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Answers to the questions travellers ask most often about visiting Zimbabwe. Each answer links to a fuller guide. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against our verified guides to travel advice, visas and entry, currency and money, park fees and weather, and against the US CDC, TravelHealthPro and the UK FCDO. Rules and prices change, so check the linked guides before you travel.

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Visas and entry

It depends on your nationality. Zimbabwe sorts countries into three groups:
  • Category A: no visa needed (including most SADC countries)
  • Category B: visa on arrival or online (including the UK, US, EU, Canada and Australia)
  • Category C: visa needed in advance
A single-entry tourist visa costs US$30 for most nationalities and US$55 for British citizens. The KAZA UniVisa (US$50) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia. Everyone must also complete the online arrival form before travelling. See visas and entry for the full fee table, or check the official e-visa portal.
A single-entry tourist visa is valid for one month, and the KAZA UniVisa for up to 30 days. If you need longer, apply for an extension at an Immigration office before your visa expires. See visas and entry.
You’ll need:
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date, with blank pages
  • Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Your e-visa approval, or US dollars in cash for a visa on arrival
  • The QR code from the online arrival form
  • A yellow fever certificate, only if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including airport transits of more than 12 hours there)

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Health and safety

Yes, for most travellers who take sensible precautions. None of the US, UK or Australian governments advise against travel to any part of Zimbabwe. The US and Australia rate it at level 2 of 4. The main risks are petty crime in cities, smash-and-grab theft from cars, road accidents and wildlife.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, especially in cars
  • Don’t walk around cities after dark
  • Avoid political gatherings and don’t photograph police, soldiers or government buildings
  • Don’t drive at night outside towns
See our travel advice for what each government says.
The US CDC and the UK’s TravelHealthPro suggest:
  • Routine vaccines, including MMR and tetanus
  • Hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers
  • Hepatitis B, rabies and cholera for some travellers, depending on your trip
Yellow fever vaccination isn’t needed for Zimbabwe itself, but you need a certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Antimalarial tablets are advised for the Zambezi Valley and other areas below 1,200m, but not usually for Harare and Bulawayo. See a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you go. See health and safety.
No. Drink bottled, filtered or boiled water. Hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water. Cholera outbreaks happen in some areas, so be careful with ice and raw food outside hotels and lodges too.

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Money and costs

Zimbabwe has a multi-currency system. The US dollar is legal tender and is used for most transactions, so bring US dollars in small, clean notes. The local currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), introduced in April 2024 to replace the Zimbabwe dollar; you may get it as change.Change money only at banks or licensed bureaux de change. It’s illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than US$2,000 in cash, and you must declare US$10,000 or more when you arrive. See currency and money.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops, but many smaller businesses want US dollars in cash, and card machines don’t always work. The FCDO notes that US dollar cash is in short supply, so you can’t always withdraw it from ATMs with a foreign card. Bring enough cash for your trip.
Costs depend heavily on where you stay. Backpackers and campers spend far less than visitors in private safari camps, where rates are usually per person per night and include meals and activities.Some fixed costs to budget for in 2026:
  • Visa: US$30 for most nationalities (US$55 for British citizens), or US$50 for the KAZA UniVisa
  • Park fees: US$58 for the Victoria Falls Rainforest, and US$24 a day for Hwange or Mana Pools (international visitors)
  • ZimParks accommodation: from about US$60 a night for a one-bedroom chalet at Hwange Main Camp
See park fees, accommodation and budget travel.

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Transportation

Options for getting around Zimbabwe include:
  • Domestic flights: Fastjet and Air Zimbabwe link Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, and charter flights reach remote parks
  • Transfers and guided tours: the easiest option for most visitors, and usually arranged by your lodge or operator
  • Self-drive: possible, ideally in a 4x4, but avoid driving at night
  • Intercity coaches: cheap but slow. Travel in daylight
  • Taxis: use ones recommended by your hotel, and agree the fare first
Avoid kombis (minibus taxis), which the FCDO describes as often overcrowded and recklessly driven. See transportation.
Main roads are drivable in daylight, but you need to be careful:
  • Potholes, unlit vehicles, livestock and wildlife make night driving dangerous
  • Police roadblocks are common. Always ask for an official receipt if you’re fined
  • Your car must carry a fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, a spare wheel, a jack and a wheel spanner
  • Fuel can run short outside towns, so fill up whenever you can
A 4x4 is best for national parks. See transportation and travel advice.

