Zimbabwe might be Africa’s best kept secret. It combines the perfect mix of wildlife viewing, conservation, and outdoor adventure-from kayaking the Zambezi and walking above Victoria Falls to safari by railcar. For years, the South African's safari destination of choice was... Zimbabwe. In an entire region known for its magnificent game drives, Zimbabwe's landscape takes the top spot.
Zimbabwe offers stunning natural beauty, from the thunder of Victoria Falls to the rich wildlife of Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks! With exceptional guides, several national parks and a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, Zimbabwe offers an authentic safari experience that can easily be coupled with a trip to Victoria Falls. With the most highly trained guides in Africa, camps and lodges that balance comfort and rusticity, and wildlife areas renowned for big cats and wild dog, Zimbabwe offers safaris of the highest level.
Visiting the country for the first time? We have years of award-winning experience crafting custom vacations to many destinations around the world. Designing custom-made Zimbabwe trips with our experts is easy. Your custom trip to Zimbabwe starts with a personal consultation.
Zimbabwe's safari guides are considered among the best in the world thanks to their extremely rigorous training. It takes at least five years to complete the course, which involves everything from learning all the Latin names of birds, plants, insects and animal species to basic first aid, advanced driving skills and weapons training. It is so tough that it is estimated that in some years only five percent of the incoming class make it to the final written exams.
Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Zimbabwe safaris. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you.
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The main languages spoken in Zimbabwe are Shona, Ndebele, and English.
Our African Safari Experts are equipped with over two decades of first-hand knowledge and experience exploring the continent.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a distinct “dry season” (May-early-November) and “green season” (late-November-April). Both offer fantastic wildlife viewing possibilities, making it a great destination to visit all year round. Each season in Zimbabwe has something unique to offer, with a diverse range of wildlife and a small fraction of the crowds other countries in Africa receive.
While there’s no bad time to visit Zimbabwe, the best time is generally during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period offers pleasant weather, fewer mosquitoes, and great wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources. June to August are cooler, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to do outdoor activities like hiking.
The best time to go depends on where you want to go - on safari or to see Victoria Falls. Naturally, almost all travellers would like to do both, which leaves a much smaller window to see both at their best. The best time for a Zimbabwe safari is during the dry winter months, from about May to October. The best time to see Victoria Falls in all its glory is from about February to May, or summer to late autumn.
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If you have limited vacation time, we suggest trying to take it in May, June or July if you want to travel to Zimbabwe to see the Falls and go on a safari.
- Dry Season (April to October): Pleasant weather, fewer mosquitoes, great for wildlife viewing.
- Green Season (November to April): Lush landscapes, excellent for birdwatching.
The weather in Zimbabwe is temperate to subtropical, and there are distinct wet and dry seasons here - running from mid-November to March and April to mid-November respectively. Temperatures tend to range from around 15 to 27°C (59 to 80.6°F), though during the cooler months of mid-May to mid-August, it can get even colder. The heaviest rainfall tends to occur in the months of December to March, when it can average around 160mm (6.30 inches) per month. Be warned that even though you’re in Southern Africa, the nights can get cold and even almost freezing at altitude. Be prepared!
November is considered a tricky or unpredictable month. It is spring and anything is possible. If the rains are late, the dryness and intense heat of October will carry on into November. If the rains arrive ‘on time', then it can be very wet. We're never quite sure what to expect but sometimes, that's half the fun of travelling.
The regional school holidays fall in July, and Hwange, Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba are generally very busy with local holidaymakers. The period between Christmas and New Year's is also very busy because of regional holidays.
Top Destinations in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwes trump card is its whopping great swathes of wonderful wilderness packed full of game and birdlife. Its five fantastic national parks are a nature lovers nirvana, each one offering a safari experience unique to the next.
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Victoria Falls
Probably the biggest attraction in Zimbabwe and the classic end-point to a safari. The Falls, traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders', are the largest in the world when you combine their height and width. You can walk through the mist to feel the force of Victoria Falls rumble underfoot as you approach this natural wonder or fly over the towering cascades for a bird’s eye view. Beyond a safari, a vacation to Zimbabwe gives you the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls and take in the thundering water by boat or helicopter or on foot.
The Zambezi River feeds the Falls, and is in turn fed by rains that fall far away on the Angolan Highlands. It is important to know that when the Falls are at their fullest and highest, they are ironically hard to see and especially to photograph, because the 500 000 litres / 132 000 gallons of water that plummet over the edge create a huge amount of mist (and the noise can be deafening, hence the traditional name Mosi-oa-Tunya or the Smoke that Thunders). The strong current and high waters at this time of year make water activities like white-water rafting unsafe, so bear this in mind when you book. It will also be too dangerous to swim in Devil's Pool or to visit Livingstone Island as the water rushes furiously by.
