ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is famous for its dramatic landscapes, from the thundering Victoria Falls to vast national parks teeming with wildlife. It offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and adventure activities.

Region: Southern Africa

Capital: Harare

Official Language: English (among 16 official languages including Shona and Ndebele)

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, including petty theft and occasional violent incidents, especially in urban areas and tourist hubs like Victoria Falls. Road conditions can be poor, and night driving is not recommended. Political demonstrations should be avoided.

A map of Africa with Zimbabwe highlighted in green.

Why Visit Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls: Witness the “Smoke that Thunders,” a jaw-dropping natural wonder that straddles the border with Zambia.

Incredible Wildlife Safaris: Spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and more in iconic parks like Hwange, Mana Pools, and Gonarezhou.

Ancient Heritage: Explore Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO-listed stone city and one of Africa’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

A large waterfall plunges down a rocky cliff face.

Adventure Activities: From white-water rafting on the Zambezi to bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge, thrill-seekers won’t be disappointed.

Warm Hospitality: Zimbabweans are famously friendly and welcoming, offering an authentic and heartfelt visitor experience.

Diverse Landscapes: Hike the misty Eastern Highlands, roam granite kopjes in Matobo, or cruise the wild Kariba Lake.

Two lions, possibly a male and a cub, are on a sandy path, looking towards the camera.

Essential Trip Information

Most nationalities require a tourist visa, obtainable on arrival or online (e-visa).

Check the official immigration site: https://www.evisa.gov.zw

Visa on arrival for many countries: ~US$30–55 depending on nationality and duration.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

Visitors may need to show return/onward ticket, hotel bookings, and proof of funds.

E-visas typically processed within 2 business days.

  • Zimbabwe officially uses multiple currencies, but the U.S. Dollar (US$) is the most widely accepted.

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Bring US$ cash (small bills). ATMs may not dispense foreign currency.

  • During Your Trip: Most larger hotels/lodges accept Visa/Mastercard. Cash is essential for small vendors, markets, and transport.

  • What to Avoid: Zimbabwean ZWL notes (rarely accepted), relying on card-only payments, or expecting change for large denominations.

English is the official language and widely spoken.

Indigenous languages like Shona and Ndebele are also common.

Helpful phrases: “Maswera sei?” (Shona: How are you?), “Ngiyabonga” (Ndebele: Thank you)

Generally safe in tourist zones, but be cautious in urban centers at night.

Avoid political demonstrations or large gatherings.

Use reputable taxis or hotel-recommended drivers.

Emergency number: 999 (Police)

Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from affected countries.

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (especially for Victoria Falls and safari zones).

Tap water is not reliably safe—stick to bottled water.

Travel insurance is highly advised.

Domestic flights (e.g., Harare–Victoria Falls) are fast but limited.

Buses serve major towns but can be crowded and unpredictable.

Car hire ideal for flexibility; 4WD necessary in remote or park areas.

Walking is safe in towns during the day, but avoid night travel on foot.

Taxis are unmetered—agree on price first or book via hotel.

Zimbabwe offers a mix of affordable to premium travel experiences.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses or hostels (US$20–50/night)

  • Mid-range: Lodges or 3-star hotels (US$60–120/night)

  • Luxury: Safari lodges or top hotels (US$200–500+/night)

Food

  • Street food/local restaurants: US$3–10

  • Sit-down meal: US$10–25/person

  • Fine dining: US$40+/person

Drinks

  • Local beer: US$1.50–3

  • Cocktails: US$6–12

  • Bottled water: US$0.50–1

Transport

  • Intercity buses: US$5–20

  • Domestic flights: US$100–250

  • Taxis: US$5–15 (negotiate before boarding)

  • Car rental: From US$50/day (4×4 recommended for national parks)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Travel in a group to split safari or guide costs.

  • Choose self-catering lodges with kitchens.

  • Visit lesser-known parks like Matobo for cheaper entry and fewer crowds.

Explore Zimbabwe

Known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke that Thunders), this colossal waterfall on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia, is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The town of Victoria Falls offers myriad activities, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and scenic flights.

Zimbabwe’s largest national park, located in the west, is renowned for its vast elephant herds and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. Its varied landscapes, from Kalahari sands to woodlands, offer exceptional game viewing opportunities, especially around waterholes.

A UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Zimbabwe, on the lower Zambezi River floodplains, Mana Pools is famous for its unique walking safaris and canoe trips. Its sparse vegetation allows for incredible close-up wildlife encounters, particularly with elephants and lions.

Located near Masvingo in the south-east, this UNESCO World Heritage site consists of impressive ancient stone ruins that were once the capital of a powerful medieval kingdom. It offers profound insights into Southern African history and pre-colonial architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage site in the south-west, characterized by dramatic granite kopjes and balancing rocks. It’s home to a significant population of rhinos (both black and white), ancient San rock art, and the grave of Cecil Rhodes, offering unique cultural and wildlife experiences.

This vast man-made lake, stretching along Zimbabwe’s northern border, is a serene wilderness offering houseboating, fishing for tigerfish, and game viewing along its shores. Matusadona National Park lies on its southern banks, providing excellent safari opportunities.

A mountainous region stretching along Zimbabwe’s eastern border with Mozambique, offering cooler temperatures, lush landscapes, and picturesque scenery. It’s home to Nyanga National Park, with its stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and unique flora.

A remote and wild park in southeastern Zimbabwe, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Known for its towering Chilojo Cliffs and a high concentration of elephants, it offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience in a rugged landscape.

Zimbabwe’s capital city, located in the north-east, is a bustling urban center with jacaranda-lined streets and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the bustling Mbare Musika market, and the balancing rocks at Epworth.

Part of the Eastern Highlands, located in the far east, this park is a hiker’s paradise with rugged mountains, dramatic peaks, and pristine wilderness. It offers challenging treks, stunning views, and a chance to experience remote and untouched nature.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices on accommodation and safaris.
  • Fewer Crowds at popular attractions.
  • Lush, Green Landscapes perfect for photography.
  • Excellent Birdwatching with migratory species.
  • Victoria Falls is at its fullest (February – May).

Main Drawbacks:

  • Hot Temperatures (often 86-95ºF / 30-35ºC, hotter in lower areas).
  • High Humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Some Roads may be Impassable, leading to camp closures.
  • Wildlife Dispersed by abundant water, making sightings challenging.
  • Increased Mosquito Activity.

Key Regions:

  • Victoria Falls: Experience the falls at their most powerful, with heavy spray.
  • Eastern Highlands (Nyanga National Park): Green and beautiful, ideal for scenery.
  • Harare: City exploration, museums, and cultural sites are less affected by weather.
  • Gonarezhou National Park: Unique ecosystem, beautiful in the wet season, but access can be challenging.

Key Advantages:

  • Good Value with moderate prices.
  • Manageable Crowds compared to peak season.
  • Lush Landscapes (April/May) or greening up (November).
  • Victoria Falls still impressive (April/May).
  • Game Viewing improves as water sources begin to dry (May) or first rains arrive (November).

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (lingering rains in April/May, early rains in November).
  • Road conditions can still be challenging in early shoulder season.
  • Humidity increases towards November.
  • Some safari activities might not be fully operational until June.

Key Regions:

  • Victoria Falls: Ideal for viewing the falls, less spray than peak wet season.
  • Hwange National Park: Game viewing improves in May as animals start concentrating.
  • Mana Pools National Park: Begins to open in May; good for walking safaris.
  • Matobo Hills: Excellent for exploring rock formations and rhinos in milder weather.
  • Cooler, Dry Season (June – October)
  • European Summer Holidays (July – August)
  • September & October (hottest months, but prime game viewing)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: Handshakes are common; address elders respectfully.

Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants; US$1–2 for hotel porters.

Photography: Avoid taking photos of government buildings or uniformed personnel.

Language: English is widely spoken; learning a few words of Shona or Ndebele is appreciated.

Markets: Bargaining is expected in craft markets but be respectful.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$20–50), hotels (US$100–200), luxury lodges (US$400+).

Food:

  • Street eats (sadza with meat): US$3–5
  • Casual restaurants: US$10–20
  • Upscale dining: US$40–80

Transport: Domestic flights (~US$130–150), intercity bus (US$10–25), taxis (US$3–8).

Activities:

  • Safari: US$100–250/day
  • Victoria Falls entry: US$30 (Zimbabwe side), activities like helicopter rides or bungee: US$100–150.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$70–120 (hostels, buses, basic meals)
  • Mid-range: US$150–250 (guesthouses, flights, guided activities)
  • Luxury: US$350+ (safari lodges, private transfers, exclusive experiences)

SIM Cards: Econet and NetOne are top providers.

