Zimbabwe

Stone cities were built in many locations in present-day Zimbabwe. The most impressive structures and the best known of these, Great Zimbabwe, were built in the 15th century, but people had been living on the site from about 400 AD. The Khami Ruins just outside Bulawayo are also a wonderful example.

The population was overwhelmingly made up of Shona speakers until the 19th century when the Nguni tribe (in 1839-40) of the Ndebele settled in what is now Matabeleland, and then in 1890, the territory came under the control of the British South Africa Company under charter from the British Government.

The United Kingdom annexed the land, then called Southern Rhodesia, from the British South Africa Company in 1923, when the country got its own government and Prime Minister. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favoured whites in power. In 1965, this white supremacist government unilaterally declared independence as Rhodesia, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded voting rights for the black majority. UN sanctions and a guerrilla struggle finally led to free elections and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980.

Robert Mugabe became the first democratic leader of Zimbabwe. While initially lauded for his talk of reconciliation and his government's investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure, he slowly consolidated power from 1980-1987 as prime minister, and 1987-2017 as president. Starting in 2000, the government expropriated some very productive farms, which were in the hands of white Zimbabweans, as punishment for their support of the main opposition party, the MDC and handed them over to members of corrupt members of Mugabe's ZANU party, many of whom had no interest in farming, resulting in a drastic falloff in local food production. In 2005, he started a program which cleared slums, forcing hundreds of thousands of people onto the street.

Rigged elections and human rights abuses led to widespread emigration and international sanctions. Eventually, misrule and sanctions triggered massive, runaway inflation and a third of the population to choose to migrate. Elections were routinely marred by violence, directed by the ruling ZANU-PF party against opposition supporters. Following widespread protests, a power-sharing agreement was signed between President Mugabe and the leader of the main opposition party, Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2008. This briefly stabilized the political situation, but continued inflation led to the withdrawal of the Zimbabwe dollar from circulation in 2009; at the end, 100 trillion Zimbabwe dollars would not buy a loaf of bread. The defunct Zimbabwe dollar was replaced by a basket of currencies and ultimately adoption of the US dollar. The coalition government ended with Tsvangirai's 2013 electoral defeat in what was widely held to be a rigged election. By 2016 currency shortages were common, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe directing banks to limit withdrawals to US$20-50/day or US$150/week. In November 2016 another toy currency ("bond notes") was introduced at par with the US dollar. US cash is king, however, and the bond notes often trade at a discount if they're accepted at all. Usability of credit cards is sporadic as businesses have trouble accessing hard currency to pay for imports.

Mr. Mugabe remained President until November 2017 when, at the age of 93 with serious questions about his health, he failed in a brazen attempt to continue the family stranglehold on power by sacking the country's vice president as a first step toward installing his wife Grace as a presidential candidate for the 2018 election cycle. This led to an enraged military deposing him; most of the original veterans of the 1980 uprising against Rhodesia turned against Mugabe, with his own ZANU-PF party forcing his resignation by calling a vote in the legislature to impeach him. Mugabe was subsequently replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president who he had sacked.

Mnangagwa remained President when he was elected in the 2018 general elections which like the 2013 elections were widely criticized for irregularities domestically and internationally. The current government has rolled back some of the excesses of Mugabe, and declared the country "open for business", as well as a proposal to re-join the Commonwealth, but his time in office has not been free of strife: in 2019, widespread protests that were held after the government announced a 130% rise in fuel prices were met by violence from the police and military. However, it is not all gloomy: the government has led the continent in its vaccine programme, besting its larger and wealthier peers.

Zimbabwe has an excellent subtropical highland climate that is moderated by altitude. The rainy season is in summer from November to March. Although there are recurring droughts, floods and severe storms are rare. Winter temperatures can drop below 5° Celsius whilst summers can be very hot, they rarely go over 32°C (90°F), with the exception of lower regions of the country such as the Zambezi valley.

Mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld). There is a mountain range in east including the scenic Chimanimani mountains. The Lowveld is found in south eastern corner.

Elevation extremes :

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 meters

highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

Owing to Zimbabwe’s ethnic diversity, varied geography, history and history of immigration, the country’s culture is rich and diverse. It has several regional variations, and despite being mostly unified by language and culture, some regions have distinct practices.

