Toll-free call
(229) 555-0109🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Discover a land of thunderous waterfalls, pristine wilderness, and ancient stone empires.
Harare
Capital
USD
Currency
English
Language
Jul – Oct
Best Time
5
UNESCO Sites
Left
Driving Side
UTC+2
Time Zone
Type G
Plug Type
7.5/10
Safety
+263
Calling Code
Zimbabwe offers an extraordinary blend of world-class wildlife safaris, the thundering Victoria Falls, and the ancient mystery of Great Zimbabwe — one of Africa's most remarkable archaeological sites. Whether you're tracking elephants on foot in Mana Pools or watching sunset paint the Matobo Hills gold, this country delivers raw, unforgettable African experiences at every turn.
Cities & Destinations
Explore our in-depth guides to Zimbabwe's most visited cities and regions.
List of Country Pages
Interactive Map
Click any pin to explore our guides for that destination.
Quick Facts
Geography
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Capital
- Harare
- Highest Peak
- Mt. Nyangani (2,592m)
- UNESCO Sites
- 5
Country Info
- Languages
- English, Shona, Ndebele
- Currency
- USD / ZiG
- Driving Side
- Left
- Plug Type
- G (220-240V)
Travel Essentials
- Peak Season
- Jul – Oct
- Safety
- 7.5 / 10
- Solo-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
- Family-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
Money & Budget
Budget Traveler
$80–150
Campsites, self-catering, public transport, limited tours.
Mid-Range
$200–500
Boutique lodges, group safaris, restaurant dining, private transfers.
Luxury
$600–1,500+
All-inclusive safari lodges, chartered flights, private guided activities.
Average Costs
- Hotel Night
- $120 – $250
- Hostel / Camp
- $25 – $45
- Local Meal
- $8 – $15
- Coffee
- $3 – $4
- Taxi Ride
- $5 – $10
- Museum
- $5 – $10
Money Tips
- ATMs
- Unreliable – carry cash
- Credit Cards
- Major lodges only
- Cash Tips
- Small USD bills post-2013
- Tipping
- 10% restaurants, $10-15/day guides
Entry Requirements
Visa by Nationality
This is a title
Pro Tip:
Purchase the KAZA Univisa ($50) for unlimited border crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, including day trips to Botswana.
Vaccinations
- Recommended
- Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Rabies
- Required
- Yellow Fever (if transit)
- Malaria Risk
- High – prophylaxis advised
- Water
- Bottled only
Passport & Insurance
- Validity
- 6+ months
- Blank Pages
- 3 minimum
- Insurance
- Highly recommended
- Coverage
- $200K+ medical evac
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Jan
26°
190mm 🌧️
Feb
26°
140mm 🌧️
Mar
26°
100mm 🌦️
Apr
26°
30mm ☀️
May
24°
5mm ☀️
Jun
22°
1mm ☀️
Jul
21°
0mm ☀️
Aug
22°
0mm ☀️
Sep
28°
2mm ☀️
Oct
31°
25mm 🌤️
Nov
30°
95mm ⛈️
Dec
27°
175mm 🌧️
Getting There & Around
International Airports
- Harare
- HRE
- Bulawayo
- BUQ
- Victoria Falls
- VFA
Getting Around
- Car Rental
- 4WD recommended
- Domestic Flights
- Fastjet
- WiFi
- Hotels only
- SIM
- Econet / NetOne
Connectivity
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Providers
- Econet, NetOne
- SIM Cost
- $2 – $5 at airport
- eSIM
- Limited — physical SIM better
- WiFi
- Hotels/lodges only
- VPN Needed?
- No
Useful Apps
- Maps
- Google Maps (download offline)
- Translation
- Google Translate
- Rides
- Private taxis (no Uber)
- Currency
- XE Currency Converter
Heads up:
Don't rely on mobile data inside national parks — coverage is non-existent. Download offline maps before heading into the bush.
Top Attractions
Things to Do
01
Walk with Giants in Mana Pools
Embark on an exhilarating walking safari to track massive bull elephants on foot with expert professional guides.