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Climate and best time to visit

The dry season (May to October) is the best time for safaris:
  • May to August: sunny days and cold nights (around 5°C in Hwange in June and July), with good game viewing
  • September to October: very hot (up to 33–35°C in the low-lying parks), with animals gathered at water
  • November to April: the rainy season, with green landscapes, baby animals and good birding, but some roads and camps close
Victoria Falls is at high water from about February to May, when spray can hide the view. Devil’s Pool is on the Zambian side of the falls and only opens when the river is low, from about late August to late December. See weather by month.
Essential items include:
  • Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours, and dark blue or black, which attract tsetse flies)
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun and mosquito protection)
  • Warm layers for cool mornings/evenings (especially May-August)
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • No camouflage clothing, which is illegal for civilians
  • Binoculars and camera with zoom lens for wildlife viewing
  • Waterproof bag/case during rainy season
  • Power bank (power cuts are frequent)
See our packing guide.

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Safari and wildlife

You can self-drive in parks such as Hwange, Matobo and Mana Pools, but a professional guide finds more wildlife and keeps you safe. Zimbabwe’s professional guides are among the most rigorously trained in Africa. Book walking and canoe safaris with licensed operators. See safari planning.
Zimbabwe is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and much more:
  • Elephants are particularly numerous in Hwange National Park
  • Mana Pools is known for wild dogs and large populations of hippos and crocodiles
  • Matobo is known for rhino tracking
  • Antelope species, zebras, giraffes, and numerous bird species are commonly seen
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Zimbabwe’s national parks offer some of Africa’s best game viewing opportunities.

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Communication and connectivity

Mobile coverage and internet access vary across Zimbabwe:
  • Cities and tourist areas have 4G coverage from Econet and NetOne
  • Remote areas and national parks may have little or no coverage
  • Most hotels and lodges have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow
  • Power cuts can affect networks
Buy a local SIM with your passport. NetOne offers a free tourist SIM at its airport shop. Download maps before heading somewhere remote. See communication.

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Destinations

Zimbabwe’s top destinations include:For first-time visitors, we recommend our First-Time Visitors Guide to help plan your trip.
For those wanting to escape the crowds, consider:Our Hidden Gems guide has more off-the-beaten-path suggestions.
Zimbabwe’s key distances are manageable, but planning helps:
  • Victoria Falls to Hwange Main Camp: about 2.5–3 hours’ drive
  • Harare to Victoria Falls: about 1hr 30min by air, or 8–10 hours by road
  • Consider regional circuits (e.g., Victoria Falls + Hwange + Chobe in Botswana)
Check our Sample Itineraries for suggested routes, or browse Quick Itineraries for shorter trips.

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Accommodation

Zimbabwe offers diverse options for all budgets:
  • Luxury Safari Lodges: All-inclusive with game drives, exceptional service
  • Tented Safari Camps: Canvas accommodation with authentic bush experience
  • Hotels: International and local chains in cities and Victoria Falls
  • Guesthouses/B&Bs: Family-run with personal service
  • Self-Catering: Lodges and cottages in parks and highlands
  • Backpackers/Hostels: Budget options in tourist areas
  • Camping: Designated sites in national parks
See our detailed Accommodation Guide for recommendations by region and budget.
Booking timing depends on:
  • July to October: book private safari camps and Mana Pools campsites 6–12 months ahead
  • Victoria Falls: busy year-round, especially at Christmas and Easter
  • Rainy season (November to April): easier to find space, and some lodges offer lower rates
Luxury lodges with limited rooms fill quickly regardless of season.

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Adventure Activities

Victoria Falls offers incredible adventures:
  • Viewing the falls: the Rainforest walk along the edge of the gorge (US$58 for international visitors in 2026)
  • White-water rafting: big rapids in the gorges below the falls, best when the river is low
  • Bungee jumping: from the Victoria Falls Bridge
  • Helicopter and microlight flights: the “Flight of Angels” over the falls
  • Sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi
  • Zip lines and the gorge swing
  • Devil’s Pool: reached from the Zambian side, when the river is low
Check that your travel insurance covers adventure activities.See our complete Activities Guide for all options with prices and seasons.
Zimbabwe has much more than wildlife viewing:Check Things to Do by Region for activities in your destination.

