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Zimbabwe has places to stay for every budget, from luxury safari camps in private concessions to simple national park chalets and backpacker hostels. Victoria Falls has the widest choice. In the parks, the choice is between privately run lodges and the government-run ZimParks camps. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against the ZimParks 2026 tariff, the UK FCDO’s Zimbabwe travel advice and the websites of the properties named on this page. Private lodge and hotel rates change by season and aren’t published centrally, so we don’t quote them. Check with the property or your operator.

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Types of accommodation

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Safari lodges and camps

Private safari lodges and tented camps are where most visitors stay in Hwange, Mana Pools, Matusadona, Gonarezhou and the other big parks.
  • Luxury lodges and camps: usually full board with game drives or walks, drinks and park fees included. Many sit in private concessions with few other vehicles. Examples include Wilderness’s Linkwasha in Hwange and Ruckomechi in Mana Pools, and Bumi Hills on Lake Kariba.
  • Tented camps: permanent tents on platforms with en-suite bathrooms. They feel closer to the bush than a lodge, but are just as comfortable.
  • Mobile and seasonal camps: set up for the dry season, often with a walking or canoeing focus.
Rates are usually quoted per person per night sharing, and vary a lot by season. July to October is the most expensive. Many camps close for part of the rainy season.

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ZimParks lodges, chalets and campsites

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) runs self-catering lodges, chalets and campsites inside many national parks, including Hwange (Main Camp, Sinamatella and Robins), Mana Pools, Matobo (Maleme), Kyle and Chimanimani. They are basic but well placed, and far cheaper than private lodges. Selected 2026 international rates (US$ per unit per night): Source: ZimParks De-Gazetted Tariff 2026. Conservation (entry) fees are charged on top, per person per day. See our park fees guide for those and for ZimParks camping fees, such as US$23 per site at Hwange and US$120–155 per site at Mana Pools’ Nyamepi. Book through ZimParks directly, and book months ahead for the dry season. Bring all your food and supplies.

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Hotels

  • Victoria Falls has the most choice, from historic hotels to safari lodges overlooking a waterhole. Long-established examples include The Victoria Falls Hotel (built in 1904), Ilala Lodge in the centre of town and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
  • Harare and Bulawayo have international-standard business hotels in the city centres and quieter hotels and lodges in the suburbs. In Harare, many visitors prefer the northern suburbs.
  • Eastern Highlands: country hotels with gardens, golf and fireplaces, such as Leopard Rock Hotel in the Bvumba.
  • Lake Kariba and Great Zimbabwe: resort hotels and lodges, plus houseboats on Kariba.

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Guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering

Owner-run guesthouses and B&Bs in the suburbs of Harare and Bulawayo, and in the Eastern Highlands, are good value and full of local knowledge. Self-catering cottages work well for families and longer stays. Read recent reviews, because standards vary.

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Budget: backpackers and camping

  • Backpacker hostels in Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo offer dorms, private rooms, camping and tour booking. Shoestrings in Victoria Falls is one of the best known.
  • Campsites: ZimParks campsites are unfenced, with basic ablutions and wild animals passing through. Private campsites attached to lodges usually have better facilities.
  • Houseboats on Lake Kariba range from basic self-catering boats to fully crewed luxury boats. Ask what’s included: crew, food, fuel and fishing gear.

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Where to stay by area

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Booking

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When to book

  • 6–12 months ahead: private safari camps for July to October, Mana Pools campsites, and Victoria Falls over Christmas and Easter.
  • 2–6 months ahead: mid-range lodges and hotels in the dry season, and ZimParks lodges.
  • Shorter notice: city hotels, and most places in the rainy season (November to April), when some lodges offer lower “green season” rates.

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How to book

  • Direct: best for special requests and sometimes better rates.
  • Online booking sites: easy for city hotels and Victoria Falls, but many safari camps and ZimParks lodges aren’t listed.
  • Safari operators and travel agents: worth it for multi-park trips, because they handle charter flights, transfers and payments.

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Paying

  • Prices are usually in US dollars. If a price is in ZiG, confirm the currency before you pay. See currency and money.
  • Card acceptance varies. Most larger hotels and lodges take Visa and Mastercard, but some smaller places want cash, and the FCDO notes that card payments and international transfers don’t always work. Carry US dollars in small, clean notes as a backup.
  • Deposits: safari lodges usually want a deposit at booking and the balance weeks before arrival, often by bank transfer. Read the cancellation terms and check your travel insurance covers them.
  • Taxes and fees: ask whether the rate includes VAT, the tourism levy and park fees. Lodges inside parks often include conservation fees, so ask before you pay them twice.

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Practical tips

The FCDO notes frequent, sometimes long, power cuts. Most hotels and lodges have generators or solar power, but remote camps may only offer charging in a central area or at set times. Bring a power bank. Sockets are UK-style three-pin.
City hotels usually have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow. Safari camps often have Wi-Fi only in the main area, or none at all. A local SIM helps where there’s coverage. See communication.
Parts of Harare and Bulawayo have water rationing. Don’t drink tap water; lodges provide drinking water. Many safari camps ask guests to save water.
Safari tents and lodges often have fans rather than air conditioning, which is hard work in October. Winter nights (June and July) can drop to around 5°C in Hwange, so ask about heating and hot-water bottles. See weather by month.
Many safari camps set a minimum age, often between 6 and 12, and higher for walking safaris. Ask before you book. See family travel.
Accessible rooms are limited outside larger hotels in Victoria Falls and the cities. Ask detailed questions about steps, paths and bathrooms. See our accessibility guide.
Ask where the room is. In a safari camp, a tent facing a waterhole or river can mean wildlife from your veranda, while one at the back of camp may see far less.

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026