Zimbabwe is a great destination for seeing wildlife due to its diverse and abundant animal population. The country is home to several national parks and game reserves, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Backpacking Zimbabwe in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Zimbabwe with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Zimbabwe
Embark on an authentic African adventure in Zimbabwe, where the raw beauty of landscapes and rich wildlife await budget-savvy backpackers. Pros? Explore UNESCO-listed sites, witness the power of Victoria Falls, and enjoy affordable travel experiences. The warm hospitality of locals adds to the appeal. However, occasional economic challenges may impact services, and travel infrastructure can be basic. For the intrepid backpacker, Zimbabwe stands out as a destination offering a genuine African experience, where the untamed wilderness and cultural richness create an unforgettable journey, distinct from more tourist-heavy destinations.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Zimbabwe
Wildlife
Scenery
Zimbabwe offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. One of the highlights is the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The sheer power and beauty of this waterfall is awe-inspiring, and visitors can …
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People
Zimbabweans are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They are quick to invite others into their homes and communities, often treating guests like family. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture, and they take great pride in making …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Zimbabwe offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its diverse and untouched natural beauty. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the remote and rugged landscapes of Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe is a haven for adventure …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Zimbabwe can vary depending on travel style and comfort level. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 USD per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses, local transportation, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe. The sheer power and beauty of the falls, combined with the opportunity to engage in activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping, make it a top attraction.
- Hwange National Park: As Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) as well as a variety of other animals, making it a fantastic safari destination.
- Great Zimbabwe: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. Exploring the ruins and learning about the region’s history and culture is a fascinating experience.
- Matobo National Park: Known for its unique rock formations and abundant wildlife, Matobo National Park is a great place for hiking, game drives, and birdwatching. The park is also home to a significant population of black and white rhinos.
- Eastern Highlands: This mountainous region offers breathtaking landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and charming towns like Nyanga and Mutare. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trout fishing, golfing, and exploring waterfalls, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
But Zimbabwe offers more...
Traveled route: Matobo National Park, Bulawayo, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Zimbabwe
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural wonders.
Additionally, wildlife viewing is at its best during the dry season as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them on game drives or walking safaris. Popular destinations such as Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park offer incredible opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
It's worth noting that the months of July and August can be quite busy with tourists, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May, June, or September. Keep in mind that temperatures can get quite chilly during the evenings and early mornings, so be sure to pack warm clothing.
Overall, the dry season provides the best conditions for backpacking in Zimbabwe, allowing you to fully enjoy the country's natural beauty and wildlife.
Additionally, wildlife viewing is at its best during the dry season as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them on game drives or walking safaris. Popular destinations such as Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park offer incredible opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
It's worth noting that the months of July and August can be quite busy with tourists, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May, June, or September. Keep in mind that temperatures can get quite chilly during the evenings and early mornings, so be sure to pack warm clothing.
Overall, the dry season provides the best conditions for backpacking in Zimbabwe, allowing you to fully enjoy the country's natural beauty and wildlife.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Zimbabwe
- The security situation can be volatile. There may be food, water, medicine and fuel shortages, sometimes at short notice. Essential services, such as the electricity supply, can be unreliable. Communication networks can also be weak and unreliable.
- Demonstrations and protests in Zimbabwe can be unpredictable and may turn violent quickly. Avoid activities that could be considered political and stay away from protests and demonstrations. During periods of unrest, monitor local media, avoid affected areas and follow advice from local authorities.
- Violent crime, such as assault and armed robbery, occurs. The risk increases at night, in city centres and open areas such as parks and fields. Keep your accommodation locked, even when you're in it. Don't walk at night. Petty crime, such as mugging and bag snatching, is common. Don't carry bags that are easy to snatch.
- Land confiscation, wildlife poaching and violence against farmers have caused unrest. Get up-to-date security advice before you visit national parks, game farms, lodges or hunting areas.
- Theft from vehicles is common. Thieves target cars stopped at intersections, especially on the way to and from Harare Airport. Minimise the amount of time you have to stop. Approach red lights slowly. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up.
- Flooding and extreme weather can occur during the rainy season from November to April. Infrastructure damaged by flooding and extreme weather can take many years to be repaired.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
ZimbabweMy tips to get you on the way!Does Zimbabwe sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Zimbabwe. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Zimbabwe may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Zimbabwe. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Zimbabwe may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Zimbabwe, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Zimbabwe, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 25 September 2024