Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccinations are recommended for traveling to Zimbabwe. Yellow Fever is required if you’re coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. Consider Malaria prophylaxis, especially if visiting rural areas. Always consult a travel health specialist for the most accurate and personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Zimbabwe, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ZimbabweCulture & Customs
Respect elders by addressing them as ”Mama” or ”Baba.” Always use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items. Avoid discussing politics or criticizing government officials openly.
For women, dressing conservatively is advisable, especially in rural areas. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion as same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants. Always ask permission before photographing people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Zimbabwe.
- Sadza: This is the staple food of Zimbabwe, similar to polenta or grits. Made from maize meal, it’s typically served with vegetables, meat, or gravy. Sadza is more than just food; it’s part of the communal dining experience.
- Mazondo: These are cow trotters, slow-cooked until tender. It’s a hearty dish often enjoyed at family gatherings and showcases the resourcefulness and respect for using every part of the animal.
- Mopane Worms: A unique and protein-rich snack that is either dried or cooked. It’s a go-to delicacy, especially in rural areas, and offers a taste of traditional Zimbabwean life.
- Nyama: This simply means meat, often grilled or stewed. Beef, goat, or chicken are popular choices, and nyama is usually enjoyed with sadza, representing a classic and satisfying meal combo.
- Kapenta: Tiny dried fish, typically fried and served with sadza or vegetables. This dish is important due to its nutritional value and its role in the diet of many Zimbabweans, especially near Lake Kariba.
Tap water in Zimbabwe is generally not recommended for tourists due to inconsistent water quality and potential contamination issues. While locals may drink it, it’s safer for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Always ensure bottled water is sealed before purchase.
The main language in Zimbabwe is
Shona. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Shona skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Zimbabwe includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Zimbabwe, serving as one of the country’s official languages alongside Shona and Sindebele. It is the primary language of government, education, and business, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to communicate. Most urban areas, including Harare and Bulawayo, have a high proficiency in English among locals, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
In rural regions, while many people can understand and speak basic English, fluency may vary. However, locals often appreciate any effort to communicate in their native languages, Shona or Sindebele. Signage, menus, and informational materials are typically available in English, facilitating navigation and interaction.
Overall, English is well-integrated into Zimbabwean society, making it accessible for tourists. Nevertheless, learning a few phrases in Shona or Sindebele can enhance cultural interactions and enrich the travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Zimbabwe is ZWL$.
In Zimbabwe, cash is king, and you’ll want to carry US dollars. Local ATMs can be finicky and often dispense only local currency, which isn’t widely accepted for bigger purchases. Stick to dollars for convenience. Euros are accepted for exchange, but USD is preferred.
ATMs are found in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo, but don’t rely on them exclusively. They can run dry or simply not work with foreign cards. Bring a mix of cash and cards, but don’t bank on card acceptance outside urban centers or major hotels.
For exchanging currency, skip the airport and head to a local bank or a reputable exchange bureau in town for better rates. Keep small denominations for markets and local transport, as change is often an issue.
In Zimbabwe, tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants where leaving around 10% is common if the service is good. For porters and hotel staff, a small tip of $1-$2 is typical. Always tip in cash using the local currency or small USD notes, as change can be tricky.
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.