When planning a Zimbabwe safari, people often ask us if Zimbabwe is safe to visit. Visiting a third-world country like Zimbabwe can evoke stress, particularly for first-world tourists who are accustomed to working infrastructure and stable political situations.
In this post, we talk about how safe it is to visit Zimbabwe and share 10 top safety tips for tourists.
Yes. The general consensus in the African travel industry is that Zimbabwe is safe to visit. Most travellers visit Zimbabwe without incident simply by following travel advice and adhering to the rules and regulations.
Trusted safari companies state it's ‘absolutely fine’ to go on safari in Zimbabwe, as the country depends on national parks for foreign exchange income, and citizens appreciate the value of tourism. There is regional cooperation in areas such as Victoria Falls, where the Zambian and Zimbabwean governments work together. Conservationists, tourism organizations, and Zimbabwean citizens work together to ensure that Zimbabwe remains safe, accessible, and affordable for tourists says one of the leading safari companies.
Travel Safe Abroad rates Zimbabwe as a ‘medium’ for safety. The chances of being robbed increase when visiting towns, where petty crimes such as pickpocketing are fairly common, but in general, Zimbabwe simply does not have the same violent crime problem that some of her more-visited neighbours do, according to Great Zimbabwe Guide. Zimbabwe's crime rate is considered average. Hijackings and gun violence are very rare, and Zimbabwe’s homicide rate is roughly in line with the global average.
For peace of mind, it’s best to fly into Zimbabwe and stay on the ‘beaten track’. If you want to travel independently, it is safest to visit Zimbabwe's most popular tourist attractions. The most famous travel destinations in Zimbabwe include Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, and most of the national parks, which are well-managed and safe.
The safest way to visit Zimbabwe for the first time is on a group tour with a guide. A guided safari is safer because you get to travel with an experienced local guide who knows Zimbabwe and regularly visits the country. When travelling with reputable guides and safari companies that have established relationships with Zimbabwean businesses and people you benefit from their connections.
For the more adventurous visitors, striking out on your own in Zimbabwe can be quite an adventure — there’s so much to see, the people are really friendly and you won’t have to shoulder your way through crowds of tourists. Whether you travel independently or join a guided tour doing thorough research before you travel to Zimbabwe will stand you in good stead.
Africa is not for sissies, no matter which country you visit, and most tourists come to get a glimpse of the wilderness. When you’re there, follow the rules, even if you are with a safari group. Remember that taking photos of wildlife is best done from your vehicle, and if you’re getting hot, don’t just jump in for a swim, unless your guide has advised it.
Read up on what shots you need and take anti-malaria precautions — malaria is prevalent in many areas of Zimbabwe. Check whether you need bottled water on the tours you elect to take and protect yourself from the sun (sunscreen, sunhat, long sleeves, etc).
Check if there’s an election coming up, says Smartraveler, which is when one should be on the lookout for the possibility of civil unrest and political violence. The next general elections are on 23 August this year (2023), so best plan your visit after that date.
Steer clear of the CBD areas in cities if you’re in the country and political turmoil happens to erupt. Zimbabwe is in theory a democracy, but many believe it is closer to being a dictatorship, especially since the signing of the ‘Patriotic Bill’ in July 2023, which effectively bans opposition rallies, among a raft of other measures.
Resist the urge to take photos of official buildings, don’t voice your dissent with the government in public, and, if you are gay, keep this information to yourself, advises one of the popular tour companies, which provides a very comprehensive summary of the safety situation in Zimbabwe. Same-sex couples should be discreet when, for example, they are making hotel bookings, the site advises. Single women, on the other hand, can travel relatively safely in Zimbabwe, says the site; wearing a ring should be enough to deter most would-be suitors.
Driving on the roads in this country is, according to many travel sites, best advised for visitors who enjoy activities like white-water rafting, as potholes are common, traffic lights seldom work, and animals and pedestrians often share the road with you. But Chennai Dodzo, Marketing Manager for The River Brew Co in Victoria Falls, has a different view: “I have not heard of anyone who has encountered problems driving around the country. The Bulawayo-Vic Falls road has been really bad, but there are roadworks currently underway.” There are also major efforts to improve the Masvingo to Beitbridge road, and the roads around Mutare.
“Regarding roadblocks, there are very few and guests just need to make sure they have the regular documents in order, such as their driver's license and temporary import permit if their vehicle is foreign registered,” says Dodzo. Seasoned travel author Bridget Hilton-Barber confirms this — the roadblocks are fewer, and the officials at them are very polite compared to a decade ago.
Be patient when crossing the borders in and out of Zimbabwe; Africa is a continent with its very own version of time and official procedures. The Beitbridge border is, however, streamlining immigration and customs for tourists and has introduced a biometric system that should reduce the lengthy queues.
If you are driving on your own, bear in mind that there are frequent shortages of electricity, water, and petrol, so it’s best to take backup supplies along with you, especially in the more remote areas. Dodzo says you only need a 4x4 if you’re driving through national parks, or on the Binga road to Kariba, but he does say that the fuel situation has “greatly improved” and that he hasn’t queued for years. In towns like Mutare and Masvingo, many garages don’t take credit cards and payments must be made in US dollars or with coupons, but there are ATMs, says Hilton-Barber.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe is safe to visit if you do your research and plan properly. Remember that conditions change rapidly there, so check the dates of any posts from travellers who visited Zimbabwe that you find on social media.
For up-to-date advice about travelling to Zimbabwe or for help with planning your Zimbabwe safari - chat with one of our African travel experts.
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