Intro Famously the home of the world’s greatest waterfalls – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a medium sized landlocked African country north of South Africa. It enjoys warm tropical weather and sunny days year-round and boasts several excellent National Parks with safari camps, such as Hwange and Matopos.
What is it?: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and iconic landmarks like Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. The country is also home to rich cultural heritage and historical sites like Great Zimbabwe and Hwange National Park, offering a diverse range of experiences for tourists interested in nature, history, and adventure.
Affordability: Zimbabwe is relatively affordable for travelers, with local food, accommodations, and transportation being quite reasonably priced. While safaris and visits to popular sites like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park can be expensive, Zimbabwe offers good value for money, especially for those interested in experiencing wildlife and cultural history. Budget travelers can find plenty of affordable guesthouses and local eateries.
Safety: Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, though travelers should exercise caution in urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo, where petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. Popular tourist destinations, such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Great Zimbabwe, are safe for visitors. It’s advisable to stay updated on local conditions and travel advisories, as Zimbabwe’s political and economic situation can sometimes affect safety.
Popularity: Zimbabwe is a well-known destination for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and history buffs, especially because of its proximity to Victoria Falls and its world-class national parks. Despite being less visited than other African countries, Zimbabwe remains a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic African experience with fewer crowds. It is particularly famous for its safari experiences and historical landmarks.
Tourist Infrastructure: Zimbabwe has a solid tourist infrastructure, particularly in major tourist destinations like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. The country offers a range of accommodations from budget options to high-end lodges and resorts. While more remote areas may require guided tours and private transport, the major attractions are well-served, and domestic flights are available for travel between key cities and parks.
Weather: Zimbabwe has a tropical climate, with hot, rainy summers (November–March) and cooler, dry winters (May–October). The best time to visit is during the dry season, when temperatures are moderate, wildlife viewing is excellent, and the landscape is more accessible. The wet season can bring heavy rains, making some areas harder to visit, but it also brings lush greenery and fewer tourists.
Best Time to Go: May–October for the best wildlife viewing, ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The wet season (November–April) is quieter with fewer tourists, but rain can affect travel, especially in national parks.
Known For: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe, wildlife safaris, cultural heritage, Lake Kariba, and breathtaking landscapes.
Top Destinations: Victoria Falls • Hwange National Park • Great Zimbabwe • Lake Kariba • Mana Pools National Park • Bulawayo • Harare
- Capital: Harare
- Population: ~16 million (Density: ~42 people per km², ~109 per mi²)
- Area: 390,757 km² (150,872 mi²)
- Official Language: English, Shona, Sindebele (Ndebele)
- Common Languages: Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa
- Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) (USD widely used in practice)
- Time Zone: UTC+2
- Electricity: Plug Type D, G (220V, 50Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 995, Ambulance 994, Fire 993
- Drives On: Left
- Religions: Christianity ~84%, Traditional beliefs ~14%, Other/None ~2%
- Government: Unitary Presidential Republic
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): -19.0154, 29.1549
Zimbabwe is a country of dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, and world-famous waterfalls. Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls on Earth, roars along the border with Zambia, offering thrilling views and adventure sports. Hwange National Park teems with elephants, lions, and wildlife, while Mana Pools offers remote, riverside safaris. Harare, the capital, is a city of gardens, markets, and art scenes. Great Zimbabwe’s stone ruins tell the story of a once-mighty civilization. Despite challenges, Zimbabwe’s warm people, rich history, and natural beauty make it a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.
Zimbabwe is one of southern Africa’s most rewarding yet underrated destinations, known for its iconic waterfalls, world-class safaris, and deep cultural roots. Most travelers come to see Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most thunderous waterfalls, but those who dig deeper find so much more: Hwange National Park‘s elephant herds, the dramatic ruins of Great Zimbabwe, and the quiet beauty of Lake Kariba. Zimbabwe offers wild landscapes without the crowds, and travelers often find the people among the warmest and most welcoming in Africa.
Lake Kariba, in the North, is a vast natural environment, good for cruises, fishing and game spotting. A colonial history has left the coutry with a fairly good, if aging, tourist infrastructure.