Music plays an important part in Zimbabwean identity. Styles like sungura, jazz, gospel, urban grooves and Zimdancehall are considered genuinely Zimbabwean. Sungura music is the national equivalent of roots music. Zimdancehall, which mixes several national styles with Jamaican dancehall and reggae and has become popular with the youth nationwide. New urban styles include dance music inspired by house music. Additionally, most Zimbabweans are familiar with and fans of Western popular music.

ZBC is the country's public broadcaster and somewhat analogous to the BBC in the UK. In addition, Zimbabweans increasingly have access to many other cable or satellite TV channels. Half of households have satellite TV, which is the most important source of information and entertainment for most Zimbabweans, however this trails the internet largely accessed via cell phone and accessible to most of the population, universally so in cities and among young people.

Zimbabwe is a mix of different cultures with their own beliefs and ceremonies, including the Shona, Zimbabwe's largest ethnic group. The Shona people have many sculptures and carvings which are made with the finest materials available. Shona music is also deservedly famous. Probably the best-known Shona instrument is the mbira dzavadzimu, sometimes misleadingly called the "thumb piano" by non-Africans but actually meaning "voice of the ancestors". Mbira music contains harmony and can be a kind of shifting kaleidoscope of counterpoint and lively polyrhythms. It is very tuneful, and the mbiras are often accompanied by a rattle called a hosho. Mbira music is central to Shona culture and identity and is traditionally considered a form of worship of the ancestors.

The second largest group in the country are the Ndebele people, who are distantly related to the Zulu of South Africa, whose language is mostly intelligible with Zulu and partially so with the Xhosa language of South Africa. Although their numbers have fallen since the end of white minority rule, Zimbabwe still retains a substantial white population (mostly in and around Harare and Bulawayo), largely of British descent, with notable minorities of Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish and Greek extraction. Other groups include Asians, coloureds (mixed race people) and immigrants from Malawi, the Congo. Mozambique, Zambia, China and their descendants, the majority of whom have assimilated into Zimbabwean society.

Zimbabwe also has a large diaspora mostly in South Africa, the UK, Australia, Canada, the US, Ireland and New Zealand, so don't be surprised if you run into a 'diasporan' with a Western accent and outlook during your visit, as they have become significant investors and visitors within the country's tourism and real estate sectors.

In general, Zimbabweans are a warm, easy going, open minded people. Friendship, family and hospitality are highly prized among Zimbos, and both family connections and social interactions are valued highly. To people they have met, or at least know by name, Zimbabweans are usually polite, friendly and sometimes quite generous. Zimbabweans are reputedly one of the most hospitable people in the world and foreigners are usually treated with respect and hospitality.

Whereas the roots of Zimbabwean culture are African and proudly so, Zimbabwe is still a nation that is heavily influenced by the United Kingdom, and the middle class often look to London as a source of inspiration, especially given the poor and corrupt leadership in the country. Many Zimbabweans also display an ambivalent attitude to South Africa which increasingly dominates Zimbabwe's economy and whose ruling class is seen as enabling the corrupt Mnagagwa government.

Zimbabweans speak English natively and have the highest literacy rate in Africa. That said visitors will receive a very warm welcome if they try to start conversations in Shona or Ndebele. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Zimbabwe has faced an increasing wave of immigration from China, Congo, Malawi and Mozambique as well as an exodus of many residents to the UK, South Africa, Canada and Australia.

Once Africa's fastest growing economy and one of its most dynamic, with a large and confident middle class, especially by developing country standards, since 2000 Zimbabwe has undergone a dramatic economic collapse and since 2010 an uneven and sometimes volatile recovery.

There had been a few signs of improvement since the formation the Mnagagwa government in 2018, but the Zimbabwean economy remained plagued by high unemployment, deindustrialisation and a growing divide between a well connected and affluent elite and the rest of the population. The new government has claimed Zimbabwe 'is open for business' and though consumer goods are now widely available and certain industries have recovered (real estate, tourism and construction), the country lags behind its neighbors to the south, a far cry from its post independence heyday.

Rising mineral prices, real estate and tourism and rising agricultural exports, have allowed GDP to grow by an average of 3-5% since 2020 according to the World Bank, but Zimbabwe remains an unequal society with a corrupt and affluent politically connected elite, a stretched middle class and a large unemployed youth population. Recovery has been slow and uneven, mostly benefiting those at the top. However, the country still has decent infrastructure, especially for tourism (though upkeep can be very inconsistent), a highly skilled population and a large diaspora that invests in and remains committed to improving their home country and government efforts that made it easier to invest in tourism, real estate and mining.

