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Southern Africa

ZimbabweTravel guide

Explore Zimbabwe visa rules

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is known for wildlife, ancient stone cities and Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.

Why go

  1. See Victoria Falls, a huge curtain of falling water on the border with Zambia.

  2. Explore Great Zimbabwe, the largest ancient stone city south of the Sahara.

  3. Watch wildlife in Hwange National Park or Mana Pools.

  4. Enjoy mountain scenery and cycling in Vumba.

Getting there

By air

  • Harare International Airport has international flights, mainly to other African countries.
  • From Europe, the source lists connections through Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Cairo.
  • Victoria Falls and Bulawayo also have international airports with flights from Johannesburg.

By land

  • Zimbabwe can be reached by road from surrounding countries. Road conditions vary widely, and potholes are common.
  • Regular coach services connect Johannesburg with Harare and Bulawayo. Tickets for Greyhound services can be bought directly from Greyhound or through Computicket.
  • Direct buses also connect Harare with Blantyre in Malawi, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Getting around

  • Intercity buses

    Coach companies include Pathfinder, Citilink, Eagle Liner, Extracity, ZUPCO and Pioneer Coaches. RoadPort in Harare has buses to major cities and some neighbouring countries. International destinations served from RoadPort include Johannesburg, Lusaka and Lilongwe.

  • Minibus taxis

    Minibus taxis provide transport within cities. They are relatively inexpensive compared with transport in Europe. They can be uncomfortable.

  • Car

    Drive on the left. Avoid driving after dark, especially outside cities. Road conditions vary, and potholes are common. Ask locally if you are unsure about a route. Keep doors locked and windows closed. Be alert when stopping at traffic lights or fuel stations because car hijackings can happen. Fuel shortages can occur, so carry an extra can of fuel. Almost no fuel stations accept credit cards. Police roadblocks are common. Carry your driving licence and your Temporary Import Permit, a document for bringing your vehicle into the country. Carry vehicle reflectors, red warning triangles, a spare tyre and a fire extinguisher. Police can fine drivers who do not have these items.

  • Domestic flights

    The source lists flights between Harare and Victoria Falls with Air Zimbabwe, Fastjet and Fly Africa. Air Zimbabwe also serves Bulawayo and Kariba from Harare. Fastjet also flies between Harare and Bulawayo.

What to see and do

  • Victoria Falls

    The Zambezi River drops over a vast curtain of falling water on the border with Zambia.

  • Great Zimbabwe

    This ancient stone city is the largest south of the Sahara.

  • Mana Pools National Park

    See wildlife and landscapes along the Zambezi River, including elephants.

  • Hwange National Park

    Explore one of the country's safari destinations and watch wildlife.

  • Go on safari

    Walking safaris, canoe trips and wildlife drives are offered in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools.

  • Bungee jump at Victoria Falls

    Jump 111 metres from the Victoria Falls bridge over the Zambezi River.

Food and drink

  • Sadza and stew or relish

    Sadza is a thick paste made from ground maize, served with stew or relish. It is inexpensive and filling.

  • Mbambaira

    Sweet potatoes are one of the local foods mentioned in the source.

  • Chibage

    Corn on the cob.

  • Masawu

    A fruit native to the country.

  • Beef

    The source highlights beef from animals raised mostly on grass.

  • British-style food

    City food options include pork pies, Cornish pasties, English breakfasts, baked beans and tea with milk.

Money

United States dollar (USD) and Zimbabwe Gold, called ZiG (ZWG).

  • US dollars are widely used by shops, taxis, restaurants and activity operators. The source says visitors do not need to obtain ZiG.
  • Bring small US dollar notes, especially US$1 notes. Larger notes can be difficult to spend or change.
  • Cash machines usually give US$100 notes, which can be difficult to change. Change below US$1 may be given in ZiG.
  • Many city businesses and major chains accept Visa and MasterCard, but cards are less widely used than in Europe or the United States.

Tipping: Tipping is optional. A tip of around 10% is considered polite for good service, but check whether a service charge is already included; restaurant tips may need to be paid in cash. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Typical costs

  • Backpacker hostels have prices from US$10 a night.
  • A taxi from Victoria Falls to the Botswana border costs around US$40.
  • The source lists Fastjet fares from US$20 one way within Zimbabwe and US$50 internationally.
  • A 1.25-litre container of Chibuku Super costs US$1.
  • Locally produced goods are generally cheap. Imported-style food and drinks, such as pizza and Coke, may cost little less than in South Africa.

Language

  • English is widely spoken and is the most useful language for travel.
  • Shona is one of the country's most widely spoken languages.
  • Sindebele, also called Ndebele, is also widely spoken.

