If you are planning to visit Zimbabwe, or possibly just doing some research trust us you won’t regret the decision of visiting this beautiful nation. You have found the right website to help you know everything you’re curious about. Our Ultimate Zimbabwe Travel Guide would help you plan an unforgettable Zimbabwe Itinerary and things to do in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe that you would cherish for lifetime.
Its very likely that you would hear things-like its not safe to visit Zimbabwe because the nation is politically and financially unstable, adversely affecting the natives to live in desperate poverty increasing the crime rates and stuff. Before the year 2000, Zimbabwe’s infrastructure was in good conduct. However, the political turmoil under the leadership of Robert Mugabe almost brought the country to it’s knees, but the natives has managed to survive the struggle and now slowly it is bouncing back to its former prestige. Well with our recent visit, let us tell you that Zimbabwe is an iconic African destination surrounded by wildlife, stunning Victoria falls, mountains, diverse landscapes, warm and welcoming people and you would surely love every bit and piece of it. So forget what other says and embark on the journey.
Zimbabwe is a beautiful country in Southern Africa that is surrounded by 4 African countries: South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. The name Zimbabwe is believed to be derived from the Shona term dzimba-dza-mabwe which means “large house of stone”. With the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the largest waterfall on the planet it attracts tourists from all over the world, so go see “The Jewel of Africa” all by yourself!
There is a lot to know before visiting this beautiful country, and to help you plan a perfect trip we’ve put together a helpful Zimbabwe Travel Guide with the best things to do, places to stay, best time to visit Zimbabwe, and more. Please take time to read below for more in-depth information.
Things to know before you go : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
1. Best time to visit Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe is a wonderful year-round destination. However, depending on the activities you’re interested in, you might consider these months. March/April would be a great time if you wish to see the splendid Victoria Falls when it has huge volume of spray. Its just spectacular, hence making it a worth for aerial viewing. Definitely go for Microlight flight over Victoria Falls (from Zambia side) or helicopter tour.
Click here for more details on Microlight flight over Victoria Falls.
Keep in mind during these months water rafting activity generally closes completely, due to excessive high water level of the Zambezi River. It re-opens around July again which is the peak tourism season. If you are interested for Livingstone island and Devil’s pool in (Zambia) than August- October would be the best time .The Livingstone island tour and Devil’s Pool remain close from April till late June.
Click here for more details on Devils Pool and Livingstone island tour
In November – December the water level is usually low in Zambezi River so we won’t recommend those months for travelling as it might get very disappointing for not being able to enjoy any water activities you wished for. But again its a great time for Game Viewing.
2. Is Zimbabwe safe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Yes, absolutely. We didn’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable for a single moment as Zimbabwe has a bad persona for being unsafe. The people are so friendly and polite they helped us with everything possible they could. Would suggest not to travel alone late at night and stay watchful. You might find some local vendors pitching you multiple times to sell their products, avoid them softly just by saying Hakuna(N0) if you don’t wish to buy anything from them and they are not harmful in anyway.
3. Medication you need before travelling to Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
As Malaria risk is high in areas of Zimbabwe mainly in Zambezi valley and Victoria Falls, it is advisable that you start your malaria medication before you travel. You don’t need a Yellow Fever Certificate to visit Zimbabwe, but if you have been or going to be in transit in a Yellow Fever area for more than 12 hours, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Make sure to carry mosquito/ insect repellent along with you every time and everywhere here.
