Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Every minute detail was taken care of and I felt so pampered and relaxed. They took care of all our drop-offs, pick-ups, and COVID tests and guided us through visas. Alym was so great to work with and so attentive to detail. He and his staff were always a text away from answering our questions. The camps were top notch and the food was amazing. Everything exceeded my expectations. Love Kenya!!! Best adventure of my life!!!

GISELLE HILLMAN

Planning a trip to Zimbabwe? Learn more about visas, currency and more in our Zimbabwe Travel Guide. Gaze in awe at a most breath-taking sight during a trip to Victoria Falls. A luxury Zimbabwe safari should also be on your agenda! Enjoy close encounters with elephants, lions and leopards on a game drive in Hwange. Take a boat safari in Matusadona, embark on an exhilarating canoe safari in Mana Pools or explore the ancient and mysterious ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Explore the granite boulders and rock art in Matopos National Park or go on a walking safari in spectacular Gonarezhou to feel like the last man left on earth. The choices offered when traveling in Zimbabwe are awesome. Plan your vacation with helpful tips from our experts in this Zimbabwe travel guide.

 
Before You Go

Your holiday decisions — where you go, how often you travel, the hotels or lodges you stay in, even the season you travel in – can make a huge difference to your African Journey… This is going to be the best guide to find out before visiting any African countries!

 

When To Travel To Zimbabwe

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its peak. The natural waterholes in the parks dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, man-made waterholes and rivers.

However, travel from November through to March rewards those wanting to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s rich cultural history. Birders, in particular, will be delighted by the presence of migratory birds.

Meanwhile, April to June provides great value, and fantastic views of Victoria Falls in full flow can be enjoyed.

Top Things To Do In Zimbabwe

With its diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe has much to offer. Once a safari hot spot, the country sees low visitor numbers today. This upcoming travel destination is in its post-Mugabe era, and for visitors, it’s a great time to beat the crowds. Wondering what to see or what to do? Find your favorite things to do in Zimbabwe.

    • Marvel at Victoria Falls
    • Spot the Big Five at Hwange National Park
    • Go Back in History at Great Zimbabwe
    • Take a Walk on the Wild Side in Mana Pools National Park
    • Discover Ancient Rock Paintings at Matobo National Park
    • Paddle a Canoe on the Upper Zambezi
What To Eat & Drink In Zimbabwe

Most Zimbabweans exist on stodgy staple sadza, made from maize-meal or cornmeal and eaten with stew, meat or relish. In Zimbabwe’s camps expect a cooked breakfast along with meat-and-two-veg mains, reflecting British culinary influences, or a barbecued braai.

However, Zimbabwe’s better hotel restaurants offer more avant-garde takes on reared game meat: for example, wasabi-coated crocodile tail and warthog stuffed with prunes.

Steak-lovers will view Zimbabwe as paradise; vegetarians less so. Biltong (jerky) and dried kapenta fish are popular snacks.

Most wines are South African imports while local beer brands such as Bohlingers and Zambezi are eminently drinkable.

Most Zimbabweans exist on stodgy staple sadza, made from maize-meal or cornmeal and eaten with stew, meat or relish. In Zimbabwe’s camps expect a cooked breakfast along with meat-and-two-veg mains, reflecting British culinary influences, or a barbecued braai.

However, Zimbabwe’s better hotel restaurants offer more avant-garde takes on reared game meat: for example, wasabi-coated crocodile tail and warthog stuffed with prunes.

Steak-lovers will view Zimbabwe as paradise; vegetarians less so. Biltong (jerky) and dried kapenta fish are popular snacks.

Most wines are South African imports while local beer brands such as Bohlingers and Zambezi are eminently drinkable.

The Best Souvenirs To Buy In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country full of ancient history, wild nature and craftsmanship. Its name means, in the Shona language, “stone house”. It took this name after its independence in 1980, in honor of “Great Zimbabwe”, some archaeological remains of the Monomotapa empire, which have been named as a national sanctuary. The art in the country is extremely important, as in the rest of Africa. Artisanship in Zimbabwe plays a very important role, as it serves to promote sustainable development. Raw materials from the region are used and their sale contributes to the livelihood of many families. These are some objects to buy in Zimbabwe.

    • Fabrics.
    • Ceramics.
    • Basket weaving.
    • Masks. …
    • Bronze. …
    • Jewelry.
What To Pack For Zimbabwe

As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colours are best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, especially in winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.

The most practical items to pack for your Zimbabwe safari are:

    • Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours.
    • Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
    • T-shirts.
    • Shorts or a light skirt.
    • Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
    • Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives.
Travel Tips For Zimbabwe

Currency: The currency in Zimbabwe has been up in the air for the past few years. In June 2019, the country banned foreign currency and reintroduced the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD) which was abandoned due to hyperinflation in 2009. 1 USD is equivalent to 361.9 ZWD.

Language: Zimbabwe holds the Guinness World Record for most languages spoken, with 16 official languages. The three main languages spoken are English, Shona, and Ndebele.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Visa To Go To Zimbabwe?

Yes, all travelers need a visa for entry to Zimbabwe. Visas are issued on arrival (VoA) at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the need of the traveler. All travelers must obtain visas at the port of entry as currently there is not an option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy.

How Much Is A Zimbabwe Visa On Arrival?

The Zimbabwe e-Visa costs USD 30.00 for a Single Entry e-Visa and USD 45.00 for a double-entry e-Visa. Additionally, there is a service fee of USD 25.00 for standard processing.

Is Zimbabwe Good For Tourists?

Zimbabwe is a very safe country for travelers. Zimbabweans by nature are very welcoming and friendly to foreigners, and the tough economic situation has not significantly affected the country’s safety for visitors.

What Clothes To Wear In Zimbabwe?

Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours.
Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
T-shirts.
Shorts or a light skirt.
Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives.

Proceed Booking

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