Introduction: Why Zimbabwe Deserves Your Travel Plans in 2025
The first time I set foot in Zimbabwe, I was completely unprepared for how it would change me. After four visits over the last decade, I still get goosebumps thinking about that initial drive from Harare airport when a family of warthogs darted across the ochre-colored road at sunset. Zimbabwe has this way of delivering raw, authentic Africa that gets under your skin.
If you’re considering a trip to Southern Africa in 2025, Zimbabwe offers an incredible balance of jaw-dropping natural wonders, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and fewer tourists than its neighbors. The country has stabilized significantly in recent years, making it an increasingly accessible destination for travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary.
This 7-day Zimbabwe itinerary distills my years of exploration into the perfect week-long adventure. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way (like the time I stupidly wore sandals for a walk in Mana Pools and nearly stepped on a puff adder!) so you don’t have to. From budget-saving hacks to the optimal route that minimizes travel time, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Come along as I share how to make the most of just seven days in this remarkable country that continues to rebuild its tourism industry while preserving its extraordinary natural and cultural treasures.
When to Visit Zimbabwe: Timing Your 2025 Trip Right
My first visit to Zimbabwe was during November, and I nearly melted in the pre-rainy season heat. Learn from my mistake! The timing of your trip dramatically impacts your experience, costs, and what you’ll see.
Zimbabwe’s Seasons at a Glance:
- Dry Season (May to October): Prime wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources. Cooler temperatures, especially June-August. Peak tourist season means higher prices.
- Wet Season (November to April): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Some roads become impassable, and certain camps close.
For a one-week itinerary in 2025, I strongly recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons—either May or September/October. These months offer an excellent balance of good wildlife viewing, pleasant temperatures, and slightly lower prices than peak season.
Money-Saving Tip: If you book your 2025 Zimbabwe accommodations at least 6-8 months in advance, many lodges offer “early bird” discounts of 10-15%. I saved nearly $200 on my last trip by booking my Victoria Falls accommodation in January for a September visit.
| Month | Weather | Wildlife Viewing | Crowds | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Pleasant days, cool nights | Good | Moderate | Medium |
| June-August | Cool to cold nights, mild days | Excellent | High | High |
| September-October | Hot and dry | Excellent | High | High |
| November | Very hot, building to rains | Good | Low | Medium-Low |
| December-April | Warm and wet | Challenging | Very Low | Low |
Recent Changes to Consider for 2025
Since the pandemic, Zimbabwe has been working hard to rebuild its tourism infrastructure. For 2025, several important changes to note:
- Victoria Falls has seen significant investment with upgraded viewing platforms completed in late 2023.
- Zimbabwe’s National Parks authority has raised entrance fees for 2024-2025, so budget accordingly.
- New luxury lodges have opened in Hwange, but several fantastic mid-range options are still available.
- The road between Bulawayo and Great Zimbabwe has been significantly improved, reducing travel time.
The Ultimate 7-Day Zimbabwe Itinerary
Having tried various routes through Zimbabwe over the years, I’ve refined this one-week itinerary to maximize experiences while minimizing transit time. This route gives you the perfect taste of Zimbabwe’s highlights—from the thundering Victoria Falls to incredible wildlife and ancient ruins.
Itinerary Overview:
- Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
- Day 3-5: Hwange National Park
- Day 6: Matobo National Park
- Day 7: Great Zimbabwe & Departure
Days 1-2: Victoria Falls – Nature’s Spectacular Masterpiece
Start your Zimbabwe journey at the magnificent Victoria Falls (known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders”). This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s largest waterfalls and simply breathtaking.
Day 1: Arriving and Exploring Victoria Falls Town
Most international travelers fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), though some arrive through Harare (HRE) and take a connecting flight. Upon arrival, I recommend settling into your accommodation before heading out for a relaxed exploration of the town.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls
- Luxury: Victoria Falls Hotel – Colonial elegance with falls views (US$350-450/night)
- Mid-range: Ilala Lodge – Excellent location, walking distance to falls (US$200-300/night)
- Budget: Shearwater Explorers Village – Clean, comfortable accommodations (US$70-100/night)
Insider Tip: Skip the overpriced restaurants on the main strip and head to Mama Africa Restaurant on Courtney Street. Local Zimbabweans eat here, the sadza (corn porridge) with nyama (meat stew) costs only about 10-15 USD compared to 30+ USD at tourist spots, and the live mbira music on weekends is incredible!
