About Zimbabwe

A landlocked country often described as the most beautiful in all of Southern Africa, bordered on the north-west by the great Zambezi and in the south-west by the Limpopo, Zimbabwe is home to the awesome majesty of Victoria Falls, swathes of wild savannah and magical wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. 

While most visitors to Zimbabwe will want to go on safari to see Africa’s big game and also marvel at one of the seven wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls, on a guided walk or from up high on a helicopter trip, there are numerous other ways to enjoy your holiday here.

 

Culture

Zimbabwe’s culture is extremely diverse as a result of the many indigenous groups which call the country home. While Shona is the largest ethnic group with the predominant hold in many areas, there are several other groups which have influenced the Zimbabwe of today.

 

Best time to visit

With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally seen as the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game-viewing, although note that September and October are extremely hot and dry months. The best time to travel to Victoria Falls is between April and May.

 

How many days do I need in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe remains one of the best travel destinations on the African continent, boasting attractions such as the thundering Victoria Falls, the rugged Eastern Highland and game-rich wildlife parks and reserves.

1. Spend four days around Victoria Falls.

2. Spend three days in Hwange National Park.

3. Spend three days in Matobo National Park.

4. Spend four days in Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba.

 

Things to do in Zimbabwe

Car hire and self-drive are good options for most of the routes and the internal road network. Also, If you are planning a long itinerary it is really a good idea to get a local travel agent to put together the logistics for you. On the other side, there are also safari packages available that will combine accommodation in different areas like Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba and Mana Pools transport between these will then be arranged. Choose your best option!

 

Getting around Zimbabwe

By plane

Many airlines flew direct to Zimbabwe including KLM and British Airways as well as direct flights within the country.

By bus

There are two types of local buses: express and local. Regular express bus services operate according to published timetables from Johannesburg to Harare and Bulawayo and several bus companies also operate direct buses to Blantyre, Malawi and between Harare and Bulawayo.

Road transfers in Zimbabwe are usually conducted in minibuses and game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles. Light aircraft charters are available for flights to more remote destinations.

By train

Zimbabwe’s railway network connects Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Victoria Falls.

 

Health & Safety

All travellers must have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognised facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO guidelines. Yellow fever and Malaria vaccination certificate is required from travellers from risk areas. Furthermore, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you are away.

 

Interesting places to visit in Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

The Hwange National Park is the oldest and largest of Zimbabwe’s game reserves. It is most famous for its elephants and some of Africa’s rarest safari animals, including the African wild dog, the brown hyena and the critically endangered black rhino.

Accommodation in Hwange National Park ranges from luxury lodges located in their own private concessions, to rustic camps that offer the chance to spend a night under canvas in the heart of the African bush.

Victoria Falls

In Zimbabwe’s far west corner, the Zambezi River marks the border with Zambia. At Victoria Falls, it plunges off a precipice measuring 354 feet/108 meters in height and 5,604 feet/1,708 meters in width.

This is the largest sheet of falling water on the planet, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In peak flood season (February to May), the spray thrown up by the plunging water can be seen from 30 miles/48 km away.

Lake Kariba

Northeast of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River feeds into Lake Kariba, another superlative body of water located on the Zambian border. It stretches for over 140 miles/220 km in length, and measures 25 miles/40 km across at its widest point.

Kariba is renowned as one of the best places in the world to catch tiger fish, a ferocious freshwater species prized by sport fishermen for its strength and tenacity.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is located in the far north of the country, and is renowned as one of the most pristine nature areas in Zimbabwe. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, leopard and cheetah.

The abundance of water makes this park a prime spot for birders, too. It’s also the best destination in the country for walking safaris and self-sufficient camping trips.

Chinhoyi Caves

A subterranean system of limestone and dolomite caverns and tunnels, the caves are protected as park of Chinhoyi Caves National Park. The top attraction is the Wonder Hole, a collapsed cavern with sheer walls that drop into the crystalline Sleeping Pool.

The glacial blue color of the lake's water makes for impressive photographs, and from here, visitors can enter the illuminated Dark Cave. Chinhoyi is a popular destination for technical scuba divers.

Responsible Tourism

Join us in supporting small independent businesses which may have struggled for tourism licences, planning permission and, sometimes, to appear on the national tourism marketing campaigns.

Stay at locally owned lodges in out of the way locations; eat out at locally owned restaurants with just a phrasebook and a smile; haggle in the souks and support smaller cottage industries. By travelling differently, you will be changing tourism for better! Be part of our community.