Question 1

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

The dry season from May to October is the prime safari window — wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi, Lake Kariba and Hwange's pumped waterholes, and skies are clear. June to August are cool and crisp; September and October are hot but produce extraordinary game viewing. Victoria Falls is at peak flow from March to May (spectacular but very misty), and at its lowest from October to December (best for swimming at Devil's Pool and seeing the basalt geology). The green season (November to April) brings dramatic skies, newborn animals and excellent birding, with some camps closed in February and March.

Question 2

How many days do I need for a Zimbabwe safari?

Accepted Answer

A classic 7–10 day trip combines Victoria Falls (2–3 nights), Hwange National Park (3 nights) and Mana Pools (3 nights). For a deeper experience add Matusadona on Lake Kariba or Gonarezhou in the south for a 12–14 day itinerary. Most travellers fly between camps on light aircraft as road transfers are long.

Question 3

Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Most Western visitors (UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia) can buy a visa on arrival at Victoria Falls, Harare or Bulawayo airports — single entry USD 30, double entry USD 45. The KAZA UniVisa (USD 50) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days and allows day trips into Botswana via Kazungula — ideal if you're visiting Vic Falls from both sides. Carry crisp USD bills as old or torn notes are sometimes refused.

Question 4

What currency is used in Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

US dollars are the working tourist currency and are accepted everywhere — lodges, restaurants, park fees and most shops quote in USD. The local ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) is used for some local transactions but tourists rarely need it. Bring small denominations (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) as change is often scarce. Cards are accepted at major lodges and Vic Falls hotels but cash is essential elsewhere.

Question 5

Is Zimbabwe safe for travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — tourist areas in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba) are safe and well-managed, and Zimbabweans are widely regarded as among the warmest hosts in Africa. Standard precautions apply in Harare and Bulawayo (avoid walking at night, keep valuables out of sight). Wildlife and road safety on long transfers are bigger considerations than crime.

Question 6

Why are Zimbabwe's safari guides so highly regarded?

Accepted Answer

Zimbabwe's professional guide qualification is widely considered the most rigorous in Africa — a multi-year apprenticeship culminating in tracking, firearms and ecology examinations. The result is exceptional walking safaris in places like Mana Pools, where you can approach elephant on foot with a licensed guide, and a depth of bush knowledge that elevates every game drive.

Question 7

Can you walk on safari in Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Zimbabwe is one of the best places in Africa for walking safaris. Mana Pools is world-famous for it: you can walk among elephant, buffalo and lion with a licensed Pro Guide. Hwange and Matusadona also offer excellent guided walks. Walking safaris are typically dawn or late afternoon and last 2–4 hours.

Question 8

What is the Great Migration of Hwange?

Accepted Answer

Hwange is famous not for a migration but for one of Africa's largest concentrations of elephant — around 45,000 — that gather at man-made waterholes throughout the dry season (June to October). Lion sightings are excellent, with several well-known prides. The park has no perimeter fence and connects to Botswana's Chobe via wildlife corridors.

Question 9

Is Zimbabwe a malaria area?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most of Zimbabwe's safari areas (Zambezi Valley, Hwange, Lake Kariba, Gonarezhou) are malaria zones, particularly in the wet season. Speak to a travel doctor about prophylactics (commonly Malarone or doxycycline). Use DEET-based repellent, sleep under treated mosquito nets (provided in all camps), and cover up at dawn and dusk. The high-altitude Eastern Highlands are largely malaria-free.

Question 10

Should I see Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?

Accepted Answer

Both sides offer different perspectives. The Zimbabwe side has roughly 75% of the falls' frontage and the most iconic panoramic views from a series of viewpoints in the rainforest — best for first-time visitors. The Zambia side (Livingstone) gets you closer to the edge, including Devil's Pool when water is low (mid-August to early January). The KAZA UniVisa lets you cross the bridge on foot to see both in a day.

Question 11

How do I get to Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Most international visitors fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) — direct from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and seasonally Doha. Harare Airport (HRE) handles long-haul connections via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha and Dubai. Light aircraft connect Vic Falls to Hwange, Mana Pools, Kariba and Bulawayo for safari circuits.

Question 12

Can I combine Zimbabwe with Botswana or Zambia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Zimbabwe combines beautifully with Chobe (Botswana, 1.5 hours from Vic Falls) and the Okavango Delta. The KAZA UniVisa makes Vic Falls + Livingstone (Zambia) + Chobe (Botswana) day trips effortless. Many itineraries pair Hwange or Mana Pools with the Okavango Delta for a complete southern Africa safari.

Question 13

How do I book a Zimbabwe safari through SafariStays?

Accepted Answer

Zimbabwe camps and lodges are enquiry-only on SafariStays at launch — submit an enquiry and our team responds within 24 hours with availability, a tailored quote, and suggested combinations across Vic Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and beyond. We work directly with the camps and arrange all internal flights, transfers and park fees.

Question 14

Are SafariStays prices the same as booking direct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SafariStays passes through camp rates with no markup. You pay the same rate as direct, with the benefit of a single trusted point of contact, multi-camp itinerary planning, and combinations with Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania or Zambia.

Question 15

Are park fees included in the rates?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the camp. Most fly-in safari camps include park fees, conservation levies, all meals, drinks (excluding premium imports) and twice-daily game activities. Town hotels in Vic Falls and Harare typically quote room-only or B&B with activities and park fees extra. We'll always confirm exactly what's included in your quote.

Zimbabwe Travel FAQ

Planning Your Trip