Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Harare.

Geography:

Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the north and east, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the manmade Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops). Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty, rising to 2,592m (8,504ft) at Mount Inyangani, the country's highest point.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

There are no direct flights to Zimbabwe from the UK. Indirect options include flights with British Airways (www.ba.com) or South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) via Johannesburg, Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) via Addis Ababa, and Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com) via Nairobi. From the USA, the quickest route is via Johannesburg with South African Airways.

Departure Tax

US$30.

Flight Times

From London - 13 hours (including stopover); New York - 18 hours 30 minutes.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Air Zimbabwe (http://airzimbabwe.aero) runs domestic flights to Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls, but the national airline has ceased much of the rest of its domestic operation. There are special light-aircraft services at Kariba and Victoria Falls offering sightseeing and game-viewing flights.

Car Hire

Available at airports and main hotels.

Departure Tax

US$10.

Documentation

International Driving Permit or national licence; if not in English, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authority or translation of text. Valid for 90 days.

Getting Around By Rail

There are trains between Bulawayo, Chiredzi, Harare, Labatse, Mutare, Plumtree, Triangle and Victoria Falls run by National Railways of Zimbabwe (www.nrz.co.zw). The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained.

Regulations

Speed limits are 40kph (25mph) in national parks, 120kph (75mph) on open roads and 60 to 80kph (40 to 50mph) on other roads. Police road blocks are common.

Getting Around By Road

There is an excellent road network, with paved roads connecting all major towns and many rural areas. There are often fuel shortages, even in the main cities, and therefore it's wise to drive with a full tank of petrol when possible and be aware that public transport may be cancelled.

Side Of Road

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Urban Travel

In Harare, plans are afoot to introduce an improved public transport system. In 2015, the city bought 500 buses in the hope it can tempt commuters out of kombi (minivan) taxis and reduce congestion.

Getting Around By Water

Ferries run on Lake Kariba from Kariba to Binga and Mlibizi.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Zimbabwe's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Zimbabwe set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must have:

• an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive
• 3 blank pages, in case you need to enter Zimbabwe and exit through one of the neighbouring countries or if you need to leave at short notice

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe. Most visitors get their visa on arrival.

Applying for a visa

The visa on arrival is usually granted for 30 days. Take enough US dollars with you in small notes to pay for your visa. See information on visa fees from the Zimbabwean Embassy.   

It is possible to apply for an e-visa before you travel, with options for single entry or double entry visas at different prices.

You can also use the KAZA Univisa in Zimbabwe. It is valid for travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and for day trips into Botswana. The KAZA Univisa is available at Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports and at the land borders at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe-Zambia border) and Kazungula (Zimbabwe-Botswana border). It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.

It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.

To extend or renew visas or permits, go in person to the Government of Zimbabwe Immigration Department.

To stay longer or to work or study, or for business travel, you must meet the Zimbabwean government's entry requirements. You must have a temporary work permit if you're volunteering or doing missionary work.

Zimbabwean temporary travel documents

Zimbabwean temporary travel documents (TTDs) are not valid for re-entry to the UK. You could be stranded in Zimbabwe if you travel using this document.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Zimbabwe guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Zimbabwe. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Arms embargo

There is a UK arms embargo against Zimbabwe. It is an offence in UK law to take firearms into Zimbabwe, even if you plan to bring them back to the UK.

Gemstones

Do not carry any precious or semi-precious stones without the correct paperwork.

Pornographic material

It is illegal to carry or import pornographic material.

Taking money into and out of Zimbabwe

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. It is illegal to leave Zimbabwe with cash worth more than 2,000 US dollars.

Journalists

If you're working as a journalist (for example, as a reporter or news photographer), you must get accreditation before you travel from the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK. If you do not have proper accreditation, you risk arrest, detention in difficult conditions, a fine and deportation.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Zimbabwe.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Zimbabwe

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Zimbabwe, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Demonstrations and rallies can be unpredictable and may turn violent. Authorities have in the past used force to suppress them. Avoid political activity, or activities which could be considered political, including political discussions in public places or online.

It is illegal to make derogatory or insulting comments about the President or to carry material considered to be offensive towards the office of President.

Blackouts and water rationing

There are frequent, and sometimes long, power blackouts because of electricity shortages. During blackouts, traffic lights may not work. There is also water rationing in parts of the country. Contact your tour operator or hotel for the latest updates.

