Zimbabwe

Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe

The Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its best. At this time Victoria Falls is most remarkable and wildlife viewing is superb as animals assemble around the rivers and waterholes.

• Cool drying time: May – August
• Hot dry season: September – mid-November
• Rainy season / Emerald Season: Mid November – April

The hot dry season (September–mid-November) brings temperatures around 104°F during the day and high humidity. If you do not mind the heat, this is a great time for Zimbabwe Safari Holidays. The animals gather around the remaining watering holes, and the grass is dried up and trampled down so that you have particularly good visibility.

The rainfall of the Emerald season (Mid November – April) brings a refreshing cooling effect for humans and wildlife alike. Temperatures vary between 77°F and 85°F during the day and remain pleasant even at night. The country’s foliage flourishes, which has a very special charm. The emerald season is the best time for bird watching.

With temperatures ranging from warm to hot, there’s really never a bad time to do a Zimbabwe Safari, but if you want to avoid afternoon rain showers, spot animals easily, and stay away from occasionally uncomfortable humidity, then the best time is during the dry winter season from April through October. If you travel in the wet summer season from November through March, you may find lower rates, but you will also discover that it might be harder to spot wildlife and the weather isn’t always on your side.

Get the Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe for climate charts on the best wildlife-viewing times.

Flights & Getting To & Around Zimbabwe

There’s so much to see in Zimbabwe that you’ll possibly want to visit a number of Zimbabwe National Parks and cities to get the most out of your trip. From the instant you reach at Zimbabwe, our Tour guides will be there to welcome you. Also we ensure the transfers from airport to camp, camp to camp, and back to your departure point, mainly the Airport.

There are a number of flights connecting Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Hwange and other Zimbabwe Destinations. There are some budget options as well as more upmarket airlines, so air travel doesn’t have to break the bank.

Scheduled Flights

Daily scheduled Zimbabwe Flights connect neighbouring countries with Zimbabwe. Domestic flights connect Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and other Destinations in Zimbabwe.

Shuttle/Charter Flight

Charter flights are operated on a private basis and are an efficient way of travelling between the major tourist areas of Victoria Falls, Hwange, Masvingo and Kariba.

The 3 Biggest Zimbabwe Airports Include….

What To Pack For Zimbabwe Safari

You’ve waited months for your Zimbabwe Safari to finally come around. And now you have to decide What To Pack For Zimbabwe Safari. Falcon Safaris is here to help.

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable for Zimbabwe throughout the year. For your Zimbabwe Tours & Safaris, pack lightweight clothing in light, neutral colours. Include a fleece or warm jacket in your suitcase for evening game drives as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

It’s hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, silk, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry. If you are going on safari, neutral colours such as khaki or stone are advisable. It is also worth being aware that it is illegal to have army/combat type clothing or print. A wide-brimmed safari hat is really useful at any time of year, as even the winter sun is hot. Wear plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses, and don’t forget your insect/mosquito repellent. Long pants and long-sleeved tops are best, to protect you from the harsh sun by day and mosquitoes at night. There is a very relaxed dress code in restaurants – shorts or pants are acceptable for men and women, even at the smart Zimbabwe Hotel.

Visa & Passport Requirements For Zimbabwe

All travellers need a Zimbabwe Visa for entry in to this country. Visas are issued on arrival (VOA) at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the need of the traveller. All travellers must obtain visas at the port of entry as currently there is not an option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwe Embassy.

All visitors to Zimbabwe need to present a valid passport, return transportation ticket, sufficient funds and at least three blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.

Applicants for a Visa To Zimbabwe require the following items: a passport, return flight, and proof of funds to enter. Visas can last anywhere from 30 days to a year. Each one of these items have specific requirements that must be met.

The introduction of the visa regime of Zimbabwe have grouped all countries in three categories - countries whose nationals do not require visa's, countries whose nationals are granted visa's at the port of entry on payment of the requisite visa fees, and countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain their visa's before travel.

If you are visiting Zimbabwe, your passport should be valid for a minimum six months from the date of your arrival and have three blank pages left in it to allow you to enter Zimbabwe and exit via one of the neighbouring countries.

Zimbabwe Wildlife

The Official National Animal of Zimbabwe is Sable Antelope. Antelopes are among some of the most crowded Zimbabwe Wildlife species. Also, there are a large number of animals all year round – elephant, buffalo, sable, roan, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and even gemsbok – are followed by their predators: lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah, along with African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and spotted hyaena.

Embark on Best Safaris In Zimbabwe of a lifetime and witness Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife in its natural habitat. You can find a complete list of Zimbabwe Animals. We currently track 230 animals in Zimbabwe and are adding more every day!

The list of animals in Zimbabwe is extensive, including carnivorous creatures like the African Wild Dog, lion, and Wildebeest, and herbivores like the elephant and giraffe. Zimbabwe is host to over 350 species of mammals, over 500 bird species, and 131 species of fish.

The beautiful sable antelope is a Hwange special as well as brown hyena, bat-eared fox and springhare, which inhabit the Kalahari sands of the region. Zimbabwe is a good destination to see the endangered wild dog, and the nocturnal honey badger has become quite habituated in some of the parks and can sometimes be spotted around camps and campsites at night.

Is Zimbabwe Safe?

Is Zimbabwe Safe? Yes, Zimbabwe is a very safe country for travellers. Zimbabweans are very welcoming and friendly to foreigners. Not only are the local people welcoming, the expert guides that you can hire will help you to feel safe and secure while you are travelling around.

