Zimbabwe Travel Guide

For all its myriad attractions, self-drive or independent travel is not recommended in Zimbabwe. To ensure an entirely stress-free African experience, our bespoke Zimbabwe tours are tailor-made to suit your time, budget and interests. Browse our most popular packages for a taste of what this wonderful country has to offer, or get in touch to discuss how we can curate the ultimate waterfall and wilderness experience.

Zimbabwe’s key tourism regions offer a wonderful array of accommodation, from vintage-style lodges to airy contemporary suites overlooking the Zambezi River. In between you’ll find everything from grand colonial-era hotels and under-canvas expeditions to chic safari camps offering the last word in wilderness luxury. 

The tourism hub of Victoria Falls offers the greatest array of accommodation options, including the wonderful Victoria Falls Hotel, which opened in 1904 and has been delivering gracious old-world service ever since. In Mana Pools and the Hwange National Park you’ll find a wonderful array of industry-leading safari camps, run by some of Africa’s most respected operators.

For many years the Zimbabwean Dollar was little more than a novelty, with billion-dollar notes seeing more use as tourist souvenirs than hard currency on the streets. In 2009 the Zimbabwean Dollar was suspended, before being reintroduced in 2019. 

Today the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is the country’s official currency, although both street traders and formal establishments will accept major global currencies, particularly the US dollar, as payment. In local markets US dollars – clean bills in small denominations – are most convenient, and are often preferred by traders. When purchasing goods be careful to check whether the price is being quoted in US or Zimbabwean dollars. 

ATMs are available in major towns and cities, but may not always be operating or stocked with local currency. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most upmarket hotels and lodges. However, American Express and Diners Club cards might not be accepted and, if so, may incur a significant surcharge.  

Gratuities for service in bars and restaurants is entirely voluntary, and not included in the bill, but are generally expected unless you have received particularly poor service. A gratuity of between 10-15% of the bill is acceptable. For taxis and transfer services, a tip of a few dollars is acceptable, and optional.

At safari lodges gratuities for guides, trackers and housekeeping staff are paid separately. Guides and trackers are usually tipped directly, preferably in cash. Again, US dollars are preferred.

Zimbabwe operates on a 230V (50Hz) electrical system. For travellers from Europe, Australia and most of Asia this rarely poses a problem, but it is considerably higher voltage than the 110V used in the United States. Confirm that your appliances are multi-voltage before departure, or consider bringing an adapter/converter. 

Zimbabwe uses Type D plugs – three round pins in a triangular pattern, common in South Africa – as well as the British-style plug Type G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Most hotels and lodges will be able to provide plug adapters, if needed.

For decades Zimbabwe has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but the social issues that trouble many urban areas will have little or no impact on tourists’ experience of this warm, welcoming country.  

Tourist hubs in the north of the country are rarely affected by urban protests in the key cities of Harare and Bulawayo, while travelers spending time in the national parks and private game reserves are even less likely to be impacted in any way. 

In terms of petty crime, Zimbabwe is considered one of the safest countries in the region, although it pays to be vigilant with your personal belongings – bags, cameras etc – when exploring local markets or in busy public areas. If you need to travel or explore independently, especially after dark, ask the hotel concierge or your guide to arrange a transfer and/or guide.

For most travellers Zimbabwe is one of many stops on a tour of southern Africa, and the length of time spent here will depend on other destinations visited in the region. To simply experience the splendour and adventure of Victoria Falls, allow two to three days in the area. If you wish to explore Hwange National park, an additional three days is recommended, while venturing further afield to the iconic Mana Pools National Park will require another three or four days, at a minimum.

Travellers from the United States, United Kingdom and most European countries must purchase a visa-on-arrival to enter Zimbabwe. The most convenient option is the KAZA Uni-Visa (US$50), which is valid for 30 days and allows for multiple border crossings. This is especially useful for travellers visiting the Victoria Falls region, and wanting to experience both sides of the Zambezi River. It also allows for day-visits to the Chobe River and the town of Kasane, via the Kazungula border post into Botswana. 

Aside from paying the required visa fee, your passport or travel document should be valid for no less than six months after the expiry of your intended visit and must have at least two blank pages for entry/departure endorsements. Failure to comply may result in entry to the country being denied.

No inoculations are required to enter Zimbabwe, although travellers arriving from a Yellow Fever region must produce a certificate of prior vaccination on arrival. 

Malaria is common in the northern parts of Zimbabwe, including popular regions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba. While the risk is reduced during the dry winter months (May-October), anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.

Safari lodges and hotels in key tourist areas all offer complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, typically at no charge. Mobile data connectivity is available in major towns (such as Victoria Falls) and on key road networks, but coverage will be limited or non-existent in remote national park areas.