Zimbabwe Travel Guide: Majestic Falls, Ancient Ruins & Wild Beauty

Intro to Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Zimbabwe is a land of dramatic contrasts — where ancient stone kingdoms meet roaring rivers, and quiet savannas give way to epic wildlife encounters. It’s home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of Africa’s greatest untapped treasures.

This country offers more than Victoria Falls. From the ancient walls of Great Zimbabwe to the Big Five in Hwange and the mystical Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe invites those willing to look deeper.

Start planning your trip with our complete Zimbabwe Tour Guide — featuring regional overviews, top places to visit, and insider tips for a rewarding journey.

Zimbabwe by Region – Where to Go

Zimbabwe is divided into 10 provinces, each with unique landscapes, cultural narratives, and national parks. Here’s how to navigate the country’s rich terrain.

Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s cultural capital with colonial architecture, galleries, and access to Matobo Hills.
Matobo National Park – Massive granite formations and ancient San rock art in a spiritual landscape.

Harare Metropolitan Province

Harare – The modern capital blends art, urban gardens, and emerging food scenes.
Mukuvisi Woodlands – A city-side nature reserve with wildlife viewing.

Manicaland Province

Mutare – Gateway to the misty Eastern Highlands.
Nyanga & Chimanimani – Waterfalls, hikes, and pine forests with a touch of Scottish scenery.

Mashonaland Central Province

Bindura – A mining town surrounded by savanna and traditional Shona communities.
Mazowe – Known for citrus farms and religious pilgrimage sites.

Mashonaland East Province

Marondera – A quiet agricultural town near mountain trails and forests.
Goromonzi – A popular weekend retreat with waterfalls and scenic drives.

Mashonaland West Province

Chinhoyi – Home to the famous Chinhoyi Caves and diving spots.
Lake Kariba (eastern access) – Wildlife viewing, fishing, and houseboat escapes.

Masvingo Province

Masvingo – Base for visiting the Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Great Zimbabwe – Ancient capital of the Shona civilization with iconic stone structures.

Matabeleland North Province

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe’s tourism hub with adventure sports, lodges, and easy access to Botswana and Zambia.
Hwange National Park – The country’s largest game park and elephant stronghold.

Matabeleland South Province

Beitbridge – Border town and transport hub to South Africa.
Tuli Safari Area – Remote wildlife corridor known for big cats and riverfront camps.

Midlands Province

Gweru – Industrial heartland with military history and antique charm.
Antelope Park – Private reserve with lion walks and conservation projects.

Top Places to Visit in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is as scenic as it is soulful — a destination full of surprise, scale, and ancient spirit. These are the most iconic places to visit in Zimbabwe, grouped by travel focus.

Natural Wonders

• Victoria Falls (Matabeleland North) – Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Walk the rainforest trails, take a sunset cruise, or bungee jump from the bridge.
• Lake Kariba (Mashonaland West) – One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, ideal for houseboat trips, tiger fishing, and lazy days with elephants along the shoreline.
• Chinhoyi Caves (Mashonaland West) – A dazzling blue-limestone sinkhole, popular for diving and folklore lovers.

Wildlife & Safari Escapes

• Hwange National Park (Matabeleland North) – Zimbabwe’s premier safari destination. Expect elephants by the hundreds, lions on the prowl, and world-class lodges across vast savannas.
• Mana Pools National Park (Northern Zambezi Valley) – A remote, photogenic wilderness along the Zambezi River. Canoe past hippos or track wild dogs on foot.
• Matobo National Park (Bulawayo) – Home to rhinos, giant granite domes, and sacred spiritual sites tied to Zimbabwe’s ancestors and liberation.
• Gonarezhou National Park (Southeast Lowveld) – Wild and remote, with cliffs, rivers, and elephants. Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park with Mozambique and South Africa.

Cultural and Historical Gems

• Great Zimbabwe (Masvingo) – The largest stone ruins south of the Sahara and the ancient capital of the Shona kingdom. Climb the Hill Complex and walk centuries of African history.
• Bulawayo (Bulawayo Province) – Colonial-era charm meets cultural preservation. Visit the Natural History Museum and local craft markets.
• Mutare & Eastern Highlands (Manicaland) – Misty mountains, pine forests, and breathtaking viewpoints in Zimbabwe’s most underrated corner.

Discover top-rated Zimbabwe tours and experiences, and explore the best things to do in Zimbabwe — from ancient ruins and remote safari lodges to waterfall hikes and starlit river cruises. Book early for exclusive access and flexible cancellation.

