Essential Travel Information for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has warm days for much of the year, but temperatures vary considerably by season, altitude and region. During the dry winter months of June to August, early morning and evening game drives can be cold, particularly in open safari vehicles, so bring a warm layer. At Victoria Falls, high water levels create considerable spray around the viewpoints. Take a lightweight waterproof jacket and protect your phone or camera from the spray.
Drink bottled or properly filtered water rather than tap water. Hotels and safari lodges provide safe drinking water, and many have refill stations for reusable bottles.
Many safari camps use solar power, with charging points for phones, cameras and other small devices. Electricity may operate at set times in some camps. Laundry services are also available at many safari lodges, which helps when travelling with the smaller bags required for light-aircraft flights. These flights have lower baggage allowances than international services and normally require soft-sided luggage. We will confirm the allowance for any flights included in your vacation.
For game drives, comfortable clothing in neutral colors is practical, with closed shoes for walking safaris. Do not wear military-style camouflage in Zimbabwe, as its use by civilians is restricted.
Safari lodges cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements when advised in advance. Bring sufficient prescription medication in its original packaging. Malaria is present in parts of Zimbabwe, so discuss the appropriate precautions with your doctor or travel clinic. Travel insurance should include emergency medical treatment and evacuation, particularly for stays in remote safari areas.
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Currency in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe uses a multicurrency system. The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is the official local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted and are the currency most international visitors will use for tourism expenses. Carry some US dollar notes in smaller denominations for minor purchases and tips. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, lodges and established tourism businesses, but cash is important in more remote areas.
Tipping Policies in Zimbabwe
Tipping is customary in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry and is normally given in US dollars. Safari guides, camp staff, drivers and other staff are tipped separately or through a communal tip box, depending on the lodge. Suggested amounts vary between properties and activities, so we will give you current guidance for the places included in your vacation before you travel.
Staying Connected in Zimbabwe
Wi-Fi is available at many hotels and safari lodges, although connections become less reliable in remote national parks. Mobile coverage is good in towns and cities but limited in some safari areas. If staying connected is important during your Zimbabwe vacation, check with us about the facilities at your particular camps and lodges. Zimbabwe uses Econet, NetOne and Telecel mobile networks.
Visa Requirements in Zimbabwe
US and Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Tourist visas are available on arrival at major entry points, including Victoria Falls Airport and Harare International Airport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have sufficient blank pages. Entry requirements can change, so check the latest requirements before traveling.
Social Customs in Zimbabwe
Greetings in Zimbabwe tend to go further than a simple hello. In Shona and Ndebele communities, people commonly ask about each other’s health and family, and older people are addressed with greater formality. Older people may also be addressed as “Auntie” or “Uncle” in English, even when they are not relatives.
Among Shona people, kuwombera, or clapping, is used when greeting, thanking someone or showing appreciation. There are traditional differences in the way men and women clap. When giving or receiving something, you may see people use both hands, or the right hand with the left hand touching or supporting the right forearm.
Chiefs, headmen and village heads still hold recognized positions within rural Zimbabwe. On a prearranged community visit, your guide will make the appropriate introductions and explain any customs you need to know.
There are some restrictions on photography. Avoid taking photographs of military installations, government buildings, airports, official residences and police or military personnel. Ask before photographing people; during community visits, your guide will check first if you are unsure.
Language & Communication in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has 16 officially recognized languages. English, Shona and Ndebele are the most widely used. Shona is spoken by the majority of the population, particularly across central and eastern Zimbabwe, with Ndebele widely spoken in the west around Bulawayo and Matabeleland. English is extensively used in tourism, hotels, safari lodges and airports, so English-speaking visitors will have no difficulty communicating with guides and hotel staff. Road signs and most visitor information are also in English. Here are a few handy phrases:
Shona:
- Mhoro – Hello
- Makadii? – How are you?
- Ndatenda – Thank you
Ndebele:
- Sawubona – Hello
- Linjani? – How are you?
- Ngiyabonga – Thank you
Don’t worry about getting every pronunciation right! Your guide will help with local names and expressions as you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of power adapter do I need in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe operates on a 220–240V, 50Hz electricity supply. Type G sockets, with three rectangular pins as used in the UK, are standard, although Type D sockets are also found. US and Canadian travelers should bring a suitable adapter and check that electrical devices are compatible with the voltage. Wetlands COP15
What should I pack for a safari in Zimbabwe?
Pack lightweight clothing for warm days, with warmer layers for early morning and evening game drives, particularly between June and August. Neutral colors are practical for safari, with comfortable closed shoes if you will be walking. Avoid military-style camouflage clothing. A lightweight waterproof jacket is handy at Victoria Falls when spray levels are high.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated in Zimbabwe?
Safari camps, lodges and hotels cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Tell us about allergies or specific requirements when you book so these can be passed to each property in advance. In remote safari camps, ingredients are brought in ahead of time, making advance notice particularly important.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Zimbabwe?
We recommend bottled or properly filtered drinking water rather than tap water. Hotels and safari lodges provide safe drinking water for guests. Carry a reusable bottle for game drives and other activities, and your guide or lodge staff will tell you where it can be refilled.
Are there luggage restrictions on safari flights in Zimbabwe?
Yes. Light-aircraft flights have lower baggage allowances than international flights and normally require soft-sided bags rather than rigid suitcases. Allowances depend on the aircraft and operator. If your Zimbabwe vacation includes internal flights, we will confirm the applicable weight and baggage requirements before you travel.
U.S. and Canadian Embassies in Zimbabwe
U.S. Embassy Harare
Address:
2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill, HarareEmbassy of Canada to Zimbabwe
Our local expert in Zimbabwe
Traveling with Finest Journeys to Zimbabwe
Finest Journeys works with experienced local guides and trusted partners across Zimbabwe. We select accommodation and experiences to suit your interests, with specialist guiding for wildlife, history and cultural visits. Before departure, you will receive practical information specific to your vacation, including safari flight baggage allowances, local contacts and details relevant to the camps and lodges you will be visiting.