Rough Guide to Travel in Zimbabwe

Published: 4 August 2023

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Visa Requirements

Depending on your country, you should sort out a visa in Zimbabwe. Can you scope the specifics with your homeland’s Zimbabwean embassy or consulate? They’ll clue you in on the ins and outs of the visa information.

Before you leave your homeland to Zimbabwe, it’s essential to consider your health and vaccinations. It would be best to visit a travel clinic or your regular doctor. They will ensure you get all the vaccinations you need and check your health to ensure you’re okay. It would be best if you didn’t forget the risk of malaria in some places you might visit. Malaria is a severe illness, so it’s better to be safe. You should get some medicine to protect yourself from malaria before you go. This will help keep you healthy during your travels.


The Tourist Visa is like your main character; your stay is short and enjoyable. It’s like a window that lets you quickly see Zimbabwe’s fantastic beauty. The Transit Visa is like a little break for you when you’re in between flights. It’s like a quick pit stop that helps you relax during your global journey.

Visa-Free

When you travel internationally, some people of specific nationalities are given the unique privilege of entering Zimbabwe without a visa. This exemption from bureaucratic requirements is subject to variable time limits and is not permanent. According to a review of passport records, the government routinely grants residents of nearby nations and other individuals freedom of movement.

Visa On Arrival

As you journey in Zimbabwe, you might arrive at one of its beautiful harbours. You might feel excited but nervous as you prepare to deal with some official stuff. You’ll need to fill out a visa application form, it’s like a blank piece of paper where you write down your plans. While waiting, you’ll hear money changing hands and people talking in the background. Then, like magic, a visa appears right in front of you. It’s because you’ve paid the required fee.

The whole process of getting a Visa on Arrival turns into an exciting story. It’s like a mix of different things because you use a pen and paper. Your dreams and plans become a real things you can hold in your hand. It’s pretty amazing!

Electronic Visas

These days, Zimbabwe gives you a chance to get an electronic visa. If you’re from a country that qualifies, you can go to their website and apply for this special e-visa. It’s pretty straightforward; just a few clicks, and you’ll be on your way. It’s like technology and travel coming together for an incredible adventure.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa is like a window for those on short visits. If you’re a business-minded person, the Business Visa is your ally. For travellers in transit, there’s the Transit Visa. It is a quick pit stop during your global journey, providing a brief respite. It’s there when you need a short break in your travels. The protagonist for those whose stay is temporary. This visa is a limited amount of time according to your stay.

It also remains vigilant and provides various opportunities to cross borders if you want to attend conferences, conclaves, and other matters of commercial relevance.

Work Visa

The Work Visa takes centre stage professionally. It caters to the desire to contribute your skills to Zimbabwe’s workforce. There’s the Volunteer Visa with charitable inclinations, and it can be akin to a covert superhero’s cloak.

The Student Visa, a parchment of potential, unfurls its wings for those beckoned by Zimbabwe’s halls of wisdom. For the seekers of economic enclaves, the Work Visa extends its criteria, usually entailing the sponsorship of a resident employer. The Volunteer Visa emerges as the unsung hero, permitting you to enter for those nurturing the soul of altruism within Zimbabwe’s embrace.

Residence Permit

To obtain a residence permit in Zimbabwe, you’ll need to follow the specific requirements and procedures outlined by the Zimbabwean government. I can provide some general guidance since my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021.

I still recommend checking the latest news from the Zimbabwean government or contacting the Zimbabwean Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate instructions. Some moments surpass fleeting existence during the ups and downs of one’s journey in Zimbabwe. For those with a firm resolve, obtaining a Residence Permit opens the door to fully embracing the Zimbabwean way of life.

Diplomatic Dalliances

Issuing diplomatic and official visas is like a symphony in the halls of international relations. The diplomats and ambassadors travelling the world in the name of diplomacy are allowed to do this due to these scrolls, which are only given to envoys of nations and heralds of management.

