There are igneous rocks scattered throughout Zimbabwe. Igneous rocks are also referred to as fire rocks and are formed either underground or above ground. Underground, they are formed when the melted rock, called magma, deep within the earth becomes trapped in small pockets. These pockets of magma cool slowly, and become igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are also formed when volcanoes erupt, causing the magma to rise above the earth’s surface. When magma appears above the earth, it is called lava. Igneous rocks are formed as the lava cools above ground.

The igneous rocks in Zimbabwe have emerged through millennia of erosion and weathering to stand out in various forms. Might be the most popular due to their gravity defying shape are the ‘balancing rocks’. These hard rocks left standing when soft sediments were eroded away by the elements of weather are found in the outskirts of the City of Harare.

The ‘Balancing Rocks’ are featured on Zimbabwe’s currency.

My friend Philip seems to be trying to have conversation with one of the rocks forming the ‘Balancing Rocks’.

Huge rocks found of the way to the town of Masvingo in Zimbabwe.

Close inspection of the surface reveals organic growth that forms the orange stains that are seen on the rocks from a distance.

The rocks remain warm long after the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped. I remember standing below one of the precariously poised timeless pieces one evening, seeking heat by leaning against its surface. Amidst the rustling of the leaves in the wind and the night sounds coming from all directions, the ominous silence of the rocks had a frightening quality in the eerie dusk. That is the moment that a flying creature chose to unwittingly fan my face with its wings and I hurriedly took off in a panic.

Whether you are a rock enthusiast or not, these behemoths in Zimbabwe would awe you.