  • Tourist SIMs available at Harare and Vic Falls airports (~US$20 for 10GB).

Coverage: Good in cities and towns; patchy in remote parks.

Wi-Fi: Often free in hotels and cafes but speeds vary.

eSIMs: Supported by Airalo and other providers for Zimbabwe.

Highly recommended for all travelers, especially for:

  • Medical emergencies, safari-related risks (e.g., animal encounters), evacuation from remote areas.

  • Trip cancellations and delays (particularly if flying into Victoria Falls or Kariba).

  • Adventure coverage: Ensure activities like whitewater rafting or bungee jumping are included.

Zimbabwe offers everything from riverside lodges to rustic camps.

Luxury:

  • Safari lodges: Matetsi Victoria Falls, Linkwasha Camp (Hwange) – from US$600+/night, all-inclusive.
  • Boutique stays: Meikles Hotel (Harare), Victoria Falls Hotel.

Mid-range:

  • Guesthouses & eco-lodges: Batonka Guest Lodge (Vic Falls), La Rochelle (Eastern Highlands) – US$100–200/night.

Budget:

  • Backpacker lodges: Shoestrings (Vic Falls), Burke’s Paradise (Bulawayo) – US$20–50/night.
  • Camping: Designated sites in national parks (fees US$10–25/person).

Unique Stays:

  • Houseboats on Lake Kariba (group-friendly).
  • Tented safari camps with outdoor showers and fire pits.

Tip: Book well in advance for Victoria Falls in high season (June–October).

Travel between major sights involves long distances; public infrastructure is limited but improving.

Domestic Flights:

  • Recommended for reaching Victoria Falls, Hwange, or Kariba quickly (Harare–Vic Falls: ~US$130 one way).

Intercity Buses:

  • Reliable options: Intercape, Pathfinder (~US$10–25).
  • Roads are paved but may have potholes; travel during daylight is safest.

Car Hire:

  • Self-driving is feasible; 4×4 recommended for remote areas.
  • From US$60/day, plus fuel. Drive on the left; avoid night driving.

Trains:

  • Limited service (Bulawayo–Victoria Falls overnight train: ~US$15–30) – nostalgic but slow and basic.

Local Transport:

  • Minibuses (kombis): Very cheap (US$1–3) but can be cramped.
  • Taxis in cities: US$3–8 per ride. Negotiate or use Vaya Ride app.

Bold Recommendation: Fly for longer routes (e.g., Vic Falls to Harare) and rent a car with a driver for flexibility and access to remote parks.

Handy Tips

Zimbabwe currently operates with a multi-currency system, but the U.S. Dollar (US$) is the most commonly used and widely accepted currency.
Bills: US$1, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50, US$100; coins are rarely used.

  • Exchanging Currency: Use official exchange bureaus or banks—avoid street exchangers due to scams and counterfeit risks.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Always carry some cash, especially when traveling outside Harare or Victoria Falls.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary but not mandatory.

    • Restaurants/Bars: ~10% if service charge isn’t included.

    • Taxis: No set rule—rounding up is appreciated.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–5/day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

English is the official language and widely spoken, especially in urban areas.

Local languages like Shona and Ndebele are also spoken—learning a few words goes a long way.

Helpful phrases:

  • “How much is this?”

  • “Where is the nearest ATM?”

  • “Can I pay in U.S. dollars?”

Pro Tip: Zimbabweans are polite and formal—greetings are important, even with strangers.

Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, especially in major sites like Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Harare, but basic precautions are important.

  • Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas.

  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded markets or public minibuses (kombis).

  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Police: 999

  • Ambulance: 994

  • Fire: 993

  • Your Embassy: Most are in Harare—keep contact info handy.

Zimbabwe uses 220V/50Hz electricity with Type D and G plugs (British-style three rectangular prongs or old round pins).
Bring a universal adapter; voltage converters may be necessary for North American appliances.

Tap water is not reliably safe to drink in many areas—use bottled or filtered water, especially in smaller towns and rural regions.

Hotels and safari lodges usually provide safe drinking water—always ask.

Some businesses and government offices close on the following public holidays:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 18 Apr: Independence Day

  • 1 May: Workers’ Day

  • 25 May: Africa Day

  • 11 Aug: Heroes Day

  • 12 Aug: Defence Forces Day

  • 22 Dec: Unity Day

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Note: Tourist attractions like Victoria Falls remain open year-round.

