Zimbabwe – Travel Guide
Explore Zimbabwe, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the vast savannas of Hwange National Park. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like sadza and nyama, accompanied by fresh vegetables and fruits. Immerse yourself in history in the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the impressive stone ruins. Experience the wildlife wonders of Zimbabwe in Mana Pools National Park and Matobo National Park, home to diverse species including elephants and rhinos. Zimbabwe invites you to discover its natural wonders and cultural treasures, promising an unforgettable journey through Southern Africa.
All about Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe FAQ
What is Zimbabwe known for?
Zimbabwe is a beautiful African country, rich in resources and hardworking people. Despite political turmoil, it is a beautiful travel destination. What brings visitors to Zimbabwe is its unbelievable natural beauty. It is home to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, and Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in terms of volume. Zimbabwe is also known for it`s fantastic safari`s thanks to the beautiful national parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools.
What are the best places to visit in Zimbabwe?
Victoria Falls, known locally as `The Smoke That Thunders,` is one of the most extraordinary natural sights on the African continent. Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is the world`s largest waterfall.
Great Zimbabwe, is the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the late Iron Age. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises three connected complexes full of ruined towers, turrets, and wall all brilliantly engineered and constructed from stone.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the largest and oldest game reserve in the country. It is especially famous for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo. Hwange is also a haven for several rare or endangered species.
On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe lies Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world. It was created in 1958 by the damming of the Zambezi River and supports an incredible variety of bird and animal life. It is famous for houseboat vacations and for its population of tigerfish (one of the most sought-after game fish in Africa).
How many days should I spend in Zimbabwe?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Zimbabwe?
Between cities, you travel using luxury coaches like Pathfinder and Citilink. You can also get decent buses from RoadPort in Harare to other major cities including those in neighboring countries like Johannesburg, Lusaka, Lilongwe.
Minibus taxis are available for intra-city transport, and are relatively inexpensive by European standards. They provide a cheap, though a not necessarily comfortable way of seeing the true Zimbabwe.
The condition of the roads in Zimbabwe seems to have improved considerably since the stabilization of the economic. Roads between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, Bulawayo and Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe) and Masvingo and Mutare are all in relatively good condition.
Almost no fuel station in Zimbabwe takes credit cards. Also road blocks are common but usually police just want to see your driver`s license and your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Police can fine you if you do not have reflective reflectors on your car, red hazard triangles in your boot, a spare tire, or a fire extinguisher, so be sure to carry those items if you want to avoid a fine.
The taxi app in Zimbabwe is called Vaya, but you will need a Zimbabwean phone number to use it. Its exchange rate is fixed at Z$1 to US$1, so you will want to pay in Zimbabwean dollars (RTGS).
The more courageous tourists could travel by train around Zimbabwe. National Railways of Zimbabwe runs services between most major cities at least three times per week. However, due to ongoing economic difficulties and rundown tracks, there are often delays and cancellations. The most popular route is the daily overnight train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. This train passes through Hwange National Park, one of the biggest national parks in Africa, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wild animals along the route. There is a tri-weekly overnight service between Bulawayo and the capital Harare as well.
What is the currency of Zimbabwe?
The U.S. dollar was introduced as the official currency of Zimbabwe in 2009 in response to the hyperinflation of the Zimbabwean dollar. Although several other currencies (including the South African rand and the British pound) are considered legal tender, the U.S. dollar is still the most widely used.
Do people speak English in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has no fewer than 16 official languages (the most of any country). English, Shona and Sindebele/Ndebele are the `big three` most popular. English, besides being traditionally used for official business, serves as a lingua franca between Zimbabweans of different ethnicities.
Best time to visit Zimbabwe
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season between June and November when the temperatures are hot with clear blue skies and cooler nights. The average daily temperatures range from 73F to 97F throughout the country. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant this time of year as the animals gather around the limited water sources.
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The country of Zimbabwe is a year-round destination with incredible wildlife including zebra, antelope, the “Big Five”, and wild dogs that can be seen all year. The climate in Zimbabwe is subtropical with long hot summers with high temperatures around 87F, cooler winters, and considerably lower nighttime temperatures. Visit the country from May through September and head to Victoria Falls where it is the most impressive as well as excellent wildlife viewing when the animals congregate around teh rivers and waterholes.
The wet season is between January and February when many of the camps in the country are closed. The dry winter months of June to October are considered a great time to visit Hwange National Park when extraordinary wildlife encounters can be enjoyed. There are a variety of species that congregate at the essential water sources, elephants, lions, and other animals can be seen. September and October are also good months to visit Hwange. The magnificent Victoria Falls are best viewed from May to December. Zimbabwe’s rainy season is a beautiful time to view birds in the country.
August – November
This time of year is the main dry season in Zimbabwe, it is an ideal time to enjoy more active pursuits, especially around Victoria Falls with options for white water rafting on the Zambezi. The prolonged dryness from September to November is an ideal game viewing time. This time of year is peak travel time when accommodations fill up fast. This time of year can be very hot, especially in the northern areas like Mana Pools.