Mobile network and landlines

The Zimbabwean mobile phone network and landlines are unreliable.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

There is a moderate level of crime in Zimbabwe. People travelling alone may be more vulnerable. Mugging, pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in city centres, especially after dark. Street lighting can be poor. Be vigilant when leaving banks and ATMs. Do not carry or display large amounts of cash in public places.

There have been occasional armed robberies targeting foreign residents. Make sure your accommodation is always secure.

Vehicle crime

There have been smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, including:

• at the main intersections along the route to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
• along Liberation Legacy Way (Borrowdale Road) and Churchill Road in Harare
• on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road

Be particularly vigilant when using these routes. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Be careful at night and at petrol stations. Do not leave your vehicle parked – even for a short time – in unguarded areas in towns.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry a copy of your passport's photo page and your visa at all times. Leave your original passport somewhere safe. If you lose your UK passport, get a police report. You may need to show this to immigration to explain why you have no proof of entry when you depart.

Zimbabwean residents must carry their residence card.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Zimbabwean laws on the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and carry heavy fines and prison sentences.

Money

Zimbabwe's economy is unpredictable. Monetary policy can change at short notice.

Zimbabwe has a multi-currency system. You can use US dollars for most transactions. In April 2024, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) was introduced as a new currency to replace the Zimbabwean dollar. The US dollar remains legal tender.

It is illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers such as banks or bureaux de change. Bureaux de change will accept and change foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

There is a shortage of physical US dollar cash, so it's not always possible to make withdrawals using an international debit or credit card. Change is rarely available, so carry small denomination notes. Do not accept torn or damaged notes in change as shops and restaurants are likely to refuse them. 

Check in advance what payment methods a restaurant, hotel or tour operator will accept. Some businesses, including some medical providers, may not accept credit or debit cards. Most suppliers prefer US dollars in cash.

International money transfers from outside Zimbabwe are not always successful.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs of government offices, airports, military establishments, political party offices, official residences, embassies and other sensitive locations without special permission from the Ministry of Information. It is also illegal to photograph police and armed forces personnel, demonstrations and protests. The police strictly enforce these laws. You should exercise caution and avoid taking photos or videos that might accidentally include sensitive buildings or personnel.

State House in Harare

Armed members of the Presidential Guard patrol the area around State House in Harare (the President's official residence). They do not allow loitering by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, and it is illegal to take photographs. The roads in this area are closed from 6pm to 6am. Do not use GPS navigation systems around the President's residence and, if possible, avoid the area altogether.

Journalism and social media

The Zimbabwean government uses a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. Journalism is illegal without accreditation. See Entry requirements. Consider carefully the risks of any social media activities, including posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which can be seen as journalism.

Dual nationality

Zimbabwe's position on dual nationality has been inconsistent. The Constitutional Court has ruled that some categories of dual nationality are legal, and that Zimbabwean citizens by birth may hold dual nationality. However, Zimbabwean law prohibits dual citizenship for those who acquire Zimbabwean citizenship by descent or registration. The authorities may obstruct, detain or even seek to prosecute someone they consider an offender.  

If you are a British national considering acquiring Zimbabwean citizenship, you should take legal advice.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Buying or trafficking such items risks prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 9 years.

Camouflage clothing

It is illegal for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

LGBT+ travellers

Sex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society remains conservative towards same-sex relations, especially between men. However, there is a small but active underground LGBT+ scene in Harare and prosecutions are rare. Be aware that showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. You can also find more local information from the GALZ Association.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Safari lodges and game reserves

Safety standards in Zimbabwe's safari lodges and game reserves vary. Check with the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe whether operators are trained and licensed. Animal attacks have injured and killed visitors.

Treat wild animals with caution and always keep a safe distance. Some activities, such as walking or canoe safaris, could pose risks to personal safety. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan on doing in Zimbabwe.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Zimbabwe, see information on driving abroad.

You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months. Make sure you have copies of your passport's photo page and visa with you in the car at all times. Be ready to show ID if asked and keep the originals in a safe place where you can get them easily.

Obey police signals, stop at roadblocks and toll gates. Make sure you get a receipt if you have to pay a fine.

If you're resident in Zimbabwe, you may want to get a Zimbabwean licence to minimise the chance of problems at roadblocks.

If you're bringing a vehicle not registered in Zimbabwe into the country, you must have a police vehicle clearance certificate (temporary import permit).

