- Victoria Falls town is the gateway, with the best panoramic views of the falls
- British visitors can get a visa on arrival
- Hwange and Mana Pools offer some of Africa's finest guided safaris
- US dollars in small notes are essential
- Airports
- Victoria Falls (VFA), Harare (HRE), Bulawayo (BUQ)
- Flight time
- about 13h from London to Victoria Falls, usually with one stop in Johannesburg
- Best time to go
- June-October for safaris; March-May for Victoria Falls in full flow
- Currency
- US dollar (USD) and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Zimbabwe has some of the best safari guides in Africa, a qualification here is famously tough, and its parks have bounced back as visitor numbers have grown again. Victoria Falls is the obvious draw, and the Zimbabwean side gives the sweeping views along the length of the gorge. Beyond it lie the elephant herds of Hwange, the walking and canoeing of Mana Pools and the stone city of Great Zimbabwe, which gave the country its name.
Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one hour in summer. Cars drive on the left and sockets are mostly UK-style type G. Prices are high in the lodges but the experience is often excellent value against Botswana. This guide sits within our Africa section.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Victoria Falls, Harare and main land borders, paid in US dollars, or apply online in advance through Zimbabwe's eVisa system. The KAZA Univisa, covering Zimbabwe and Zambia, has been available at Victoria Falls when not suspended. Your passport needs at least six months' validity and blank pages. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The town of Victoria Falls is compact, safe and walkable, with the rainforest trail along the falls a short stroll from most hotels. Activities include helicopter flights, the bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, rafting, sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi and a high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Pair it with a trip to Zambia or Botswana, where Chobe is about 90 minutes' drive away.
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest park is known for big elephant herds, lion, wild dog and sable antelope. It is easy to reach by road or a short flight from Victoria Falls, and private concessions in the east offer excellent camps.
Mana Pools
A UNESCO-listed floodplain on the Zambezi where you can walk with guides among elephants under ana trees, and canoe past hippos. It is remote and seasonal, best from about May to October.
Lake Kariba and Matusadona
Houseboats on the vast man-made lake give sunsets over drowned trees, fishing and game viewing along the shoreline of Matusadona National Park.
Matobo and Great Zimbabwe
Near Bulawayo, Matobo National Park has granite kopjes, San rock art and good chances of tracking rhino on foot. In the south-east, the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe are the largest ancient stone structures south of the Sahara.
The Eastern Highlands
Nyanga, Bvumba and Chimanimani are cool, misty and green, with hiking, waterfalls and tea estates, a world away from the bush.
Best time to visit Zimbabwe
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May-August | Dry and mild, cold nights; great game viewing begins |
| September-October | Hot and dry, peak wildlife at waterholes; falls at lower flow |
| November-March | Rainy green season, lush and quiet, some camps closed |
| March-May | Victoria Falls in heavy flood, with huge spray clouds |
Hire or bring a light raincoat for the falls trail between February and July – you will get soaked.
Getting to Zimbabwe from the UK
There are no direct flights. The quickest route to Victoria Falls is usually Heathrow to Johannesburg overnight, then a two-hour hop with Airlink or another regional carrier, about 13 hours in total. Harare is served via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Dubai with Emirates. Victoria Falls also has links to Kasane, Maun and Windhoek.
Getting around
Light aircraft link Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba and Mana Pools and are the most efficient way to combine parks. Road transfers from Victoria Falls to Hwange take about two to three hours. Self-drive is possible but fuel availability, road conditions and police checkpoints mean it suits experienced drivers. In Victoria Falls town, walk or use hotel transfers and taxis.
Money and costs
The US dollar is used for most tourist spending, alongside the local ZiG currency introduced in 2024. Bring plenty of clean, recent US dollar notes in small denominations, since change is often short; cards work in many hotels and lodges but not everywhere. Safari camps typically run from about US$400-1,000 per person per night all-inclusive in high season. In Victoria Falls town, a mid-range stay with activities costs roughly £150-250 per person per day. Tipping guides and staff is expected.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas, especially Victoria Falls and the national parks, are generally safe for visitors. Avoid political gatherings and take normal precautions in cities.
How many days do I need at Victoria Falls?
Two nights is enough to see the falls and do one or two activities. Three gives time for a day trip to Chobe in Botswana.
What currency should I take to Zimbabwe?
Take US dollars in small notes. They are accepted almost everywhere tourists go, and it is hard to get change for large bills.
Do I need malaria tablets for Zimbabwe?
Antimalarials are usually advised for Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba and the Zambezi valley. Check with a travel clinic before travel.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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