Day 2: Full Day at the Falls and Activities
Wake up early to visit the falls when they open at 6:00 AM. The morning light creates spectacular rainbows in the mist, and you’ll beat the crowds and midday heat. The entrance fee in 2025 is $30 for international visitors.
Bring a waterproof bag for your camera and phone, especially if visiting during high water season (February-July). I learned this lesson the hard way when my camera got soaked despite the raincoat I was wearing!
Afternoon Activities (Choose One):
- Sunset Zambezi Cruise – A relaxing 2-hour cruise with wildlife viewing and drinks (US$60-85)
- Helicopter Flight – The “Flight of Angels” provides spectacular aerial views (US$150-180 for 12-15 minutes)
- White Water Rafting – For adventure seekers, tackle the mighty Zambezi’s rapids (US$120-150, seasonal availability)
Having tried all three, the sunset cruise offers the best value. You’ll likely see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants while enjoying drinks and snacks. The rafting is incredible but physically demanding, and the helicopter ride, while offering unparalleled views, is very brief for the cost.
Money-Saving Hack: Instead of booking activities through your hotel or the main tour companies in town, walk to the backpacker hostels like Shoestrings or Shearwater Explorers Village. They often sell the exact same activities at 10-15% less to budget travelers. Just ask at their activities desk—they sell to outside guests too!
Local Phrases to Know:
- “Mangwanani” (mang-wa-na-ni) – Good morning
- “Maswera sei?” (ma-swe-ra say) – How has your day been?
Days 3-5: Hwange National Park – Wildlife Paradise
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve and home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. After the hustle of Victoria Falls, the wild expanses of Hwange offer a complete change of pace.
Day 3: Transfer to Hwange and Afternoon Game Drive
The journey from Victoria Falls to Hwange takes approximately 2-3 hours by road. Most lodges arrange transfers (US$50-70 per person), or you can hire a private taxi (US$100-120).
I recommend leaving Victoria Falls by 9:30 AM to arrive at your Hwange accommodation in time for lunch and the afternoon game drive, which typically departs around 3:30 PM.
Where to Stay in Hwange
- Luxury: Linkwasha Camp – Premier wildlife experience (US$500-700/night all-inclusive)
- Mid-range: Camp Khwai – Excellent value with great guides (US$250-350/night all-inclusive)
- Budget: Hwange Main Camp – Self-catering accommodation (US$40-80/night, plus park fees)
On my last trip, I stayed at Camp Khwai, which offers an excellent balance of comfort, good food, and knowledgeable guides without the premium price tag of the luxury options.
Days 4-5: Full Safari Days in Hwange
Dedicate two full days to exploring Hwange’s diverse ecosystems. A typical day includes:
- 05:30 AM – Wake-up call with coffee/tea
- 06:00 AM – Morning game drive (the best time for predator sightings)
- 10:30 AM – Return for brunch
- 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM – Relax at camp (siesta time when animals are less active)
- 03:00 PM – Tea time
- 03:30 PM – Afternoon game drive
- 07:00 PM – Return to camp for dinner
Hwange is renowned for its elephant populations, which can number in the hundreds during dry season gatherings at waterholes. The park is also home to all of the Big Five except for rhinos (which were sadly poached to local extinction but conservation efforts are underway).
Sustainability Tip that Saves Money: Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw. Most lodges provide filtered water stations, and this small change saves both plastic waste and around $5-10 per day on bottled water purchases.
Wildlife Highlights to Look For:
- Large elephant herds at Nyamandlovu Pan
- Lion prides in the eastern sections of the park
- Painted wolves (African wild dogs) which have healthy populations in Hwange
- Over 400 bird species throughout the park
During my last visit in 2023, I was fortunate to witness an incredible standoff between a pride of lions and a clan of hyenas fighting over a buffalo kill—the kind of raw, wild Africa moment that stays with you forever. The smell of the kill, the growling sounds echoing across the savanna, and the incredible evening light made it unforgettable.
Day 6: Matobo National Park – Ancient Art and Granite Formations
On day six, transition from wildlife to cultural and geological wonders at Matobo National Park (also called Matopos). This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its remarkable balanced rock formations, ancient rock art, and the grave of Cecil Rhodes.
