Zimbabwe has a bad rap for being unsafe and politically unstable. In fact, a lot of people visiting are often told that they should avoid it due to fuel shortages, cash restrictions, and a harsh police presence. But let me tell you that Zimbabwe is an iconic African destination. The country has small villages, mountains, prehistoric fossils, and wildlife galore. The locals are warm and welcoming, with constant smiles on their faces.

Most travellers visit Zimbabwe and Zambia to see Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the largest waterfall on the planet! So, ignore what everyone has to say and visit Zimbabwe, a country full of diverse landscapes, lush mountains, world-famous waterfalls, five UNESCO World Heritage sites, and wildlife roaming free.

Best Time To Visit

Zimbabwe is one of the few places in the world that boasts sunshine for more than 320 days per year, making it a wonderful year-round destination. However, depending on the activities you’re interested in, there are better times to visit. December through March means plenty of rain. Roads to the country’s wildlife safaris aren’t in great shape and camping can become a bit difficult. However, it’s means the water level of Victoria Falls is at it’s highest! Come May, winter begins, but Zimbabwe’s winter is much like Europe’s summer. There is no snowfall, and the wildlife starts to emerge. Once July comes, the peak tourism season begins. Hotels and safaris raise their rates, but it’s worth it the minute you see all of the wildlife wandering around. Just plan ahead of time to save yourself a few pennies and snag a spot!

What To Expect

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.

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.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Zimbabwe is very much, so a cash society and the use of credit cards in the country is almost non-existent. When visiting, to be safe, plan on your debit and credit cards to be unusable. Because of this, you will not have access to ATMs. If you do run out of cash, you will need to travel to neighbouring Zambia using a taxi. You can also take a day trip to Botswana to access the Botswana pula which is accepted at Victoria Falls.

Plugs: In Zimbabwe, the plugs are type D and G, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: When looking up safety in Zimbabwe, you might see mixed things. The country has had a dark history over the last few decades, and poor economic conditions have put the natives in a tough position. Many have turned to crime, and tourists can be targets of this crime. Don’t travel alone, especially at night, and stay vigilant, and you should be able to enjoy your vacation without a hitch.