Tree with sun setting over African plain

Zimbabwe

Best time to visit: May to October for dry season
Destinations→Zimbabwe

Discover Zimbabwe, a landlocked jewel in the heart of Southeast Africa, where the mist-shrouded majesty of Victoria Falls meets the timeless grandeur of ancient stone cities. This is a destination that defies the ordinary, offering a landscape of dramatic escarpments, sprawling savannahs teeming with wildlife, and a cultural tapestry woven from the legacy of the Shona and Ndebele empires. From the roaring thunder of the world’s largest waterfall to the silent, soaring ruins of Great Zimbabwe, this nation invites the discerning traveller to immerse themselves in a world where nature’s raw power coexists with a rich, resilient history. Whether tracking the "Big Five" in Hwange National Park or sipping vintage wine in the elegant ambiance of Harare, Zimbabwe offers an exclusive, soul-stirring journey for the modern explorer.

“The wilderness feels wild and the history feels alive, offering a rare blend of untamed adventure and refined luxury that transforms a simple trip into a lifetime memory.”

Highlights

  • ◆Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya): Witness the world’s largest curtain of falling water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
  • ◆Hwange National Park: Explore one of Africa’s largest game reserves, home to the largest elephant population on the continent and the elusive leopard.
  • ◆Great Zimbabwe: Step inside the mysterious, mortarless stone ruins of a medieval city that once thrived as a major trade center, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • ◆Matobo Hills: Trek through dramatic granite kopjes and ancient rock art, a landscape of spiritual significance and unique biodiversity.
  • ◆Rovos Rail & Luxury Safaris: Experience the golden age of travel with private, high-end train journeys and bespoke lodges that blend seamlessly into the wilderness.
  • ◆Eastern Highlands: Escape to the misty, temperate peaks of the Nyanga and Chimanimani ranges, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and a cooler, tranquil climate.

Perfect For

FamiliesAdventureLuxury SafariWildlife PhotographyAdventure travellersLuxury rail journeysMulti-generational family holidaysFirst-time visitors to Africa

Best Time to Visit

Dry season: May to October

Offers the best game viewing and clearer skies.

Wet season: November to April

Lush greenery and newborn wildlife.

Explore Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls waterfall framed by leaves
Victoria Falls
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Zimbabwe Experiences

Pool and loungers overlooking African plain after dusk
safari
Kavango Zambezi Safari: 6 Nights Premium Adventure
6 nights · Victoria Falls, Chobe River, Impalila Island
From R42,156 pp
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Aerial view of Rovos Rail train passing through summer fields
rail
Luxury Rovos Rail: 4 Nights Premium Rail Experience
4 nights · Victoria Falls
From R51,415 pp
View

Combine With

Pair Zimbabwe with these destinations for an even more unforgettable journey.

South AfricaBotswanaNamibiaTanzaniaKenya

Travel Tips for Zimbabwe

  • ◆Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) offers the best game viewing and clearer skies, while the wet season (November to April) brings lush greenery and newborn wildlife.
  • ◆Packing: Bring neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, a warm layer for cool mornings and evenings, and high-quality sun protection.
  • ◆Photography: Golden hour is magical in Zimbabwe; the light transforms the savannah and the falls into a spectacle of gold and mist.
  • ◆Respect: Always ask permission before photographing local people, especially in rural areas.
  • ◆Safety: While generally safe for tourists, exercise standard precautions in urban areas and always travel with a reputable guide in the bush.

Practical Information

CurrencyThe United States Dollar (USD) is the primary currency for tourism and large transactions. The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is used for small local purchases, but USD is widely accepted.
LanguageEnglish is the official language of government and business. Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken indigenous languages.
Flight TimeDirect flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Flights to Harare from Johannesburg take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Time ZoneCentral Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2 (same as South Africa and Western Europe in summer)
Visa RequirementsMany nationalities require a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival at major ports of entry (like Victoria Falls and Harare) or online via the e-Visa system. Check specific requirements based on your passport.
Getting AroundDomestic flights are the most efficient way to cover long distances. Private transfers and 4x4 vehicles are the standard for safaris and luxury travel.
HealthYellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari regions. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Electricity230V, 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type G (British three-pin)
TippingTipping is customary in the hospitality industry. A general guideline is 10-15% for excellent service in restaurants, and $5-$10 per day for safari guides and trackers.
Ideal Stay7 to 14 days allows for a comprehensive experience, combining Victoria Falls, a safari in Hwange, and a cultural visit to Great Zimbabwe or the Eastern Highlands.

Plan Your Unique Journey

Every Ocean & Safari itinerary is thoughtfully designed around your individual travel style. From exclusive villas and luxury lodges to private guides, yacht charters and seamless air travel, our specialists create journeys that are as unique as the destinations themselves.

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