02
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Relax on a riverboat above Victoria Falls, sipping local drinks while viewing hippos and crocodiles against a brilliant sunset.
03
Bungee Jump off Victoria Falls Bridge
Plunge 111 meters into the Zambezi gorge with the roaring falls cascading right beside you.
04
Track Rhinos in Matobo Hills
Accompany park rangers on a walking safari to track and photograph critically endangered rhinos at close range.
05
Houseboat on Lake Kariba
Spend peaceful days on the water fishing for tigerfish and watching elephants bathe on the shoreline at sunset.
06
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
National Parks
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
The world's most spectacular curtain of falling water, shared jointly with Zambia. A natural wonder of immense power.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Majestic ruins of an ancient African empire, built entirely of stone without mortar. The country's namesake.
Khami Ruins National Monument
Beautiful terraced stone capital of the historical Torwa state. Quieter alternative to Great Zimbabwe.
Mana Pools, Sapi & Chewore Safari Areas
Pristine riverine wilderness of global importance for large mammal concentrations along the Zambezi.
Matobo Hills
Exceptional concentration of granite formations, ancient rock art, and historic cultural sites spanning millennia.
Wildlife Experiences
Elephants
Massive herds at Hwange waterholes. Mana Pools elephants stand on hind legs. Best: Jul–Oct.
Rhinos
Track black & white rhinos on foot in Matobo Hills with armed rangers. Best: May–Sep.
Leopards & Lions
Night drives in Hwange for leopards. Lion prides frequent Mana Pools floodplains. Best: Aug–Oct.
Wild Dogs
Africa's most endangered predator. Best spotted in Mana Pools and Gonarezhou. Best: Jun–Oct.
Hippos & Crocs
Zambezi River boat safaris and Lake Kariba houseboats. Year-round viewing.
Birding
670+ species. Migratory birds arrive Nov–Mar. Fish eagles at Lake Chivero year-round.
Hidden Gems
Off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss.
Vumba Botanical Gardens
A misty, enchanted garden in the Eastern Highlands filled with giant ferns, colorful orchids, and rare birdlife.
Tengenenge Art Village
An artistic community of open-air stone sculptors where you can watch world-renowned Shona carving techniques first-hand.
Chimanimani Mountains
A paradise for rugged hikers — jagged quartzite peaks, deep valleys, wild waterfalls, and absolute serenity.
Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
Under-visited sanctuary in Mutare where elephants and antelopes graze against a stunning backdrop of pine-covered hills.
Food & Drink
Sadza
The national staple — thick white maize porridge eaten by hand with stews and greens. You'll find it everywhere.
Muriwo Unedovi
Fresh leafy greens simmered in a rich, velvety peanut butter sauce. Comfort food at its finest.
Nyama
Slow-simmered beef, goat, or venison stew seasoned with salt and tomatoes, served alongside hot sadza.
Biltong
Spiced, air-dried cured meat from beef or game — the ultimate high-protein travel snack across Southern Africa.
Zambezi Lager
The iconic local premium lager, perfect for hot safari afternoons. Brewed locally and refreshingly cold.
Mazoe Orange
A beloved sweet orange syrup diluted with water — every Zimbabwean's nostalgic childhood drink.
Vegetarian?
Traditional cuisine is meat-centric, but sadza, peanut butter greens, sugar bean stews, and fresh tropical fruits are widely available.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Shona Stone Sculptures
World-renowned hand-carved soapstone art
Weya Pictorial Fabrics
Traditional hand-woven and painted textiles
Old Zim Banknotes
Historic trillion-dollar notes as novelty souvenirs
Beaded Jewelry
Handmade necklaces, bracelets & earrings
Mazoe Orange Crush
Iconic local orange syrup — perfect edible souvenir
Wooden Bowls & Art
Hand-carved from local hardwoods
Bargaining tip:
Haggling is expected at craft markets but keep it friendly. Start at 50% of asking price, settle around 60-70%. Fixed-price shops like Doon Estate don't negotiate.
