Why Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe suits a traveller looking for unique safaris, wild adventures and authentic experiences.
The country is most notably known for the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The country is great safari destination. Within a short drive of Victoria Falls, one may visit Hwange National Park which offers some of incredible sightings of the Big 5 and home to over 40,000 elephants. For a unique safari, one can head to Mana Pools National Park, which offers both land and water safaris, the park is situated along the Zambezi River and made famous for its walking and canoe safaris.
For an off the beaten track safari, one can head to Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in Africa or venture far South to Gonarezhou National Park for a safari far from the hoards of tourists in many other National Parks throughout Africa.
Zimbabwe has a rich history and culture showcased through its ancient ruins like Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Southern Africa.
If you keen on adventure activities then Zimbabwe offers the white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, walking safaris and overnight canoe safaris.
For those looking for some of Africa’s greatest luxury and exclusivity in a Big 5 safari region, then head into the private Malilangwe Reserve and stay at the opulent Singita Pamushana.
Whether you’re into nature, adventure, history, or simply want to experience a vibrant culture, Zimbabwe has something special to offer.
Discover Zimbabwe
Top Destinations
Victoria Falls
A true bucket list destination. Be awe-inspired by one of the Seven Wonders of The World. The waterfall is recognized as the largest sheet of falling water in the world (February to May).
The bustling town of Victoria Falls is also the adventure capital of Africa. Home to countless adventures, safaris, and accommodation, it offers something for everyone. This is one of the few tourist towns in Africa where wild elephants, buffalo and hippo roam the streets. The town has accommodation options from backpackers all the way to the most luxurious lodges in Africa. There are also many authentic restaurants to choose from around town.
Attraction List:
- Scenic Helicopter Flights
- Sunset Boat Safaris on Zambezi River
- White Water Rafting
- Devils Pool
- Chobe National Park Day Trip (Botswana)
- Bungee Jumping and Gorge Swing
- Canoe Safaris on the Zambezi
Top Experiences
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a year-round travel destination. The country is known for its ever-present sunshine and is accessible throughout the year.
The prime time for a Safari throughout the country is between June and October (Dry-Season). During this season there is minimal rainfall, the temperatures are mild (except October which can be very hot), and wildlife tend to congregate around water sources making them easier to spot.
Victoria Falls is great all year round, the water levels do change throughout the year, see below information.
Alternatively, the hot and wet summer months, from December to April, offer a different perspective with lush vegetation and dust free skies, perfect for photography. The rates at this time are more affordable and there is more availability.
Certain safari regions like Mana Pools National Park are closed during the wet season and are only open from May – November.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
Monthly features:
Victoria Falls is a year-round travel destination, however it depends on your preferences as to when you should travel, if you are visiting to see the falls in full flow then it doesn’t perfectly coincide with the best time for a Zimbabwean or Botswanan safari, however all seasons are decent for both. If you are a thrill seeking wanting to experience white water rafting or devils pool then a safari perfectly coincides.
High Water Flow (February to July) – Perfect for scenic helicopter flights and to see the falls at its peak.
Low Water Flow (August to January) – Best time for white water rafting and devil’s pool.
Best Time for Nearby Safaris (July to October) – Hwange, Mana Pools, Chobe (Botswana) or Okavango Delta (Botswana) at their best.
Best Weather Conditions (May to August) – Warm days and mild nights.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
Monthly features:
Dry Season (July to October) are the best months for a safari both in Zimbabwe and neighbouring Botswana. Due to less water and food availability, wildlife becomes easier to find. Hwange National Park’s peak wildlife viewing is in September and October where it can becomes a world class safari experience, although expect very hot temperatures during the day.
Shoulder Season (May, June and November) are great months for those looking to avoid the busiest periods and obtaining better pricing. The rainfall is short and minimal (if any). Temperatures can be very high in November. The safari experience can be very good during this period and less visitors meaning more exclusive wildlife sightings.
Wet Season (December to April) This period is not the peak time for wildlife viewing, largely due to water and food being abundant causing wildlife to be scattered. Best prices and availability will be found during these months. Birding is great at this time of year and newborn animals are present.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Camps Closed
Monthly features:
Wet Season (December to April) NB – Most safari lodges are closed during this period.
Shoulder Season (May, June and November) are good months for safari with lower prices than the peak months. The wildlife viewing in May and June can be slightly hit and miss depending on how late the rains were. November wildlife viewing can be excellent if the rains have not arrived. November temperatures can be extremely hot during the day.
Dry Season (July to October) are the driest months. Vegetation is minimal and therefore wildlife is abundant. Great time for photographic safaris, canoe safaris and walking safaris. Lodges charge the highest prices during this period. October is very hot in Mana Pools but the lodges accommodate this with cooling measures.
Perfect Zimbabwe Add-Ons:
Fequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe is a relatively expensive destination.
The reason for the relatively high prices are:
Exchange Rates: The country is largely USD based and therefore one cannot take advantage of the local currencies depreciation (ZWL). As the country uses the USD, basic goods and services are very expensive, including food, beverages, fuel and accommodation.