4. How to get Zimbabwe Visa : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe visas can also be obtained online through the Zimbabwe Immigration’s E-Service website or upon arrival at any port of entry. Visa fee is 30 USD for single entry and 45 USD for multiple entry(might vary from nation to nation). You can also apply for a Multiple Entry Visa that would allow you to enter Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa(30 days).Not all countries are eligible, but most countries of America, Europe, and Asia can apply for this visa the KAZA UniVisa on arrival, which allows you to cross borders between Zambia/Zimbabwe and move between both the sides of the Victoria falls easily. The KAZA UniVisa costs 50 USD, and you can cross the border as many times as you like, as long as you stay within Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can eventually buy the KAZA UniVisa from the immigration office which are located near the entrance of the V-Falls from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
SADC passport holders doesn’t require visa to enter Zimbabwe. These countries are; Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
5. Currency in Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
The currency in Zimbabwe (ZWL) since its inception of independence in 1980, is in its 5th series now. Each new series replacing the last as hyperinflation rendered the currency worthless and has been up in the air for the past few years. In June 2019, the country banned foreign currency and reintroduced the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD) which was again abandoned due to hyperinflation in 2009. Since than the government stopped printing these worthless notes, and now US Dollar are accepted across in the country. The old trillion dollar notes became worthless while you can use them as souvenirs…hahaha-hahaha
Zimbabwe is a cash society now and would suggest you carry hard cash(USD) all the time. You wont find any ATM’s there to withdraw money nor can use debit/credit card except in some luxury hotels. It would be really frustrating if you don’t carry cash because you might need to travel to the neighbouring country Zambia, to withdraw some.
6. How to travel around Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
We booked our transfers and related activities with Victoria Falls guide, and we are so glad that we did it with them. Would highly recommend you to consider this operator for cultural reservations and adventures -all you need to do is sit back and relax and leave everything on them. Plus it is really a good idea to get a local travel agent who can put together the logistics for you in this country that would honestly save your time & money.
7. How to reach Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
We boarded direct flight from Nairobi, Kenya and landed in Lusaka, Zambia. From there we crossed the border which was just an hour drive and reached Zimbabwe. Also got our visas stamped from the entry post. You can also check with the available flight options you have, depending on the origin of your departure and directly fly to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport which is the international airport in the capital Harare.
8. Language in Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe has 16 official spoken languages. The three main languages spoken are English, Ndebele, and Shona of which Shona is the most widely spoken language. Most Zimbabweans speak English quite well, so communication won’t be an issue.
9. Where to stay in Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe Travel Guide
We booked our stays via AirBnb (Furusa Guest House). The hosts were so welcoming and friendly. As budget travellers we usually don’t prefer staying at luxury hotels and resorts (depending on which country we are) because most of the time we are venturing out and there is no point of spending bomb for hotels just for refreshment and nap, if that makes sense! We seriously find it tough to suggest hotels because everyone has different choice and preferences when it comes to stays and what kind of holiday you are looking for- be it just relaxing or adventurous. You can definitely avail luxury/ budget hotels or even hostels whatever suits your wallet, everything is available.
Things to do in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
1. Visit the Victoria Falls
Mounting the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls was named by a Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who introduced Victoria Falls to the world, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the Smoke that Thunders”. Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world on the Zambezi River bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia. The best part is that you can see the waterfall from both the country. Did you know 75% of waterfall cascades from Zimbabwe side.
The Victoria Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Zambezi National Park, inheriting Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe as well as the Mosi-oa-tunya National Park in Zambia. The spray from the falls can be seen from miles away and witnessing V-Falls from the bottom of the gorge, from spray-doused Knife Edge Bridge or from the comfort of microlight light flight, was truly an amazing experience more than we could imagine! Entry fee for Victoria Falls National Park is 30 USD.
If you are arriving from Zambia, all you need to do is stamp your passport and make your way to the Victoria Falls bridge and walk across the Zimbabwe side and return back once you’re done.
Note: There are no e-cabs service available in Zimbabwe, so it would be advisable to ask the hotel/resort to arrange a cab for you. Our AirBnb host helped us with a driver and we stored his phone number and gave him a call whenever we wished to travel within the city.
2. Go for a Zambezi River Cruise
We personally love cruising and would definitely recommend this activity. The Zambezi river cruise gives you an opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery of sunsets, see birds and a wide variety of wildlife( elephants, hippos, crocodiles etc) in their natural habitat in the thrill of darkness and silence sailing about 5 kilometres upstream of the Victoria Falls. Honestly the peace and tranquillity is simply stunning.
There are variety of cruises available, that includes early morning cruises, lunch cruises, sunset cruises and dinner cruises as well. You can even choose from small private boats to large party boats and per your preference.
