Africa
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba make it a strong safari and adventure stop with friendly, English-speaking locals. Power cuts, cash and currency quirks and thin public transport are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa41 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyZWGUS$1 ≈ $26.77Details
- Price level56%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType D, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency995Police 995 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unreliable in cities; use bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedConservative society with hostile public attitudes.Details
- DrivingOn the leftHome licence in English is usually accepted for short stays; carry an IDP as backup. Expect frequent police roadblocks.
Where to go in Zimbabwe
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria FallsTown | 4/5 | $1,100–1,800 | May–Oct | 66/100 |
| HarareCapital city | 3/5 | $1,300–2,000 | May–Sep | 50/100 |
When to visit Zimbabwe
May–October is the dry season, best for wildlife; Victoria Falls is fullest March–June. November–March is hot and rainy; September–October is very hot.
Good to know
Entry
- Most nationalities buy a visa on arrival (USD cash, around 30 days) or apply for an e-visa beforehand; keep small USD notes.
- The KAZA UNIVISA (50 USD) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia, with day trips to Botswana; sold at Victoria Falls airport and border.
- Passport needs 6 months validity and blank pages; yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries.
- Leaving with more than 2,000 USD cash is illegal; declare 10,000 USD or more on entry.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, airports, police or the military can lead to arrest
- Criticising the president is a criminal offence
- Drone use needs a permit
Etiquette
- Greet people properly before asking for anything
- Dress modestly outside tourist lodges
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Use the right hand for giving and receiving
Tipping
10% in restaurants is appreciated; tip safari guides and trackers in USD per day. Tourist lodges usually pool tips.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Zimbabwe e-Visa
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
- UK FCDO travel advice: Zimbabwe
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.