Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding destinations, combining spectacular wildlife, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and some of the continent’s most remarkable natural wonders. From the thundering waters of Victoria Falls to the remote wilderness of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe offers exceptional experiences for travellers looking to explore beyond the conventional safari route.

A journey can combine a traditional safari in Hwange National Park with walking and canoeing in Mana Pools, the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the granite landscapes of Matobo Hills and time beside the Zambezi at Victoria Falls.

This Zimbabwe Travel Guide provides practical information to help you plan your journey, including the country’s wildlife, major destinations, climate, entry requirements, health considerations, getting around and the best time to visit.

For inspiration, see our guide to Zimbabwe’s best attractions, or explore our bespoke Zimbabwe holidays.

Why Visit Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe offers an unusually broad range of experiences within one country, from some of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations to ancient archaeological sites and spectacular riverside landscapes.

• Victoria Falls: experience the extraordinary spectacle of the Zambezi River plunging over the Falls, one of Africa’s greatest natural attractions.
• Hwange National Park: explore Zimbabwe’s largest national park, renowned for elephants, buffalo and diverse wildlife.
• Mana Pools: experience one of Africa’s great wilderness areas through walking, canoeing and traditional safari experiences.
• Matobo Hills: discover dramatic granite formations, ancient rock art, wildlife and an extraordinary cultural landscape.
• Great Zimbabwe: explore the remarkable stone ruins of the medieval city that gave the country its name.
• Lake Kariba: enjoy wildlife, boating and spectacular sunsets along one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes.
• Gonarezhou: venture into a remote and relatively little-visited wilderness known for elephants, dramatic landscapes and exceptional biodiversity.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe’s defining attractions and a highlight of many journeys through Southern Africa.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, the Falls are formed where the Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Zimbabwean side provides a series of viewpoints along the rainforest-covered gorge, with spectacular views of the Falls and the enormous spray cloud that rises above them.

Victoria Falls is also an excellent base for activities beyond sightseeing, including Zambezi cruises, walking, scenic flights and other adventure experiences.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest protected wildlife area and one of the country’s most important safari destinations.

The park is particularly famous for its large elephant population, but supports an impressive variety of wildlife including buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species.

Hwange’s landscapes range from open grasslands to woodland and seasonal waterholes. During the dry season, wildlife becomes increasingly concentrated around permanent water sources, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing.

A private safari in Hwange can be combined particularly well with Victoria Falls, creating a classic northern Zimbabwe itinerary.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive safari destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park lies along the Zambezi River and is famous for its floodplains, wildlife and exceptional walking and canoeing experiences. Rather than experiencing the wilderness exclusively from a safari vehicle, visitors can explore on foot or from the water with experienced guides.

Mana Pools is particularly appealing to adventurous travellers and photographers looking for a more immersive safari experience.

Matobo Hills

The Matobo Hills in southern Zimbabwe are characterised by enormous granite boulders, dramatic rock formations and ancient landscapes.

The area is important for its archaeological and cultural heritage, including ancient San rock art, as well as for its wildlife. Matobo is particularly well known for its rhinoceros and provides opportunities for guided walks, wildlife viewing and exploring its remarkable geological landscape.

The Matobo Hills are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can add a cultural and historical dimension to a Zimbabwe safari.

Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites and the ruins of a medieval city that flourished between approximately the 11th and 15th centuries.

The impressive granite walls and stone structures demonstrate the sophistication and scale of the civilisation that developed here. The site is also central to the country’s identity, with the name Zimbabwe deriving from the Shona term associated with stone houses or settlements.

A visit to Great Zimbabwe works particularly well for travellers interested in history and culture and can be incorporated into a southern Zimbabwe itinerary.

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba stretches along the Zambezi between Zimbabwe and Zambia and provides a very different experience from the country’s traditional safari parks.

The lake is known for spectacular sunsets, boating and fishing, as well as opportunities to observe wildlife along the shoreline. Elephants, hippos and crocodiles can often be seen around the water.

A stay on Lake Kariba can provide a slower-paced break between more active safari experiences.

Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area and is one of Zimbabwe’s most remote and spectacular wilderness destinations.

The park is known for its elephants, rugged landscapes, baobab trees and the dramatic Chilojo Cliffs. Visitor numbers are generally lower than in Zimbabwe’s better-known northern parks, making Gonarezhou particularly attractive to experienced safari travellers.

