Zimbabwe tours & holidays

Zimbabwe has a subtropical climate with a dry, mild winter (April to October) and a hot, wet summer (November to March). Although it’s a year-round destination, each season has its advantages. If wildlife watching is your main goal, the dry season generally offers easier viewing as there's less grass and animals flock to permanent watering holes and rivers.

Game can be harder to spot in the summer as the animals disperse across the parks and reserves – but you should still see plenty (including gorgeous newborns) with an expert local guide by your side. The wet season also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds. Plus, the rain brings a lush landscape that's brilliant for photography.

Victoria Falls is spectacular any time of year, but plan your trip at the end of the rainy season (March and April) to see it in all its thundering glory. The dry season, however, offers water-based activities which aren’t available during the high water season.

Zimbabwe is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the Shona being the largest. The ancient Shona culture is rich in mythology and symbolism, expressed through dance, song, storytelling and crafts such as traditional soapstone carving, weaving and beadwork.

Zimbabwe’s culture has also been shaped by European colonial influences, with British customs such as drinking tea and sports like cricket and rugby popular throughout the country. Most Zimbabweans practise Christianity, but it is often blended with traditional beliefs, including animist rituals that sometimes occur at church services.

Colonial rule persisted until Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, with Canaan Banana serving as the first president. Robert Mugabe became President in 1987, and following constitutional changes, the 1990s were marked by political instability, economic hardship, violence and widespread poverty. The economic challenges, including the collapse of a once-thriving agricultural sector, resulted in hyperinflation and a fluctuating currency, contributing to severe hardships for many citizens.

Despite these challenges, Zimbabweans remain resilient, and travellers continue to be drawn to the country’s natural wonders and warm hospitality.

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the west. While it doesn’t share a land border with Namibia, the two are separated by a narrow strip of land where the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers meet.

Zimbabwe has no coastline but is rich in water resources, most notably the Zambezi River in the north (home to Victoria Falls) and the Limpopo River, which forms part of its southern border. It’s also home to Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.

The topography is a varied mix of mountains, plateaus, grasslands and woodlands. Much of the country is protected within national parks and conservation areas, offering a haven for a wide array of flora, birds and mammals.

Things to try in Zimbabwe

1. Nhedzi soup

This wild mushroom soup is a national specialty and a good option for vegetarians in a country where game meat prevails in most restaurants and hotels.

2. Kapenta

This dried sardine-like fish is popular throughout Zimbabwe as refrigeration isn’t available to all. Mainly sourced from Lake Kariba, visitors can order kapenta with a side of sadza (maize meal) in most restaurants.

3. Zambezi Beer

Zimbabwe’s national beer is locally brewed in Harare and widely available throughout the country. It's perfect for washing down lunch or dinner on a hot summer's day.

4. Sadza

This creamy porridge made from white maize meal and water is a much-loved staple. It typically accompanies soups or stews, with most people eating it daily.

5. Dovi

This plant-based peanut stew is made by stewing vegetables (carrots, okra and spinach are common) with peanut butter. It’s served with sadza, which is great for mopping up the rich, creamy sauce.

1. Sable antelope

Zimbabwe’s national animal grazes in herds in the woodlands and savannas. Lean, graceful and powerful, the sable antelope is considered one of the most magnificent antelopes in the animal kingdom.

2. Lion

Prides of regal lions strut through Zimbabwe’s parks and reserves. Head on safari to find them stalking prey, at play or lazing in the sun.

3. Hippopotamus

Hippos are a common sight while cruising Lake Kariba. Watch them wallowing on the shores and lurking beneath the water’s surface. Although they look quite harmless, hippos are actually quite territorial and can get fierce, so don’t get too close.

4. African wild dog

Saved from extinction, this highly intelligent canine is a recent conservation success story. While not completely out of the woods, population numbers have risen lately, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to encounter them while in Zimbabwe.

5. Black rhino

Sadly, black rhinos are on the critically endangered list due to poaching and habitat loss. Zimbabwe still has pockets of these beautiful beasts and it’s possible to see them in reserves and protected areas.

6. White rhino

Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park is home to a significant population of rare white rhinos. Track them on foot with a local guide and be mesmerised at the sight of these enormous creatures quietly grazing.

7. Crocodile

Keep your eyes peeled for these ancient reptiles. Their menacing presence looms just under the water level – watch out for them while cruising Zimbabwe’s channels and rivers.

8. Kudu

This timid animal scares easily, so you’ll have to be quiet if you hope to get close. With unique corkscrew-like horns, they’re easy to spot but harder to capture on camera as they’re great at making swift departures.

9. Elephant

Large groups of the mighty African elephant can be found wandering the terrain of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. Imposing and inspiring, it’s no wonder they’re one of the most beloved animals in the world.

10. African fish eagle

Zimbabwe's national bird is swift and nimble. Abundant near bodies of water, you might be lucky to see an African fish eagle swoop on the water and capture its prey.

Cash is the preferred payment method in Zimbabwe. A new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), was introduced in 2024 to replace the Zimbabwe dollar and combat hyperinflation, but most vendors still prefer US dollars.

ATMs are common in Zimbabwe’s major cities but less common in rural areas. However, withdrawing using international debit or credit cards isn't always possible, and change isn’t always available, so carry small denomination notes if possible.

Credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Zimbabwe and shouldn't be used as a reliable payment option. Some businesses may not accept debit cards either.