Question 1

Is Zimbabwe a safe country to travel through?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Zimbabwe is a safe destination for travellers who use common sense. The people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and both individual travellers and families often feel welcome here. As everywhere, we advise you to remain alert and follow our practical travel tips.

Question 2

Can you travel around Zimbabwe independently?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the best type of travel depends on your plans. The availability of rental cars in Zimbabwe is limited and road quality varies considerably by region. A 4WD is essential for many routes, especially when visiting national parks. If you combine Zimbabwe with, for example, South Africa, Botswana or Zambia, it is often interesting to travel through several countries in one rental car. If you are focusing entirely on Zimbabwe, we will look together at whether a rental car, fly-in safari or guided tour best matches your wishes and travel style.

Question 3

What are the roads like in Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

The main roads between the key destinations are generally easy to drive on. Some secondary roads and routes in national parks are rougher and require a little more time. We recommend a 4WD for all routes. That is precisely how you reach places where few other travellers go. We always tailor the route to the season and your travel experience. We recommend a 4WD for all routes.

Question 4

Do you pay in US dollars in Zimbabwe, and is Zimbabwe an expensive destination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the US dollar (USD) is still the most widely used and accepted currency for travellers. You can also pay by credit card in many places, but we always recommend carrying enough cash dollars for smaller expenses, national parks and remote areas. Zimbabwe is generally more expensive than many other countries in Southern Africa, particularly because of the cost of national parks and accommodation. In return, you enjoy small-scale lodges, personal service and exclusive wildlife experiences, often without the crowds you encounter in other destinations.

Question 5

Which countries combine well with Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Zimbabwe combines exceptionally well with other destinations in southern Africa. Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park make a logical combination with a self-drive or safari through Botswana. If you want to visit Mana Pools National Park, combining it with Zambia is ideal. Thanks to its favourable location, there are plenty of opportunities to discover several countries in one trip. We are happy to advise which combination best suits the time you have available and your travel preferences.

Question 6

Is Zimbabwe suitable for a trip with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this depends greatly on the children’s ages and the type of trip chosen. Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for families who love nature and wildlife. As wildlife roams freely in many national parks and bush camps, we advise against taking children under the age of 12 on self-drive and camping trips. If you choose a lodge or guided trip, there are often more options. We are happy to recommend a route and accommodation suited to your children’s ages and your way of travelling.

Question 7

When is the best time to travel to Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

The best time to travel to Zimbabwe is from April to October inclusive. In April and May, the landscapes are still beautifully green after the rainy season, and Victoria Falls and the other waterfalls carry impressive volumes of water. As the weather becomes drier, animals increasingly gather at waterholes, making safaris more spectacular. August, September and October are among the best months for wildlife. During the rainy season, many areas are less accessible, so we generally do not recommend travelling during this period.

Question 8

Why have Beyond Routes tailor-make a trip to Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

You only truly discover Zimbabwe when you look beyond the well-known highlights. At the same time, travelling through Zimbabwe requires a little more preparation than you might expect. Good hire vehicles are scarce in Zimbabwe itself, and popular accommodation and campsites can be fully booked well in advance. That is why, together with our local partners, we look at the options that best suit your trip. Is it feasible to cross the border in a vehicle from a neighbouring country? Would it be better to have a vehicle delivered to Harare? Or would travelling with a local guide better suit your wishes and the time you have available? Thanks to our own experience and local knowledge, we can weigh up the different options and create a route that is also feasible in practice. We work with local accommodation providers, guides and entrepreneurs who share our vision wherever possible, helping to strengthen the positive impact of tourism. Trips covered by the Package Travel Act are protected by the VZR Guarantee Fund.