Zimbabwe packs an extraordinary range into one country: one of the world's great waterfalls, some of Africa's best game viewing, a mountain region that feels nothing like the rest of the country, and the stone city that gave the nation its name. Here are the places to visit in Zimbabwe and what to know before you go.
Victoria Falls
The Falls are the country's most famous sight, where the Zambezi drops into a basalt gorge in a curtain of spray visible from far away. The volume changes dramatically through the year: the river peaks after the rains, when the spray can obscure the view and soak you completely, and drops in the dry months, when more of the rock face is exposed and the view is clearer.
The town supports a large adventure industry — rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping at the bridge, helicopter flights, sunset cruises and walking safaris. It is also the easiest base in the country for a first-time visitor, with the widest choice of accommodation.
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of Africa's premier elephant destinations. Game viewing is exceptional in the dry season, when animals concentrate around waterholes and pumped pans, making sightings predictable in a way they are not when water is everywhere. Lion, buffalo, giraffe and large elephant herds are the draw, and the park offers everything from self-drive camping to high-end lodges.
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site on the Zambezi floodplain, famous for walking safaris and for the light through the albida forests. Mana is for travellers who want to be on foot or on the water rather than behind a windscreen. It is remote, access is seasonal, and parts of it close during the rains — plan well ahead.
Great Zimbabwe
The stone city near Masvingo is the country's most important heritage site and gave Zimbabwe its name. Built without mortar, the Great Enclosure's curved walls and the Hill Complex above them are the largest ancient stone structures in sub-Saharan Africa outside Egypt. Take a guide; the site rewards context, and the climb to the Hill Complex is worth it for the view alone.
The Eastern Highlands
Nyanga, Vumba and Chimanimani form a green, cool, mountainous region along the Mozambican border — pine forests, waterfalls, trout streams and hiking. Nyangani is the country's highest peak. It is the classic domestic escape for a long weekend, and the temperature difference from the lowveld is dramatic, so pack warm clothes.
Matobo Hills
South of Bulawayo, the balancing granite kopjes of Matobo are a World Heritage site with a remarkable concentration of San rock art, a strong white rhino population and Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View. It is one of the best places in the country for rhino tracking on foot.
Lake Kariba
One of the world's largest man-made lakes, known for houseboats, tiger fishing, and sunsets over drowned trees. Matusadona National Park lies along the shore. Kariba is hot for much of the year and busiest over holidays — book well ahead for the August long weekend and December.
Gonarezhou National Park
In the south-east lowveld, Gonarezhou is wilder and far less visited than Hwange, and the red Chilojo Cliffs above the Runde River are among the most striking landscapes in the country. It suits self-sufficient travellers with proper vehicles.
The cities
- Harare — the capital, with the National Gallery, the botanical gardens, markets, a strong live music scene and the country's widest range of restaurants.
- Bulawayo — wide colonial-era streets, the Natural History Museum, the railway museum, and the gateway to Matobo.
- Mutare — the base for the Eastern Highlands, in a bowl of hills near the Mozambican border.
- Masvingo — the closest city to Great Zimbabwe and Lake Mutirikwi.
Planning notes
- Seasons. The dry winter months are cooler, drier and best for game viewing; the rains bring green landscapes, full rivers and more difficult roads. The hot months before the rains are demanding in the lowveld.
- Parks. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority manages the national parks and publishes entry and accommodation information at zimparks.org.zw. Book park accommodation early for peak periods.
- Driving. Distances are long and road conditions vary. Avoid night driving, carry water and a spare, and keep your vehicle documents accessible.
- Money. Bring a mix of US dollar denominations and expect uneven card acceptance outside major hotels — see our currency explainer.
- Health. Much of the country, including the Zambezi valley and lowveld, is a malaria area. Take medical advice before travelling and use repellent and nets.
- Documents. Check visa requirements for your nationality before you fly, and passport validity rules — our passport guide covers the Zimbabwean side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
The dry winter months suit game viewing and comfortable travel, while the months after the rains give the fullest Victoria Falls. Choose according to whether wildlife or the Falls is your priority.
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas are well established and used to visitors. Take the same precautions you would anywhere: avoid displaying valuables, do not walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use reputable operators.
How many days do I need?
A week covers Victoria Falls and one national park comfortably. Two weeks allows the Falls, Hwange and either Great Zimbabwe or the Eastern Highlands without rushing.
Can I self-drive in the national parks?
Yes in several parks, provided your vehicle is suitable and you are self-sufficient. Some parks are demanding and effectively require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive, particularly in and around the wet season.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
It depends on your nationality, and arrangements including visas on arrival vary. Confirm the current requirement with a Zimbabwean mission or official immigration source before travelling.
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