Shops: Typically 08:00–18:00 (Mon–Sat); some close earlier on Sundays.

Supermarkets: Often open daily until 20:00.

Markets: Early morning to late afternoon (bargaining is expected).

Pharmacies: Major chains open daily; emergency services available in cities.

Sadza: Staple maize meal porridge, usually eaten with vegetables or meat.

Nyama: Grilled meat, often goat or beef, usually served with sadza.

Kapenta: Tiny dried fish fried crispy, typically served with tomatoes and onions.

Roadrunner Chicken: Free-range chicken slow-cooked with onions and spices.

Boerewors: Coiled beef sausage often grilled at braais (barbecues).

Muriwo Unedovi: Leafy greens served with peanut butter sauce.

Maputi: Zimbabwean-style popped maize snack (like popcorn).

Mazondo: Cow trotters slow-cooked for hours—traditional delicacy.

Chikenduza: Sweet, pink-glazed cupcakes sold in local bakeries.

Maheu: A fermented maize drink, but also sweetened and thick like a milkshake.

Alcoholic:

  • Zambezi Lager: Zimbabwe’s flagship beer—light, crisp, and great with grilled meats.

  • Chibuku: Traditional sorghum beer, thick and fermented—an acquired taste.

  • Pilsener: Smooth, stronger lager brewed locally.

  • Carling Black Label: Widely consumed beer brand across Southern Africa.

  • Mont Clair Wine: Zimbabwean-produced wine from the Eastern Highlands—hard to find but rewarding.

  • Bushman’s Lager: Mild lager, popular in rural regions.

  • Zed Wine: Locally made dry red wine available in supermarkets.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Maheu: Slightly fermented maize beverage, available in fruit flavors like banana and strawberry.

  • Mazoe Orange Crush: Iconic syrup concentrate—mix with water or soda.

  • Rooibos Tea: Caffeine-free herbal tea from the region, enjoyed hot or iced.

  • Tanganda Tea: Zimbabwe’s most famous black tea, grown in the Eastern Highlands.

Shona Sculptures: Zimbabwe is known for this internationally recognized art form.

Mbira Music: Also called the “thumb piano”—key to traditional ceremonies.

Traditional Village Visits: Learn about rural customs and community life.

Victoria Falls Bridge Tour: Built in 1905—get the engineering story (and bungee jump!).

Ndebele Art & Architecture: Colorful murals and geometric designs, especially in Matobo region.

Heroes Acre (Harare): National monument honoring fallen liberation heroes.

Chimurenga History: Learn about Zimbabwe’s liberation wars at local museums.

Craft Markets: Find unique items made from wood, soapstone, or recycled materials.

Zimbabwean Hospitality: Locals are warm, polite, and proud of their heritage.

Sacred Places: Visit Matobo Hills—UNESCO site with ancient rock art and spiritual significance.

Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders—don’t miss the sunset over the falls.

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise: Spot hippos and crocs with a drink in hand.

Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s largest park—excellent for elephant and lion sightings.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Ancient stone city, steeped in mystery and history.

Eastern Highlands: Lush hills, waterfalls, and coffee plantations—perfect for hiking.

Lake Kariba: Africa’s largest man-made lake—fishing, houseboats, and wildlife.

Mukuvisi Woodlands: Wildlife reserve near Harare, great for family outings.

Harare’s First Street Mall: Lively urban atmosphere, art vendors, and street music.

National Art Gallery (Harare): Stunning contemporary Shona sculpture and local paintings.

Live Music: Enjoy Afro-jazz or traditional mbira performances at local venues.

Pariah State (Harare): Upscale cocktail bar with live music.

Queen of Hearts: Chic garden venue with drinks and DJs in Harare.

The River Brewing Company: Craft beers and pub vibes in Victoria Falls.

Tin Roof (Harare): Lively student hangout and party hotspot.

Zambezi House: Riverside dining, drinks, and sunset DJs in Victoria Falls.

40 Forty: Trendy rooftop bar in Harare’s Borrowdale neighborhood.

Bulawayo Club: Colonial-style club with a classy bar scene.

Jam Tree (Harare): Garden lounge for cocktails and weekend DJ sets.

Three Monkeys (Vic Falls): Restaurant and bar with outdoor fire pits.

Sports Dza (Bulawayo): Casual bar with live football, beer, and pool tables.