This time of year boasts the ideal climate for wildlife sightings with bright clear days and barely any clouds in the sky. The game reserve camps fill up quickly during this time, and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. Zebra, antelope, the “Big Five”, and wild dogs can be seen. The dry season is between June and November with hot temperatures and cooler nights and daily average temperatures range from 73F to 97F.
The annual game count in Hwange National Park is a big event on Zimbabwe’s calendar in September, it is the largest game park in the country and home to a rich variety of vegetation and wildlife species. The game count takes place once a year giving visitors to the country a unique experience and opportunity to spend time with the local Hwange rangers and stake out watering holes to count the number of animals passing through.
During October the temperatures begin to gear up again, this is the hottest month of the year. This is when the dry season ends, but there are plenty of opportunities for viewing wildlife including elephants as the herds spend most of their time gathering at the watering holes. November weather is unpredictable it can either be very dry or very wet, it is a quiet time of year but an excellent month for birdwatching when thousands of migratory birds arrive with the rain.
December – April
The month of December is considered summertime in Zimbabwe, the days are warm and humid followed by afternoon rain showers that create lush verdant landscapes. This time of year is great for birdwatching as well as other unique wildlife viewing and great scenery. This is a quieter time of year when lodges and game parks are less crowded, and safaris are not as busy.
The month of January is a rainy month, the dense bush makes it harder to spot wildlife. It is not a recommended time to visit Victoria Falls as it is the low-water season. This is the time to take advantage of lower rates and less crowds. February is still part of the wet season, when the water level of the Zambezi River is high, meaning Victoria Falls is now in full flow. A helicopter ride or microlight flight is the best way to truly appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the Falls.
March in Zimbabwe brings warm, humid weather and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, usually short bursts that last a few hours. The water levels of Victoria Falls are perfect this month, especially the gorges that surround the famous falls, a phenomenal attraction as well as the famous spray rainbows.
May – July
These months bring much cooler weather throughout the country, making it a more pleasant experience for adventurous activities. The landscapes are verdant, and the ground starts to dry out in the month of July when the temperatures start to drop in the higher altitude regions. If visiting Zimbabwe during the month of April you can expect less rain showers and cooler temperatures. The weather can be unpredictable, so wearing lots of layers helps against the cold temperatures.
The month of May is a great time to see the stunning Victoria Falls when the water levels are still high and a great time to take a safari. This is considered peak season in the country with higher rates, and sold-out accommodations. It is recommended to book at least a year in advance if visiting this month.
The month of June is considered to be one of the best months of the year to take a safari in Zimbabwe. Game viewing is absolutely spectacular during the dry season, the natural waterholes dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, rivers, and man-made waterholes. Rhino tracking at Matobo Hills is popular in June, and also a good time to see giant herds of elephants in Hwange National Park.
The weather in July turns colder in the evenings as winter is setting in, it is recommended to pack extra layers of clothing due to the dramatic dropping temperatures. Early morning game drives can be very chilly in the early morning hours. Wildlife viewing is excellent this time of year, and this month is labeled as the perfect time to go on a canoe safari.
Tipping in Zimbabwe
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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It is customary to tip in Zimbabwe, the amount you tip depends upon the service and your satisfaction with your stay, ride, or tour guide. Share your appreciation to employees in the service industry by tipping when dining at a restaurant, staying at a hotel or lodge, riding in a taxi, or taking a tour with a guide.
Tipping in the country is not compulsory but is always appreciated, the amount you tip depends on your overall experience and satisfaction. The Gross National Income (GNI) in Zimbabwe is around US$5.26 per person per day. Tips earned by employees in the service industry have a huge impact on their overall income, due to low minimum wages tips are greatly appreciated. Tips help supplement Zimbabwean’s income.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars?
The currency of Zimbabwe is the US dollar. ATMs can be found at the airport, or in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred. You can convert money to USD at a bank or Forex Burea prior to departure.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In restaurants in Zimbabwe it is customary to tip for table service, tip 10-15% on top of your bill when good to excellent service is provided. Some establishments have a “Tip Jar” where the tips are shared equally between all employees from chefs to cleaners.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Most people leave tips when staying in hotels, camps, and lodges in Zimbabwe. Some may offer a suggestion on how much to tip (a range of around US$5 to US$20 per guest, per day). There may be a general tip jar or an envelope where you can leave a tip for the hotel staff. In camps, there is a central box in each camp’s main area and a suggestion of $10-$15 per person per day. About $1 per bag for porters, and a few dollars a day for hotel housekeeping.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping a taxi driver in Zimbabwe is recommended, leaving a few dollars or some extra change is satisfactory.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping your tour guide in Zimbabwe is a common practice, it is recommended to tip the driver, porters, and tour guides. Anywhere from $15-$20 dollars per tour.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Zimbabwe
What to expect while traveling
