Travel Guide

Everything you need to know

Practical, current, locally informed.

Getting There

  • ▸ Three international airports: Robert Mugabe International (HRE) in Harare, Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International (BUQ) in Bulawayo.
  • ▸ Major airlines: Ethiopian, Emirates, Qatar, Kenya Airways, South African, Fastjet, Airlink.
  • ▸ A1–A8 highways form a national road network. Border posts: Beitbridge (SA), Plumtree (Botswana), Chirundu/Kariba (Zambia), Forbes & Nyamapanda (Mozambique).
  • ▸ Buses (InterCape, Pathfinder, CityLink) and rail (Bulawayo–Vic Falls) operate domestically.

Visa Information

  • ▸ Visa-free for ~25 countries (incl. SADC nations and several others).
  • ▸ Visa-on-arrival for ~120 countries (Category B) for $30–$75.
  • ▸ KAZA Uni-Visa: $50 covers Zimbabwe + Zambia and day trips to Botswana — perfect for Vic Falls visitors.
  • ▸ e-Visa available online before arrival via the official portal.

Health & Safety

  • ▸ Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from infected country.
  • ▸ Malaria prophylaxis recommended for low-lying parks (Mana, Kariba, Hwange, Gonarezhou).
  • ▸ Tap water in major cities is mostly safe; bottled water recommended for travellers.
  • ▸ Emergency numbers: 999 (Police), 994 (Fire), 993 (Ambulance).

Currency & Costs

  • ▸ ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) is the official local currency.
  • ▸ USD is widely accepted in tourism — bring small denominations.
  • ▸ EcoCash is the dominant mobile-money system; many shops accept it.
  • ▸ ATMs limited; rely on cash USD or card payments at major lodges and hotels.

Packing List

  • ▸ Safari wardrobe: neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid blue/black (tsetse) and bright colours.
  • ▸ Lightweight long sleeves and trousers, fleece for chilly mornings.
  • ▸ Sturdy walking shoes/boots, sun hat, polarised sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • ▸ Binoculars (8×42 ideal), camera with zoom, headlamp.
  • ▸ Plug adapters: Type D/G (UK style 3-pin).

Weather & Best Time

  • ▸ Three climatic zones: Highveld (cool), Middleveld (moderate), Lowveld (hot).
  • ▸ Dry season: April–October — best for game viewing.
  • ▸ Wet season: November–March — green, lush, baby animals, lower rates.
  • ▸ Victoria Falls peak flow: February–May. Best visibility: June–August.

Culture & Language

  • ▸ Official languages: English, Shona, Ndebele (and 13 others).
  • ▸ Greetings: 'Mhoroi' (Shona) / 'Sawubona' (Ndebele) — handshakes important.
  • ▸ Modest dress in rural areas and places of worship.
  • ▸ Tipping: 10% in restaurants; $5–$10 per day for safari guides is appreciated.

Food & Drink

  • ▸ Sadza (maize meal staple) with relish — try it at least once.
  • ▸ Mopane worms, biltong (dried meat), boerewors (sausage), nyama (grilled meat).
  • ▸ Mazoe orange crush is the national drink.
  • ▸ Tanganda tea from the Eastern Highlands. Bohlinger's & Zambezi lager are local beers.