Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe - Tour Highlights & Travel Tips

Better known as Victoria Falls, this legendary mass of water ranks among the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet. Considered to be the most famous sight of Zimbabwe, this is what travelers dream of when they first think about visiting the country. The mist generated by the falls sustains an entire ecosystem which comprises of trees like palm, fig and mahogany and the surrounding areas are home to falcons, raptors and black eagles. The falls can be seen from as far as 20 kms away, but the best experiences are always found up close.

Zimbabwe - Tour Highlights & Travel Tips

• Hike the hills of Chimanimani Mountains National Park
• Swim at the top of the world in Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls
• Go white water rafting on the Zambezi River
• Look for rhinos in Matopos National Park
• Bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge
• Fish on Lake Kariba (but avoid the crocodiles!)

Zimbabwe - Travel Tips

• Get ready to see plenty of wildlife! Zimbabwe’s wild animals, including its elephants, are very curious and may come quite close as you travel through the country. Keep your calm and try not to disturb any animals that cross your path.
• Time has no real meaning in Zimbabwe. “Zim time” is often understood according to the sun’s position in the sky, and even specific times are generally estimates. For example, someone asking to meet at 7am certainly wants to meet in the morning but could meet you anywhere from 7 am to 9 am.
• Internet is not always available in Zimbabwe, even in urban hotels, and is certainly not as fast as you might be accustomed to. Consider buying a local sim card if you really need web access during your trip.
• Nearly everyone in Zimbabwe speaks English, even in rural areas, so you won’t have much difficulty communicating with locals during your visit.

2. Wildlife & Animals – Zimbabwe

The very accessible Hwange National Park has great diversity and is excellent for good overall wildlife viewing. In the Dry season, big herds of elephants congregate here from the surrounding bush. Mana Pools National Park is an exciting off-the-beaten-track destination and offers unrivaled wilderness to be explored by 4x4, on foot and by canoe.

The beautiful sable antelope is a Hwange special as well as brown hyena, bat-eared fox and springhare, which inhabit the Kalahari sands of the region. Zimbabwe is a good destination to see the endangered wild dog, and the nocturnal honey badger has become quite habituated in some of the parks and can sometimes be spotted around camps and campsites at night.

The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry winter months (May-October). Water is scarce especially at the end of the Dry season and animals tend to congregate around water sources. Afternoon showers can be expected in the Wet season (November-March).

3. Best Time to Visit – Zimbabwe

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to September. At this time Victoria Falls is most impressive and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes. This is especially true in Hwange where the artificially pumped waterholes attract big herds of elephant.

April to October – Dry Season - Winter

• Vegetation is thin and animals concentrate around water; wildlife viewing is easier
• Virtually no rain, clear blue skies and lots of sunshine; there are fewer mosquitoes
• Although it is high season, the parks won't be crowded, except for Victoria Falls
• Victoria Falls is most spectacular from May through September when the water is mid-to-low, and the spray doesn't block the view to the falls
• October is very hot in low-lying areas, with temperatures above 32°C/90°F
• It gets cold at night and in the mornings; warm clothing is needed
• From March to May massive clouds of spray will block the view of Victoria Falls

November to March – Wet Season - Summer

• The scenery is greener, and it's low season resulting in lower rates
• The best time to see newborn animals
• Bird watching is at its best, many birds are in their breeding plumage and migratory birds are present
• Rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your safari
• Wildlife viewing is more difficult since there is more vegetation and animals no longer rely on waterholes
• The humidity combined with the higher temperatures in the low-lying parks can make it feel uncomfortably hot
• From October to December, the flow of the Zambezi river is at its lowest and Victoria Falls isn't at its best

4. Getting There – Zimbabwe

Few airlines fly directly to Zimbabwe. Most people fly to Johannesburg and from there connect to Harare, Victoria Falls or Bulawayo on the same day. Most tourists fly to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), located 18km/11mi south of the town of Victoria Falls, and continue from there by vehicle or charter planes. Hwange, Zimbabwe's most popular park, is situated within driving distance of Victoria Falls. However you choose to travel, in most cases, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and further transportation as part of your safari package.

Passport, Visa and Other Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Zimbabwe Embassy and the Zimbabwe e-visa website to verify the information below is current.

• A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months
• Passports must have at least three empty pages
• Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained at arrival
• A list of countries whose citizens don't require a visa or can acquire one upon arrival is available
• A list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain their visa in advance is available. The application can be made online.
• When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required