Holiday Guide to Zimbabwe

For travellers from the Middle East countries, Zimbabwe is a world of wonders and has been gaining popularity as a holiday destination both among expatriate and Arab tourists. This landlocked country in southern Africa is known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. On the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls make a thundering 108-metre drop into the narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping. Downstream are Matusadona and Mana Pools national parks, home to hippos, rhinos and birdlife.

Zimbabwe is also known as one of Africa’s most rewarding game-viewing destinations, with well-educated guides who speak excellent English (Zimbabwe’s education system is one of the best in southern Africa).

Apart from being attractive in terms of its wildlife, national parks, and nature, Zimbabwe is home to one of the friendliest people in Africa. A lot of visitors give excellent reviews to Zimbabweans and their highly positive attitude towards tourists. As a result, Zimbabwe is a very safe country for travellers. Zimbabweans by nature are very welcoming and friendly to foreigners, and the tough economic situation has not significantly affected the country’s safety for visitors.

Fun Facts About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has the most official languages in the world
Zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s biggest waterfalls
Zimbabwe has the largest man-made lake in the world
Zimbabwe is a multi-currency country
Zimbabwe has five UNESCO World heritage sites

What To See, Where To Go

Most of Zimbabwe’s top tourist attractions are found outside the main cities and are considered relatively safe. As you travel around the country you will enjoy breathtaking nature areas, encounters with exotic wildlife and exploring ancient sites that offer a fascinating insight into the country’s history and culture.

Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Zimbabwe that you should consider visiting:

Victoria Falls
Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN
Victoria Falls Snake Park
Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist’s Village
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls National Park
Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
Thetford Game Reserve
Victoria Falls Bridge
Mukuvisi Woodlands

Lion and Cheetah Park
Lake Chivero Recreational Park
Matobo National Park
Shona Sculpture Gallery
Hwange National Park
Crocodile Park Victoria Falls
Lake Kariba
Chinhoyi Caves
Bulawayo Railway Museum

How many days do you need in Zimbabwe?

You need at least 10 days to be able to do justice to a holiday in Zimbabwe. In these 10 days you will be able to see three regions at a comfortable pace, with time for multiple days of safari at more than one location. However, if you have a week or less, then head straight to Victoria Falls and book a short safari, maybe to Hwange National Park.

Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a year-round holiday destination. June to October is the dry season and the best time to view wildlife as animals are drawn to watering holes. Rains can start as early as November, which turns the landscape green with vegetation. The low season is from January to May, when you’ll find hot, humid weather, and a drop in prices. During this time, there’s still excellent game viewing in Hwange and Gonarezhou.

Where to Stay in Zimbabwe

There are several hotels and lodges in Zimbabwe although not as many as in many other African countries. Non-residents are required to pay hotel bills in foreign currency (usually US Dollars) or by credit card.

Here is a list of luxury hotels, lodges and resorts that you could consider when choosing your accommodation during your vacation in Zimbabwe:

A’Zambezi River Lodge
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa
Camp Hwange
Changa Safari Camp
Goliath Safari Camp
Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls
John’s Camp
Kanga Camp
Musango Safari Lodge

Somalisa Camp
Stanley & Livingstone Hotel
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Hwange Safari Lodge (Editor’s Choice)
The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls (Editor’s Choice)
The Hide Safari Camp, Hwange National Park
The Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls
The Elephant Camp

How To Get There

Few airlines fly directly to Zimbabwe. Most people fly to Johannesburg and from there connect to Harare, Victoria Falls or Bulawayo on the same day. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is located 18 kilometres south of the town of Victoria Falls. South African Airways, Rwandair Express, Emirates flydubai and Qatar Airways offer flights from Harare Airport to UAE.

Visa Requirements

All travelers need a visa for entry to Zimbabwe. Visas are issued on arrival at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the need of the traveler. All travelers must obtain visas at the port of entry as currently there is not an option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy.

Getting Around

The best way to travel around Zimbabwe’s top safari and tourist destinations is with private transport companies. Many tour operators offer reliable scheduled and private departures to destinations across Zimbabwe including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and Harare. Certain hotels also offer guest transfers between their properties and airports. By using a private shuttle, guests can ensure their well-being, travel on their own time (or easily fit their activities around the regularly scheduled departures), and enjoy stress-free travel as all the arrangements will be taken care of by the touring company.

Chartered flights are also available between Zimbabwe’s main tourism hubs and travellers can visit Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools National Park and Harare by a chartered flight.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

My visit to Zimbabwe was a whirlwind journey through Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions over a period of 15 days. Based on my experiences, I have prepared a suggestive itinerary for those planning a holiday in Zimbabwe: