Zimbabwe Safaris & Tours, Safari Cost & Travel Guide

Following a challenging ten or so years, Zimbabwe is slowly regaining stability, and intrepid travelers are slowly making their way back to the nation. They are well rewarded for their efforts: Zimbabwe is one of the most amazing countries in Africa, with a wealth of natural wonders, friendly people, an intriguing history, and a pleasant environment.

Victoria Falls is the gem in its glittering crown. This waterfall, which is formally the biggest on Earth, is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Witnessing the thunderous sound of the tumbling water is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

In addition to breathtaking natural displays, Zimbabwe is home to some of southern Africa’s best wildlife. Enormous with flora and fauna, including the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, and lion), the nation stretches from the sun-drenched grasslands of Hwange National Park to the forested slopes of the Eastern Highlands.

Although parks and wildlife estates now occupy about 11% of Zimbabwe’s land, the country can support large cities as well. The two most populated cities Bulawayo and Harare, both of which provide a wide range of upscale dining establishments, trendy bars, and cultural attractions. The incredible late Iron Age stone ruins at Great Zimbabwe, which sit between these two metropolitan areas, disprove the notion that sub-Saharan Africa was devoid of great civilizations.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Even if the shaky economy of Zimbabwe is gradually strengthening, the country still has a high rate of poverty and the government is underfunded to address the effects of the HIV pandemic, which affects an estimated one in four citizens. Cross-country travel can be impeded by roadblocks manned by officials who are eager to take advantage of you, and corruption is also rampant.

However, Zimbabwe is still largely a tranquil country with tranquil people, who rely heavily on tourism to help shape the future of this amazing region of Africa.

History & Economy

The majestic ruins known as Great Zimbabwe, from which this nation got its name, serve as a mute reminder of Zimbabwe’s extraordinary past. This landlocked nation was formerly the hub of a vast empire built on trade with the east coast of Africa. The Khoisan people lived there initially, leaving their rock art strewn all over the place.

While the Ndebele people fled Zululand and settled in western Zimbabwe in the 19th century due to unrest in South Africa’s Zulu kingdom, migrant farmers from West Africa came in the 9th century, forming the forefathers of the Shona tribe and the architects of Great Zimbabwe. Following a British colonial occupation, the nation was known as Rhodesia throughout the majority of the 20th century. A bloody and protracted liberation struggle ensued, which finally resulted in Zimbabwe’s independence only in 1980.

Zimbabwe is a country with a wealth of resources, educated citizens, and well-developed infrastructure. Its economy has been based on tourism, mineral exports, and agriculture, particularly tobacco. The nation is home to some of the largest diamond and platinum mines in the world.

People & Culture

Of Zimbabwe’s 12 million inhabitants, over 70% speak Shona, while about 20% speak Ndebele. Zimbabwe’s official language is English, which is widely spoken. Despite recent struggles, tourists are frequently struck by the warmth and optimism of the country’s people. The nation is deeply religious; about 85% of people identify as Christians, and nearly two thirds of the populace regularly attends church.

Zimbabwe is a nation with a rich cultural heritage. Although it has produced writers, musicians, and artists that have received international recognition, Zimbabwe is most recognized for its sculptors. The most well-known are the stylized human and avian forms carved out of serpentine, soapstone, and verdite.

Landscape & Wildlife

Zimbabwe’s eastern border with Mozambique is mountainous and heavily forested, but the majority of the country is located on the elevated central plateau of Southern Africa, which is home to wide open woods, farms, and rolling savannah. The lower, hotter, and more humid southern lowveld makes up a substantial portion of the nation, but the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba define northern Zimbabwe, with Victoria Falls located in the northwest.

High biodiversity results from this variety of environments, and Zimbabwe has a long history of protecting its species. Hwange National Park, the reserve’s flagship, is home to the Big 5 and some of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Mana Pools and Matusadona National Parks, on the bank of the Zambezi, are other great places to see wildlife.

Highlights of Zimbabwe’s wildlife include the Zambezi canoe and walking safaris at Mana Pools; abundant predators and excellent dry-season game viewing at Hwange; birding and game viewing at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and Gonarezhou National Park in the country’s hardly-visited south.

Ask one of our Africa Safari Experts for detailed tipping instructions; they would be pleased to share their expertise with you.

Top 10 Destinations in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, a small hamlet on the east side of one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, is the crown jewel of Zimbabwe and unquestionably one of the best spots to visit there. The falls are located within the abundant wildlife-rich Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side. There are several amazing vantage points from a woodland walk that goes along the edge of the falls, but be prepared to get extremely wet from the spray. Africa’s epicenter of adventure, Victoria Falls offers a wide range of air, sea, and land-based pursuits. Take a thrilling microlight flight over the falls or a Flight of Angels helicopter ride for breathtaking vistas. For the most daring, there’s also the renowned bungee jump.

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange, is home to some of the best wildlife in all of Africa. Because there are more than 40,000 of these magnificent animals living there, it is also regarded as one of the best sites in the world to see elephants. This amazing park offers much more animals than just an abundance of elephants. This area is home to herds of buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and strong predators like cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs and more than 400 distinct bird species.

Amazing wildlife interactions can be had around the clock thanks to the public and private camping facilities offered in the national park. The park is conveniently accessible after seeing the natural wonder because it is located on the main road connecting Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s top safari destination, but compared to other, more well-known reserves, it is almost always quieter, which makes it a perfect choice for a safari that is off the beaten path.

Gweru

The fifth-largest city in Zimbabwe, Gweru is the capital of the Midlands Province and is situated in the country’s center. The city, which is surrounded by vast vineyards and located in one of Zimbabwe’s best cattle-rearing regions, is a bustling industrial, commercial, and agricultural hub. One of Zimbabwe’s most well-liked tourist spots, Antelope Park, is the main reason for Gweru’s fame. As seen in the popular UK documentary series “Lion Country,” the park is home to the renowned ALERT lion rehabilitation program.

Great Zimbabwe

The Great Zimbabwe, a complex of ruins spanning about 1,800 acres, was constructed by native Africans who are thought to be the progenitors of modern-day Zimbabweans. Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, the complex served as the epicenter of the Munhumutapa kingdom, a large kingdom. The Great Enclosure, the Valley Complex, and the Hill Complex are three separate architectural groupings. All of the constructions were constructed without the use of mortar, consisting of uniform, rectangular granite stones that were painstakingly stacked one on top of the other. The amazing structures have endured for seven centuries in spite of this. A part of the stone walls is 60 meters in length and is up to 6 meters thick and 12 meters high.

Harare

The entrance to Zimbabwe’s amazing wildlife locations is located in the city. It’s recommended that you stay and explore, though, as it’s among the top attractions in Zimbabwe. The city is full of attractions and has a fun, relaxed atmosphere. While it is a metropolis full of tall skyscrapers, there are still a lot of beautiful natural areas. With 900 different varieties of trees and shrubs to admire, the Botanical Garden of Harare is a wonderful spot to spend a day. The jacaranda tree’s purple blossoms will be in full bloom if you visit in September or October. Additionally, you can learn about Zimbabwe’s handicrafts, which are on show in the National Gallery and are a source of pride for the country. Go to Kopje, a granite hill rising out of the city center, to view and take pictures of expansive perspectives of this fascinating city.

Matobo National Park

World-class granite beauty may be found in Matobo National Park, which is regarded as Zimbabwe’s spiritual birthplace. The recreational park boasts the biggest concentration of ancient rock art in Southern Africa in addition to wildlife, including Zimbabwe’s highest concentration of white and black rhinos, which may be found in the game park area. The 3,500 locations are 13,000 years old. An amazing sight is the lunar landscape of kopjes, or balancing rocks. These are enormous boulders piled on top of one another, appearing as though they are going to tumble over. This location boasts a remarkable past that dates back about 2,000 million years, during which lava flows erupted throughout the terrain. The Matobo Hills are still revered as shrines and other hallowed sites by the indigenous people, who find great significance in them. This national park is in the perfect location for people to visit when on the road to Hwange and Victoria Falls.

Lake Kariba

One of the biggest artificial lakes in the world, Lake Kariba, receives water from the powerful Zambezi. With a surface size of 5,00 square kilometers and a water capacity of 180 billion tons, Lake Kariba is an exceptionally beautiful place, with its vast body of water mirroring the surrounding terrain. Those who manage to make the trek to this remote and somewhat more difficult-to-reach wildlife destination in Zimbabwe will be rewarded with an amazing safari experience. The largest island in the lake is home to the Big Five as well as a variety of birds, crocodiles, hippos, and impalas. Taking a houseboat or motorboat out on Lake Kariba is a great way to see the local wildlife.

Bulawayo

One of Zimbabwe’s most charming cities is Bulawayo. The second-biggest city in the nation has a rich cultural past. It was colonized in 1894 after being founded in the 1840s by Lobengula Khumalo, the Ndebele monarch. The alleys and avenues bordered with trees are still adorned with outstanding examples of colonial architecture. Stroll down the boulevards leading to the stunning parks dotted with jacaranda trees. Among the city’s attractions are the Bulawayo Railway Museum, which teaches visitors about the history of the nation via its vast network of railroads; the largest Natural History Museum in Zimbabwe; several galleries; and a church. It is among the greatest locations to take in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity and laid-back vibe.

