Things To Do
in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa celebrated for the thunderous Victoria Falls and a rich tapestry of wildlife, history, and culture. Its landscapes range from lush highland forests and rolling plateaus to savannas that host abundant wildlife and dramatic river gorges. The people are known for warmth, hospitality, and a vibrant arts scene that includes sculpture, music, and dance.
Travel here combines natural wonder with cultural heritage, though infrastructure can vary and planning helps ensure a smooth visit.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and embark on a short drive to your hotel located in the heart of Harare. Settle in and enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local café, indulging in traditional Zimbabwean cuisine. Take a moment to refresh and prepare for an exciting journey ahead.
Explore the vibrant streets of Harare, visiting the National Gallery which showcases local art and cultural heritage. Stroll through the tranquil Harare Gardens, where you can admire the lush greenery and intricate sculptures. Grab a light snack at a nearby market, tasting the flavors of street food as you chat with locals.
Enjoy dinner at a well-known restaurant that serves both local and international dishes, allowing you to experience the culinary diversity of Zimbabwe. After dinner, explore the nightlife around the city, perhaps catching a live music performance showcasing traditional mbira music. Return to your hotel for a restful night, prepared for the adventures that await.
Depart early for Hwange National Park, known for its large elephant population. After a scenic drive, arrive at your lodge and enjoy breakfast while soaking in the stunning wilderness views. Join an introductory morning game drive to catch sight of magnificent wildlife before the day gets too hot.
Return to the lodge for a sumptuous lunch and relax before your next adventure. In the early afternoon, embark on a guided walking safari, allowing you to closely observe the flora and fauna of the park. Learning about animal tracks and signs from an experienced guide adds richness to your experience in the wild.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional bush dinner under the stars surrounded by the sounds of Africa. After dinner, share stories around the campfire with fellow travelers, fostering connections over shared experiences. Retire to your lodge, where the sounds of the wild lull you to sleep.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚗Taxi or short-distance ride | $2-7 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| ✈️Domestic flight or longer transfer | $100-350 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural wonders, especially Victoria Falls
- Warm, welcoming people and rich cultural experiences
- Relatively affordable travel options in many areas
- Excellent wildlife viewing in Hwange and other parks
- English is widely spoken in urban areas
- Varied infrastructure and occasional logistical challenges
- Currency fluctuations and limited ATM access in rural areas
- Malaria risk in many regions; require precautions
- Long travel times between distant destinations
- Rural safety and road conditions can be unpredictable
- "Mhoro" - Hello
- "Wakadini zvako?" - How are you?
- "Ndapota" - Please
- "Ndatenda" - Thank you
- "Ndinotsvaga taxi" - I am looking for a taxi
Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic spray and endless rainbow effects; best from early morning or late afternoon for dramatic light.
Ancient stone enclosures set in the savannah; dramatic stonework and expansive landscapes perfect for architectural and macro shots.
A green oasis with drawable wildlife and forest canopies; ideal for close-ups of birds, antelope, and forest textures.
Wide-water reflections at sunrise or sunset; dramatic silhouettes of palm trees and fishing villages.
Food in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic combination of maize porridge (sadza) served with grilled meat (nyama) and cooked greens (muriwo). Commonly enjoyed in households and informal eateries.
Must-Try!
Small dried fish (kapenta) fried or stewed and served with sadza, often accompanied by greens or tomato-based sauce.
A plant-based patty made from orchid tubers and peanuts, typically served with vegetables or greens.
Rich in protein, often fried or sautéed with spices and eaten with sadza or bread.
In safari-area restaurants, you may find venison, eland, or other game served with starchy sides and flavorful sauces.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market hub for fresh produce, grains, and local snacks; great for discovering everyday Zimbabwean street foods.
Urban market offering crafts, fabrics, and ready-to-eat bites amid a lively, energetic atmosphere.
Popular street food across towns; look for vendors near markets and transport hubs—perfect on a stroll between sights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake and direct eye contact are common. Use polite salutations in Shona or Ndebele when addressing elders; English is widely understood in urban areas.
Dress modestly, especially in rural communities and religious sites. Photo-taking should be polite; ask permission when taking people’s portraits.
If invited to a home, bring a small token of appreciation and accept hospitality with gratitude.
Safety
Tipping in Zimbabwe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but varies by service. In restaurants, 10-15% is common if a service charge is not included; guides and drivers appreciate 5-10% or more for exceptional service.
Major towns accept cash (USD or local ZWL) and credit cards at larger establishments; ATMs are common in Harare and Victoria Falls. In rural areas, cash is often required, and card facilities may be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wet season (roughly November to March) brings heavy afternoon rains, lush landscapes, and higher malaria risk; waterfalls are at peak flow, and short-day electrical outages can occur in rural areas.
Drying vegetation but still warm; wildlife starts consolidating near water sources—great for game viewing in parks when conditions are cooler.
Cooler and drier (May to August); comfortable wildlife viewing weather; nights can be chilly, especially in highland areas.
Gradual warming with intermittent showers; moderate humidity returns; ideal for florals and landscapes as grasses revive.
Zimbabwe at Night
Hiking in Zimbabwe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Highland scenery with forest trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints; suitable for day hikes and longer treks.
Rugged ridges and remote trails offering challenging hikes and panoramic vistas.
Airports
How to reach Zimbabwe by plane.
Harare International Airport; main international gateway for Zimbabwe and the region with domestic connections.
Serves Victoria Falls and the tourism corridor, with connections to major southern Africa hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group; majority in rural and urban areas, with rich cultural traditions and language variants.
The second-largest group native to western regions; distinct language and cultural practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and international matches draw large crowds in major towns.
Widely played, with domestic leagues and regional matches; facilities in larger towns.
Played at club and school levels, with occasional international fixtures.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Zimbabwean dining can accommodate vegetables, legumes, and greens served with sadza or rice; ask for muriwo (greens) and beans, or enjoy vegetable stews and salads.
Most services can modify dishes (e.g., rice-based meals or cornmeal-free sides); confirm ingredients with staff to avoid hidden gluten.
Inform servers about any allergies; many dishes are meat- and greens-heavy, so specify if you need to avoid specific spices or nuts.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zimbabwe.