Safety Tips To Remember In Zimbabwe

• Do not try and cross roadblocks even if they look unattended.
• Always follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Make sure that your personal belongings are secure at all times, especially in crowded places. Keep your passport in a secure location and carry a photocopy.
• Avoid areas where demonstrations happen. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent quickly. They can also lead traffic congestion.
• Always keep a safe distance when observing wildlife. Listen to your guide when it safe to move when sighting animals.
• Avoid swimming in rivers and lakes due to wildlife and waterborne diseases.

When you’re on Zimbabwe Safari, be aware that you’re in a park or reserve surrounded by wild animals which should always be treated with caution. Never try to feed animals and be careful when you’re around monkeys or baboons as they can try and steal food from you and get aggressive. When driving yourself around parks, keep a safe distance from animals and never leave your vehicle except in designated areas.

If you go on a walking or canoeing safari, make sure that your guide is accredited and follow their instructions at all times – if you encounter an aggressive animal such as a hippo or buffalo, you need to follow your guide’s direction to stay safe.

For latest updates, safety, health & local laws follow the below about Zimbabwe Safety.

Zimbabwe Currency

If you are an international visitor to Zimbabwe and only here for a short while, then you want to think in US Dollars or a foreign currency equivalent. You do not want to get involved with exchanging your forex into the local currency as you can easily get taken for a ride, it is too complicated.

The official Zimbabwe Currency is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) although it is not an internationally recognized currency. This currency is in the form of *Bond Notes and **RTGS (real time gross settlement). However, the Economy Of The Country Is Pegged In US Dollars, so essentially the US Dollar is the dominant currency. If you are a visitor to Zimbabwe you want to think in US Dollars only.

• Zimbabwe Bond Notes*- These are the physical cash notes. They are not a currency in themselves but are just a banknote for ease of transactions. However, there are not enough of these in circulation and the denominations are too small to be useful. These notes have no value outside of Zimbabwe.
• RTGS** (Real Time Gross Settlement)- This is the electronic form of the Zimbabwe Dollar. RTGS is transferred from one local bank account to another local bank account to make a payment. RTGS cannot be transferred to a bank account outside the country. RTGS can be used to purchase US$ but not that easily. You have to have a Zimbabwe bank account to receive RTGS.

From US dollars to Zimbabwean bond notes, our currency options make your Zimbabwe Tours budget a breeze.

Zimbabwe Culture

There are many cultures widespread in Zimbabwe. The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe is the Shona. Zimbabwe Culture is signified by its trade in carving, pottery, basketry, jewelry, and textiles and are some of the oldest preserved arts of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s culture is extremely diverse as a result of the many indigenous groups which call the country home. While Shona is the largest ethnic group with the predominant hold in many areas, there are several other groups which have influenced the Zimbabwe of today.

Authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government, but it’s not worth upsetting anyone for a memory so be careful about what you’re snapping. It is also interesting to note that homosexuality is illegal and dressing provocatively is one sign of that so better to dress modestly.

Traditional art in Zimbabwe is made up of several different skills, including weaving, pottery, sewing, and carving. The Shona people are renowned for their ornate wooden carvings of idols and ancient gods, while the Ndebele are known for their colorful textiles and hand-painted materials.

Music is also a large part of the Zimbabwean culture. While many of the indigenous beats have been neutralized by international styles like rock and pop, the country retains some of its traditional music. The mbira, or thumb piano, is a common instrument and the sungura is a popular local style of music.

Experience the vibrant rhythms and traditions via Zimbabwe Tourism, from music and dance to cuisine and art on your Trip To Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Travel Insurance

You should get comprehensive Zimbabwe Travel Insurance that includes coverage for any activities that you plan to do, such as white-water rafting or hiking. Make sure that your medical insurance covers you for emergency medical evacuation. This is one of the top most Zimbabwe Travel Requirements to find out.

If you rent a car, it’s advisable to get comprehensive car insurance to cover yourself for any damage to the vehicle.

As standard, we’ll cover things like hiking, horse riding & Safaris, but our additional extreme sports cover will cover you for even more adventure; like rock climbing, quad biking, sky diving and more!

We also offer a range of benefits, some of which include:

• Medical expenses and hospital benefit
• Personal accident and liability
• Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
• Abandoning your trip
• Delayed departure
• Accommodation cover
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Personal money, passport and travel documents
• Legal expenses

While you are booking Zimbabwe Travel Packages, it is important to note that travel insurance is typically not included in the package price.

Zimbabwe Safari Cost

How much does it cost to go on a safari in Zimbabwe? What is the Zimbabwe Safari Cost? Whether you want to stay on the edge of Victoria Falls or in the heart of Hwange, depending on your accommodation, time of travel and trip length, a Safari In Zimbabwe will cost you anywhere from US $500 to $7K.

• A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $40.
• Entrance fees for national parks range from US$10 to US$30 per person per day depending on the park.
• With so many activities on offer throughout Zimbabwe, there’s no average price. In Victoria Falls, activity rates range from $20 for a guided tour of the falls to US$190 for a full day of white-water rafting and river boarding. Canoeing safaris cost from US$170 per person per night, while hiring a guide in Mana Pools National Park costs US$25 per day.
• Most of your Zimbabwe Safari Activities at camps and lodges will be included in the price of your safari. We create bespoke safari packages to meet your budget.