If you want to see Victoria Falls in full flood, then it's best to start planning about a year in advance. This may seem extreme and unnecessary, but the best accommodation is limited and goes fast. If you leave it very late, you may not be able to secure accommodation at all, as this is a popular regional and honeymoon destination.
Optional Day TourFlight of the Angels - Victoria Falls
Today the best way to appreciate the true splendor of the Victoria Falls is to view them from the air.
Hwange National Park
The most famous and visited park is Hwange (pronounced ‘wang-gee'), which spans over 14 600 square kilometres / 5 850 square miles, and provides a haven for 107 mammal species and more than 400 recorded types of birds, many of which flock to Mandavu Dam during the mid-year dry season. Hwange ranks among the top national parks in Africa in terms of size, diversity and quantity of game so a game drive is an ideal excursion.
If it's elephants you want to see (there are between 45 000 and 60 000 living in Hwange), then the area around Nyamandhlovu Pan is the place to be - it literally means, ‘Meat of the Elephant'. Hwange is most commonly combined with Victoria Falls as they are closest to each other.
Our trips donate directly to a wide array of initiatives such as sponsoring schools, dental care, eye care, solar water pumps, anti-poaching teams, and most recently bringing white rhinos back to a community-owned conservation area around Camelthorn Lodge in Hwange National Park-for the first time in over 50 years!
Mana Pools National Park
Back up north, Mana Pools is considered one of the prettiest reserves in the world. Its location near the Zambezi River gives it large pools that support a plethora of wildlife and activities like canoe safaris - a terrific way to see hippos, elephants, crocodiles and aquatic birdlife like herons, jacanas and terns. Mana Pools has large tracts of wilderness only accessible on foot.
Lake Kariba
Dammed to supply hydroelectric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Kariba is fondly known as ‘the Riviera of Zimbabwe' because of the many upscale houseboats that dot its shores. It is a wonderful place for birding and Spurwing Island - named after the African spur-winged goose - is testimony to this. Spurwings are famous for diving for fish and are very social, often living in communities of up to 50 birds. Take a boat trip on Lake Kariba as the sun sets. Perhaps try your hand at tiger fishing before relaxing with a cold glass of wine, couple of snacks and beautiful setting sun. For hippo, crocodile, and fish eagle sightings, we recommend a sunset boat trip on Lake Kariba.
Other Destinations
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Delve into Zimbabwe’s rich history by exploring a long-abandoned hilltop city. The local Shona people are thought to have built the Zimbabwe Ruins from about the 11th century, carefully dry-packing thousands of stones into intricate patterns, towers and staircases. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, at least 20 000 people lived here on a site that was 1 780 acres / 722 hectares big. It was the trading hub for the Kingdom of Mutapa or Munumatapa and is now a World Heritage Site. This is supposedly the location of Ophir, the biblical land from where King Solomon got ivory, gold and exotic birds.
- Matobo National Park: Today, it is a protected area where highly endangered black and white rhinos are making a comeback. Its granite outcrops are the perfect hunting grounds for Zimbabwe's reportedly highest concentration of leopards, as well as raptors like soaring and swooping black and bateleur eagles. One of its most famous sites are the ‘balancing rocks', where improbably large boulders are stacked up in a row, without mortar or supports.
- Gonarezhou National Park: Way down south of the country, Gonarezhou (‘gone-a-rez-who') is off the beaten track. Its most famous landmark is the stunning red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to late afternoon sundowners on game drives and glow red in the setting sun.
- Matusadona National Park: Lying on the southern shore of Lake Kariba, Matusadona is one of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe. Taking its name from the Matuzviadonha Hills, this remote region is accessible only by light aircraft, 4×4 convoy or boat and is considered one of the country's hidden gems.
Wildlife in Zimbabwe
A safari in Zimbabwe piques all the senses. With the help of some of the most highly trained guides in Africa, you have a good chance of seeing the Big Five, alongside an ensemble of other wildlife.
Zimbabwe is a good place to spot the Big Five - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard - as well as cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, zebra, and eland. Depending on the time of year, and your destination, you’ll encounter many other species too. Antelope, giraffe, bushbucks, and impala roam the grasslands, hippo and crocodiles lurk in the rivers and lakes, and Hwange has a large population of wild dog.
Accommodation Options
Zimbabwe offers a great choice of places to stay, from historic hotels to luxurious safari lodges and mobile camps that follow the wildlife. We’ve got plenty of options to choose from including small safari camps overlooking busy waterholes, private villas with balconies for wildlife watching, or a luxurious tented camp on the banks of the Zambezi. Elsewhere, you can stay at a historic hotel overlooking Victoria Falls, or wilderness chalets on a private concession.
You will find our intimate lodges to be relaxing oases after the thrill of a day on safari. We believe in the power of tourism to empower local communities and have selected lodges that employ a similar philosophy.
Whether by a campfire under a camel thorn tree, in the bush next to the Zambezi River with a complete kitchen and staff ready to cook any meal desired, by the shore of a watering hole watching the African sunset, the lodges were absolutely spectacular, a true five-star elegance that need only to be experienced to be believed!
