Zimbabwe-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Zimbabwe

Day 1: Arrival in Harare

  • Arrival: Arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel (approximately $10-$15 USD per person)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local hotel, such as the Meikles Hotel or the Rainbow Towers
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Archives of Zimbabwe to learn about the country’s history and culture
    • Explore the nearby Harare Botanical Gardens
  • Things to Know:
    • Zimbabwean currency is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), but US dollars are widely accepted
    • The official language is English, but Shona and Ndebele are also spoken

Day 2: Hwange National Park

  • Transportation: Take a domestic flight from Harare to Victoria Falls (approximately $50-$70 USD per person) or drive to Hwange National Park (approximately 3 hours)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local lodge, such as the Hideaway Camp
  • Activities:
    • Go on an early morning game drive in Hwange National Park
    • Visit the nearby Cecil Rhodes Memorial and learn about the country’s colonial history
  • Things to Know:
    • Hwange is one of Africa’s largest national parks, with a diverse range of wildlife
    • Be sure to bring sunscreen and sun hats for outdoor activities

Day 3: Victoria Falls

  • Transportation: Take a domestic flight from Harare or drive to Victoria Falls (approximately 1 hour)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local hotel, such as the Royal Livingstone Hotel
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Victoria Falls National Park and take in the breathtaking views of the falls
    • Go on a sunset cruise or take a scenic helicopter tour over the Zambezi River
  • Things to Know:
    • The Victoria Falls are one of the world’s largest waterfalls, with an average flow rate of 1.088 million liters per second
    • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for outdoor activities

Day 4: Matobo Hills

  • Transportation: Drive from Victoria Falls to Matobo Hills (approximately 2 hours)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local lodge, such as the Matobo National Park Camp
  • Activities:
    • Explore the granite hills and learn about the ancient history of the region
    • Visit the nearby grave of Cecil Rhodes and see the famous “Viewing Rock”
  • Things to Know:
    • The Matobo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their unique rock formations and historic significance

Day 5: Bulawayo

  • Transportation: Drive from Matobo Hills to Bulawayo (approximately 2 hours)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local hotel, such as the Rainbow Hotel
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Museum of Zimbabwe and learn about the country’s history and culture
    • Explore the nearby Bulawayo Botanical Gardens
  • Things to Know:
    • Bulawayo is often referred to as the “City of Kings” due to its rich history and cultural significance

Day 6: Chobe National Park (Botswana)

  • Transportation: Take a morning game drive in Matobo Hills, then drive to Kazungula border crossing (approximately 2 hours) and cross into Botswana
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a local lodge, such as the Chobe Safari Lodge
  • Activities:
    • Go on an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park
    • Take a sunset cruise on the Chobe River and spot wildlife
  • Things to Know:
    • The Kazungula border crossing is one of the most scenic routes between Zimbabwe and Botswana
    • Be sure to bring sunscreen, sun hats, and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities

Day 7: Departure from Victoria Falls

  • Transportation: Drive back to Victoria Falls (approximately 1 hour) and take a domestic flight or drive to Harare (approximately 3 hours) for your departure
  • Things to Know:
    • The trip concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you can share stories of your adventures in Zimbabwe

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Europe do not require a visa for tourism or business stays up to 30 days.
  • Other nationalities may require visas, which can be obtained from the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate.

Vaccinations:

  • Consult your doctor or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations before traveling to Zimbabwe.

Safety:

  • Take necessary precautions against malaria, yellow fever, and other diseases.
  • Use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Currency:

  • The Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.