Zimbabwe had a thriving tourist industry based on the excellent colonial legacy infrastructure, but lately politics have killed it. This means you get the best rooms at the standard rates. Tourist areas do have some good western-styled restaurants, and the steaks are the cheapest in the world!
Traveling in Zimbabwe is affordable, especially compared to neighboring Botswana or South Africa. There’s a good mix of budget lodges, mid-range hotels, and luxury camps near major attractions. Food is simple but filling, expect sadza (maize meal), braised meats, greens, and lots of fresh fruit. In tourist hubs like Victoria Falls, you’ll also find Western restaurants, coffee shops, and even craft breweries.
Getting around requires some planning. Domestic flights connect major sites, while intercity buses, private transfers, and car hires are common for land travel. English is the main language used everywhere, making communication easy. Zimbabwe is generally safe in tourist areas, but the economy can be unstable, bring cash (U.S. dollars are king), expect occasional fuel shortages, and stay flexible.
Families: Zimbabwe offers family-friendly safaris, boat cruises, and nature encounters. Victoria Falls has activities for all ages, and Hwange National Park provides safe, well-run lodges with child-friendly safari options.
Couples: Couples love Zimbabwe’s romantic sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, luxury safari lodges in Hwange, and intimate escapes near Victoria Falls. Private game drives and bush dinners add to the allure.
Backpackers: Zimbabwe is rewarding for backpackers , affordable hostels in Victoria Falls, budget lodges in Bulawayo, and access to off-the-beaten-path parks. Key stops include Great Zimbabwe, Matobo Hills, and Hwange.
Digital Nomads: Internet is fair in Harare and Victoria Falls but unreliable in rural areas. Zimbabwe isn’t a digital nomad hub but can work for short workations in urban or tourist centers.
Luxury Travelers: Zimbabwe’s luxury safari scene is exceptional , top-tier lodges in Hwange, Mana Pools, and near Victoria Falls offer outstanding service, exclusive wildlife experiences, and breathtaking settings.
Foodies: Zimbabwean cuisine is hearty and simple , sadza, stews, game meats. Harare and Bulawayo have a growing restaurant scene, but food tourism remains modest.
Beach Bunnies: Landlocked Zimbabwe lacks beaches, though Lake Kariba offers sandy shores and houseboat relaxation. It’s not a traditional beach destination but offers scenic freshwater alternatives.
Nature Buffs: Zimbabwe is packed with natural beauty , Victoria Falls, Matobo Hills, Eastern Highlands, and expansive wildlife reserves. Hiking, birding, and exploring rugged landscapes are top draws.
History Buffs: Great Zimbabwe Ruins are one of Africa’s most significant archaeological sites. Other highlights include Matobo Hills rock art and colonial-era museums in Bulawayo.
Culture Vultures: Zimbabwe’s culture shines through traditional music, dance, and crafts. Visit Shona sculpture galleries, rural villages, and cultural festivals like Harare International Festival of the Arts for immersion.
Adventure Seekers: Zimbabwe is an adventure hotspot , bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, and walking safaris in Mana Pools. Thrills are abundant.
Solo Travelers: Zimbabwe is friendly and safe for solo travelers in tourist areas. Victoria Falls and Hwange offer social lodges, though solo travel in remote regions requires careful planning.
Party Animals: Victoria Falls has a lively backpacker party scene with bars and music venues. Harare and Bulawayo have nightlife, but it’s smaller-scale compared to regional capitals.
Wildlife Watchers: Zimbabwe is world-renowned for wildlife , elephants, lions, wild dogs, rhinos. Hwange, Mana Pools, and Gonarezhou offer superb game viewing and outstanding safari experiences.
LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal, and societal attitudes are conservative. LGBTQ+ travelers should remain discreet, though luxury lodges and international operators are quietly tolerant.
Who Might Not Enjoy Zimbabwe?
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Travelers Concerned About Political Instability: While Zimbabwe has stabilized somewhat in recent years, political tensions remain, and protests or unrest can occur without much warning. Some travelers may find the situation uneasy.
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Budget Travelers: While cheaper than neighboring Botswana, Zimbabwe is not as inexpensive as many expect. Park fees, safaris, and activities like Victoria Falls tours can be surprisingly expensive, and budget accommodation options are limited in prime tourist areas.
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Luxury-Only Travelers Outside Tourist Hubs: In major spots like Victoria Falls and Hwange, luxury lodges and resorts exist, but elsewhere, accommodations can be basic. Outside major centers, service standards vary.
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Visitors Expecting Fast, Modern Infrastructure: Infrastructure is patchy. Road conditions can be poor outside major tourist routes, blackouts are common, and services like fuel and cash withdrawals can be unreliable, especially in rural areas.
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Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Zimbabwean cuisine often centers on meat dishes like sadza with beef stew. While vegetables and maize are staples, vegan or strictly vegetarian meals are harder to find outside tourist restaurants.
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Travelers Looking for Active Nightlife: Victoria Falls has a few lively bars, but overall, nightlife is subdued, especially outside tourist areas. Zimbabwe is much more about outdoor activities and nature than urban entertainment.
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Tourists Wanting Self-Drive, Easy Exploration: While self-driving is possible, it requires careful planning, and poor signage, fuel shortages, and road conditions make it challenging for inexperienced overland travelers.
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People Needing Reliable Internet or Healthcare: Internet access outside tourist hubs is slow and inconsistent. Medical facilities are basic outside major cities, and serious cases may require evacuation.
What’s Cool
Stunning natural wonders like Victoria Falls, epic safaris in Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks, incredible wildlife including elephants, lions, and painted dogs, friendly and resilient locals, rich Shona and Ndebele cultural traditions, Great Zimbabwe ruins, one of Africa’s most impressive ancient sites, affordable compared to neighboring safari destinations, beautiful landscapes from mountains to savannahs, strong music and dance culture (mbira and marimba), scenic hiking in Eastern Highlands, vibrant arts and crafts markets, relaxed and authentic travel vibe, river safaris and canoeing adventures.
What’s Not
Political instability and frequent protests, economic hardship leading to cash shortages, unreliable electricity and frequent power cuts, limited healthcare outside major cities, slow and bureaucratic border crossings, poor road conditions in rural areas, risk of scams and overcharging tourists, unpredictable fuel availability, language barriers in remote areas (Shona and Ndebele widely spoken), expensive and sometimes confusing visa fees, petty theft risk in crowded areas, limited public transport options, slow service in restaurants and shops.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. It lies mostly on a high plateau and is known for dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and ancient ruins. The capital city is Harare, located in the country’s northeast.
Zimbabwe’s geography is dominated by the highveld plateau, sitting between 1,000 and 1,600 meters above sea level, flanked by lowveld plains and mountain ranges to the east. The country’s two major rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, form natural borders to the north and south. One of Africa’s most famous landmarks, Victoria Falls, lies on the Zambezi River.
The eastern Eastern Highlands are cooler and wetter, with forests and mountain peaks like Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest point. The central and southern regions are drier, with extensive savanna and bushveld.
Zimbabwe has a tropical climate, moderated by elevation. The rainy season lasts from November to March, while the dry winter months from May to September are cooler and ideal for safaris.
Tourism focuses on wildlife safaris, natural wonders, historical sites, and outdoor adventures.
Most travelers arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare or Victoria Falls International Airport for direct access to major tourist areas. Bulawayo also serves as a regional hub. Domestic flights, long-distance buses, and private transfers are common for travel between major destinations. Self-driving is popular for reaching parks and rural areas.
Harare and Northern Zimbabwe
The capital region and game-rich northern parks.
- Harare: The capital city, offering botanical gardens, markets, and a lively arts scene.
- Lake Chivero Recreational Park: A convenient spot near Harare for wildlife viewing and boating.
- Mukuvisi Woodlands: An urban nature reserve with walking trails and small game sightings.
- Mana Pools National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for canoe safaris, elephants, and walking safaris.
- Matusadona National Park: A rugged wilderness along Lake Kariba’s southern shore, great for wildlife and fishing.
Western Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Hwange safaris, and historic towns.
- Victoria Falls: One of the world’s largest waterfalls, offering adventure sports, scenic viewpoints, and national parks.
- Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s largest park, home to elephants, lions, wild dogs, and diverse ecosystems.
- Matobo National Park: Known for balancing rock formations, ancient cave paintings, and rhino tracking.
- Bulawayo: Zimbabwe’s second city, with colonial architecture, museums, and access to Matobo Hills.
- Dete: A small town and safari access point near Hwange National Park.
Eastern Highlands
Cooler mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Mutare: A laid-back city nestled among hills, gateway to the Eastern Highlands.
- Nyanga National Park: Featuring Mount Nyangani, waterfalls, and cool highland forests.
- Chimanimani Mountains: Offering dramatic cliffs, caves, and multiday hikes.
- Vumba Mountains: Known for lush botanical gardens, birdwatching, and misty peaks.
- Melsetter: A rural town near the Chimanimani foothills, ideal for escaping into nature.
Southeastern Zimbabwe
Ancient ruins, national parks, and semi-arid landscapes.
- Great Zimbabwe: The largest stone ruins south of the Sahara, once the capital of a powerful medieval kingdom.
- Masvingo: The nearest town to Great Zimbabwe, also a base for exploring Kyle Recreational Park.
- Gonarezhou National Park: A remote and wild park, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, known for elephants and rugged beauty.
- Chiredzi: A town on the edge of Gonarezhou and close to private conservancies.
- Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: A private reserve noted for luxury safaris and rhino conservation.
Central Zimbabwe
Highland towns and agricultural heartlands.
- Gweru: A university town near Antelope Park, a private game reserve offering lion walks and horse safaris.
- Kwekwe: A mining town with cultural attractions and historic sites.
- Midlands Province: Known for its agricultural and mining activity, with scattered nature reserves.
- Shurugwi: A small town near Selukwe Pass, offering scenic drives.
- Mvuma: A roadside town historically linked to gold mining.
Highlights
Harare: a balmy, young African capital with a distinctive colonial character. Relaxing and un-hurried, with some good value hotels and plenty of African curio shops.
Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park: the world’s largest falls, stretching a mile wide and plunging into a 100m gorge. The white-water rafting and the safari trips are a must, Hwange national park nearby is guaranteed to please your camera.
Lake Kariba: once the world’s largest man-made lake, this 300km long expanse of water in the North is good for fishing, game spotting and a leisurely African escape.
Bulawayo and Matopos National Park: Zimbabwe’s second city is a quaint old colonial relic with wide, empty streets and a sleepy atmosphere. An hour’s drive away is the unique World Heritage site of the boulder-strewn Matopos.
Eastern Highlands: reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, this lovely area on the Mozambique border has comforting lodges, trout-stocked dams and good views.
African cultural shows: put on at local hotels, these hi-energy warrior dancing spectacles, to the sound of a mariba band, are the pukka African experience.
Warm and sub-tropical year round.
Winter runs from May to September, pleasant by day, cool at night, no rain.
Summer runs from October to April, sometimes hot, occasional scattered afternoon showers.
Safaris: the main reason visitors come, take day-trips from Vic Falls, or stay in a safari camp for a few days.
White-water rafting: beneath Victoria Falls is some of the best in the world with 18 grade 4 and 5 rapids over a three mile length.
Golf: great courses in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and the Eastern Highlands at unbeatable prices, but bring your own clubs.
Shopping: for cheap and charming African curios in the tourist areas.
Most international arrivals now are via Johannesburg, but there are direct flights from London to Harare. Several connections a day fly to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Hire car is the best option and the roads are safe and in good condition, but there are local buses covering most main routes – stick to the VIP ones though. Get around the city by metered taxi only, some areas are walkable.
Despite all the negative publicity and poor governance under Robert Mugabe, tourists are safe and will encounter very little trouble. Some UK passport holders have had petty objections from immigration at the airport. Most Zimbabweans have become desperately unemployed in the past few years so pickpockets are on the rise. Hygiene in hotels and restaurants is good, the tap water is drinkable, but stock up on sun cream and malaria tablets. Oh, and don’t go for a stroll alone in the safari parks, you’ll become lion food!