Languages

There is nothing to worry about. Sindebele, Shona, and English are all fair game in this situation. English is your golden ticket if you plan to visit famous cities or areas where tourists congregate. The key is safety, my friend. Zimbabwe is a hub for street smarts, even if it isn’t a no-go area. You can play by the local rules, keep an eye on the situation, and always be alert.

Weather Condition

You are in Zimbabwe, which has a beautiful subtropical climate. You experience summers (November to March) that give you inviting warmth and intermittent showers.

The winters (May to August) impose upon you extraordinarily arid conditions. The eastern highlands welcome An even better downpour, leading to beautiful landscapes that grab your senses. While you’re here, the rest of this nation enjoys days filled with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Zimbabwe is now in a subtropical rhythm. The seasons vary between chilly, dry winters (May to August) and burning, wet summers (November to April). Please pack wisely because each region has its dilemma. You now have your Zimbabwean adventure, filled with surprises and ready for confusion.

Money and banks

Cards, both credit and debit

Visitors must prepare for the possibility that their debit and credit cards won’t work. The best action is to rule out credit cards as a feasible alternative. Zimbabwe is mainly a cash-based society. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted as credit or debit cards in formal institutions in Zimbabwe; other cards may have a low exchange rate, and specific locations offer credit card machines.

Cash withdrawals from ATMs

Since you cannot get cash through ATMs or credit cards, bring cash. Access to ATMs is required for visitors to Zimbabwe. It’s best to prepay as much as possible before leaving your country. Another thing to consider is that currency is always protected and only carries what is necessary for the day.

Bank Holidays

Large towns in Zimbabwe have banks. On weekdays, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, except Wednesday, when they are only available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They are accessible on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Sundays and federal holidays are their only days off.

Accommodations

Zimbabwe unfurls an exquisite panorama of lodging options tailored to cater to the distinct preferences of every traveler. Whether your heart yearns for luxurious lodges that offer sweeping vistas or cozy campsites nestled in the cradle of nature’s embrace, a fitting sanctuary awaits to enfold and rejuvenate you after a day teeming with exploits.


In the realm of lodging selections within Zimbabwe, many choices lie in wait, each tailored to the distinct preferences of every wandering explorer. Whether one’s inclinations lean towards the opulent embrace of safari lodges nestled within the embrace of national parklands, the irresistible charm exuded by charming boutique hotels tucked away in bustling urban hubs, or the mesmerizing symphony of eco-conscious campsites juxtaposed against serene vistas, Zimbabwe presents a myriad of options, guaranteeing a memorable vacation.

In crafting content, two pivotal elements, “perplexity” and “burstiness,” intertwine harmoniously, giving rise to a symphony of lodging experiences that span from opulent luxuries to down-to-earth havens.

Hotels

From budget-friendly havens to opulent sanctuaries of luxury, hotels stand as beacons of comfort. Within their walls, a diverse array of amenities awaits, ranging from the gastronomic delights of in-house restaurants to the seamless convenience of room service, poised to cater to your every need. This indulgence sometimes expands to encompass spa facilities, ensuring that relaxation remains perpetually at your fingertips.

Lodges:

For those who yearn for a more profound communion with nature, clubs extend an inviting hand from their perch within national parks and wildlife reserves. These accommodations create a sanctuary of comfort that intertwines seamlessly with the narrative of the natural world. A harmonious fusion of indulgence and untamed wilderness awaits, promising a tranquil escape for the soul.

Guesthouses

Within the lodging domain, a smaller yet equally endearing companion emerges—the guesthouse. Often curated lovingly by families, these accommodations exude an aura of familiarity and warmth. Within their embrace, the ambiance is not a mere backdrop but an integral component of your stay, sculpting a personalized and homely experience.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

Enveloped in the charm of bed and breakfasts, the day commences with a pledge—a restful night’s slumber followed by a morning repast designed to nourish the spirit. Much like guesthouses, B&Bs extend solace within cozy chambers and a hearty breakfast, guaranteeing a positive start to your day.

Resorts

Stepping into luxury and self-indulgence, resorts open their arms wide to envelop you in a universe of boundless prospects. Pools beckon for rejuvenating plunges, dining establishments unveil gastronomic treasures, and leisure activities extend invitations for adventure. Even golf courses find their place within this realm, creating an oasis dedicated to leisurely pursuits.

