Things To Do
in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, known for its stunning landscapes which range from savanna and semi-desert regions to forests and mountains. It is home to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient city that reflects the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Despite facing significant economic challenges and political turmoil in recent decades, Zimbabwe remains a country with a strong sense of identity and an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, including its renowned national parks.
- "Wakadini zvako?" - How are you?
- "Ndiwe chete!" - It's just you!
- "Ndokumbirawo!" - Please!
- "Ndinokuda!" - I love you!
- "Makorokoto!" - Congratulations!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls and enjoy breathtaking views. Consider taking a guided tour for insightful information about the falls' history and geology.
Enjoy a helicopter ride over the falls for a unique perspective from the sky. Afterward, have lunch at a nearby café with views of the rainforest.
Relax in the evening with a river cruise on the Zambezi River. Watch the sunset while spotting wildlife along the riverside.
Drive to Hwange National Park early in the morning for a guided safari. Look out for elephants and other wildlife as you traverse the park.
Have a picnic lunch in the park surrounded by nature. Continue your safari in the afternoon, with opportunities to see lions and buffalo.
Return to your lodge and enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean dinner. Spend the evening stargazing, with the sounds of the wild in the background.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich natural resources, including minerals and agriculture.
- Biodiverse ecosystems and beautiful landscapes, attracting tourism.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including traditions and art.
- Potential for agricultural development due to fertile land.
- Political instability and governance issues, leading to economic uncertainty.
- High unemployment rates and poverty levels.
- Inflation and currency challenges affecting the economy.
- Inadequate infrastructure and services in many areas.
Best Activities in Zimbabwe
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore scenic trails and pristine waterfalls in the beautiful mountains.
Experience incredible wildlife encounters in one of Africa's largest national parks.
Enjoy a unique perspective of the stunning landscape and wildlife along the river.
Witness the breathtaking beauty of one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Challenge yourself on the ancient granite rock formations and enjoy the stunning views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Zimbabwe with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Visit one of these nice places.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offering stunning views and photo opportunities of the majestic waterfall.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic views of the ancient stone ruins and surrounding landscape.
Known for its unique rock formations and spectacular sunset views, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple food made from maize meal and often served with a variety of savory sauces, stews, or relishes. Many households and restaurants prepare their own unique accompaniments, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures.
Must-Try!
Various types of meat, including beef, goat, and game meats, are popular in Zimbabwean cuisine. Nyama, whether grilled, stewed, or roasted, is a significant part of the local diet and is often seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Considered a delicacy in Zimbabwe, mopane worms are caterpillars that are sun-dried, fried, or stewed. They are rich in protein and have a unique taste and texture.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Zimbabwe better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest and most vibrant markets in Zimbabwe, offering a wide range of fresh produce, traditional ingredients, and street food. Visitors can sample various local dishes and street snacks while immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere.
A bustling market where visitors can enjoy an array of street food options, from grilled meats and maize-based dishes to traditional snacks and desserts. The market provides a great opportunity to experience local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Zimbabwe, it is important to greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. It is also common to ask about the person's well-being and their family.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Zimbabwean culture. It is important to show deference to older individuals and to address them with respect.
Gift giving is a common practice in Zimbabwe as a sign of respect and appreciation. When giving a gift, it is polite to present it with both hands and to show genuine gratitude.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Zimbabwe with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Zimbabwe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Zimbabwe, but it is appreciated in the service industry. In restaurants, it is common to tip around 10% of the bill if a service charge is not included.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Zimbabwe, as credit card acceptance may be limited. Foreign currency such as US dollars or South African rand is also accepted in some establishments. Mobile money services like EcoCash are widely used for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Zimbabwe.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit as the weather is dry and pleasant. Excellent for wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes.
Lush and green landscape with abundant birdlife. Some areas may be inaccessible due to heavy rains, but it also offers lower rates and fewer tourists.
Zimbabwe at Night
Hiking in Zimbabwe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest mountain in Zimbabwe, offering beautiful scenery and a variety of hiking trails through lush forests.
A popular trail in the Chimanimani Mountains known for its stunning views and diverse wildlife.
A range of peaks with numerous trails, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and exploring unique flora.
Offers several walking trails amidst a rich collection of indigenous plant species and breathtaking views.
This park features several trails where hikers can enjoy wildlife viewing and unspoiled natural landscapes.
A lesser-known hiking spot that features beautiful rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Located in Mana Pools National Park, this trail offers an immersive experience of nature and wildlife along the riverbanks.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Zimbabwe through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Zimbabwe by plane.
Main international airport serving Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.
Gateway airport for the Victoria Falls area, a popular tourist destination.
International airport serving Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe.
International airport in Francistown, Botswana, located near the Zimbabwe border.
International airport in Kasane, Botswana, providing access to Chobe National Park.
Major international airport located in Johannesburg, South Africa, serving as a key hub for flights to and from Zimbabwe.
Formerly known as Harare International Airport, it serves as the main international gateway to Zimbabwe.
International airport in Gaborone, Botswana, offering flights to various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, making up about 70% of the population.
The second largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, primarily found in the Matabeleland region.
A smaller ethnic group primarily found in the eastern parts of the country.
An ethnic group primarily residing in the northern regions of Zimbabwe.
A smaller ethnic group situated mostly in the southern parts of Zimbabwe.
An ethnic group primarily found in the southern region of Zimbabwe.
People of mixed descent, primarily residing in urban areas.
Descendants of Dutch settlers, primarily found in urban areas.
A subgroup of the Shona, primarily located in the central region of Zimbabwe.
Includes various smaller groups such as the San (Bushmen) and others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Zimbabwe, with a strong domestic league and national team that competes internationally.
Soccer, also known as football, is hugely popular in Zimbabwe, with a passionate fan base and numerous local clubs.
Rugby has a growing following in Zimbabwe, with national teams competing in regional championships and a number of local clubs.
Athletics enjoys popularity, especially track and field events, with several athletes representing Zimbabwe in international competitions.
Netball is especially popular among women in Zimbabwe, with a strong grassroots presence and competitive national teams.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Zimbabwean cuisine traditionally centers around meat and dairy, many restaurants and cafes in urban areas now offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, often incorporating locally sourced produce and creative cooking techniques.
Gluten-free options may be less common, but some establishments are attentive to dietary needs and can accommodate gluten-free requests, particularly in tourist-centric regions.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zimbabwe.