Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe - Travel Guide

Zimbabwe offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the diverse national parks like Hwange, it provides an unforgettable African adventure.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

RhodesiaSouthern RhodesiaZambeziVictoria FallsHarare

🇿🇼 Country Information: Zimbabwe

CapitalHarare

CurrencyZimbabwe Dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Shona, Ndebele, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, Sign Language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa

Phone Code+263

Electricity220V (Type D, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (5
10% if service charge isn't included), for porters, safari guides, and hotel staff
Small amounts for taxi drivers

Money & Payments

ATMs are available but can be unreliable; bring USD cash for emergencies
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and tourist areas, but less so elsewhere
It is advisable to bring US dollars cash, as local currency (ZWL) can be volatile and difficult to obtain
There is a black market for cash, but it is not recommended to use it due to safety and legal concerns

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites
Greet elders with respect
Do not point with your finger; use an open hand
It is polite to accept refreshments when offered

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ acts are illegal in Zimbabwe and carry severe penalties. Discrimination is widespread, and there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing
Be aware of wildlife regulations in national parks

Common Phrases

HelloMhoro (moh-roh)

GoodbyeSara zvakanaka (sah-rah zva-kah-nah-kah)

Thank youNdatenda (nda-ten-dah)

How are you?Makadii? (mah-kah-dee)

Climate

Generalized climate for Zimbabwe as a whole.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Sep
Oct
Rainy season: Nov
Mar
Cold season: May
Aug

Getting There

- Fly to Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA) with connections from major international hubs (costs and times vary widely by origin)

Getting Around

Taxis, ride
sharing apps (Vaya, Hwindi), combis (minibuses), and long
distance buses for inter
city travel

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Consult doctor for recommended vaccines (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies)
Malaria prophylaxis is often recommended for certain areas
Altitude sickness not a common concern
Probiotics and motion sickness remedies are personal preferences

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is growing
Providers like Econet and NetOne offer eSIMs
Airalo and Nomad are good options for international eSIMs

Local Cuisine

Sadza must_try

The cornerstone of Zimbabwean cuisine, Sadza is a thick porridge made from maize meal. It is typically served hot and molded into balls by hand, pairi

Mopane Worms (Macimbi/Madora) snack

A protein-rich delicacy in Southern African cuisines, these edible caterpillars can be eaten as crunchy, dried snacks. Alternatively, they are rehydra

Muriwo Unedovi regional_speciality

A nutritious vegetarian dish consisting of leafy greens like collard greens, kale, or spinach. It is simmered with onions, tomatoes, and peanut butter

Maheu/Mahewu non_alcoholic_beverage

A traditional, non-alcoholic drink staple made from fermented maize meal. It is refreshing, nutritious, and has a distinctive, slightly sour taste and

Huku ne Dovi (Peanut Chicken Stew) must_try

A flavorful and comforting stew combining tender chicken with a creamy, rich peanut butter sauce, vibrant vegetables, and spices. It highlights the us

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

National Park Accommodation and Camping (e.g., Mana Pools) Accommodation

Book 6–12 months in advance, especially for popular parks like Mana Pools.

Capacity, particularly for desirable campsites and lodges in popular parks, is extremely limited and sells out far in advance.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Devil's Pool/Livingstone Island Tour (Zambian Side Access) tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance.

These tours have limited daily capacity and are only available during the low water season (roughly August to January), making demand high.

Helicopter or Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance.

These are highly popular activities with limited seating per flight, especially flights scheduled around sunrise/sunset.

Fun Facts

1. Zimbabwe is home to Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, which was created between 1958 and 1963 by building a dam across the Kariba Gorge.
2. The ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 1100 and 1450 AD and is believed to have been the capital of the legendary Queen of Sheba.
3. Before 1979, the country was unofficially known as Rhodesia, a name derived from Cecil Rhodes, who led the British colonization during the 19th century.
4. The indigenous name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-O-Tunya, which translates to 'The smoke that thunders' due to the immense spray and noise of the falling water.

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