Tourist Information for Zimbabwe
Having its banks on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian side of the Falls, the Zambezi River is internationally acclaimed as the best one-day white water rafting trip in the world. Other activities in the area include canoeing, river cruises, flights over the Falls, bungy jumping, walking with lion cubs and elephant back safaris.
Zimbabwe and Zambia also share other highlights: the Lower Zambezi region is abundant with wildlife on both shorelines and lion and leopard are the main predators. Large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo are also found as well as a fabulous diversity of birds. With the added bonus of game viewing by boat, walking safaris, night drives, canoeing and game fishing, this region is a must for any safari enthusiast.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls links the countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. The famous Victoria Falls Hotel was established in 1904 and traditional high tea is served every afternoon on the Terrace, which has spectacular views of the gorge and bridge.
Every minute half a million cubic metres of fresh water cascades 300ft into a giant boiling pot of spray and rainbows. The thunder can be heard 3 miles away and the spray is visible for 30 miles, hence the name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ - the smoke that thunders.
A range of activities are available: helicopter flights over the falls, Sundowner Cruise, Guided Falls Tour, and an evening Boma dinner experience.
Hwange National Park: Covering nearly 15,000 sq km it sustains a greater variety and density of wildlife than any other conservation area in the world. Only two hours by road from Victoria Falls.
Lake Kariba
A great inland sea created by damming the Zambezi River. The lake and its shoreline is a well-developed playground for game fishing, yachting and canoeing while observing the wildlife on its shores. The neighbouring areas of Matusadona and Mana Pools also offer outstanding game viewing and bird watching.
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C) – based on Victoria Falls
- JAN
- 30
- FEB
- 30
- MAR
- 30
- APR
- 30
- MAY
- 28
- JUN
- 25
- JUL
- 26
- AUG
- 28
- SEP
- 33
- OCT
- 35
- NOV
- 33
- DEC
- 30
- Country Dialling Code:
- + 623
- When to Go:
- The best time for game viewing is May to August, which is cool and dry. September to October are also great game viewing months but tend to be hotter. The rest of the year is the wet summer months of November to April, not much game to view as they don’t have to concentrate around the waterholes, but a great time for bird watching.
- Capital:
- Harare
- Official Language:
- English (official), Shona, Sindebele, and numerous tribal dialects.
- Electricity:
- Zimbabwe uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz)
- Currency:
- Zimbabwe Dollar
- Credit Cards & ATM’s:
- Visa accepted mainly in the tourist areas. ATM’s can be found in main cities.
- Tipping:
- In Zimbabwe tips of approx 10% are expected by taxi drivers and in tourist-class hotels and restaurants. However, some establishments automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill which replaces the gratuity.
- Bargaining:
- Is part and parcel of buying arts and crafts.
- Email & Internet Access:
- Harare and Victoria Falls only.
- Gateway Airports:
- Victoria Falls, Harare, Bulawayo and Kariba.
- Air:
- Regional flights serve Livingstone Airport (near Victoria Falls) and Mfuwe (South Luangwa National Park).
- Border Crossings:
- Most border crossings are open from 6am to 6pm with the exception of Victoria Falls to 10pm.