Southern Africa Travel Guide

Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Explore Zimbabwe's spectacular waterfalls, national parks, wildlife, ancient landscapes, rivers, lakes and rich cultural heritage. This guide brings together practical information for travelers planning a journey through Zimbabwe.

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Information status: This guide provides practical travel information using recognized tourism and travel-information sources. Entry requirements, health information, security conditions, park rules and other time-sensitive requirements should always be verified before travelling.

Quick Facts

Zimbabwe at a Glance

Essential information for travelers planning a trip to Zimbabwe.

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Capital

Harare

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Region

Southern Africa

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Currency

Zimbabwean currency and other accepted currencies

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Languages

English, Shona, Ndebele and other local languages

Discover Zimbabwe

Why Visit Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe combines major waterfalls, exceptional wildlife areas, dramatic landscapes and important cultural heritage.

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Victoria Falls

Experience one of Africa's most famous natural attractions on the Zambezi River.

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Wildlife & Safari

Explore national parks and conservation areas with elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and many other species.

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History & Heritage

Discover Great Zimbabwe, ancient stone architecture, cultural traditions and historic landscapes.

Plan Your Journey

Zimbabwe Travel Information

Important topics to consider before and during your trip.

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Entry & Visa

Check passport, visa and entry requirements before travelling to Zimbabwe.

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When to Visit

Understand Zimbabwe's seasons and how they affect wildlife, waterfalls and travel conditions.

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Weather & Climate

Learn about seasonal rainfall, temperatures and regional climate differences.

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National Parks & Wildlife

Explore Zimbabwe's major parks, reserves and wildlife areas.

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Major Destinations

Discover Victoria Falls, Harare, Bulawayo, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe and more.

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Safari & Wildlife

Plan wildlife experiences in some of Zimbabwe's major conservation areas.

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Accommodation

Explore hotels, lodges, camps, guesthouses and safari accommodation.

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Transport & Getting Around

Understand driving, transfers, domestic flights and other travel options.

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Local & Intercity Transport

Information about buses, taxis, transfers and movement between destinations.

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Money & Costs

Plan your budget, payments, accommodation and safari expenses.

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Health & Safety

Review current health, safety and emergency information before travelling.

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Culture & Etiquette

Learn about Zimbabwean culture, customs, traditions and respectful travel.

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Travel With Children

Consider family-friendly accommodation, activities and transport.

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Connectivity & Internet

Plan mobile communication, internet access and connectivity while travelling.

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Responsible Tourism

Travel responsibly and help protect Zimbabwe's wildlife, communities and heritage.

Wildlife & Nature

Zimbabwe's Wildlife

Zimbabwe has extensive wildlife areas and diverse ecosystems, from the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls region to Hwange, Mana Pools and the southern Matobo landscapes.

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Elephants

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Lions

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Buffalo

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Giraffes

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Zebras

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Hippos

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Crocodiles

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Leopards

Nature & Wildlife

National Parks & Wildlife Areas

Zimbabwe offers several major wildlife and conservation destinations.

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Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe's largest national park and an important wildlife destination, particularly known for large elephant populations.

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Mana Pools National Park

A spectacular Zambezi Valley wilderness known for wildlife, river landscapes and exceptional safari experiences.

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Matobo National Park

A dramatic landscape of granite formations, wildlife and important cultural and archaeological heritage.

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Gonarezhou National Park

A vast wilderness area in southeastern Zimbabwe known for elephants, baobabs and remote landscapes.

Places to Explore

Major Zimbabwe Destinations

Cities, waterfalls, wildlife areas and cultural attractions to consider when planning your journey.

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Victoria Falls

The country's most famous tourism destination and gateway to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Harare

Zimbabwe's capital and an important starting point for cultural, business and national travel.

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Great Zimbabwe

A remarkable archaeological and cultural site associated with the historic Great Zimbabwe civilization.

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Hwange

Gateway to Hwange National Park and one of Zimbabwe's major safari regions.

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Matobo

Known for dramatic granite landscapes, wildlife, caves and important heritage sites.

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Lake Kariba

A huge reservoir on the Zambezi with fishing, boating, wildlife and lakeside experiences.

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Mana Pools

A remote Zambezi wilderness destination renowned for wildlife and river scenery.

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Bulawayo

Zimbabwe's second-largest city and an important cultural and historical center.

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Gonarezhou

A large wilderness area offering remote safari experiences and spectacular southeastern landscapes.

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Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe's most internationally recognized attractions. The falls lie on the Zambezi River and form part of the shared natural landscape between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Visitors can combine the falls with wildlife, river activities, adventure experiences and nearby safari destinations.

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Victoria Falls

Zambezi River

Heritage

Great Zimbabwe

One of Zimbabwe's most important archaeological and cultural heritage sites.

Ancient Stone Architecture

Great Zimbabwe is an important archaeological site featuring monumental dry-stone architecture. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of the civilizations that developed in the region.

The site is located near Masvingo in southeastern Zimbabwe.

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Culture

Zimbabwe's Cultural Heritage

Zimbabwe offers cultural experiences alongside its wildlife and natural attractions.

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Arts & Crafts

Discover stone sculpture, basketry, textiles, traditional arts and contemporary Zimbabwean creativity.

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Music & Dance

Traditional music, dance and cultural performances are important parts of Zimbabwe's heritage.

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History & Heritage

Explore archaeological sites, museums, historic cities and cultural landscapes.

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Important Travel Information

Check Current Safety & Entry Advice

Travelers should check current government travel advice, entry requirements, health recommendations and local conditions before departure. Requirements can change and may differ depending on nationality, destination and planned activities.

OSARE provides travel information but does not replace official government travel advice.

Official Information

Official Tourism Information

Zimbabwe's national tourism authority provides information about destinations, attractions, accommodation, activities and tourism services. Travelers should verify time-sensitive requirements with the appropriate official authority.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

National tourism organization responsible for promoting and supporting tourism in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority

Official authority responsible for Zimbabwe's national parks and wildlife management.

Useful Contacts

Travel Information Sources

Use official sources for current requirements and travel information.

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Tourism Authority

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

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Parks Authority

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority

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Immigration

Zimbabwe immigration authorities for current entry requirements

Zimbabwe Guide Source Record

Tourism information: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Wildlife information: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority

Travel requirements: Verify current requirements with the relevant official authority before travel.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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