Safari Camps

In the heart of landscapes teeming with wildlife, a unique blend of comfort takes shape—safari camps. Here, the experience transcends the ordinary notions of lodging, as you are surrounded by comfortable accommodations, often nestled beneath canvas roofs or rustic cabins. Nature becomes your intimate neighbor, and every step promises a brush with adventure.

Backpacker Hostels

The domain of budget travel finds its haven in backpacker hostels, where frugality mingles with camaraderie. Here, fundamental amenities share space with communal dormitory-style lodgings, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of fellow travelers and tales eager to be shared.

Self-Catering Accommodations

For the culinary enthusiast, self-catering accommodations stand prepared to empower your gastronomic aspirations. Cottages, chalets, or apartments adorned with kitchen facilities extend an invitation to compose your culinary narrative, a story of flavors that gradually unfurls at your own pace.

Game Lodges

Venture into the heart of national parks or private reserves, where game lodges offer more than just a place to lay your head. They unlock the door to thrilling encounters with wildlife, coupling luxurious lodgings with the exhilaration of observing creatures in their natural habitat.

Homestays

If cultural immersion beckons, homestays provide a portal to authentic experiences. Nestled within the embrace of a local family, these lodgings offer a glimpse into daily life and the opportunity to forge connections that endure beyond your stay.

Campsites

The allure of the wild calls upon outdoor enthusiasts to camps where the essentials meet the primal. These locations, minimalist in their offerings, provide a canvas for the daring to erect tents and embrace the splendor of nature.

Floating Lodges

In select aquatic realms, lodges take on a distinct form—floating atop water bodies or perched upon boats. Here, tranquility and introspection meld seamlessly with the gentle ripples of the water, crafting an otherworldly and serene encounter.

Historic Inns

Stepping into history’s embrace, historic inns furnish lodgings steeped in legacy. Housed within venerable structures, they transport you to eras long past, where architecture and ambiance unite to paint a portrait of nostalgia and cultural opulence.

Eco-Lodges

Amid the crescendo of sustainability, eco-lodges stand as champions of the environment. Rooted in a commitment to minimizing ecological impact, these accommodations blend seamlessly into the natural tableau while providing an eco-conscious haven for discerning travelers.

Guest Farms

To savor rural life, guest farms extend a heartfelt invitation. Nestled within working farms, these accommodations grant you the privilege of partaking in agricultural rhythms firsthand, weaving you into the tapestry of pastoral existence.

City Apartments

The urban landscape is expressed in city apartments, offering a taste of independence within bustling metropolises. In enclaves such as Harare and Bulawayo, these apartments encourage you to orchestrate your adventure steeped in the city’s vibrant energy.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds lay out the canvas for outdoor exploits for those who discover solace in nature’s embrace. Minimalist in their provisions, these sites present an open slate for the audacious to inscribe their stories under the canopy of starlit skies.

Boutique Accommodations

Amidst the constellation of lodging options, boutique accommodations are beacons of individuality. These intimate havens, often adorned with tasteful embellishments, offer more than mere respite. They curate an experience that mirrors your distinctiveness, weaving together bespoke service and design elements that testify to their unique character.

Chalets

Nestled amidst picturesque panoramas or perched upon mountain slopes, chalets stand as freestanding havens. Constructed from wood or stone, they embody rustic refinement and provide a refuge that’s as much about the shelter as it is about a connection to the grandeur of nature.

Lighthouse Accommodations

Along Lake Kariba’s shores, a distinctive lodging chapter unfolds within repurposed lighthouses. Here, the interplay of history and contemporary comfort weaves an intriguing and inspiring narrative that embodies hospitality in every conceivable sense.

In the realm of travel, where comfort converges with curiosity, lodging choices emerge as gateways to a realm of experiences. As perplexity and burstiness intertwine, the chronicle of your journey finds its inscription in the destinations and the mosaic of accommodations that cradle your cherished memories.

Written by TravelPartnerVa

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