National Parks in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's top safari and wildlife destinations
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park (pronounced 'WAHN-gay') is Zimbabwe's largest and most famous wildlife reserve, a 14,651-square-kil...
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the ...
Matobo Hills National Park
Matobo Hills (also known as Matopos) is one of the most visually dramatic landscapes in all of Africa, a UNESCO World He...
Cities in Zimbabwe
Explore Zimbabwe's urban destinations
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and the cultural capital of Matabeleland, a region steeped in the history of ...
Harare
Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city, a surprisingly leafy metropolis of jacaranda-lined avenues and colonial-e...
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls town is Zimbabwe's premier tourist destination and the gateway to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the...
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: July, August, September, October
The dry season (May to October) is prime safari time. Animals concentrate around waterholes and rivers as vegetation thins, making sightings excellent. Hwange's pumped waterholes attract spectacular wildlife gatherings. Mana Pools' floodplains fill with game along the Zambezi.
Seasons
May, June, July, August
Cool dry season and the best period for game viewing. Temperatures are pleasant during the day (20-25C) but nights can be cold (5-10C). Vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easy to spot at waterholes.
September, October
Hot dry season. Temperatures climb above 35C in lowland areas. Wildlife concentrations peak as water sources dwindle. Hwange and Mana Pools are at their absolute best. October is the hottest month.
November, December, January, February, March, April
Green season with afternoon thunderstorms. Lush landscapes, migratory birds, and newborn animals. Some roads become impassable (especially in Mana Pools). Lower prices and fewer tourists. Victoria Falls water levels peak in March and April.
Zimbabwe Visa Requirements
Zimbabwe operates an e-Visa system for most nationalities. Single-entry tourist visas cost $30 for most Western countries, with US and UK citizens paying $55. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia with multiple entries for 30 days, making it ideal for visiting both sides of Victoria Falls. Visa on arrival is also available at major ports of entry. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw before travel for faster processing.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$30 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Passport-size photo (digital for e-Visa)
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- • Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Is Zimbabwe Safe?
Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists visiting established safari areas, national parks, and the Victoria Falls region. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft can occur in urban areas, particularly Harare and Bulawayo, but basic precautions keep risks low. The political situation has stabilized significantly, and tourism infrastructure continues to improve.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Victoria Falls town and falls area
- ✓ All national parks and safari lodges
- ✓ Established tourist circuits (Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills)
- ✓ Bulawayo city center
- ✓ Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani)
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Informal mining areas
- ✗ Political demonstrations and rallies
- ✗ Isolated urban areas at night
- ✗ Border areas with Mozambique (occasional banditry)
Safety Tips
- • Carry USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
- • Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes
- • Avoid driving at night on rural roads due to wildlife and potholes
- • Register with your embassy if visiting remote areas
- • Book safari lodges and activities through reputable operators
Zimbabwe Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $50-$120/day | Backpacker lodges, local food, public transport, self-drive camping |
| mid range | $250-$500/day | Comfortable safari lodges, guided game drives, park fees included |
| luxury | $500-$1500/day | Premium safari camps, private guides, fly-in transfers, exclusive concessions |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Not required if arriving directly from Europe, the US, or South Africa.)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (recommended for safari and remote areas), Cholera (recommended if visiting rural areas)
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, Zambezi Valley, Lowveld areas
Healthcare
Private hospitals in Harare are adequate for basic care (Avenues Clinic, West End Hospital). Victoria Falls has a small hospital. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, as serious conditions require evacuation to South Africa.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Zimbabwe
International Airports
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
Harare (HRE)
Main HubVictoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls (VFA)
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
Bulawayo (BUQ)
Major Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Fastjet, Emirates (via connection), RwandAir, Air Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Highlights
Must See
- • Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side (the 'smoke that thunders')
- • Hwange National Park's massive elephant herds at waterholes
- • Mana Pools walking safaris along the Zambezi River
- • Great Zimbabwe ruins near Masvingo
- • Matobo Hills rhino tracking and ancient rock art
Unique Experiences
- • Walk unguided through Mana Pools floodplains with elephants
- • Watch 44,000+ elephants gather at Hwange's pumped waterholes
- • Bungee jump 111 meters off Victoria Falls Bridge
- • Canoe the Zambezi through hippo pods and past drinking elephants
- • Track black and white rhinos on foot in the Matobo Hills
Off the Beaten Path
- • Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani) for mountain hiking
- • Gonarezhou National Park (the 'Place of Elephants' on the Mozambique border)
- • Lake Kariba houseboat safari
- • Chinhoyi Caves with their luminous blue pool
- • Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?
Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists in all main safari areas and tourist destinations. Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, and Matobo Hills are well-established tourist circuits with good safety records. Petty theft can occur in cities, but violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Use standard travel precautions and you will have a safe, enjoyable visit.
What currency should I bring to Zimbabwe?
Bring US dollars. USD is the primary currency used throughout Zimbabwe for tourism, hotels, restaurants, park fees, and most transactions. Carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) as change can sometimes be an issue. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is the local currency, but tourists will rarely need it. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and lodges.
What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe for safari?
The dry season from May to October offers the best safari conditions. Animals gather at waterholes as water becomes scarce, making sightings excellent. July to October is peak season for Hwange and Mana Pools. Victoria Falls is most impressive from February to May when water levels peak. The green season (November to April) brings lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush landscapes.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Most nationalities need a visa, available through the e-Visa system at evisa.gov.zw or on arrival. Costs vary: $30 for most Western countries, $55 for US and UK citizens. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, perfect for visiting both sides of Victoria Falls.
How do I get to Zimbabwe?
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) has direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa, making it the most convenient entry point for safari. Harare (HRE) is the main international hub with flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. Many visitors enter overland from Zambia via the Victoria Falls Bridge or from South Africa via Beitbridge.
Can I combine Zimbabwe and Zambia in one trip?
Absolutely. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days. You can view Victoria Falls from both sides, visit Hwange on the Zimbabwe side and South Luangwa on the Zambia side, or add a day trip to Chobe in Botswana from Victoria Falls.