Located in the middle of the country, the town of Gweru is mostly used as a base for visiting nearby national parks and ruins. Although Great Zimbabwe has the most extensive ruins in the country, it is not the only place with ruins: There are more than 200 such sites, and a few are near Gweru. The Dhlo ruins (small ruins with chevron and herringbone designs) are 45 mi/70 km away, and the Nalatale stone ruins, another small but interesting site, are 40 mi/65 km away. Sebakwe National Park (noted for fishing, birding and beautiful cliff scenery) and Ngezi National Park (a lake at the foot of the Mashaba Hills) are in the region. If you're visiting them, you might want to stay in the nearby town of Kwe Kwe (Que Que). Both parks include man-made lakes (bilharzia—parasitic worms that can cause fatal liver damage—make the water unsafe for swimming). The Antelope Park, west of Gweru, is a favorite destination for both Zimbabweans and international visitors. The scenery at the private game farm consists of rolling paddocks, small rivers and dams, and there is the opportunity to walk with lion cubs, swim with elephants and go game viewing on horseback. The owners of the farm have put a great deal of effort into the conservation of game in the area and provide fun ways of interacting with the animals at very close quarters. Accommodations are in permanent tents at an attractive campsite next to a small dam. 140 mi/225 km southwest of Harare.