Festivals & Events
Table Data
Public holidays note:
Banks and government offices close on Heroes' Day (Aug), Unity Day (Dec 22), and Independence Day (Apr 18). Plan cash withdrawals accordingly.
Language & Useful Phrases
Table Data
Safety
Overview
- SIM Providers
- Econet, NetOne
- SIM Cost
- $2 – $5 at airport
- eSIM
- Limited — physical SIM better
- WiFi
- Hotels/lodges only
- VPN Needed?
- No
Emergency Numbers
- Maps
- Google Maps (download offline)
- Translation
- Google Translate
- Rides
- Private taxis (no Uber)
- Currency
- XE Currency Converter
Scam Alert:
Watch for aggressive vendors selling obsolete billion-dollar Zim notes at inflated prices, unofficial taxi drivers overcharging at airports, and police soliciting spot fines at checkpoints.
Culture & Etiquette
Do: Ask permission before photographing people
Never photograph military, police, or government buildings. Most locals are happy to pose if asked respectfully.
Do: Greet politely before any conversation
Always start with a handshake and "How are you?" — jumping straight to business is considered rude.
Don't: Wear camouflage clothing
It's illegal for civilians in Zimbabwe and strictly reserved for the military. Leave all camo at home.
Do: Dress conservatively at rural sites
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting rural communities, religious sites, or the ancient Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Packing Checklist
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Type G power adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Type G power adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Type G power adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Type G power adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit
Sample Itineraries
01
Walk with Giants in Mana Pools
Embark on an exhilarating walking safari to track massive bull elephants on foot with expert professional guides.
02
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Relax on a riverboat above Victoria Falls, sipping local drinks while viewing hippos and crocodiles against a brilliant sunset.
03
Bungee Jump off Victoria Falls Bridge
Plunge 111 meters into the Zambezi gorge with the roaring falls cascading right beside you.
04
Track Rhinos in Matobo Hills
Accompany park rangers on a walking safari to track and photograph critically endangered rhinos at close range.
05
Houseboat on Lake Kariba
Spend peaceful days on the water fishing for tigerfish and watching elephants bathe on the shoreline at sunset.
06
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
07
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
08
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
09
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
10
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
11
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
12
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
13
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
14
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Navigate Class IV and V rapids through steep basalt gorges below the falls — some of the wildest in the world.
Sample Itineraries
🇿🇲
Zambia
Walk across Victoria Falls Bridge
🇧🇼
Botswana
1hr drive to Chobe
🇿🇦
South Africa
1.5hr flight from Harare
🇲🇿
Mozambique
Eastern border crossing
Suggested Budget Breakdown
How to allocate your daily travel budget in Zimbabwe.
Accommodation
45%
Transportation
25%
Food & Drink
15%
Activities & Tours
15%
Safari tip:
Most luxury safari lodges are all-inclusive (accommodation + meals + game drives + drinks), so your accommodation % will be higher but food/activities % drops to near zero. Budget accordingly.
Save money:
Book domestic flights early, self-drive instead of charter flights, camp in national parks, and eat at local diners over tourist restaurants.
Combine Zimbabwe With
Popular multi-country trip combinations.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe + 🇿🇲 Zambia
Classic combo. Walk across Victoria Falls Bridge, explore both sides of the falls, add South Luangwa safari. KAZA Univisa ($50) covers both. Duration: 10–14 days.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe + 🇧🇼 Botswana
Classic combo. Walk across Victoria Falls Bridge, explore both sides of the falls, add South Luangwa safari. KAZA Univisa ($50) covers both. Duration: 10–14 days.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe + 🇿🇲 Zambia + 🇧🇼 Botswana
Classic combo. Walk across Victoria Falls Bridge, explore both sides of the falls, add South Luangwa safari. KAZA Univisa ($50) covers both. Duration: 10–14 days.
Common Questions
FAQ'S
01. How Do I Book A Trip On Your Website?
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02. What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
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03. Can I Make Changes To My Reservation After Booking?
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04. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
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05. Do You Offer Group Booking Discounts?
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