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Zimbabwe Travel Guide: Safari, Falls & Ancient Wonders
Welcome to Your Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe Travel Guide invites you to explore a country of dramatic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural depth. From the thunderous Victoria Falls to the quiet majesty of the Eastern Highlands and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, this Southern African gem blends natural wonder with living heritage.
Ideal for safari lovers, history buffs, and adventure travelers, Zimbabwe rewards those who journey off the typical tourist trail.
Things to do in Zimbabwe include game drives in Hwange, canoeing on the Zambezi, and marveling at UNESCO heritage sites.
Planning Your Trip: Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Start your adventure with these travel basics:
- Main Airports: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (Harare), Victoria Falls (VFA), and Bulawayo (BUQ).
- Visa Requirements: Most visitors need a visa—available online (e-visa), on arrival, or via the KAZA Univisa (shared with Zambia).
- Travel Budget: Mid-range travelers should budget $100–$200/day; luxury safaris can exceed $400/day.
- Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe. Always use licensed guides and tour operators.
Tours and Tickets in Zimbabwe: Book ahead for Victoria Falls experiences, national park safaris, and Lake Kariba houseboat cruises.
Can’t-Miss Places in Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Explore these top destinations and attractions:
- Victoria Falls – One of the Seven Natural Wonders, shared with Zambia.
- Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, famous for elephant herds and Big Five safaris.
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Ancient city and stone complex from the 11th century.
- Mana Pools National Park – UNESCO World Heritage site with canoe safaris and walking wildlife encounters.
- Matobo Hills – Spiritual granite landscape with ancient rock art and rhino tracking.
- Eastern Highlands – Cool mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails around Nyanga and Chimanimani.
When to Go: Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
- Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for safaris and Victoria Falls (low spray, great visibility).
- Green Season (November–April): Lush landscapes and birdwatching; some roads may be muddy.
- Best Water Flow at Victoria Falls: March–May (peak volume and drama).
Major Events:
- Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) – May
- Vic Falls Carnival – December
Must-Do Experiences in Zimbabwe
- Walk with a licensed guide near elephants or lions in Hwange or Mana Pools.
- View Victoria Falls from multiple angles: Knife Edge Bridge, Devil’s Pool (Zambia), or helicopter ride.
- Explore the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, once the heart of a powerful kingdom.
- Go houseboating on Lake Kariba.
- Visit Matobo Hills for ancient rock art and rhino safaris.
Uncovering the Culture & History of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s rich heritage spans centuries:
- Ethnic Groups: Shona and Ndebele are the major communities.
- Cultural Sites: Great Zimbabwe, National Gallery (Harare), Khami Ruins (Bulawayo).
- Languages: English is official; Shona and Ndebele widely spoken.
- Traditions: Mbira music, stone carving, and spiritual ties to land and ancestors.
Nature Escapes: Outdoor & Safari Adventures in Zimbabwe
Wild and remote landscapes await:
- National Parks: Hwange (elephants, lions), Mana Pools (walking safaris), Gonarezhou (wilderness).
- Mountains & Forests: Bvumba and Nyanga Highlands for hiking and cool climate.
- Rivers & Lakes: Zambezi River (canoeing, fishing), Lake Kariba (sunsets and crocs).
Top Photo Spots & Viewpoints in Zimbabwe
Capture unforgettable scenes at:
- Victoria Falls’ Rainbow Viewpoint
- Sunset over Lake Kariba
- Rock formations of Matobo Hills
- Elephants on safari in Hwange
- Scenic peaks of Nyanga National Park
Where to Eat & Drink: Food Guide to Zimbabwe
Enjoy hearty, homegrown flavors:
- Traditional Dishes: Sadza (cornmeal), nyama (grilled meat), mopane worms (for the adventurous), peanut stew.
- Popular Drinks: Chibuku (sorghum beer), Zambezi Lager, maheu (fermented maize drink).
- Dining Spots: Boma Restaurant (Victoria Falls), Gava’s (Harare), local roadside grills and braai stalls.
How to Get Around in Zimbabwe
- Domestic Flights: Connect major hubs like Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.
- Self-Drive: Possible with 4WD, especially for national parks.
- Private Transfers & Safari Vehicles: Common for park access.
- Taxis & Rides: Available in cities; confirm rates or use ride-hailing apps where available.
Where to Stay in Zimbabwe
Accommodations for every style:
- Victoria Falls: Budget hostels, riverside lodges, and luxury hotels like Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
- Hwange & Mana Pools: Safari camps, tented lodges, and private reserves.
- Great Zimbabwe & Matobo: Mid-range lodges with historical charm.
- Eastern Highlands: Cozy mountain cottages and eco-lodges.
- Chimanimani Mountains: Epic hikes, waterfalls, and forest valleys.
- Tengenenge Art Community: Stone carving center north of Harare.
- Gonarezhou National Park: Rugged, untouched park in the southeast.
- Lake Mutirikwi: Peaceful getaway near Great Zimbabwe.
Travel Tips & Safety: Zimbabwe Travel Guide Essentials
- Currency: Use US Dollars (USD); cash is king. Cards accepted at high-end lodges.
- Health: Malaria precautions necessary. Bring personal medical supplies for rural areas.
- Etiquette: Greetings are important. Dress conservatively in villages.
- Connectivity: Econet and NetOne offer mobile data; SIM cards are cheap and accessible.
Easy Day Trips from Zimbabwe’s Cities
- From Victoria Falls: Zambezi sunset cruises, Batoka Gorge ziplining, day trip to Chobe (Botswana).
- From Harare: Domboshava Caves (rock art), Chinhoyi Caves, Lake Chivero.
- From Bulawayo: Matobo Hills, Khami Ruins.
Explore More: Countries Near Zimbabwe
Great regional pairings include:
- Zambia: Cross to Livingstone for more Victoria Falls adventures.
- Botswana: Safari in Chobe or Okavango Delta.
- South Africa: Road trip to Kruger National Park or Johannesburg.
- Mozambique: Add beach days on the Indian Ocean.
Smart Travel Tips: Zimbabwe Travel Guide Recap
- Best for: Safari seekers, history lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers.
- Essentials to Pack: Binoculars, sturdy shoes, malaria pills, USD in small denominations.
- Apps to Download: Maps.me, Booking.com, WhatsApp, ZimSwitch (local payments).
- Local Insight: Greet people with a smile and a handshake—relationships matter.
For more destination tips, curated travel ideas, and immersive itineraries, visit our homepage and get inspired for your next adventure.