How to Choose Where to Go in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s diversity makes it ideal for multi-region trips. Here’s how to build your itinerary by travel goal:

• For First-Time Visitors: Combine Victoria Falls + Hwange + Great Zimbabwe
• For Big Game Safaris: Hwange (for elephants), Mana Pools (for wild dogs), Gonarezhou (for off-grid adventure)
• For Culture and History: Great Zimbabwe + Matobo + Bulawayo museums
• For Landscapes & Hiking: Nyanga, Chimanimani, and Mutarazi Falls in the Eastern Highlands
• For Water Escapes: Lake Kariba (cruising), Zambezi River (canoeing), or Chinhoyi Caves (diving)

Suggested pairings:

• Victoria Falls + Hwange (easy road transfer)
• Great Zimbabwe + Gonarezhou (southeast cultural circuit)
• Eastern Highlands + Harare (northeast trail)

Plan around transport access and road conditions — some parks are seasonal.

How to Get Around Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure is improving, especially between major cities and parks. Here’s how to navigate the country:

• Flights: Domestic connections from Harare to Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Kariba via Air Zimbabwe or chartered flights.
• Buses: Reliable intercity services like Intercape and Pathfinder serve Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare.
• Car Rentals: Recommended for independent travelers. Roads between major towns are paved; parks require 4×4 in rainy season.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Use metered taxis in cities. No formal apps, but hotel staff can assist.
• Tour Operators: Most popular for safaris and remote parks. Includes transfers, guides, meals, and park fees.

Distances are long — plan 2–5 hours between destinations, more for remote parks.

Travel Budget and Costs in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe caters to budget-savvy backpackers, mid-range road trippers, and high-end safari seekers.

• Budget Travel: $35–60/day — local buses, backpacker lodges, street food
• Mid-Range: $100–250/day — 3-star lodges, guided day tours, regional flights
• Luxury: $300–900+/day — fly-in safaris, boutique camps, full-board wildlife lodges

Sample Prices:

• Park entry: $10–20 (residents), $15–40 (international visitors)
• Domestic flight: $150–300
• Backpacker hostel: $10–30/night
• Safari lodge (all inclusive): $350–900+/night
• Local meal: $3–8

Money-Saving Tips:

• Travel in shoulder season (March–May, Oct–Nov)
• Use shared transfers when possible
• Book park stays directly through Zimparks or trusted agents
• Eat at local markets and bakeries in towns

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a subtropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons — both affecting wildlife, visibility, and transport.

May to October – Dry Season (Best for Safaris)

• Cool nights, dry air, clear skies
• Animals gather at waterholes — ideal for Hwange, Mana Pools
• Victoria Falls flow reduces by Oct, but visibility increases

November to April – Wet Season (Green Season)

• Lush vegetation, dramatic skies
• Fewer tourists, better rates
• Birdwatching peaks; some parks inaccessible

Best Travel Months

• November: Green season starts — quieter and cheaper
• June–August: Prime for safari and moderate temps
• April/May: Best for full-flow Victoria Falls and dry trails
• October: Hottest but best wildlife sightings

Must-See Experiences in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers soulful travel moments that go beyond sightseeing. These unforgettable things to do in Zimbabwe will immerse you in nature, culture, and heritage.

Walk the Ancient Walls of Great Zimbabwe

Explore stone towers and royal enclosures dating back to the 11th century. Local guides bring legends of the Shona empire to life as you wander Africa’s most important archaeological site.

Stand in the Spray of Victoria Falls

Hike the rainforest trails, cross the Knife Edge Bridge, or soar above the falls in a microlight. The roar and mist are unforgettable — especially at sunrise or sunset.

Canoe the Zambezi in Mana Pools

Float beside hippos and elephants in one of Africa’s most pristine parks. Multi-day canoe safaris offer intimate wildlife experiences far from crowds.

Sleep in a Treehouse at Hwange

Many lodges offer hideaways overlooking waterholes — watch elephants drink under starlight while tucked into open-air rooms.

Track Rhinos in Matobo Hills

Join anti-poaching teams on foot to find white and black rhino in this rocky UNESCO landscape. A rare and powerful experience.

Chase Waterfalls in Nyanga

Visit Mutarazi Falls — Zimbabwe’s highest — and walk the sky bridge, or hike through forests to hidden cascades in Chimanimani.

Explore the Balancing Rocks near Harare

These massive boulders perched on each other are natural wonders and symbols of Zimbabwean identity.

Visit a Village Homestay

In the Eastern Highlands or near Masvingo, spend a night with a local family. Learn basket weaving, join in on dinner prep, and exchange stories by firelight.

Best Travel Itineraries in Zimbabwe

These sample routes help you balance safari, culture, and convenience.