Mana Pools National Park

Owing in part to its isolation, Mana Pools is one of the nation’s less well-known national parks yet it’s a fantastic place to have up-close experiences with the local fauna. The Shona word for “four,” which refers to the four inland pools that remain after the oxbow lakes, is where the name of the place originates. The banks of the Lower Zambezi are a hub for wildlife, with lions, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants stopping for drinks, making for ideal photo ops. The ability to go on a walking safari is one of the things that makes this national park so special. Even while some people might view this as a little hazardous, there is definitely an element of adventure involved.

Mutare

The fourth-biggest city in Zimbabwe is situated in an exceptionally attractive area, just north of the Bvumba Mountains in the foothills of the Eastern Highlands. The city has a laid-back rural vibe, nestled in a valley and encircled by gently sloping green hills. The name Mutare, which translates to “metal,” comes from the city’s past as a fort during the discovery of gold in the neighboring Penhalonga Valley. The Mutare River meandered through the area where gold panning was conducted. You can visit the Mutare Museum and Murahwa Hill, which is well-known for its Iron Age town and rock art, here.

Travel Advice

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must contain three blank pages in case you need to leave Zimbabwe quickly or if you need to travel through one of its neighboring countries. It also needs to be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival.

Verify that your passport and any additional travel documents satisfy the standards of your trip provider. Should you need to, renew your passport.

If your passport has been reported lost or stolen, or if you do not have a valid travel document, you will not be allowed admission.

Applying for a visa

• Most travelers visiting Zimbabwe apply for a visa at the airport. Bring enough US dollars in tiny bills with you so that you can cover the cost of your visa; the Zimbabwean Embassy has information on this.
• Prior to your trip, you can also apply for an e-visa.
• The Zimbabwean Embassy in London is no longer able to issue visas.
• Zimbabwe often issues visas for 30 days. Verify that the number of days on your visa corresponds to the time you plan to spend there.
• Visit the Government of Zimbabwe’s Immigration Department in person to extend or renew a visa or permission.
• If you wish to stay longer—for business travel, to work or study, or for other purposes—you must fulfill the admission conditions set forth by the Zimbabwean government. Use the Official Government of Zimbabwe web portal to determine which kind of visa or work permit you require.
• If you are volunteering or carrying out missionary activity, you need a temporary work permit.

Money & Spending

Zimbabwe now utilizes the US dollar as its currency after the fall of the Zimbabwe dollar. In Zimbabwe, cash is king, so be sure you have enough to pay your expenses while there because you can’t always rely on taking out cash from an ATM or bank. Traveler’s checks and credit/debit cards are not commonly accepted and frequently result in expensive charges.

Tipping

Since tiny change is hard to come by in Zimbabwe, bring small denomination notes. Additionally, while tipping guides and lodge workers is common for excellent service, double check that your bill hasn’t already included a service charge.

What to Pack

All year round, relaxed, casual attire is appropriate in Zimbabwe. Pack light-colored, neutral-colored clothing for your safari in Zimbabwe (avoid white, as it tends to get dirty quickly). Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket or fleece for your evening game drives.

Flights & Getting Around.

The quickest route to fly into Harare is via Johannesburg because there aren’t many direct international flights into the country. Harare International Airport is primarily used as a conduit to Victoria Falls.

Serving the cities of Victoria Falls, Hwange, and the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls International Airport is a major hub for local logistics and has easy access to locations throughout Botswana and beyond.

In Zimbabwe, wildlife drives are typically done in 4X4 vehicles with open sides, and road transfers are typically done in minibuses. For travel to farther-off locations, light aircraft charters are an option.

Taking money into and out of Zimbabwe

More than $10,000 in US dollars (or the equivalent amount in other currencies) cannot be taken out of Zimbabwe unless it is leftover money that you brought with you and declared when you arrived. Save the declaration proof to prevent issues with authorities after you depart.

Rationing of water and blackouts

Long-lasting blackouts are caused by a lack of electricity. Blackouts may cause traffic signals to malfunction. In certain regions of the nation, water is rationed as well. For the most recent information, speak with your hotel or tour operator.

Landlines and mobile networks

Both landlines and the mobile phone network in Zimbabwe are unreliable.