Staying safe

  • Look after your belongings and follow local advice. Most crime described in the source is opportunistic.
  • Traffic is a major danger because of vehicle condition and driving habits. Avoid driving after dark, especially outside cities.
  • Be alert when stopping a car, including at traffic lights and fuel stations. Keep doors locked and windows closed.
  • Keep extra water and fuel because shortages can occur.

Local customs

Do

  • Greet people when entering a shared space. In smaller towns and villages, exchange a simple greeting when passing someone.
  • Show respect to elders and people in authority. Use respectful titles with people you do not know well.
  • Try to arrive on time. If you are late, acknowledge it or apologise.
  • Ask local people for advice or directions. Learning greetings in Shona or Ndebele is appreciated.
  • In rural areas, supporting your right forearm with your left hand during a handshake or when giving something valuable is polite.

Don't

  • Avoid political discussions and public criticism of the government. Speaking out can attract harassment.
  • Do not make assumptions about people based on ethnicity or appearance.
  • Do not make racist, discriminatory or sexist comments.
  • Avoid ignoring, contradicting or publicly disagreeing with elders or people in authority.
  • Do not arrive extremely late, as this is considered rude.

Laws to know

  • Trading currency on the black market is illegal.

Staying healthy

  • Bring all medicines you need and check what medical care is available. Major cities have private hospitals.
  • Boil tap water before drinking it, or use bottled water. Clean drinking water may be unavailable in remote areas.
  • Malaria occurs in lower areas during summer. The source advises anti-malaria medicine unless you stay entirely in Harare, Bulawayo or highland areas.
  • Reduce mosquito bites by sleeping under a net, using repellent, and wearing long sleeves and long trousers, especially in the evening.

Phone and internet

  • EcoNet SIM cards can be bought at EcoNet shops and some small phone shops.
  • You need identification to buy an EcoNet SIM card.
  • An EcoNet SIM card can be used to register for EcoCash mobile payments. You must show identification again to activate the account.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation includes luxury hotels, guest houses, lodges, backpacker hostels and safari camps.
  • Quiet lodges near cities or game reserves can suit nature lovers and birdwatchers.
  • Most safari areas have tented camps, chalets and camping sites.
  • Backpacker hostels have prices from US$10 a night.

KAZA UniVisa

One visa, 2 countries

One visa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, including the Victoria Falls on both sides, plus day trips into Botswana's Chobe area. With it, a trip to Zimbabwe can also take in:

  • Valid 30 days
  • Zambia and Zimbabwe
  • Day trips to Botswana

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Zimbabwe before you plan the route.

Outdoor adventures in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers wildlife safaris, mountain walks and water adventures. Highlights include Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba. The rainy season runs from November to March; winters can be cold, and the Zambezi valley can be very hot.

  • Victoria Falls and its rainforest

    WildlifeMatabelelandnear Victoria Falls

    Visit Victoria Falls in the western corner of Zimbabwe to see the waterfall and the rainforest watered by its spray.

  • Hwange National Park safari

    SafariMatabeleland

    Arrange a safari with African Bush Camps. The park lies between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo.

  • Mana Pools National Park safari

    SafariLake Kariba and the Lower Zambezi

    Arrange a safari with African Bush Camps. Activities described for its Hwange and Mana Pools safaris include walking, canoeing and wildlife drives.

  • Matobo National Park wildlife and rock formations

    WildlifeMatabelelandnear Bulawayo

    Visit the park southwest of Bulawayo. Self-catering chalets and camping are available.

  • Lake Kariba houseboat trips and fishing

    More to doLake Kariba and the Lower Zambezinear Kariba

    A few days; tours can take up to five days

    Hire a houseboat with friends or family, or join a houseboat company's tour to fish and watch wildlife along the shores.

    • Ask locally before swimming. Bilharzia, a disease linked to freshwater parasites, occurs in some lakes.

  • Chimanimani National Park and mountain hikes

    HikeEastern Highlandsnear Chimanimani

    Use Chimanimani village as a base for hiking in the national park and surrounding mountains.

    • Cost: $10 park entry, listed April 2015
    • Wear proper boots and long, loose trousers when walking through bush or long grass.

  • Gonarezhou National Park wilderness

    Wildlife

    Visit Gonarezhou National Park, which lies in an isolated corner of Zimbabwe.

  • Victoria Falls Bridge bungee jump

    More to doMatabelelandnear Victoria Falls

    Take part in the bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge above the Zambezi River.

  • White-water rafting on Zambezi tributaries

    Rafting

    Ask a travel guide about rafting on rivers that flow into the Zambezi.

