Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is the headline, and the Zimbabwean side faces most of its 1.7 km-wide curtain, but the country's deeper appeal is wildlife: Hwange's great elephant herds, walking and canoe safaris at Mana Pools, and rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills. The granite walls of Great Zimbabwe add the ruins of a medieval African capital.
Overview
Zimbabwe's big sights sit around its edges. In the north-west, Victoria Falls town is the adventure hub, with Hwange National Park a few hours south-east and Botswana's Chobe a short drive west. The Zambezi valley in the north holds Lake Kariba's houseboats and the canoe and walking safaris of Mana Pools. In the south, Bulawayo is the base for the granite Matobo Hills, and Great Zimbabwe lies near Masvingo; the Eastern Highlands offer cool hiking. First-timers often pair the Falls with Hwange, while a longer road trip loops Harare, Great Zimbabwe, Matobo, Hwange and the Falls.
Zimbabwe runs largely on US dollars and is not cheap: park fees, lodges and fly-in camps are priced at international rates, though self-drivers and campers can travel for much less. In return, the parks are uncrowded and the guiding is among Africa's best, with a famously demanding licensing system for walking guides. Infrastructure can creak, with power cuts and potholed roads. The dry winter months bring the best game viewing and chilly nights, while October is fiercely hot. It suits safari lovers who want to walk rather than just drive, and travellers curious about the region's history.
Map of Zimbabwe
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Victoria Falls
The Zambezi plunges more than 100 metres into a basalt gorge along 1.7 km. A rainforest path on the Zimbabwean side links a string of viewpoints; come at full flood (about March–May) for thunder and spray, or later for clearer views and white-water rafting.
- 2Wildlife
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest park, on the edge of the Kalahari sands, is famous for elephants, which crowd its pumped waterholes in the dry season, alongside lions, wild dogs, sable and buffalo. Self-drive from Main Camp or stay in private concessions.
- 3Wildlife
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO-listed Zambezi floodplain and one of the few African parks where walking is allowed: approach elephants beneath the winterthorn trees and canoe past hippos and crocodiles. Most camps open only in the dry season.
- 4History
Great Zimbabwe
The stone capital of a Shona kingdom that flourished from the 11th to the 15th century, and the source of the country's name. The Great Enclosure's curving mortarless granite walls, up to 11 metres high, are the largest ancient structures south of the Sahara.
- 5Nature
Matobo National Park
Domes and balancing piles of granite south of Bulawayo shelter San rock paintings, Cecil Rhodes's hilltop grave at World's View, dense populations of leopards and black eagles, and rhinos that you can track on foot with rangers.
Biggest cities
Harare
A green, spread-out capital of jacaranda avenues, purple in September and October, with the National Gallery and Mbare market; most visitors pass through, but its restaurants and craft shops reward a day.
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe's second city has broad colonial-era streets, the Natural History Museum and a relaxed pace; it is the gateway to the Matobo Hills and the UNESCO-listed Khami ruins.
Mutare
A pleasant town in a mountain bowl by the Mozambican border, and the gateway to the Bvumba's forests, Nyanga's trout streams and the Chimanimani mountains.
Harare's figure covers Harare Metropolitan Province, including Chitungwiza and Epworth; counted separately, Chitungwiza would rank third. Figures are from the 2022 census.
When to go to Zimbabwe
Best time: May–Oct.
Average climate in Harare
Festivals & events
- Apr–JunLunar rainbow at Victoria Falls
On nights around the full moon during high water, the falls' rainforest opens late for viewings of the moonbow, a pale rainbow formed in the spray by moonlight.
- OctKariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament
One of Africa's biggest freshwater angling competitions, held on Lake Kariba each October, when hundreds of teams chase the hard-fighting tigerfish and the lakeside town fills up.
How much does Zimbabwe cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Sadza with muriwo
Sadza, a stiff white maize porridge, is the staple of every Zimbabwean meal: roll a ball in your right hand and scoop up muriwo, greens cooked with tomato and onion.
Kapenta
Tiny sardine-like fish from Lake Kariba, dried or fried crisp and cooked with tomato and onion; a cheap, protein-rich relish for sadza.
Dovi
A rich peanut-butter stew of chicken or greens, sometimes with okra, served with sadza or rice in homes and local eateries.
Getting around
Most safari visitors fly into Victoria Falls and let lodges arrange road transfers or light-aircraft charters to Hwange, Mana Pools and Kariba. Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet link Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Self-drive is popular, and roads between the main towns are mostly tarred but potholed, with frequent police roadblocks. Intercity coaches are cheap and reasonably comfortable, but rarely reach the parks.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- DG220V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
- Econet (mobile service provider) subscribers: 112
- NetOne (mobile service provider) subscribers: 114
- Landline: 0800 3222 911
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +263
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Tip safari guides and trackers in US dollars at the end of a stay, following lodge guidelines, and leave about 10% in restaurants.
- Etiquette
- Greet people warmly before getting down to business, and receive things with both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid loud political discussion, and never photograph police, soldiers or government buildings.
- Main airports
- Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Victoria Falls; Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE), Harare; Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), Bulawayo
Visas & entry for Zimbabwe
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe. Most visitors get their visa on arrival.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Zimbabwe below 1,200m from November to June: antimalarial tablets recommended.
- There is a low risk of malaria in this part of the country during the rest of the year (July to October): awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Zimbabwe
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 22 Dec 2026 | Unity Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sun 21 Feb 2027 | Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day |
| Mon 22 Feb 2027 | Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day (observed) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Easter Saturday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sun 18 Apr 2027 | Independence Day |
| Mon 19 Apr 2027 | Independence Day (observed) |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Workers' Day |
| Tue 25 May 2027 | Africa Day |
| Mon 9 Aug 2027 | Zimbabwe Heroes' Day |
| Tue 10 Aug 2027 | Defense Forces Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Shona
| English | Shona | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Mhoroi | mhoh-ROY |
| Thank you | Ndatenda | n-dah-TEN-dah |
| Please | Ndapota | n-dah-POH-tah |
| Excuse me | Pamusoroi | pah-moo-soh-ROY |
| How much is this? | Imarii? | ee-mah-REE |
Know before you go
- Bring plenty of small US dollar notes in good condition: change is scarce, damaged or older notes may be refused, and change is sometimes given in the local ZiG currency.
- Victoria Falls changes with the seasons: from about March to May spray can hide the view, while by October the Zambian side may be nearly dry; the Zimbabwean side flows all year.
- Self-drivers meet frequent police roadblocks: carry your licence and vehicle papers, and check that the hire car has warning triangles, a fire extinguisher and reflective stickers.
Zimbabwe travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is generally May–Oct. Peak months are June, July, August and September. Average highs in Harare range from 21°C to 28°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Zimbabwe cost per day?
Roughly £50 a day on a tight budget, £140 mid-range and £400+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Zimbabwe?
US dollar (USD).
What plug type does Zimbabwe use?
Type D and G sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Zimbabwe?
Traffic drives on the left in Zimbabwe — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Zimbabwe?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Zimbabwe before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Zimbabwe?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
