What to See in Zimbabwe for First Time Travelers?
Zimbabwe has long been a favorite destination for African safari enthusiasts, nature and adventure lovers. So, what makes this country so fascinating?
Hwange National Park is famed for big game territory and is home to the Big Five (elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions and leopards) as well as many other animals and birds, including giraffes, crocodiles, warthogs and more. This vast wilderness area of Kalahari sands, grasslands and teak forest is regarded as one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Zimbabwe.
Matobo National Park is located in the southern part of the country and is famous for black eagles, leopards, and black and white rhinos. At its heart is Matobo Hills, known for its unique geological formations of balancing boulders.
Victoria Falls is considered the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the whole of Africa, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is a great place to relax after a wildlife-packed safari. You can participate in some fun activities including white water river rafting and kayaking, the "Flight of Angels" helicopter over the falls, together with a relaxing sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.
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Matobo National Park
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Zimbabwe Safari
When is the Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe?
The climate of Zimbabwe is temperate and comfortable all year round due to its high altitude in a tropical zone, making it an ideal destination to visit at any time. But the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit when wildlife is easier to spot and game viewing is at its peak. Animals congregate around the rivers and man-made waterholes as the natural waterholes in the parks dry up during dry season. You can also have a much clear view and a good photo opportunity of the Victoria Falls from May to October, when the Zambezi River calms down.
Do I Need a Visa for Zimbabwe Tours?
Yes, all travelers to Zimbabwe for tourism, business, or transit need a visa. Visas are issued at the time of entry and vary in length according to the needs of the traveler. All travelers should obtain visas at the airports or other ports of entry as there is currently no option to obtain a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy in advance.
How to Get to and Travel around Zimbabwe?
Few airlines fly directly to Zimbabwe. Most people fly to Johannesburg of South Africa and then connect flights to Victoria Falls, Harare or Bulawayo on the same day. Most travelers choose to fly to Victoria Falls Airport, and then continue the trip from there by car or charter flights as limited domestic flights are scheduled within Zimbabwe. If you book a tour with an agency, your tour operator may arrange all further transportations for you as part of your tour package.
What is the Currency of Zimbabwe and the Best Way to Pay for Things?
Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) is the primary legal tender in Zimbabwe, but it is no longer the main form of currency due to its unstable economy. Please prepare low denominations of US dollars and South African rand. ATMs can be found in major cities but are less common in rural areas. There are also some bureau de change which can change foreign currency.