  • Mutoroshanga Ethel Mine diving

    Scuba divingnear Harare

    Travel 120 km by road from Harare to the flooded quarry at Mutoroshanga Ethel Mine.

  • Chinhoyi Caves technical diving

    Scuba divingnear Harare

    Experts only

    Travel 120 km from Harare. Treat the dive as an expedition and bring all equipment and supplies.

    • Technical cave-diving skills are required. This involves specialist training for diving inside underwater caves.
    • The mostly flooded caves are more than 120 metres deep, and the full system has not been explored.

  • Vumba mountain cycling

    Cycling

    Ask a travel guide about cycling through Vumba's mountainous terrain.

  • Outward Bound trails and Bridal Veil Falls

    HikeEastern Highlandsnear Chimanimani

    Visit Outward Bound for hiking and adventure trails around Chimanimani. You can also see Bridal Veil Falls.

    • Wear proper boots and long, loose trousers when walking through bush or long grass.

  • Antelope Park wildlife activities and horse riding

    Wildlifenear Gweru

    Visit Antelope Park near Gweru, between Harare and Bulawayo, for wildlife activities and horse riding.

  • Mukuvisi Woodlands walking trails and wildlife

    HikeMashonalandnear Harare

    Go to Hillside Road at the corner of Glenara Avenue South. Walk independently on marked trails of around 3, 5, 8 or 10 km.

    • Cost: Adults US$5; children aged 5–12 US$4, listed July 2024
    • Wear proper boots and long, loose trousers when walking through bush or long grass.

  • Wild Is Life guided wildlife walks

    WildlifeMashonalandnear Harare

    Morning tour: 2 hours; afternoon tour: 3 hours

    Join a guided tour at 2 Delport Road in Epworth, just south of Robert Mugabe Airport.

    • Cost: Morning: adults US$70, children under 12 US$45. Afternoon: adults US$100, children under 12 US$60. Listed July 2024

  • Haka Camp Game Park wildlife and horse riding

    WildlifeMashonalandnear Harare

    Travel about 13 km east of central Harare via the A5 and Mutare Road to visit the game park or go horse riding.

  • Epworth Balancing Rocks

    More to doMashonalandnear Harare

    Take a minibus from 4th Street Terminal and ask the driver where to get off for the balancing rocks off Chiremba Road.

    • Cost: $2–$10, listed March 2019
    • Take care of your personal safety inside the park.

  • Hillside Dams walking, cycling and birdwatching

    HikeMatabelelandnear Bulawayo

    Visit Hillside Dams on the south side of Bulawayo for walking and mountain biking trails, fishing and birdwatching.

Airports, metros and trains in Zimbabwe

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BUQJoshua Mqabuko Nkomo International AirportBulawayoMain international airport
  • HRERobert Gabriel Mugabe International AirportHarareMain international airport
  • VFAVictoria Falls International AirportVictoria FallsMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
3,136 km

People and safety in Zimbabwe

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian88%
  • No religion8%
  • Folk religions4%
  • Muslim1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 1 years in prison.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #135 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

33% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 144 of 198 countries can visit Zimbabwe easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required41
  • Visa on arrival103
  • eVisa54

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Americas33 of 35 countries
  • Europe43 of 46 countries
  • Asia27 of 50 countries
  • Africa27 of 53 countries

Questions

What weather should I expect?

The rainy season runs from November to March. Winter temperatures can fall below 5°C, while summer temperatures rarely exceed 32°C except in lower areas such as the Zambezi Valley.

Can I travel using English?

Yes. English is widely spoken and is the most useful language for travelling around the country.

Do I need local currency?

The source says US dollars are widely used, so visitors do not need to obtain ZiG. Small US dollar notes are especially useful.

Can I buy a bus ticket without booking online?

Yes. The source says tickets for Greyhound services between Johannesburg and Harare or Bulawayo can be bought directly from Greyhound.

Is driving after dark a good idea?

Driving after dark is not recommended, especially outside cities. Road conditions, vehicle condition and driving habits can make travel dangerous.

What local food should I try?

Ask for sadza and stew or relish. Sadza is a thick maize paste, and the meal is described as inexpensive and filling.

Is budget accommodation available?

Yes. The source lists backpacker hostels from US$10 a night, along with guest houses, lodges and camping options.

Can I drink tap water?

The source advises boiling tap water before drinking it. Bottled water is also available.

Where can I go on safari?

Hwange National Park and Mana Pools offer walking safaris, canoe trips and wildlife drives.

What plug and electricity supply does Zimbabwe use?

The electricity supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. Sockets use British and related plug types, including the British three-pin type.

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