1 January: New Year's Day

21 February : National Youth Day or Robert Mugabe Youth Day

18 April: Independence Day

1 May - Workers Day

25 May - Africa Day

22 December - Unity Day

25 December - Christmas

26 December - Boxing Day

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.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority website

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, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia.

Passport holders of the following are eligible to get a visa on arrival to enter Zimbabwe for up to 3 months (for purpose of tourism) or for up to 30 days (for purpose of business): Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China (PRC), Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Visa fees as of July 2019 at the port of entry for Category B nationals are as follows: US$30 (single entry), US$45 (double entry), US$55 (multiple entry). Cash only. A valid passport, travel itinerary, and return or onward journey ticket must be presented. Note that Canadian citizens are only able to obtain single entry visas on arrival at a cost of US$75, whilst British and Irish citizens pay higher fees for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival (US$55 for single entry and US$70 for double entry).

Passport holders of other countries must get a visa prior to arrival to Zimbabwe.

Category C citizens may apply for a visa (for business, holiday, conferencing or transit) online through the eVisa system of the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. Visa fee can be paid online or on arrival. It takes an average of two working days to obtain an e-Visa, however the period may vary due to a number of factors. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Visas can be obtained at Zimbabwean embassies/consulates. The fees for a visa vary between US$30 and 180 and depend on the applicant's nationality.

You might be able to apply for a Zimbabwean visa at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Zimbabwean diplomatic post. For example, the British embassy in Amman accepts Zimbabwean visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £50 to process a Zimbabwean visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Zimbabwe require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Zimbabwe can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

Zimbabwe and Zambia introduced a universal visa on 28 November 2014 called KAZA Visa. This visa can be obtained on arrival and is valid for both countries for visits up to 30 days while remaining within Zambia and Zimbabwe (including day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana at Kazungula). The fee is US$50 and is available at the following border crossings in Zambia: Livingstone Airport, Lusaka Airport, Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana) and Victoria Falls Land Border; in Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Airport, Harare Airport, Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana) and Victoria Falls Land Border.

Eligible countries are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.

Harare International Airport has a number of international flights, mainly to other African countries.

When coming from Europe, you can fly via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa, or Cairo.

From South Africa you can fly with South African Airways, Airlink, British Airways, or Air Zimbabwe.

Emirates Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Egypt Air fly to Harare from Europe.

SAA operates to quite a few European and African airports and has flights from Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg (South Africa). Air Botswana has flights from Harare and Victoria Falls to Gaborone. Malawi Airlines has flights from Harare to Lilongwe. British Airways flies from Harare via Johannesburg to Heathrow.

Victoria Falls airport has daily service by South African Airways, South African Airlink and British Airways to and from Johannesburg.

Bulawayo also has an international airport, with flights from Johannesburg operated by SAA and Air Zimbabwe.

For domestic flights inside Zimbabwe, Harare to Victoria Falls there is Air Zimbabwe and Fly Africa.

Air Zimbabwe also fly from Harare to Bulawayo and Harare to Kariba.

Low-cost airline Fastjet Zimbabwe has one-way domestic fares from US$20, and international fares from US$50. Fastjet fly from Harare to Victoria Falls, Bulawayo. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lusaka, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam.

There is also low-cost airline Fly Africa which goes from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, Harare to Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls to Harare.

Zimbabwe is accessible by road from the countries that surround it. Contrary to past scenarios, the fuel situation has improved with prices now being quoted in US dollars. As fuel has to be imported from either Mozambique or South Africa, you can expect to pay more per litre than you would in most other Southern African countries.

Roads in Zimbabwe vary significantly, from newly tarred and refurbished to completely dilapidated or untarred, and due caution should be taken when driving, especially at night, and in particular, during the holiday season when there are more vehicles on the road. In general major thoroughfares and affluent areas have better roads than poorer or rural regions. Potholes are a common occurrence so always drive with caution. When in doubt always ask for local advice.

Regular deluxe bus services operate from Johannesburg to Harare.

