Zimbabwe is a land where myths and legends echo through stone ruins, where lions roam beneath acacia trees, and where one of the greatest waterfalls on Earth sends mist dancing into the sky. Whether you’re chasing wildlife in Hwange, drifting on a houseboat on Lake Kariba, or exploring the UNESCO-listed ruins of Great Zimbabwe, this Southern African country offers raw adventure and deep cultural soul.
Here’s your complete guide to traveling through Zimbabwe—with tips, must-sees, and a few hidden gems to spark your wanderlust.
✈️ Getting There & Around
You’ll likely land at Harare International Airport or Victoria Falls Airport, depending on your entry point. If you’re flying in from Johannesburg, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa, connections are smooth and frequent.
Once inside the country, distances can be long and infrastructure patchy—but that’s part of the charm. Buses run between cities, but if you’re up for a real journey, renting a 4WD lets you reach off-the-grid spots. (👉 [Compare car rental prices in Zimbabwe])
🌍 Highlights of Zimbabwe
🌊 Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders
One of the most epic natural sights on Earth. Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya—and once you feel the spray on your face from across the gorge, you’ll understand why. Go beyond the viewpoints and:
- Take a helicopter flight over the falls
- Brave the Zambezi white-water rapids
- Sip sundowners on a sunset cruise
👉 [Book a Victoria Falls tour]
👉 [Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge]
🐘 Hwange National Park: Safari Without the Crowds
Zimbabwe’s largest national park feels like Africa before mass tourism. You might see a lion pride with no other vehicle in sight.
- Huge elephant herds (particularly in dry season)
- Night drives & walking safaris
- Rustic bush camps and eco-luxury lodges
👉 [Find a lodge in Hwange]
👉 [Safari packages from Victoria Falls]
🏛️ Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Stones of a Lost Civilization
These 800-year-old stone structures once housed kings and traders, long before colonists set foot here. A place of spiritual power and pan-African pride, it’s hauntingly beautiful at dawn.
- Visit with a local guide
- Climb to the Hill Complex
- Learn about the Shona heritage
👉 [Tours from Masvingo]
🧗♀️ Matobo Hills: Where Rocks Tell Stories
Known for its gravity-defying granite boulders, Matobo is also one of Zimbabwe’s spiritual centers. You’ll find ancient San rock art, dramatic vistas, and—you guessed it—white rhinos.
- Rhino tracking on foot
- Visit Cecil Rhodes’ grave (controversial, but historic)
- Discover hidden caves with centuries-old paintings
👉 [Matobo day trip]
👉 [Stay at Amalinda Lodge]
🚤 Lake Kariba: Africa’s Inland Sea
Imagine drifting for days on a houseboat, hippos grunting nearby, sunsets splashing gold across the horizon. That’s Lake Kariba.
- Houseboat safaris
- Fishing trips (tigerfish are a thrill!)
- Birdwatching and island stops
👉 [Book a houseboat cruise]
🏞️ Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Zimbabwe
- Gonarezhou National Park: Rugged and remote. Fewer tourists, more elephants.
- Eastern Highlands: Misty trails, waterfalls, and cool mountain air around Nyanga and Chimanimani.
- Binga: On the edge of Lake Kariba, with hot springs and a slow, soulful pace.
🍛 Taste of Zimbabwe
Food is simple and hearty. Don’t leave without trying:
- Sadza – maize porridge served with meat or greens
- Nyama choma – grilled meat, usually served with a kick of chili
- Kapenta – tiny dried fish from Kariba
- Mapopo candy – papaya-based sweet treat
Bottled water is a must, and Zambezi Lager is the local brew of choice.
💡 Travel Tips
- Currency: Bring USD in small denominations—most places prefer it over the local dollar.
- Connectivity: Patchy in rural areas. Buy a local SIM (Econet or NetOne).
- Safety: Zimbabwe is relatively safe, but avoid political gatherings.
- Power cuts are common—bring a torch or power bank.
📸 Moments You’ll Want to Capture
- A rainbow arching over Victoria Falls
- Your shadow among the stone walls of Great Zimbabwe
- A lion at golden hour in Hwange
- Traditional dancers in Mbare, Harare’s oldest township
- A blood-red sunset on Lake Kariba
💭 Final Thoughts
Zimbabwe is not a destination for the checklist traveler—it’s for those who lean into uncertainty, who want their safari with soul, their landscapes raw, and their history carved in stone.
It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.