🇿🇼 Travel eSIM plans for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers a mix of adventure and tranquillity. Start with a self-drive safari in Hwange National Park, where you can see elephants and lions from your own vehicle. For a gentler pace, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River above Victoria Falls. You will likely see hippos and crocodiles from a safe distance.

In the eastern highlands, the Nyanga area provides excellent hiking trails and cool air. The city of Bulawayo has a well-preserved colonial centre and the Natural History Museum. For a cultural experience, visit a rural village near Masvingo to learn about Shona traditions. Always book activities through registered tour operators and carry cash, as card payments are not widely accepted outside major hotels and lodges.

Victoria Falls - The Zambezi River plunges into a narrow gorge. The view from the Zimbabwe side is the most dramatic. You can walk the main path for multiple viewpoints or take a helicopter ride for a full panorama.

Hwange National Park - This is the largest game reserve in the country. It has a high density of elephants, buffalo, and wild dogs. Dry-season game viewing from June to October is excellent.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins - A UNESCO World Heritage site near Masvingo. The stone structures date from the 11th to 15th centuries. Allow at least two hours to explore the hilltop and valley areas.

Eastern Highlands - Mountain scenery with waterfalls, forests, and trout fishing. The town of Nyanga has a golf course and several walking trails.

Manapools National Park - Located along the Zambezi River. Known for walking safaris and canoe trips. Access is limited to organised tours.

Sadza - The staple maize meal porridge, often served with a relish of tomatoes and onions. It appears at most meals and is filling.

Biltong - Dried, cured meat similar to jerky. It is made from beef or game such as kudu. You can buy it at supermarkets and roadside stalls.

Boerewors - A South African-style sausage that is popular in Zimbabwe. It is grilled over coals and sold at braai (barbecue) events and casual restaurants.

Mopani worms - A seasonal snack harvested from mopani trees. They are dried or fried and taste like smoky nuts. They are high in protein and sold by street vendors.

Kapenta - Small, dried fish from Lake Kariba. They are often rehydrated and cooked with tomatoes and onions. Eat them with sadza for a traditional meal.

Zimbabwe has a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The dry months are best for wildlife viewing because animals gather around water sources. June to August is the peak period for Victoria Falls, when the spray is dramatic but the water volume is lower.

If you want to see the falls at full force, visit in February or March. The wet season brings lush landscapes but also heavy afternoon rain. Roads in remote areas can become muddy and difficult. The eastern highlands are most pleasant from April to September, when temperatures are cooler. Avoid November and December if you dislike heat; low-altitude areas can exceed 38°C.

Clothing - Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection. A fleece or jacket is necessary for cool mornings and evenings, especially from June to August. Include a swimsuit for lodge pools and the Zambezi.

Footwear - Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for game drives and hikes. Sandals are fine for camp evenings but not for walking in long grass.

Health and safety - Insect repellent containing DEET, antimalarial tablets, and a basic first-aid kit. Sunscreen with SPF 50 is essential.

Practical items - A reusable water bottle with a filter, a headlamp for power cuts, and a power bank for charging devices. Carry small-denomination US dollars, as local ATMs are unreliable.