A number of buses also travel from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. Greyhound drives to both destinations. Tickets can be obtained directly from Greyhound or through the Computicket website.

Several bus companies also operate direct buses from Harare to Blantyre, Malawi and Pretoria and Johannesburg

No public transport exists from Victoria Falls directly to Botswana - a taxi to the border will cost around USD40, or some hotels in Vic Falls can arrange transfers.

National Railways of Zimbabwe service was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, and remains suspended as of November 2025.

Additionally, the private company Rovos Rail runs a luxurious excursion train from Pretoria, South Africa to Victoria Falls several times per month. Matching the luxury, prices are extravagant with journeys costing thousand of dollars.

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.

Minibus taxis are available for intra-city transport, and are relatively inexpensive by European standards. They provide a cheap, though a not necessarily comfortable way of seeing the true Zimbabwe.

The taxi app in Zimbabwe is called Vaya, but you will need a Zimbabwean phone number to use it. Its exchange rate is fixed at Z$1 to US$1, so you will want to pay in Zimbabwean dollars (RTGS).

National Railways of Zimbabwe service was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, and remains suspended as of November 2025.

Traffic is the biggest danger because of the poor condition of cars and the driving culture. Driving after dark is not recommended, especially outside cities.

Car hijackings are possible. At traffic lights, when refuelling and otherwise when stopping your car, be alert for anyone approaching. When driving, always keep doors locked and windows closed. Be prepared for occasional fuel supply problems. Motorists should be prepared by buying an extra can of fuel.

The condition of the roads in Zimbabwe seems to have improved considerably since the stabilization of the economy. Roads between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, Bulawayo and Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe) and Masvingo and Mutare are all in relatively good condition.

The highway between Plumtree and Mutare (passing through Bulawayo and Harare in between) is being resurfaced.

Almost no fuel station in Zimbabwe takes credit cards. Also road blocks are common but usually police just want to see your driver's licence and your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Police can fine you if you do not have reflective reflectors on your car, red hazard triangles in your boot, a spare tire, or a fire extinguisher, so be sure to carry those items if you want to avoid a fine.

Hitchhiking is also a viable option, but tourists need to take care with whom they accept lifts from; hijackings and robberies of hitchhikers, especially within Harare, have been on the increase in the last few years. Be sure to bring some money along, as drivers very often expect some sort of fee to be paid up front.

Zim's large cities all bustle with life. The famous capital, Harare, is one of Africa's most pleasant cities. It's a city of contrasts, there's expensive cosmopolitan boutiques, buzzing nightlife and delicious ethnic cuisine. However, it's the classic, unpolished side of the city that makes it a charming destination. The central colorful neighbourhoods where crazy traffic sounds drown out distant dance tunes, the pleasant street-cafés and garden restaurants, busy outdoor markets and historic colonial architecture. Avondale and Mount Pleasant are pleasant, older neighbourhoods of the city and a good place to indulge in the city vibe of cafés, street markets, and antique markets in a garden suburban setting. The atmosphere is perhaps Harare's biggest attraction, but some of the main sights include the National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Human Sciences.

Zimbabwe's other cities share the energetic buzz of Harare, but have a distinct character of their own. Bulawayo is a lively yet laid-back city, characterized by broad avenues and Victorian architecture. It's famous as a 'heritage city' far beyond the borders of Zimbabwe and a perfect starting point for the country's game parks to the north. In the east, Mutare, is well known for its scenic setting and is also a good base for hiking and other outdoor activities in the Eastern Highlands. The city of Gweru has shaken off its agricultural roots and is increasingly a vibrant university city. Masvingo, hosts classic Victorian architecture and serves as the gateway to exploring the Great Zimbabwe ruins

1 Hwange National Park. Between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, this park boasts more than 100 different animal species and over 400 species of birds. It is one of the few great elephants sanctuaries in Africa with over 30,000 elephants.

2 Matobo National Park. Also known as Matopos, this small park close to Bulawayo was awarded a UNESCO world heritage status in 2003 for its fascinating natural features and wildlife.

3 Mana Pools National Park. Mana Pools National Park, South of the Zambezi river in the North of Zimbabwe, is a UNESCO world heritage site. A remote location, it welcomes happy few safari lovers with an abundance of elephant, hippo, lions, antelope, giraffe and other animals, and over 350 bird species, in stunning landscapes.

