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Zimbabwe
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and Ancient Ruins

Capital
Harare
Currency
Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Language
English, Shona, Ndebele
Best Time
May–Oct
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Flag of Zimbabwe
👋 Overview

Welcome to Zimbabwe

Welcome to Zimbabwe, a Southern African country home to the majestic Victoria Falls and the ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offers thundering views and thrilling adventure activities. Great Zimbabwe's ancient stone ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal a sophisticated medieval African civilization. Hwange National Park offers exceptional safari viewing, home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations.

Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, offers scenic houseboat cruises and abundant wildlife. Zimbabwe's traditional Shona sculpture reflects a globally celebrated artistic tradition rooted in spiritual symbolism. The country's national parks offer some of the most authentic and rewarding safari experiences in Africa. Zimbabwe invites travelers to discover extraordinary natural wonders and profound ancient history.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Harare

Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, offers the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, showcasing the country’s celebrated Shona stone sculpture tradition alongside broader African art. The city’s jacaranda-lined streets burst into purple bloom each October, giving the capital a distinctive seasonal beauty.

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Mbare Market, one of the largest and oldest in the city, offers a vivid look at everyday Zimbabwean commerce, from produce to traditional crafts. The Harare Gardens provide a green space in the city center popular for weekend walks and picnics. Harare serves mainly as a practical stop before exploring Zimbabwe’s world-famous natural attractions further afield. Its art scene and markets offer a worthwhile introduction to contemporary Zimbabwean culture.

02

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, sharing its name with the thundering waterfall itself, offers close-up views of the Zambezi River’s dramatic plunge from trails through the surrounding rainforest kept perpetually lush by the falls’ spray. The Victoria Falls Bridge connects to Zambia and offers bungee jumping and gorge swings above the churning gorge below.

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Devil’s Cataract and the Main Falls offer some of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Zimbabwean side, especially spectacular during and after the rainy season when water volume peaks. The town’s proximity to Zambezi National Park offers game drives and river cruises where elephants, hippos, and crocodiles can be spotted along the water. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls, offer a relaxed way to spot wildlife while enjoying drinks aboard traditional riverboats. Victoria Falls remains Zimbabwe’s premier destination and one of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

03

Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city, serves as the gateway to Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its balanced granite rock formations, ancient San rock art, and healthy population of both black and white rhinos. Cecil Rhodes’s grave, set among the park’s dramatic boulders at a site called World’s View, offers panoramic views over the surrounding hills.

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The Natural History Museum, one of the best in Southern Africa, houses an extensive collection covering the region’s wildlife and geology. Bulawayo’s wide, tree-lined streets and Victorian-era architecture reflect its history as a former railway and mining hub. The nearby Khami Ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site, preserve the remains of a fifteenth-century royal capital predating Great Zimbabwe. Bulawayo’s access to Matobo’s ancient rock art and rhino populations make it an essential stop in southern Zimbabwe.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Zimbabwe's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Sadza

Sadza is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Muriwo Unedovi

Muriwo Unedovi is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Nyama

Nyama is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Dovi

Dovi is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Mopane Worms

Mopane Worms is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Kapenta

Kapenta is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Muboora

Muboora is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Maputi

Maputi is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Chimodho

Chimodho is a well-known part of Zimbabwe's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Zimbabwe is named after Great Zimbabwe, an extensive stone city built without mortar between the 11th and 15th centuries by ancestors of the Shona people, whose massive dry-stone walls remain among the most significant architectural achievements in pre-colonial sub-Saharan Africa. The country shares Victoria Falls with Zambia, and on the Zimbabwean side, visitors can walk along a rainforest trail that offers some of the closest and most dramatic views of the falls' thundering main gorge.

2

Zimbabwe experienced one of the most extreme cases of hyperinflation in modern economic history during the late 2000s, at one point issuing a 100-trillion-dollar banknote, now a popular novelty collectible, before the country abandoned its own currency entirely in favor of foreign currencies for several years. The country is also home to significant populations of the "Big Five" African game animals, and Hwange National Park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the region, known for its substantial elephant population.

3

Zimbabwe was formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, named after British colonialist Cecil Rhodes, and it gained full independence in 1980 following a prolonged guerrilla war, after which the country renamed itself Zimbabwe in reference to the ancient stone city's legacy.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

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Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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