Getting from Hwange to Matobo
This journey takes approximately 5 hours, so an early departure is essential. The most practical approach is to arrange a private transfer through your lodge (US$150-200) or rent a car in Bulawayo if you’re comfortable with self-driving in Zimbabwe.
I recommend leaving Hwange by 7:00 AM to arrive at Matobo around midday, giving you the afternoon to explore.
Where to Stay in Matobo
- Mid-range: Big Cave Camp – Unique lodge built among granite boulders (US$150-200/night)
- Budget: Maleme Rest Camp – Simple accommodations in the park (US$40-60/night)
Afternoon in Matobo
Hire a local guide ($30-40 for half-day) to take you to the most significant sites:
- World’s View – Panoramic vistas and Cecil Rhodes’ grave
- White Rhino Tracking – One of Zimbabwe’s best places to see rhinos on foot (with armed rangers)
- Nswatugi Cave – Features remarkably preserved San Bushmen rock paintings dating back thousands of years
Walking among the balanced granite domes of Matobo feels otherworldly—like being on another planet. The silence is profound, broken only by the occasional call of a rock hyrax or black eagle.
Insider Tip: When visiting the rock art sites, bring small denomination USD bills ($1-$5) to tip the custodians who protect these heritage sites. They often have incredible knowledge about the meanings behind the ancient paintings but earn very little formally.
Local Phrase to Know:
- “Ndatenda” (n-da-ten-da) – Thank you
Day 7: Great Zimbabwe & Departure
For your final day, visit the magnificent ancient stone city that gave Zimbabwe its name. Great Zimbabwe is the largest ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa outside of Egypt and Sudan.
Getting to Great Zimbabwe
This journey from Matobo takes approximately 4-5 hours. Arrange a private transfer (US$150-180) or continue with your rental car if self-driving. Depart early (around 7:00 AM) to maximize your time at the monument.
Exploring Great Zimbabwe
The entrance fee in 2025 is $25 for international visitors. I strongly recommend hiring an official guide at the entrance (US$15-20) as they bring the ruins to life with historical context.
Great Zimbabwe consists of three main areas:
- Hill Complex – The oldest part and former royal residence
- Great Enclosure – The most impressive structure with its 11m high curved wall
- Valley Ruins – Numerous smaller enclosures where the general population lived
Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore the site. Wear sturdy shoes as the Hill Complex involves some climbing on uneven surfaces. I vividly remember the feeling of tracing my fingers along stone walls built over 800 years ago, imagining the thriving African civilization that created such architectural marvels without mortar.
Departure
After visiting Great Zimbabwe, you have several options:
- Return to Harare for international flights (4-5 hour drive)
- Overnight in nearby Masvingo and depart the next day
- Continue to other destinations in Zimbabwe if extending your trip
Money-Saving Tip: If you’re flying out of Harare and have an evening flight, you can save a night’s accommodation by visiting Great Zimbabwe in the morning, then taking a direct transfer to Harare airport. Many tour operators offer this service for around $180-220, which is cheaper than an extra night’s lodging plus separate transfers.
Conclusion: Your 5-Step Zimbabwe Action Plan
After numerous trips to Zimbabwe, I’ve fallen deeper in love with this underrated destination each time. From the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls to intimate wildlife encounters in Hwange and the historical mysteries of Great Zimbabwe, this 7-day itinerary offers a perfect introduction to Zimbabwe’s diverse attractions.
While one week isn’t enough to see everything, this carefully crafted route maximizes your experiences while minimizing travel time. If you can extend your stay, consider adding Mana Pools National Park or Lake Kariba to your itinerary.
Your 5-Step Action Plan for Planning Your Zimbabwe Trip:
- Book Flights 4-6 Months Ahead – International flights to Zimbabwe are cheapest when booked well in advance. Consider flying into Victoria Falls and out of Harare to avoid backtracking.
- Reserve Accommodations ASAP – The best lodges in Hwange book up 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak season (July-October).
- Arrange Airport Transfers – Pre-arrange airport pickups through your accommodation to avoid inflated taxi prices.
- Organize Cash Strategy – While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major tourist areas, bring clean, newer USD bills (2009 series or newer) for many transactions. Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are particularly useful.