Driving standards and road conditions

The standard of driving is very poor in Zimbabwe. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Hazards include:

• deep potholes
• broken traffic lights
• vehicles without lights (including heavy good vehicles and cyclists)
• poorly lit roads
• badly marked roads
• stray livestock
• pedestrians

Emergency services may provide very limited help in the event of an accident and ambulances are unreliable.

You should:

• always wear a seatbelt
• lock car doors
• avoid driving outside main towns at night
• travel carefully on roads between cities
• carry a comprehensive medical kit
• be careful about stopping at laybys

Plan carefully before setting out on long-distance journeys. Get local advice about any places you plan to visit. Fuel is sometimes unavailable and there may be queues. Carry extra fuel and top up your tank whenever possible. Bring cash in case your bank card is not accepted.

It is illegal to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you're on. If you see the motorcade, pull off the road or on to the side of the road if this is not possible. The security forces have assaulted people for stopping in the wrong place or for not stopping soon enough.

Bus travel

Commuter buses ('combis') are often overcrowded, inadequately maintained, uninsured and recklessly driven. Avoid them if possible. Larger intercity buses may also be poorly driven. There have been serious road accidents involving long-distance buses travelling at night.

Taxis

Taxis recommended by hotels are usually reliable and in good condition. Major hotels usually have their own taxis.

Air travel

The UK Air Safety List lists all known airlines in Zimbabwe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

British government employees travelling to and within Zimbabwe have been advised to use carriers that are not on the UK ASL.

Rail travel

The rail system in Zimbabwe is underdeveloped and very poorly maintained. Level crossings are poorly marked, resulting in many accidents. Passenger services are currently suspended. Check with National Railways of Zimbabwe for updates.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

The rainy season runs from November to April. Heavy rainfall can damage roads, or make them impassable in some areas.

This section has safety advice for regions of Zimbabwe. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Rural areas

There continue to be occasional invasions of commercial farms, sometimes accompanied by violence and threats. Take care when visiting farming areas that you are not familiar with.

Mining areas

Mining areas are often restricted. Turn back if you are stopped and told that you are not allowed to access a particular area.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 from a mobile phone and ask for an ambulance.  

Zimbabwe's emergency response capabilities are limited and, in many places, you will need to make local arrangements for transport.

The Official Government of Zimbabwe web portal has a full list of emergency numbers.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Zimbabwe
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

There are currently a number of disease outbreaks in Zimbabwe. For more information, please see NaTHNaC - Zimbabwe

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Zimbabwe

Healthcare provision and quality in Zimbabwe is variable and can be very poor outside of the major cities.

There are shortages of drugs and trained medical staff in hospitals, making it difficult for hospitals to treat some illnesses and trauma cases.

Emergency response capabilities are limited.

Private clinics will not treat patients until they pay and often require large amounts of cash before they will admit emergency cases, even if you have travel insurance. Many businesses in Zimbabwe will only accept US dollars in cash, rather than credit or debit cards. This includes some medical providers. Medical costs, particularly for evacuation, can be high. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Zimbabwe where most staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Zimbabwe

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Econet (mobile service provider) subscribers: 112

NetOne (mobile service provider) subscribers: 114

Landline: 0800 3222 911

The Official Government of Zimbabwe web portal has a full list of local emergency numbers.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Zimbabwe
• finding help and services in Zimbabwe
• dealing with a death in Zimbabwe
• being arrested in Zimbabwe
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Zimbabwe on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Medical facilities are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas, although medical costs can be high. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Other Risks:

Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. HIV/AIDS is a high risk throughout the country and precautions should be taken. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised.

Currency Information:

The Zimbabwean Dollar was abandoned early 2009.

Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD; symbol Z$) = 100 cents. Notes were in denominations of Z$200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Z$5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The country has adopted a multi-currency scheme; the US Dollar and South African Rand can be used for domestic transactions.

Credit Cards:

American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, whilst MasterCard has more limited use. Some ATMs accept credit cards.

ATMs:

Some ATMs accept credit cards.

Travellers Cheques:

Banks and major hotels will exchange these. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Tues and Thurs-Fri 0800-1500, Wed 0800-1300 and Sat 0800-1130.

Currency Restrictions:

Currency Exchange:

Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and major hotels at the official exchange rate.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

755.24

899.57

726.65

Language

The official language is English, with Shona and Sindebele dialects.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-04-18 00:00:00	0
Workers' Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Heroes' Day	2024-08-12 00:00:00	0
Armed Forces Day	2024-08-13 00:00:00	0
Unity Day	2024-12-22 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Note:

Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday.

