Zimbabwe Tours & Safari Trips in 2026
Welcome to Zimbabwe!
Zimbabwe is coming into its own as a travel destination – take in views of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, and the ancient boulders of Motobo National Park.
Things to do and see
Experiences that define Zimbabwe
Roaring Victoria FallsHear Victoria Falls roar—towering spray, rainforest trails, and jaw-dropping viewpoints at this natural wonder.
Hwange NP safarisSafari Hwange National Park—huge elephant herds, wide plains, and classic wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe.
Mana Pools canoeingCanoe Mana Pools—Zambezi channels, hippos, and close-up wildlife in Zimbabwe’s UNESCO-listed wilderness.
Matobo Hills rhinosTrack rhinos in the Matobo Hills—granite boulders, ancient rock art, and unique Zimbabwe landscapes.
Harare marketsExplore Harare markets—craft stalls, local produce, and everyday culture in Zimbabwe’s capital.
Try sadza & braaiTry sadza and braai—Zimbabwean comfort food and grilled favourites for a true local meal.
Best time to travel
Victoria Falls & Wildlife
Victoria Falls & Wildlife
Most popular time
Dry, cooler months are May - October
Most budget-friendly
Rainy season is January - March
Favourite season
Most people like to visit during July - October
Culturally significant times
Visit in April for Independence Day cultural shows, music, and parades
Need to know
Zimbabwe at a glance
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (UTC +2)
Climate
Subtropical highland: warm rainy season and dry season
Currency
Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG)
Transportation
Kombis, taxis, ZUPCO buses
Local cuisine
Sadza (maize), meat, greens, papaya sweets, beef trotters
Languages Spoken
English, Shona, Ndebele
Because planning should feel exciting, not exhausting
Frequently asked questions
The weather in Zimbabwe is temperate to subtropical, and there are distinct wet and dry seasons here — running from mid-November to March and April to mid-November respectively. Temperatures tend to range from around 15 to 27°C (59 to 80.6°F), though during the cooler months of mid-May to mid-August, it can get even colder. Pack layers\!
The heaviest rainfall tends to occur in the months of December to March, when it can average around 160mm (6.30 inches) per month. Be warned that even though you’re in Southern Africa, the nights can get cold and even almost freezing at altitude. Be prepared\!
While there’s no bad time to visit Zimbabwe, the best time is generally during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period offers pleasant weather, fewer mosquitoes, and great wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources. June to August are cooler, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to do outdoor activities like hiking.
Tipping isn’t expected in Zimbabwe, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead.
You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation:
* CEO: USD $5-8 per person, per day
* Driver/Safari guide: USD $2-3 per person, per day
* Local guides: USD $2-3 per person, per day
Internet access in Zimbabwe has been steadily improving in recent years, and you’ll find fairly good internet in larger towns and cities like Harare and Bulawayo. However, in rural areas like game parks, expect it to be much slower and less reliable.
Yes — there are plenty of ATMs in Zimbabwe, particularly within towns and cities and tourist areas too. Most tend to accept Visa more than Mastercard, so plan accordingly, and check with your bank to find out whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas like game reserves, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.
In a word — no, Zimbabwe isn’t particularly LGBTQ+-friendly, and same-sex relations are technically illegal here. However, be discreet and you should run into no problems.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).
There are three main languages spoken in Zimbabwe — Shona, Ndebele, and English. Besides these, there are also a whole range of indigenous languages spoken here, including Xhosa, Tonga, and Ndau.
No, in a word, the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
Zimbabwe is generally safe, and most visits here are trouble-free. That being said, petty crime and violent crime does exist here, and you should be careful at night, particularly in towns and cities. Take a taxi. There’s also a risk of malaria, as well as wild animals in areas surrounding Victoria Falls.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).
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