- Standard river cruises would cost 40-70 USD
- Upmarket river cruises would cost 55- 85 USD
- Sunset and dinner cruises would cost 75 USD
- Specialised cruises would cost 50-130 USD
Note: You need to pay an additional entry fee of 10 USD to enter Zambezi National Park. Book your trip with Victoria Falls guide.
3. Go for a game drive at Zambezi National Park.
Zambezi National Park together with Victoria Falls National Park is formed by the great Zambezi River establishing the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can experience the game viewing at Zambezi National Park watching hippos, elephants, zebras, crocodiles besides herds of antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe kudu, waterbuck, impala as well as other species of game can also be viewed. The operators would arrange a pick up and drop off from anywhere in the city centre and hotels you are available. Book your trip with Victoria Falls guide.
4. Go for an evening game drive at Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve followed by Bush Dinner.
The Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve is located 10kms away from Victoria Falls which is basically the IAPF’s (International Anti-Poaching Foundation) home base. This is where you would find the last remaining rare and endangered black rhino population in Zimbabwe. During the game drive we encountered with the big 3(Elephant, Rhino and Cape buffalo) but if you are lucky you might see the ‘Big 5’ along with a great variety of antelope and plethora of bird life.
Later you would be taken uphill to a vantage point for an exclusive sundowner with booze and snacks, definitely a must do. You can also opt for morning game drive followed by bush breakfast if you wish.
By 7 in the evening we joined other groups of co-travellers for a bush dinner right in the middle of the forest. It was such an amazing experience for us. The stars twinkled brighter than usual, could hear the crickets chirp and hyenas hoot-laugh. The night was so much fun interacting with people who shared their stories and experiences, even we did the same for exchange. The cherry on the cake is that you can book ‘The Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel’ and stay inside the national park. But if you are staying outside the National Park like us, you need to pay an entry fee of 158 USD. The operators would arrange a pick up and drop off from anywhere in the city centre and hotels you are available.
Most of the travel agencies might not suggest or include this national park in their package, while you can directly contact the hotel reservation desk and book your game drive prior 24 hours. Book your trip with Victoria Falls guide.
5. Grab a perfect meal at The Lookout Cafe
This is definitely one of our favourite cafe on earth located on the edge of the gorge offering astonishing views and of-course amazing food. The Lookout Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dining experiences in Victoria Falls and you have to – have to visit this cafeteria without a second thought.
This cafe remains full with customers all the time so its advisable you book your table in advance to avoid long queues and hunger pangs. We tried some exotic delicacies, and it was so delicious. Also this cafe is the base for adrenaline activities like bungee and gorge swings- where you can hear people scream at the top of their lungs while you enjoy your food. Its so funny. Make your reservation here with Victoria Falls guide.
6. Go for Boma Dinner- one of its kind
Boma dinner would be an unforgettable event where you can experience the true and raw cuisines of Africa, its a must do here. Would not recommend this to vegetarians and vegans, as this dinner is not meant for you. But if you are a hardcore non-vegetarian Boma-Place is something you would surely enjoy. Once you enter you are in a whole new world under the sky.
On arrival you would be welcomed with traditional robes called ‘chitenges’ and greetings followed by authentic selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes.The Boma dinner offers a four-course meal combining a mouth watering choice of barbecue buffet. Do try their exotic ‘Mopani’ worms and traditional beer which is the highlight. Most of you won’t enjoy the taste but still you can try some.
Post dinner you would be handed over a ‘djembe’ drum to join the drumming extravaganza along the performers. We would never forget the night which was filled with so much fun, food and laughter. Rates for Boma dinner is 45 USD. Book your Boma Dinner here with Victoria Falls guide.
Note: If you are looking forward for a day trip to Zambia from Zimbabwe, click the links below to know about things you can do in Zambia in a day.
Ultimate Victoria Falls, Zambia Travel Guide
Envisioning the lovely end to this amazing time at Zimbabwe. So guys hope you find this blog helpful planning yours, and if you have any queries please write it down in the comment section below. We would try to help with the best of our knowledge.