Large Distances: The countries top destinations are very far from one another.
Lack of Infrastructure: Aside from Victoria Falls, the country has a lack of infrastructure, including decent roads, car hire facilities and fuel stations.
Transfers: A lot of the safaris involve flying on light aircrafts.
Private Concessions: Due to many of the lodges being in private concessions. Tourism operators must pay massive concession fees to government.
Remote Locations: Zimbabwe is a very large country and many of the lodges are in remote locations only accessible by long drives, flights or boats, this leads to higher costs of operations and ultimately to customers to offer this exclusivity and solitude.
Professional Guides: Zimbabwe is known for some of the best professional guides in Africa and this quality of guiding comes at a cost.
Can you travel Zimbabwe on a budget?
Yes, there are ways to travel on a budget. However South Africa and Namibia are likely more suitable to budget travellers.
Victoria Falls is best for travelling on a budget although prices of activities can be high.
Cost of Travelling Zimbabwe in order of cheapest to most expensive:
1. Overland Tours and Trucks
2. Self-Driving (Camping)
3. Mobile Safari’s
4. Fly-In Luxury Safaris
Safari Costs are dependent on:
Location: The best concessions are usually the highest priced, these concessions will have the best all year-round game viewing and are situated in private/exclusive concessions.
Seasonality: Peak season prices can be over twice the price of the low season prices.
Level of Luxury: Lodges can offer different levels of luxury, the top end lodges would have world class chefs, private plunge pools, top guides and private safari vehicles for their guests.
Transport to and from: Most lodges in Zimbabwe are fly-in safaris (small aircraft), these transfers can be expensive when hopping from lodge to lodge. These flights are however very scenic and offer a birds eye view of wildlife and landscapes.
Zimbabwe is a relatively easy country to travel to.
International Airports:
- Victoria Falls International Airport
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare).
There is also the option of flying into Livingstone, Zambia, which is a short transfer to Victoria Falls.
Most international visitors would transit through:
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Addis Abiba, Ethiopia
Zimbabwe is a large and diverse country. The country is more suited for fly in safari’s than self-drive. Distances between destinations can be very large, roads very bad and there is not many clean rest stops along the tourist routes.
For flying internally, the major airports are Kariba, Hwange, Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls.
There are also daily light aircraft flights to Mana Pools and Hwange.
Options for travelling in Zimbabwe:
Self-Drive: This is for very adventurous travellers. Zimbabwe has some very remote places with tough conditions and long distances, therefore its best to find out the latest conditions before travelling. Vehicle hire can be overpriced, and fuel is expensive, therefore it sometimes is a more cost-effective option to do fly-ins or road transfers.
Fly In: For travellers short on time or wanting to fly straight into the prime locations, there are daily flights into all the luxury lodges.
Mobile Safari: A truly authentic way to experience a safari. Be guided on an open safari vehicle throughout Zimbabwe and discover its wild places. The support staff will be setting up camps, food, and setup all the comforts to make your stay a memorable one.
Day Trips: Victoria Falls is the best place for day trips. One can visit Chobe National Park (Botswana) for a vehicle and boat safari. Hwange National Park is more suited to overnight stays but day trips are possible.
Taxis: Readily available in Victoria Falls.
This is a common question of our travellers.
The short answer to this is YES.
Of course, Zimbabwe has crime, as do many other countries throughout the world.
Zimbabwe is known for its friendly and welcoming locals.
However like most other country, there are areas that are safer than others. Tourist destinations and tourist attractions are extremely safe due to high levels of security measures in place.
As with traveling to any unfamiliar place, being cautious and well-informed can contribute to a safer experience.
At AfriVenture we will never design an tour or itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.
Yes, malaria is present in some parts of Zimbabwe, although the risk of malaria is generally low.
It’s important to take precautionary measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas, especially during the rainy season (November to April), when mosquito populations are higher.
Preventive measures against malaria includes:
• Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
• Using insect repellent.
• Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants)
• Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.
Visa requirements for Zimbabwe vary depending on your nationality.
Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Zimbabwe, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.
To determine whether you need a visa to visit Zimbabwe, you should check with the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Zimbabwean Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.
Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.
At the time of writing there are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers entering South Africa.
However, the country may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from, or have recently visited a Yellow Fever endemic area. This requirement usually applies to travellers coming from certain African and South American countries.
Malaria Prevention: Please see other frequently asked question on Malaria.
The currency used in Zimbabwe is largely the United States Dollar (USD).
Most tourist establishment and especially in Victoria Falls one can use debit and credit cards, however in rural or outlying areas the country often only accepts cash is USD.
Methods to pay for goods and services:
- Cash: Carrying some cash in USD is imperative. They can be useful for all purchased, fuel, tips, markets, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are available in Victoria Falls.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments, especially in urban areas. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip for services in Zimbabwe.
- Restaurants: Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- Lodges: This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.
Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.