Preparing For A Trip To Zimbabwe?

Getting Around Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a large country, and the distances between some of its major attractions can be considerable. Careful routing is therefore important when planning a tailor-made itinerary.

Private vehicles with experienced driver-guides provide flexibility and allow you to combine different regions at a comfortable pace. Domestic flights can also save considerable time when travelling between distant safari areas.

For example, Victoria Falls can be combined with Hwange relatively easily, while Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Matobo and Gonarezhou may require more careful planning depending on the length of your holiday.

What Should I Pack for Zimbabwe?

Your packing list will depend on the season, destinations and activities included in your itinerary.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime temperatures.
• Warm layers for cool winter mornings and evenings.
• A lightweight waterproof jacket for the rainy season.
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
• Neutral-coloured clothing for safari.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved clothing for walking and outdoor activities.
• Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
• Insect repellent.
• A small daypack for game drives and excursions.
• Binoculars if wildlife and birdwatching are priorities.

We can provide more specific packing advice once your itinerary and activities have been confirmed.

Responsible Travel in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s wildlife areas and protected landscapes are among its greatest assets, making responsible tourism particularly important.

Well-managed tourism contributes to conservation, provides employment and supports communities living around national parks and protected areas.

At Earth Trip, we believe responsible travel should be part of the planning process rather than an afterthought. We work with trusted local partners, experienced guides and carefully selected accommodation to create meaningful journeys while supporting conservation and local communities.

Read more about our approach to responsible travel.

Plan Your Zimbabwe Holiday With Earth Trip

Zimbabwe offers an exceptional combination of wildlife, wilderness, history and natural scenery. The right itinerary depends on what you want to experience, whether that means a classic safari, walking and canoeing, Victoria Falls, cultural heritage or a combination of several regions.

At Earth Trip, Aleem Raheem is one of our Zimbabwe specialists. His destination knowledge can help you decide where to go, how long to stay and which experiences are worth including in your itinerary.

Our team can create a private, tailor-made Zimbabwe holiday around your interests, preferred accommodation, available time and style of travel.

Explore our Zimbabwe bespoke holidays, discover Zimbabwe’s best attractions, or contact our specialist team to begin planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe Travel

Do UK citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Yes. British citizens generally need a visa to enter Zimbabwe for tourism. Depending on your circumstances, a visa may be available on arrival or through Zimbabwe’s online visa system. Always check the latest requirements before travelling.

What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

May to October is generally the main dry season and is particularly good for wildlife viewing. June to August tends to be cooler, while September and October are warmer. Zimbabwe can also be rewarding during the wetter months when landscapes become greener and birdlife is abundant.

Is Zimbabwe good for a safari?

Yes. Zimbabwe is an excellent safari destination, with outstanding wildlife areas including Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Gonarezhou. Walking and canoe safaris also provide experiences that are different from conventional vehicle-based safaris.

How many days do I need in Zimbabwe?

Around 7 to 10 days allows time to combine Victoria Falls with one major safari destination. Around 10 to 14 days provides greater flexibility and can include Victoria Falls, Hwange and another wildlife or cultural region.

Can I combine Victoria Falls with a safari?

Yes. Victoria Falls combines particularly well with Hwange National Park and can also be incorporated into wider itineraries including Zambia, Botswana or other Southern African destinations.

Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?

Zimbabwe is an established destination for international travellers, but conditions and travel advice can change. Check the latest UK government travel advice before departure and speak to your travel specialist about any specific regions included in your itinerary.

What currency is used in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe’s currency arrangements have changed in recent years, so travellers should check the latest guidance before departure. The Zimbabwe Gold currency, known as ZiG, was introduced in 2024, while foreign currencies may also be used in many tourism businesses.

Can I combine Zimbabwe with Zambia or Botswana?

Yes. Zimbabwe works particularly well as part of a wider Southern African itinerary. Victoria Falls can be combined with Zambia and Botswana, while safari destinations can be linked with neighbouring countries depending on your interests and available time.

Can my Zimbabwe holiday be completely tailor-made?

Yes. Earth Trip specialises in private, tailor-made holidays. Your route, accommodation, activities, transport and length of stay can all be designed around your interests and budget.