Zimbabwe travel guide

Zimbabwe Tourism | Zimbabwe Guide

You're Going to Love Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is the perfect country to visit for those who want to tick three major items off their bucket list: observe majestic animals in the wild, visit archaeological heritage sites, and see breathtaking natural wonders.

What to do in Zimbabwe

1. Observe Wildlife at a National Park

Known for its diversity of animals wandering in the wild, Zimbabwe is home to several national parks where you can truly experience nature. Head to Hwange National Park for the big cats or Matobo National Park for the rhinos.

2. Admire Grand Victoria Falls

A true force of nature, the furiously rapid waters of the Victoria Falls are one of Zimbabwe's most famous natural landmarks among tourists.

3. Get Closer to Local Art

Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare to attend art shows that introduce visitors to both traditional and contemporary local artists.

4. Explore Bulawayo

The second largest city in the country, Bulawayo is a treat for enthusiasts of 19th-century colonial architecture.

5. Take a Trip to the Chinhoyi Caves

A destination well-known to experienced scuba divers, the Chinhoyi Caves also makes up for a good offbeat attraction for those who are looking for something unique in Zimbabwe.

1. Observe Wildlife at a National Park

Known for its diversity of animals wandering in the wild, Zimbabwe is home to several national parks where you can truly experience nature. Head to Hwange National Park for the big cats or Matobo National Park for the rhinos.

2. Admire Grand Victoria Falls

A true force of nature, the furiously rapid waters of the Victoria Falls are one of Zimbabwe's most famous natural landmarks among tourists.

3. Get Closer to Local Art

Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare to attend art shows that introduce visitors to both traditional and contemporary local artists.

4. Explore Bulawayo

The second largest city in the country, Bulawayo is a treat for enthusiasts of 19th-century colonial architecture.

5. Take a Trip to the Chinhoyi Caves

A destination well-known to experienced scuba divers, the Chinhoyi Caves also makes up for a good offbeat attraction for those who are looking for something unique in Zimbabwe.

When to visit Zimbabwe

The top months to visit Zimbabwe are April (for the Harare HIFA cultural event), and May and August for a chance to visit the Victoria Falls at their prime.

This time of year has the best weather, but it's not the best time to observe wildlife. For the Big Five, visit Zimbabwe between July and September.

How to Get to Zimbabwe

Entry requirements

Nationals from almost all countries need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. It will be issued on arrival at your entry point and be valid for up to 30 days.

Plane

There are two main airports serving Zimbabwe: Harare International Airport and Victoria Falls Airport.

Most international flights land in Harare. Victoria Falls is served mostly by flights from South Africa and Namibia.

Car

Entering Zimbabwe by car from the neighboring countries is fairly easy. Keep in mind that the same visa rules apply as if entering by plane.

The simplest land border crossings to Zimbabwe are in Francistown (Botswana), Beira (Mozambique), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Victoria Falls (Zambia).

Bus

There are several bus connections between Zimbabwe and border countries, operated by different companies. You can take an international long-distance bus to Zimbabwe from Francistown (Botswana), Blantyre (Malawi), and Lusaka (Zambia).

Entry requirements

Nationals from almost all countries need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. It will be issued on arrival at your entry point and be valid for up to 30 days.

Plane

There are two main airports serving Zimbabwe: Harare International Airport and Victoria Falls Airport.

Most international flights land in Harare. Victoria Falls is served mostly by flights from South Africa and Namibia.

Car

Entering Zimbabwe by car from the neighboring countries is fairly easy. Keep in mind that the same visa rules apply as if entering by plane.

The simplest land border crossings to Zimbabwe are in Francistown (Botswana), Beira (Mozambique), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Victoria Falls (Zambia).

Bus

There are several bus connections between Zimbabwe and border countries, operated by different companies. You can take an international long-distance bus to Zimbabwe from Francistown (Botswana), Blantyre (Malawi), and Lusaka (Zambia).

Popular airports in Zimbabwe

Popular airlines serving Zimbabwe

Lufthansa
Good (7,108 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,349 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,650 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,825 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,615 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,918 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,107 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,435 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,797 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,511 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,655 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (847 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,334 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (782 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,306 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (414 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,892 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,924 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (804 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Zimbabwe

Larger cities have a good variety of hostels, guesthouses, and business hotels. National parks also offer accommodation, usually in the high-end luxury range.

Where to stay in popular areas of Zimbabwe

Most booked hotels in Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 678+
A Zambezi River Lodge
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 177+
Elephant Hills Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 248+
Meikles Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
S$ 343+
N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
S$ 113+
N1 Hotel Samora Machel Harare
2 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
S$ 95+

How to Get Around Zimbabwe

Public Transportation

The only means of public transportation available within cities in Zimbabwe are taxis. They're almost always metered and you can ask your hotel to book one for you.

Trains

There are regular train services, mostly running at night, connecting Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and Mutare.

Bus

Bravo and Pathfinder are two local companies operating regular bus connections between the larger cities and towns.

Check the timetables carefully since luxury buses and local buses might depart for the same destination at the same time. The local buses (known as "chicken buses") are cheaper but less comfortable and with no extra amenities.

Car

You can drive around Zimbabwe for up to 90 days with your local driver's license, as long as it's in English. For other cases, get an International Driving Permit.

Most car rental companies don't rent vehicles to drivers over 65. Minimum age varies between 23 and 25 years old.

Plane

There are domestic flights connecting Harare to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, most of them operated by local airline Air Zimbabwe.

Public Transportation

The only means of public transportation available within cities in Zimbabwe are taxis. They're almost always metered and you can ask your hotel to book one for you.

Trains

There are regular train services, mostly running at night, connecting Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and Mutare.

Bus

Bravo and Pathfinder are two local companies operating regular bus connections between the larger cities and towns.

Check the timetables carefully since luxury buses and local buses might depart for the same destination at the same time. The local buses (known as "chicken buses") are cheaper but less comfortable and with no extra amenities.

Car

You can drive around Zimbabwe for up to 90 days with your local driver's license, as long as it's in English. For other cases, get an International Driving Permit.

Most car rental companies don't rent vehicles to drivers over 65. Minimum age varies between 23 and 25 years old.

Plane

There are domestic flights connecting Harare to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, most of them operated by local airline Air Zimbabwe.

The Cost of Living in Zimbabwe

In 2019, Zimbabwe reinstated its national currency, the Zimbabwe Dollar, so check the latest currency exchanges rates before arrival. Check with your hotel and other service providers which payment mode they prefer at the time of your trip. Prices may still be listed in US Dollars in some places. On average, consumer prices are lower than in English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK, but so is the local purchasing power.

Popular cities in Zimbabwe