Zimbabwe Travel Guide: A World Of Wonders!

Zimbabwe is generally a safe country to travel to however, occasional robberies do occur like in any other nation. Because of the poor economic conditions, some have turned to crime, and tourists can be targets. That being said, crime in Zimbabwe is probably some of the lowest on the African continent. Use your common sense while traveling; stay alert, avoid large gatherings, or demonstrations, and don't travel alone after sunset and you should have a trouble-free and safe trip in Zimbabwe. I was a volunteer in Zimbabwe and I felt safe the entire time

Almost all foreign nationals require a visa to travel to Zimbabwe. With the new visa regime, all countries are grouped into three categories (A, B, and C). A few countries don't need a visa (A), some have to apply for a visa before traveling to Zimbabwe (C), others don't and can obtain a visa on arrival (B). Most countries, like the US, UK, and several EU-countries belong to category B. Because these visa regulations are subject to change, always check the Official Government of Zimbabwe eVisa Website, the official place to apply for an online visa, and to check the category your country belongs to. Visas can also be obtained at the Zimbabwean Embassy or Consulate in or near your country. The fees for a visa vary and depend on the applicant's nationality.

Top Tip: Zambia and Zimbabwe offer a universal visa, the KAZA Visa valid for both countries for visits up to 30 days (including trips to Chobe NP in Botswana) and you can cross borders between ZAM and ZIM (for example to visit Vic Falls at both sides) as much as you like for the same price as a single entry visa. Not all countries are eligible, but most countries of America, Europe, and North Asia can apply for this visa.

Zimbabwe is a poor country and suffered from a collapsed economy. You can support the local economy and individuals by choosing a responsible, reputable local tour operator, local guides, and stay at locally owned eco-hotels or homestays. Use eco-friendly products and try to avoid single-use plastics as recycling isn't a priority in Zim.

Trophy hunting and canned hunting are sadly a big issue in Zimbabwe. The issue went viral when Cecil the lion got killed by a trophy hunter from the US. Don't participate in canned hunting or related unethical activities, such as walking and cuddling with lions that are part of a captive breeding project. Habituating wild animals for tourism is unethical. Please reconsider taking part in these activities.

On game drives, please don't ask your guide to leave the trails to get closer to wildlife as it will distress the animals. How would you feel when a stranger walks into your house because he's curious to see how you live? Also, think before you take a photo of local Zimbabwean as we sometimes forget that our trip to a foreign country is the home and reality of the locals. Ask permission, let them see the photo, and maybe even ask if they want a copy.

Zimbabwe does take part in conservation initiatives. It is part of two transfrontier conservation areas: the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (or Ivory Route), a corridor for Elephants to move across country borders, and the Great Limpopo TransFrontier Park.

Don't volunteer in orphanages and don't visit schools when the children are still present, as it is disruptive for the children's education. If you really want to make an impact, ask if the school requires items and donate them to the teacher.

Required vaccinations depend on what you will be doing in Zimbabwe, which places you will be visiting, and how long you will stay. However, most travelers to Zimbabwe require Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Other recommended vaccines are TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Hepatitis B (if you're staying 3+ months), Rabies, and Cholera declaration ('not indicated'). Malaria is present in certain areas of Zimbabwe at certain times of the year. Consult a travel clinic to discuss antimalarials, unless you are only staying in Harare or Bulawayo. Note that Bilharzia is present in some lakes. Ask locally before swimming. Yellow Fever is not prevalent, but if you have been or are going to be in transit in a Yellow Fever area for more than 12 hours, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Zimbabwe has 16 official spoken languages. The three main languages spoken are English, Ndebele, and Shona of which Shona is the most widely spoken language. Most Zimbabweans speak English quite well, even children and older people. There are also numerous but minor tribal dialects.