limpopo River, one of Zimbabwe’s major rivers.
Riddle 32
I’m a fish as long as your arm, laying my eggs in river sandbars. What am I?
Answer: Tigerfish, large aggressive fish reaching over 4 feet long.
Riddle 33
Bottom feeder flat head am I, native to rivers – I can grow multiple feet long and by!
Answer: Stonebasher fish, large wide headed catfish.
Reptiles Continued
Riddle 34
On termite mounds I’m laying out napping, tongue flicking non stop though I look like I’m slapping. What am I?
Answer: Rock monitor lizard, often found on large termite mounds.
Riddle 35
With quite the constrictor power I get a crusher name, mostly feasting on our furry friends with some acclaim. Who am I?
Answer: African python or rock python snake.
Riddle 36
Shaking tail and hissing loud, I stand my ground not scared of the crowd. What am I?
Answer: Puff adder snake, defensive when threatened.
Insects and Bugs
Riddle 37
Rainbow colored now can you guess me? I migrate far in swarms for all to see.
Answer: Red locust, known for mass migration swarms.
Riddle 38
Fluttery wings in stunning displays, migrating north to procreate for days. What am I?
Answer: Painted lady butterfly attracts mates by hilltopping.
Riddle 39
Two names I own both start with M, trying to stop me – well good luck with them!
Answer: Mosquito, notoriously difficult to deter.
Arts and Crafts
Riddle 40
Intricate patterns I am woven to wear, jewel toned fabrics – traditional flair! What am I?
Answer: Woven Zimbabwean handicraft clothing.
Riddle 41
Carved from wood into a floating shape, detailed paint brings me more to the Cape. What am I?
Answer: Painted wooden boat sculpture.
Riddle 42
Clay beads and wire all twisted up tight, colorful woven bag I am quite a bright sight!
Answer: Woven bag with beadwork.
Landmarks Continued
Riddle 43
I’m a breathtaking park with nature galore, amazing rock landscapes and animals to see more. Where am I?
Answer: Matobo National Park with granite outcrops and wildlife.
Riddle 44
Named for Victoria too, plunge right over the rim for a fun thing to do! What am I?
Answer: Victoria Falls Bungee jumping.
Zimbabwean Names
Riddle 45
Pretty sounding I mean “to be kind”, starting with T – now call out my mind!
Answer: Tanya, Shona name meaning “to be kind”.
Riddle 46
I’m a boy’s name starting with T as well, my meaning is “rock” now don’t fail to tell. What’s my call?
Answer: Tarisai, meaning “rock” in Shona language.
Riddle 47
Also starting with a T for girls there’s me, I mean a color – take an educated guess and see!
Answer: Tanatswa, meaning “we are colorful” in Shona language.
Sports
Riddle 48
Played barefoot with a woven ball I require great speed, this ancient game helps fulfill a need. What am I?
Answer: Dibe, the indigenous team sport similar to field hockey.
Riddle 49
Beloved team sport I’m played ball in hand, running and scoring tries – now you must understand!
Answer: Rugby union, popular national sport in Zimbabwe.
Geography Continued
Riddle 50
Hot and low lying is what I’m called, scrubland region – now guess my name before you’re stalled!
Answer: Lowveld, low plateau below the highland rim.
Riddle 51
Plateau dotted with hills defines me better, medium elevation – go on take a guess dear letter!
Answer: Highveld, higher plateau with more temperate climate.
Folk Stories and Mythology
Riddle 52
Tales of creatures and legends galore, part of traditions from long days of yore. What am I?
Answer: Zimbabwean mythology full of rich folk tales.
Riddle 53
Smart trickster folk hero who saves the day, outwitting others in amusing ways! Who is this guy you say?
Answer: Hare, a clever fast talking character in Shona mythology.
Conclusion
From cities and landmarks, to wildlife and landscapes – Zimbabwe has so much amazing culture, nature and intrigue to explore. These 53 riddles provide a fun glimpse into this incredible country through unusual questions with informative answers related to all things Zimbabwean. From customs to creatures, foods to folklore – there are always more fascinating discoveries to make. Hopefully this will inspire further curiosity and appreciation of spectacular Zimbabwe!