7-Day Safari & Falls Escape

• Day 1–2: Arrive Victoria Falls, guided tour + river cruise
• Day 3–5: Hwange safari lodge stay (game drives & sundowners)
• Day 6–7: Return to Victoria Falls or extend to Chobe (Botswana)

10-Day Classic Zimbabwe Loop

• Day 1–2: Harare arrival + cultural city tour
• Day 3–4: Great Zimbabwe ruins + Masvingo
• Day 5–6: Gonarezhou safari and cliffs
• Day 7–8: Fly to Victoria Falls
• Day 9–10: Hwange or Lake Kariba extension

12-Day Eastern Highlands + Safari Combo

• Day 1–3: Harare to Mutare + Nyanga hiking
• Day 4–5: Chimanimani National Park trek or wellness retreat
• Day 6–7: Drive to Masvingo + Great Zimbabwe
• Day 8–10: Hwange or Mana Pools (via charter)
• Day 11–12: Victoria Falls finale

Each itinerary can be modified to suit flight schedules, park access, and time of year.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Experiences

Zimbabwean food is hearty, seasonal, and tied closely to rural life. Dishes often center on maize, local greens, and stews — best enjoyed around a communal table.

Essential Dishes

• Sadza – A thick maize porridge and national staple, served with everything
• Nyama – Grilled or stewed meat, usually beef or goat
• Muriwo – Leafy greens sautéed with onion or peanut sauce
• Kapenta – Tiny dried fish from Lake Kariba, fried or stewed
• Roadside roasted maize – A common street snack

Top Culinary Experiences

• Victoria Falls: Dusty Road or The Boma Dinner Drum Show for interactive meals
• Harare: Gava’s for traditional dishes in a lively garden setting
• Bulawayo: Indaba Book Café for healthy fusion with a cultural vibe
• Lodge Dining: Safari lodges often serve gourmet fusion meals with local touches — try pumpkin soup with peanut butter or wild game fillet

While Zimbabwe doesn’t have food tours yet, mealtime is a chance to connect with local rhythms and warmth.

Travel Safety and Cultural Etiquette in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is generally safe and welcoming, especially for tourists. However, thoughtful preparation ensures a smoother experience.

Safety Tips

• Urban Safety: Stick to main areas in Harare or Bulawayo after dark. Avoid political gatherings.
• Transport: Roadblocks are common — carry ID and stay calm/polite.
• Wildlife Areas: Follow guide instructions. Do not self-drive into remote parks without experience.
• Health: Malaria prevention is recommended in most regions. Tap water is not always safe to drink.

Cultural Etiquette

• Greet with “Mangwanani” (Good morning) or “Maswera sei?” (How are you?)
• Dress modestly in towns and villages
• Photography of military/police buildings is prohibited
• Offering a small tip for good service is appreciated — especially in lodges and on safari
• Always ask before taking someone’s photo, especially in rural areas

English is official, but Shona and Ndebele are widely spoken. Learning a few local phrases shows respect.

Where to Go Next – Pair Zimbabwe with These Destinations

Zimbabwe sits at the crossroads of southern Africa — perfect for multi-country safaris or cultural circuits.

• Botswana: Cross easily from Victoria Falls to Chobe or the Okavango Delta
• Zambia: Walk across the border to Livingstone for another view of Victoria Falls
• South Africa: Flights connect Harare or Vic Falls to Johannesburg and Kruger
• Mozambique: Combine eastern Zimbabwe with Beira or Vilankulo for beach extensions
• Namibia: Add a self-drive loop from Caprivi Strip or link via Botswana

Browse our additional travel guides to round out your regional journey.

Botswana Safari Adventures | Zambia’s Natural Wonders | South Africa’s Wild & Urban Escapes | Namibia Dunes & Desert Journeys

Final Planning Checklist for Zimbabwe

• Confirm visas (many nationalities require eVisa or visa on arrival)
• Reserve park permits and safari lodges in advance — Hwange and Mana fill up in dry season
• Book charter flights or long transfers early
• Download Zimbabwe offline maps and translation tools
• Bring USD cash — ATMs may be unreliable in rural areas
• Pack layers for safari (mornings are cold, afternoons hot)
• Prepare for road travel delays — keep snacks, water, and fuel
• Review tipping guidelines and cultural basics
• Back up travel docs and itinerary digitally

Ready to explore Zimbabwe’s legendary landscapes and ancient heartlands? Visit our homepage for more travel guides, tour inspiration, and practical planning tools for your journey.

States and Territories of Zimbabwe

Bulawayo Metropolitan Province | Harare Metropolitan Province | Manicaland Province | Mashonaland Central Province | Mashonaland East Province | Mashonaland West Province | Masvingo Province | Matabeleland North Province | Matabeleland South Province | Midlands Province