Crime

In Zimbabwe, the rate of crime is moderate. Individuals who travel alone can be at greater risk. In urban areas, pickpocketing, mugging, and jewelry theft are frequent occurrences, particularly after midnight. There may be inadequate street lighting. When you’re exiting banks and ATMs, exercise caution. Large sums of cash should not be carried or displayed in public areas.

Periodically, foreign residents have been the target of armed robberies. Ensure that your lodging is always safe.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

The use, possession, and trafficking of illegal drugs are all prohibited by strong regulations in Zimbabwe that entail severe fines or jail terms.

Money

The state of Zimbabwe’s economy is still unstable. Both US and Zimbabwean money are used. This could alter at any time. Exchange of foreign money outside of formally authorized dealers, like banks or bureaux de change, is prohibited. Foreign cash, especially US dollars, can be exchanged and accepted at bureaus de change.

It’s not always possible to make withdrawals with an overseas debit or credit card due to a lack of actual currency. It’s uncommon to find change, so bring small denomination bills.

Prior to visiting a restaurant, hotel, or tour operator, find out what forms of payment they accept. Not all companies, including certain healthcare services, may take debit or credit cards. Cash in US dollars is preferred by most vendors.

Since the sign for both is $, it is important to confirm if the price offered is in US or Zimbabwean dollars before completing a transaction. Prior to making any transactions, check the exchange rates because they often fluctuate.

When paying in stores and restaurants, be sure to mention that you’re using an international bank card to avoid getting ripped off. Make sure the money they charge you is the right currency as well.

International transfers from countries other than Zimbabwe also present certain difficulties.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Without specific authorization from the Ministry of Information, taking pictures of government buildings, airports, military installations, official homes, embassies, and other sensitive locations is prohibited. Additionally, it is forbidden to take pictures of protesters, demonstrators, and members of the armed forces. Laws are upheld with rigor.

Pornographic material is prohibited from importation or possession.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

Any protected wild animal cannot be purchased, sold, killed, captured, or its parts traded without a license. Purchasing or trafficking in such things carries the possibility of legal action and nine-year prison terms.

Road travel

A foreign driver’s license is valid for up to a year in Zimbabwe. A copy of your visa and the photo page of your passport should always be in the car with you. Store the originals somewhere safe and easily accessible, and be prepared to provide identification upon request.

Pay attention to police cues, and pull over at toll booths. If a fine is requested of you, make sure you receive a receipt.

In Zimbabwe, driving standards are appallingly low. One of the main causes of fatalities and injuries is traffic accidents. Risks comprise:

Deep potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, dimly lighted automobiles (especially trucks and bicycles), poorly lit and poorly signposted roads, wandering livestock, and people

Emergency services may provide very limited help in the event of an accident, and ambulances are often delayed.

You should:

Wear a seat belt at all times, lock your car doors, avoid driving outside of major cities at night, drive cautiously on intercity roads, have a complete medical kit with you, and use caution while pulling into laybys.

Bus travel

Commuter buses, often known as “combis,” are frequently driven carelessly, packed too full, and uninsured. If at all possible, stay away from them. Bigger intercity buses could also have inadequate driving. Nighttime long-distance bus accidents have resulted in serious traffic accidents.

Taxis: Generally speaking, hotels prefer safe, well-maintained taxis. Large hotels typically have cabs of their own.

Rail travel

Zimbabwe’s rail network is incredibly undermaintained and undeveloped. Because level crossings are not well marked, many accidents occur. At this time, passenger services are not available. For the latest information, contact Zimbabwe’s National Railways.

Flooding

The months of November through April are rainy season. Some locations may become impassable and roads more difficult to navigate after heavy rains.

Rural areas

Commercial farms are still being invaded, occasionally with violence and threats. When visiting farming areas you are unfamiliar with, use caution.

Mining areas

There are restrictions on the Marange diamond mining area. If you are stopped and informed that you are not permitted to enter a specific area, turn around. In the Beitbridge area, there have been assaults on car occupants and car robberies.

Healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the standard and availability of healthcare varies greatly and can be extremely low outside of the main cities.

Hospitals find it challenging to treat some illnesses and trauma situations due to a lack of skilled medical personnel and medications.

Fuel shortages have reduced emergency response capabilities.

Even if you have travel insurance, private clinics typically ask enormous sums of cash before they would admit emergency cases and will not treat patients until they have paid. Several establishments in Zimbabwe only take cash in US dollars; debit or credit cards are not accepted. A few healthcare providers are included in this. Medical expenses can add up, especially if you have to evacuate. Ascertain that you own sufficient travel health insurance and readily available finances to meet the expenses of any overseas medical care and return transportation.