Follow the sprawling Zambezi River, drift between the gorges of Victoria Falls, and enter a land of sun and bush – now you’re in picturesque Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s getaways are world famous, from the sights of the Zambezi to the nature trails of the bush. Get the Victoria Falls experience near the border of Zambia, taking in this unbelievable setting. And have your fix of safari at Hwange National Park. With over 100 different animals and over 400 different birds, there’s more than enough to feast your eyes on – not to mention one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
Zimbabwe travel highlights
Catch big game animals at Hwange National Park
Although it was once a personal hunting ground for King Mzilikazi, today the Hwange National Park is one great conservation sites, with over 100 animal species and over 400 birds.
See the mighty Victoria Falls
Water gushes into the gorge and torrents of smoke spew forth, earning this great landscape the name Smoke that Thunders.
Our Zimbabwe trips
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Zimbabwe holiday information
Zimbabwe facts
Local culture of Zimbabwe
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe festival calendar
Food & drink in Zimbabwe
Further reading
Zimbabwe travel FAQs
Zimbabwe visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zimbabwe visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need US$ cash. The cost is approximately US$30/45.
In addition to the normal visa as listed above there is also the option to obtain the “KAZA Univisa”, which allows visa holders to cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe (only) multiple times within its validity of 30 days. This visa is only available on the following border crossing points/airports;
Zimbabwe: Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, Kazungula border crossing, Victoria Falls border crossing
Zambia: Livingstone International Airport, Lusaka International Airport, Kazungula border crossing, Victoria Falls border crossing
Please note that at this stage this visa is not available at any other border crossing, including the border crossings from Malawi, Namibia and South Africa.
The cost is approx. US$50 and is payable in cash upon arrival at immigration, and is available to passport holders of the following nationalities: Australia, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA. Please check eligibility with your local embassy if your nationality is not listed above or visit http://www.kazavisa.info/
While tipping culture isn’t big in Zimbabwe restaurants, you may like to leave 5-10% given the low wages of the staff. Hotel staff, drivers and porters may expect a small tip due to their industry, and US$1-5 should cover it.
You’ll be able to access the internet cafes in Zimbabwe’s big cities, however there is little access outside these areas.
You’ll have good mobile coverage in big cities but don’t expect to have any service in rural and remote areas. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
Zimbabwe has both Western-style toilets and squat toilets depending on where you go. Cities are likely to have the former while rural areas have the latter. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.
- Snack from street vendor = US$1
- Espresso coffee in a cafe = US$1
- Bottle of beer = US$3
- Meal in a mid-range cafe or restaurant = US$10
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Zimbabwe. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
Credit cards are rarely accepted, even at hotels and restaurants in the capital or Victoria Falls area. Due to the instability of the Zimbabwean economy and currency, be sure to carry US dollars and South African rand while traveling.
ATMs are uncommon and unreliable in Zimbabwe, either out of order or empty of money. Carrying cash is your best option in Zimbabwe.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Zimbabwe/public-holidays