- Get Travel Insurance – Always include medical evacuation coverage for safari destinations. I use World Nomads for comprehensive coverage.
Pro Tip: Zimbabwe has made enormous strides in rebuilding its tourism infrastructure, but things don’t always go as planned. Pack patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor alongside your camera!
Zimbabwe changed me in ways I didn’t expect. Beyond the spectacular landscapes and wildlife, it’s the resilience and warmth of the Zimbabwean people that leaves the deepest impression. Despite economic hardships, you’ll be greeted with genuine smiles and an eagerness to share their beautiful country.
As they say in Shona, “Famba zvakanaka” (Travel well) on your Zimbabwean adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists in 2025?
Yes, Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the major national parks and tourist areas covered in this itinerary. Like anywhere, exercise normal precautions regarding valuables. The political situation has stabilized since the turbulent periods of the early 2000s and 2017-2018. During my last visit in 2023, I felt completely safe throughout the country, even when walking around Victoria Falls town after dark.
What currency should I bring to Zimbabwe?
The US dollar is the main currency used in tourism. Bring newer, clean bills (2009 series or newer). Credit cards are accepted at higher-end establishments, but always have cash backup. ATMs can be unreliable and may have withdrawal limits. Zimbabwe’s own currency situation continues to evolve, but for tourists, USD remains the safest option.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Most visitors (including those from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada) can obtain a visa on arrival. As of 2025, single-entry tourist visas cost $30-50 USD depending on nationality. If you plan to visit neighboring countries like Zambia or Botswana and return to Zimbabwe, request a double-entry visa ($45-65) to avoid paying twice.
What vaccinations do I need for Zimbabwe?
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus, etc.). Malaria is present throughout Zimbabwe, so antimalarial medication is recommended, particularly for Hwange and Victoria Falls areas.
When is the best time to see Victoria Falls at full flow?
Victoria Falls reaches peak water volume between February and May, following the rainy season. During this period, the spray is so intense that it can be difficult to see the falls themselves from some viewpoints. If you want to see the full geological structure of the falls, visit during low water season (October-November) when the flow is reduced, revealing the full cliff face.
Can I combine Zimbabwe with other Southern African countries in one week?
With just one week, I don’t recommend trying to combine Zimbabwe with other countries except perhaps a day trip to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Adding countries requires border crossings and transit time that would significantly reduce your actual experience time. If you have 10-14 days, consider a Zimbabwe-Botswana combination.
Is Wi-Fi/internet readily available in Zimbabwe?
Wi-Fi is available at most mid-range and luxury accommodations, but connection quality varies greatly. For reliable internet access, purchase a local SIM card with data package upon arrival (Econet is the most reliable provider). Signal is generally good in Victoria Falls and major towns but can be spotty or non-existent in remote parts of national parks.
What is the tipping custom in Zimbabwe?
Tipping is customary in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. For safari guides, $10-20 per day is appropriate. For lodge staff, $5-10 per day placed in a communal tip box at the end of your stay works well. Restaurant servers typically receive 10-15% of the bill. Always tip in cash, preferably USD.
How physically demanding is this Zimbabwe itinerary?
This itinerary is moderately active but not overly demanding. The most strenuous activities are walking in Great Zimbabwe (particularly the Hill Complex which involves some steep, uneven surfaces) and potentially a walking safari in Hwange if you choose this option. Both Victoria Falls and Matobo require walking on uneven terrain but can be tailored to different fitness levels.
References
- Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – Official site for national parks information and booking
- Victoria Falls Tourism – Comprehensive guide to activities and accommodations
- Lonely Planet Zimbabwe – Travel guide with updated information
- Great Zimbabwe National Monument – Archaeological and historical information
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Great Zimbabwe – Detailed historical background
- SafariBookings: Hwange National Park – Reviews and information about safari operators
- Zambia Tourism: Victoria Falls – Information about the Zambian side of the falls
- Zimbabwe eVisa Portal – Official visa information and application
- CDC: Health Information for Travelers to Zimbabwe – Latest health recommendations
- Africa Adventure Company: Zimbabwe – Tour operator with detailed Zimbabwe information
- Weather2Travel: Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe – Climate information and seasonal advice
- Expert Africa: Zimbabwe Safari Holidays – Comprehensive safari planning information