Overview:

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited items include pornographic or obscene literature, flick knives, lockable knives, skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone and mercury, counterfeit money, prison-made goods, alcoholic drinks containing noxious chemicals, and anything deemed to threaten the morals of Zimbabweans.

Restricted items include drugs, firearms and ammunition, wildlife and wildlife products, agricultural produce, plants and plant products, soil, cultural relics and monuments, and local and foreign currency.

Mobile Telephone:

Coverage is limited to a few urban areas.

Internet:

There are Internet cafes in Harare and in Mashonaland.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes up to one week.

Media:

All broadcasters transmitting from Zimbabwe and the main newspapers are state-controlled and follow the government line. The private press has come under severe pressure. The only privately-owned daily, the Daily News, is subject to a publication ban. The paper and the government had waged war in the courts.

Marvel at the Victoria Falls

'Discovered' by the famous British explorer Dr David Livingstone, Victoria Falls, which form part of the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, are one of Africa's best-known natural wonders and one of the world's most impressive waterfalls. The town of the same name is worth a visit too, and is a good place to book one of the many activities available in and around the falls.

Gawk at Great Zimbabwe National Monument

A holiday in Zimbabwe would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the largest complex of ruins in Africa south of the Egyptian pyramids. These miraculous and expansive stone remains are what is left of a powerful city-state that flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries, trading in gold.

Hike the Eastern Highlands

The string of mountains and the lush countryside in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands are particularly sought after by walkers and trekkers. Climbing Zimbabwe's highest mountain, Mount Nyangani, takes around one hour 30 minutes. The World's View offers incredible vistas across northern Zimbabwe. From here, a steep footpath leads to the road to Nyanga village with its English gardens, village common and church.

Go on a canoeing safari

Canoeing and boat safaris are popular alternatives to the traditional game drive in Zimbabwe. At Lake Kariba, boats can be hired for a day, week or longer. Canoeing safaris ranging from three to 10 days are especially popular between April and November along the Zambezi River past the Mana Pools flood plains.

Enjoy the natural wonders of Nyanga National Park

Situated in the stunning mountain range that covers the eastern part of Zimbabwe, Nyanga National Park is an area of high grasslands, evergreen forests, waterfalls, cliffs and lovely lakeside cottages. Trout fishing is very popular and the trout hatchery is well worth a visit. For the twitchers, there is lots of birdlife to be seen on a hike.

Map Zimbabwe’s history at Matobo National Park

Located close to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second biggest city, Matobo National Park is noted for its spectacular granite rock formations and its wealth of ancient rock paintings. Cecil Rhodes' tomb can be visited at Malindidzimu (View of the World). The Nswatugi and Pomongwe caves are also worth visiting.

Kick back on Lake Kariba

Situated in the northwest of the country on the Zambian border, Lake Kariba is the world's largest manmade dam. Both the game and the stellar sunsets can be viewed from the comfort of various waterfront lodges, or from well-appointed cruise vessels and self-contained houseboats.

See the natural beauty of Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe's most beautiful national parks, occupying 2,196 sq km (848 sq miles) of forest along the banks of the Zambezi River. Four of the 'Big Five' are present. Game-viewing on foot is allowed. The birdlife along the river is prolific. The park is also a great spot for fishing.

Experience Zambezi National Park

Just a few kilometres from the town of Victoria Falls is the Zambezi National Park, a scenic reserve that remains surprisingly remote and is having a considerable resurgence after decades of poaching and neglect. The riverine sections are particularly picturesque and the wildlife more abundant. A good spot for a canoeing safari.

Spot the Big Five in Hwange National Park

Hwange is one of Zimbabwe's largest parks, covering 14,620 sq km (5,644 sq miles) of pristine bushveld. It's also one of the most diverse, with an astonishing array of wildlife. It's considered one of the last of the great elephant sanctuaries in Africa, with over 40,000 inside the park, and was the home of the late, great Cecil the Lion.

Explore Bulawayo

Pretty Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, is rich in historical associations and is the home of the National Museum. Nearby are the ancient Khami ruins, while to the south is the Rhodes Matopos National Park, notable for its exotic formations of huge granite boulders. Dams with excellent fishing, caves with rock paintings and Cecil Rhodes' grave also add to the town's popularity with tourists.