Essential Travel Information
Visa and Vaccinations
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up-to-date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. You’re also required to have a yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the country. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Zimbabwe. Your doctor can provide you with immunization advice for Zimbabwe, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. Malaria is a risk in parts of Zimbabwe and you should speak to your doctor about which antimalarial medication you should take. Your first line of defense, however, is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Currency
The currency of Zimbabwe is the RTGS dollar (ZWL). Due to hyperinflation, the financial situation in Zimbabwe is volatile. US dollars are widely accepted in camps, lodges, hotels, and restaurants and we recommend carrying US dollars in several separate packages of smaller denomination notes.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t expected in Zimbabwe, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation:
| Staff | USD per person, per day |
|---|---|
| CEO | $5-8 |
| Driver/Safari guide | $2-3 |
| Local guides | $2-3 |
A 10% tip is standard in larger restaurants in Zimbabwe. Guides will appreciate a tip at the end of your stay in a lodge, but as the financial situation here is so unpredictable, it’s best to speak to your specialist for what amounts are appropriate.
Internet Access and ATMs
Internet access in Zimbabwe has been steadily improving in recent years, and you’ll find fairly good internet in larger towns and cities like Harare and Bulawayo. However, in rural areas like game parks, expect it to be much slower and less reliable.
Yes - there are plenty of ATMs in Zimbabwe, particularly within towns and cities and tourist areas too. Most tend to accept Visa more than Mastercard, so plan accordingly, and check with your bank to find out whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas like game reserves, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.
Safety
Zimbabwe is generally safe, and most visits here are trouble-free. That being said, petty crime and violent crime does exist here, and you should be careful at night, particularly in towns and cities. Take a taxi. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour.
It is important to remember that the safari locations are very far from Harare, the capital, and that Victoria Falls is ‘shared' with Zambia, a peaceful, stable and thriving democracy just across the Zambezi River. When you're on safari, you are hundreds of miles from Harare and we never route clients through the city. When you're on safari, you are in the hands of diligent and knowledgeable guides and lodge managers who know the country inside out - we have full confidence in them.
Even though we have been in the safari game since 1998, it's very hard for us to give a single figure when it comes to costs. There are so many variables to consider, such as the time of year you're travelling, how long you're staying, and whether you prefer comfortable or luxurious accommodation. We can, however, supply ballpark figures that help with formulating a budget. For accommodation, a Zim safari will cost you in the range of $600 to $3,250 per person sharing per night, depending on the level of comfort.
IMPORTANT: The above costs are an average per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. All our Zimbabwe safari costs are all-inclusive, which means that meals, most drinks, park fees and taxes are included in the rate for accommodation, and you don't get any ‘surprises' when you leave. We also prefer to book and arrange excursions or activities as part of your itinerary for the same reason. Like most things, the more substantial your budget, the more options you will have.
Other Considerations
- Tap Water: No, in a word, the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
- LGBTQ+ Travel: In a word - no, Zimbabwe isn’t particularly LGBTQ+-friendly, and same-sex relations are technically illegal here. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
- Transportation: The best way to get around Zimbabwe is to combine private transfers with some internal flights. The road network in Zimbabwe is well maintained and with a local guide to give you an insight into the landscape, history, and culture of places you pass, you’ll get so much more out of your drive.
Top 10 Things To Do In Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe Tour
Local Cuisine
In Zimbabwe you should try muriwo unedovi (cabbage, spinach, or pumpkin leaves in a peanut sauce), muboora (pumpkin-leaf soup or stew), and sadza (a thick maize porridge that is rolled into a ball and dipped into a variety of stews).
Book Your Zimbabwe Adventure
At Go2Africa, we prefer direct answers to direct questions. It is no secret that Zimbabweans have survived huge political turmoil, starting with colonisation in the 1800s. By the 1990s, then-president Robert Mugabe was desperate to hold onto power and by the early 2000s had embarked on an ambitious but ill-fated land redistribution programme to help empower ordinary Zimbabweans.
We are happy and confident to say that Zimbabwe has definitely come through this challenging period of the early 2000s. Since our inception in 1998, we have kept hundreds of thousands of safari lovers safe. We do this by regularly travelling to the countries we recommend and by keeping in constant touch with our vast network of contacts on the ground. We will never send a client to a place that we would not visit ourselves, and we use only the most reputable accommodation, transfers and activity providers throughout Zimbabwe, all of which have impeccable records.
Zimbabwe is still a stunning safari destination and the sheer sight of Victoria Falls is one of Mother Nature's most magnificent displays. Game is making a massive comeback and investment into new and upgraded lodges is surging. Zim was once dotted with simple ‘bush camps' and 2-person tents; now lodges have private plunge pools, designer interiors and gourmet food, all of which is indicative of the confidence investors have in the country.
In a nutshell: yes, Zimbabwe is safe to visit.
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