What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare.
Why visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is in Eastern Africa, Africa, with Harare as its capital. Use this guide for trip planning — best time, budget ranges, cities and practical tips.
This Zimbabwe travel guide covers the best time to visit, top cities, sample routes, budget ranges and how to travel to Zimbabwe — including visa requirements.
Most first-time trips to Zimbabwe work in 7–10 days: fly into Harare, then move only as far as your energy allows. A practical first loop is Harare → Epworth → Chitungwiza → Mutare → Gweru → Bulawayo. Mid-range travellers typically budget $35–110 per person per day on the ground (flights extra). Best time: The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing and travel comfort. This route, cost band and city shortlist are Global Itinerary’s own planning layer — not a copy of another guidebook.
Capital
Harare
Population
14.4M
Currency
P · Botswana pula (BWP)
Languages
Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
Timezone
Africa/Harare · UTC+02:00
Calling code
+263
History
Zimbabwe has a rich history shaped by its position in Africa and the cultures of Eastern Africa, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Zimbabwe is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
Passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Zimbabwe for up to 3 months (unless otherwise noted): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, DR Congo, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong (6 months), Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique (30 days), Namibia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, T…
Money & costs
In April 2024, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, named Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (ISO code ZWG). Coins of the ZiG were issued in denominations of , , , 1, 2 and 5 ZiG. Banknotes of the ZiG were issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ZiG.
Getting around
By bus
Between cities, you travel using luxury coaches like Pathfinder and Citilink. You can also get decent buses from RoadPort in Harare to other major cities including those in neighbouring countries like Johannesburg, Lusaka, Lilongwe.
Language
Zimbabwe has 16 official languages though in practice English, Shona and Sindebele/Ndebele are by far the most spoken. English, besides being traditionally used for official business, serves as a lingua franca between Zimbabweans of different ethnicities and will be the most useful for travelling throughout the country, though any attempts to speak the local language will greatly endear you to the locals or at the very least earn you a few laughs.
Staying safe
Generally, Zimbabwe has a much lower crime rate than its neighbors, and Zimbabweans are well known for their unrivaled hospitality. Most crime that does occur is opportunistic in nature and travelers should take care with their personal belongings and follow local advice. It really is just a matter of common sense, which you should exercise no matter where you are.
Health
Do your research about what is available. Take all medications that you need along with you. There are a number of private hospitals in the major cities that are very accessible. HIV/AIDS infection rate in Zimbabwe is the 6th highest in the world at around 9% of adults infected. Though rates have declined significantly from their peak in the 2000s and related deaths even moreso, you should never have unprotected sex. If you form a serious relationship, consider both getting an HIV test before taking things further.
Local etiquette
Visitors to Zimbabwe will find Zimbabweans incredibly welcoming, friendly, and hospitable. Many will go out of their way to help you and ensure you have a good time. You can freely approach the locals for advice and you can ask them specific directions to get somewhere.
Holidays & festivals
In Zimbabwe, if a holiday falls on Sunday, the next day (Monday) will automatically be observed as public day. Hence, it will be a holiday.
Practical guidance for Zimbabwe is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Getting around & staying connected
Cheapest ways to travel in Zimbabwe
Ride apps & transport
- 1Bolt
Estonian rival to Uber, typically 10–20% cheaper; also e-scooters and bikes.
- 2Yango
Yandex's international brand — cheap cars across Africa and the Middle East.
- 3inDrive
Name your own fare and let nearby drivers accept or counter — great for tight budgets.
Ride-hailing coverage varies here — check whether these apps are live in your city before relying on them.
Cheapest SIM for foreigners
Local prepaid SIM
Buy a tourist SIM from an official operator kiosk at the airport (bring your passport) — usually the cheapest data.
eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) lets you get online the moment you land — handy if you don't want to queue for a SIM.
Prices and app coverage change often — figures are indicative for 2026, so confirm the current tourist plan in the app or at the airport kiosk.
Plan your trip
A route through Zimbabwe
A suggested loop connecting Zimbabwe's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities in Zimbabwe
In pictures
Zimbabwe gallery
Photos: Baynham Goredema from Johannesburg, South Africa, Prince Phumulani Nyoni, Tatenda Chipwanya, Seabifar, Dnldhnsn — via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Travel cost for Zimbabwe
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Zimbabwe
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Zimbabwe's mid-range daily budget ($35–110 per person on the ground). Flights are a separate estimate and vary by origin.
Good to know
Zimbabwe travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing and travel comfort.
Is Zimbabwe worth visiting?
Yes — travellers visit Zimbabwe for its landscapes, cities and culture. Start with Harare, then explore the top regions on this Zimbabwe travel guide for a realistic itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to Zimbabwe?
Visa rules for Zimbabwe depend on your passport — use the visa checker on this site for a nationality-specific answer. Use our Zimbabwe visa checker for rules by nationality before you book flights.
How much does a trip to Zimbabwe cost?
Budget roughly $35–110 per person per day for mid-range travel in Zimbabwe, not including long-haul flights. Costs vary by season and how much you move between cities.
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?
Check current travel advice for Zimbabwe before you go.
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