Hang out in Harare

Zimbabwe's capital Harare is the country's commercial and industrial centre and also the usual starting point for most visits. It's a clean and sophisticated city, characterised by flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture. Local sights also include various museums, art galleries and craft markets. Due to its pleasant climate, Harare is known as the 'Sunshine City'.

Overview

A sales tax of 10 to 22% is added to all purchases, the higher rate being on luxury items, except those which are to be exported. Special purchases are copper, wooden and soapstone carvings, gameskin and leather products, pottery and basketwork.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300.

Overview

British colonisation certainly left its mark on Zimbabwe’s food culture, as is clearly shown by the excellent high teas that you’ll find at many hotels and safari camps.

Meat in Zimbabwe is very good, and interesting game meats such as warthog and crocodile are readily available in most towns and tourist areas. In the major urban areas a variety of international restaurants are also available, while the local diet includes tasty peanut-based stews, wild mushroom soup and starchy staples.

Zimbabwean markets generally have sumptuous fruit, especially papaya, and good locally-grown vegetables. Beer is never far away, whether it’s European-style lager or the opaque maize beer that is a favourite with many locals.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A 10 to 15% tip is usual.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

There are hotels and lodges (which are similar to guest houses and provide bed and breakfast). A list of registered hotels is available from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses). Non-residents must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (usually US Dollars) or by credit card. Local currency is not acceptable, even on presentation of exchange certificates.

Grading: All hotels are graded on a 5-star system, with those classified 1-star or above being registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

Camping Caravaning

Most centres and tourist areas have caravan parks and campsites.

History

Present-day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was populated by descendants of the Bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the 10th century. Evidence of their mainly pastoral lifestyle may still be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, near the town of Masvingo.

The first contact with Europeans was with the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. Relations between the two were fairly stable until the 1830s, when the region was thrown into upheaval by the northward migration of the Ndebele people from South Africa.

At this point, a new aggressive breed of colonists arrived in the form of British mining interests led by Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company (BSAC). The BSAC took control of the country – which they called ‘Southern Rhodesia' – until 1923, when it became, nominally, a British colony.

Between 1953 and 1963, Southern Rhodesia formed part of the Central African Federation with neighbouring Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (now Malawi). In 1965, to resist decolonisation, the settlers – with South African support – issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI).

This triggered a bitter civil war between the white minority government and fighters for African independence, ending only in 1980, with the granting of independence and the holding of a general election under British auspices, which was won decisively by Robert Mugabe's ZANU party.

Modern Zimbabwe has seen its fair share of suffering and instability. The economy all but collapsed in the wake of the forced and often violent removal of farmers during a violent land redistribution programme.

Still today, there is widespread famine, which has been cynically manipulated by the government so that opposition strongholds suffer the most. The government lacks the resources or machinery to deal with the ravages of the AIDS pandemic, which affects roughly a quarter of the population.

All of the above has provided fodder for increasing international scorn towards the aging and dictatorial President Mugabe, who was previously considered a great liberation hero.

A historic power-sharing deal signed in 2008 between President Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai put an end to pre-election violence and pledged to improve the country’s economy and the lives of Zimbabweans. It has since ushered in a new spell of peace and relative stability that has seen tourists slowly coming back to Zimbabwe.

Did you know?
• In 2008, Zimbabwe recorded a monthly inflation rate rise of roughly 96.6 billion %.
• Robert Mugabe is the world’s oldest living head of state. He is 91.
• Contrastingly, Zimbabwe’s life expectancy is around 41 years old, almost the lowest in the world.

Religion

Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities.

Social Conventions

Urban culture in Zimbabwe is greatly influenced by Western culture and education but, in rural areas, traditional values and crafts continue. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. European courtesies and codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone's home. Return invitations are appreciated. Giving a token of appreciation is optional. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and that a friendly wave may therefore be interpreted as a provocative political gesture. Casual wear is suitable for daytime and men are only expected to wear suits and ties for business meetings. Smart restaurants or hotel bars require male guests to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking is common, although it is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings. There are laws against indecency which equates to homosexual activity being illegal.

Photography: The local authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government office.

Best Time To Visit:

Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from August to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing.

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Required Clothing

Light- to mediumweights with warmer clothes for evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

Dialing Code:

+263

Area(sq km):

390757

Population:

14.862.924

Population Density(per sq km):

36

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

999