Welcome to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country of wonder … a place where your wildest dreams can come true. Let your jaw drop at the power of majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Bungee jump over the Zambezi River. Spot the Big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo) in national parks. Meet with the local Ngamo people outside Hwange National Park and learn about their rich culture and traditions.

In Mana Pools National Park, sit in wait of the large herds of elephants that come to the water’s edge. It’s worth noting that in Zimbabwe, your safari will feel like an exclusive experience – the country focuses on quality versus quantity when it comes to tourists, so you’ll share the parks with only a few other people.

Zimbabweans are among the friendliest, most welcoming hosts in the world, making your travels incredibly gratifying and memorable.

Unique Facts

• There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe: Khami Ruins, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and Matobo Hills. Try to visit all of them!
• Zimbabwe is home to the four-largest museum in sub-Saharan Africa, the Museum of Natural History in Bulawayo. It’s worth a visit for its impressive artifacts and insightful history about the natives and settlers who colonized the country.
• Zimbabwe is also home to the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The buildings, believed to be from the 16^th and 17^th centuries, cover 1,800 acres.
• Keep an eye out for a local musician to be playing the mbira, or thumb piano. It has been played in the country for more than 1,000 years!

Language

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages (the most of any country). Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken.

When To Go

The best time to go to Zimbabwe is during the dry season, from April through October. The summer months, between November and March, are the hottest and wettest.

Airports

Harare International Airport, Harare
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Bulawayo
Victoria Falls Airport
Charles Prince Airport, Harare

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Zimbabwe: Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types D and G. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Zimbabwean Dollar

Getting Around

Metered taxi service is available for inner city travel. Minibuses are also available, but are quite crowded.

Most major car rental companies have a presence at the international and regional airports.

Domestic flights connect Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Hwange and other popular Zimbabwean destinations.

Rail service is available between Bulawayo, Victoria Falls Labatse, Harare Chiredzi, Mutare and Plumtree. First-, second- and economy class are available. Most of the trains are sleepers.

Express and local buses run throughout the country. Express buses maintain a set timetable, while local buses leave when they are full.

There is car and passenger ferry service between Kariba and Victoria Falls.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin required. International driving permit recommended.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Harare Zimbabwe
2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +(263) 867-701-1000
Emergency:+(263) 867-701-1000
Fax:+(263) 24-233-4320
consularharare@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Zimbabwe Tourism Office
Tourism House
55 Samora Machel Avenue
Harare
Tel: 263-242-758712/4
Info@ztazim.co.zw

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 995
Ambulance: 994
Fire: 993

Safety and Security

Use caution in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants and major shopping and tourist areas. The downtown area of Harare is a particularly high-crime area.