Hello Zimbabwe

Welcome to Zimbabwe!

Nestled between Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, this remote and untouched Central African Country has had a tortured recent history.

Do not let that put you off however, the untamed natural beauty of this diverse country is the perfect third addition to our travel portfolio. Remote destinations are teaming with wildlife and activities, the people are warm and welcoming and the road network is easily accessible (With care)

Famous wildlife destinations such as Hwange and Mana Pools are front lines in wildlife documentaries - and now with African parks taking over Matusadona - this wildlife rich strip along the Zambezi is broken up by the incredible fishing and houseboat sailing along the Kariba.

This strip isn't the only thrilling experience to tie in a complete Zimbabwean excursion however - Matopo National Park filled with Rhinos and boulder strewn scenery coupled with Chinhoyi Caves, South Gonarezhou and of course, not forgetting the famous Victoria Falls.

Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Boating, Tiger and Bream Fishing, Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting, and so so many more activities either makes the ideal standalone destination or the perfect addition to a full Central African exploration.

Getting here and traveling around...

Zimbabwe airports:

Harare - Robert Mugabe International Airport

Bulawayo - Joshua Nkomo International Airport

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls International Airport

Zimbabwe Currency:

US Dollars - All major currencies and debit and credit cards are accepted in most upmarket properties.

However ATM's are few - The local Zimbabwe currency is very weak so everywhere accepts US Dollars, including toll gates, shops and markets. Ensure you have small, loose dollar change for toll gates and markets as change is rare and often you won't get change.

Zimbabwe Entry Requirements:

Check out: Zimbabwe eVisa FAQs - Your Guide to Smooth Travel - For updates on entry and visa requirements!

Zimbabwe is a very safe country to travel around whether you're a family with small children or a solo self-driver. (Take it from Amelia who drove it solo in 2024)

But here's some tips:

Travelling around:

Zimbabwe is quite remote and the roads lack any maintenance - Even into and inside Bulawayo and Harare. We do not suggest local taxis or minibuses for your travels and rather identify a reliable service provider for chauffeur services and/or drive your own vehicle!

For self-drivers be aware that the roads are not maintained - potholes are large or the road has cut away and large trucks will intimidate you off the road. We suggest to slow your route planning down and take it easy. There are a few toll gates to pass through and occasional police stops. Police are friendly and welcoming and may ask for monetary assistance in their endeavours. It's best to be polite and maybe offer a bottle of water as a gesture of goodwill.

Some roads are not tarred, sign posted and are used very infrequently. It's essential you have bookings in place and your next destination knows the route you will be driving and the time they can expect you to arrive.

Most destinations are accessible throughout the year but some areas can be prone to flooding in March and accessibility inside National Parks such as Matusadona and Mana Pools may be limited in peak rain season.

Zimbabwe has a lot of charter flight companies operating across the country - similar to air taxi services which makes traveling from one destination to the next quick and cost effective. Most game reserves have 1 - 2 airstrips and it's easy to tie this into charter flights across Zambia.

Weather:

January - April - This time of year falls right at the height of the rainy season — but don’t let that stop you! Days are warm, evenings bring spectacular storms, and the landscapes burst to life with lush greenery. It’s also a season of new beginnings, with wildlife reserves full of young animals.

June - August - Winter in Zimbabwe. The best time for hiking and cycling across the country. Zimbabwe is still green after the rains and midday is still hot enough to catch a good tan!

September - December - Summer! As it approaches November and December the humidity rises and the occasional rainstorm breaks the heat. This is the best time for game viewing!

From Amelias Travels...

" I have driven solo across Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa countless times and I was keen to give Zimbabwe a go. I was nervous but prepared well in advance and fitted a GPS tracker to my vehicle for the office to follow my progress.

After a long border crossing, I entered into Zimbabwe and began my journey. With roadworks and remote and almost desolate scenery, there were times of uncertainty, but around the next corner there was always a thriving fast food joint, green grass or tourist buses and vehicles. (Like a mirage!)

The people along the way were friendly, welcoming and genuinely interested about where I'd come from. From buying chips on the side of the road to the fuel stations and the police road blocks, English is widely spoken. When I had my only puncture in two and a half weeks, I'd barely gotten the jack out before a family stopped and helped me.

Matusadona stole my heart. Despite the most extreme heat I have ever encountered, the scenery was incredible, my private fishing expedition was perfect and accidentally walking into a hyena on the way to the kitchen thrilling!

I left Zimbabwe exceptionally humbled and now I bring my experience to you.

I didn't manage to explore everywhere on that trip, so it definitely won't be the last time I delve into this extraordinary country."