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Culture and food

Zimbabwean cuisine centers on:
  • Sadza: Thick maize porridge, the staple at most meals
  • Nyama: Grilled or stewed meat (beef, chicken, goat)
  • Madora: Mopane worms - a protein-rich delicacy
  • Matemba: Dried fish, often with vegetables
  • Maputi: Roasted maize kernels (popcorn snack)
Safari lodges serve international cuisine, but trying local food is worthwhile. See our Cuisine Guide for where to find authentic Zimbabwean food.
Zimbabwe offers rich cultural immersion:Learn about People and Tribes to understand Zimbabwe’s diverse cultures.

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Planning for different travellers

Zimbabwe is excellent for families:
  • Many lodges welcome children, with family rooms and children’s activities
  • Malaria risk is very low in Harare and Bulawayo, and lower in the dry season and at altitude, but no safari area is malaria-free. Ask a travel clinic about children’s antimalarials
  • Victoria Falls has activities for most ages
Minimum ages: many safari camps set a minimum age, often 6 to 12, and walking safaris usually require older children. Our Family Travel Guide has age-appropriate recommendations.
Solo travel is very doable in Zimbabwe:
  • Join group safari tours to share costs and meet others
  • Victoria Falls has a social backpacker scene
  • Guides and lodges look after solo travellers well
  • English is widely spoken
See our Solo Travel Guide for tips on safety, costs, and meeting people.
Zimbabwe is popular with mature travelers:
  • Safari vehicles and lodges accommodate mobility needs
  • Pace of safari life suits those preferring relaxation
  • No strenuous activity required for excellent wildlife viewing
  • Professional guides provide attentive service
Our Senior Travel Guide covers health considerations, accessible options, and recommended experiences.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that:
  • Sex between men is illegal, and same-sex marriage isn’t recognised
  • Social attitudes are conservative
  • Prosecutions of visitors are rare, but public displays of affection are best avoided
Our LGBTQ+ Travel Guide provides detailed information to help you make informed decisions.
Accessibility is developing but possible with planning:
  • Some safari lodges are single-level with accessible paths
  • Victoria Falls has partially accessible viewpoints
  • Private operators can arrange customized experiences
  • Advance coordination with accommodations is essential
See our Accessibility Guide for detailed information on accessible safaris, lodges, and services.
Business travel infrastructure includes:Our Business Travel Guide covers visas, connectivity, and combining business with leisure.

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Weddings and special occasions

Zimbabwe is a romantic destination for weddings:
  • Victoria Falls provides a spectacular backdrop
  • Many lodges offer wedding packages and coordination
  • Legal marriages require documentation and advance planning
  • Symbolic ceremonies are simpler to arrange
Our Destination Weddings Guide covers legal requirements, venues, and planning tips.

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Getting involved

Ethical volunteering opportunities exist:
  • Wildlife conservation projects
  • Community development programs
  • Education initiatives
Important: Not all volunteer programs are ethical. Some can harm communities or wildlife. Research carefully and choose established organizations.Our Volunteer Guide helps identify legitimate programs.

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Practical resources

Keep these resources handy:
  • From a mobile: 112 (Econet) or 114 (NetOne)
  • Police: 995
  • Ambulance: 994
  • General emergency from a landline: 999
  • Private medical rescue: MARS (+263 242 771 221, or 182 toll-free from Econet) and ACE Air & Ambulance (dial 464, or +263 782 999 901)
  • Your insurer’s 24-hour assistance line and your operator’s emergency contact
Public emergency services are limited, so your lodge or operator is often the fastest source of help. See our travel advice.See our Emergency Contacts for a comprehensive list including hospitals and emergency services by region.
To find quality operators:
  • Check the operator is registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
  • Check membership of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ), which the FCDO recommends for checking that safari operators are trained and licensed
  • Read recent reviews on multiple platforms
  • Ask for references from previous clients
Our Tour Operators Directory lists vetted operators by specialty and region.
Yes, travel insurance is essential for Zimbabwe:
  • Private clinics expect payment before they treat you
  • Serious cases are flown to South Africa, and evacuation is expensive
  • Activities such as rafting, bungee jumping and walking safaris often need specific cover
  • Cancellation cover protects prepaid safari bookings
See our Travel Insurance Guide for what coverage to look for.
If you have more questions about travelling to Zimbabwe, please contact our team.

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026