4 Great Zimbabwe Ruins. In the vicinity of Masvingo, the sixth largest Zimbabwean city, Great Zimbabwe ruins are the remains of one of the greatest African civilizations: the Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe dominated the area from present Zimbabwe, East of Botswana and South East of Mozambique in the late Iron Age (between 1100 and 1450 AD). From the impressive granite stone complex that was once built, the ruins span 1,800 acres (7 km2) and cover a radius of 100 to 200 miles (160 to 320 km). (updated Dec 2021)

Zimbabweans love sports and are justifiably proud of their country's achievements and how they have constantly punched above their weight on the international stage. The main five sports are: Association football, Rugby Union, Cricket, Tennis and Golf. All of these sports attract a widespread following, both at matches themselves and on television; and it is very common to find televised coverage of them shown in pubs, hotels and bars. There are popular grounds to all these sports around the country: Rufaro (Harare), Bourbourfields (Bulawayo), National Sports stadium (Harare) and Ascot (Gweru) for football, Harare Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) and Alexandra (Harare) for cricket, Police Grounds (Harare), Old Hararians (Harare) and Hartsfield (Bulawayo) for rugby, as well as the Royal Harare Golf Club for golf.

Football means association football or soccer. It is by far the most popular spectator sport, especially with the working class and is very widely played across the country at amateur and professional levels, with the highest competition being the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League and the best talent moving on to play in European leagues. Dynamos (nicknamed the Glamour Boys for their dazzling 'carpet soccer' are the toast of middle class Harare), CAPS United (with a more working class fanbase) and Highlanders (the historic Bulawayo team) are the most supported teams in the country, with a derby between either side the highlight of the season. The national team on the other hand is a relatively middling side, performing strongly and often winning the regional COSAFA cup tournament, yet underperforming at the continental AFCON tournament.

Rugby is invariably rugby union has 15 players per team, and is popular with the middle classes. The Zimbabwean national team aka The Sables will be back at the World Cup in 2027 after a two decade absence, and this has reinvigorated support for the game across the country. The team competes in the Africa Cup and will be playing more matches in the Nations Cup as part of preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The country's highest domestic team, the Zimbabwe Academy team, plays in South Africa's Currie Cup. while most of the country's best players ply their trade in the UK, South Africa, Australia and France, due to greater earning potential than at home. Despite this, Old Georgians and Old Hararians remain two of the countries most prestigious clubs, the latter noted for their exciting 'champagne rugby' inspired by the passing French style of play. That said the standard of play is high up to the high school level and high school games are popular and cheap weekend affairs, particularly Cotco high school rugby tournament.

Cricket is played only in the summer, and tends to be most popular in the cities. Zimbabwe is a highly competitive, if often underdog side. Visiting tours by Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa are considered the highlight of the summer sporting season and are well worth a trip to one of the country's fine cricket ovals

Zimbabwe has punched above its weight in tennis, particularly in doubles and at the Davis Cup, often the only African nation in the top tier division. Tennis is often played on hard court though grass courts are present in affluent areas like Borrowdale. Davis Cup games are the most popular and attract enthusiastic crowds. In golf, Zimbabwe forms part of the Sunshine tour with its neighbors, the third most prestigious after the PGA and European tours. The country has produced numerous golfers such as Nick Price and Mark McNulty and plenty of excellent golf courses are found in or near the larger cities

Zimbabwe is also a respected competitor in equestrian activities, and several major events in the racing calendar are held at various venues. The most prestigious events on the horse racing calendar include the OK Grand Challenge and the Castle Tankard both held in Harare in the autumn and winter.

In April 2024, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, named Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (ISO code ZWG). Coins of the ZiG were issued in denominations of 1⁄10, 1⁄4, 1⁄2, 1, 2 and 5 ZiG. Banknotes of the ZiG were issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ZiG.

As of June 2025, the black market rate was 20% higher than the official rate for US dollars. Trading currency on the black market is illegal.

Most retailers and service providers are trading their products in U.S. dollars or pegging their prices in Zimbabwe currency using U.S. dollar black market rates. Some retailers and public transport operators no longer accept denominations lower than the Zimbabwe dollar coin. Wikivoyage articles generally quote prices in U.S. dollars.

Everyone from street vendors to taxi drivers to supermarkets, restaurants, and activity operators operate in US dollars so there is no need to obtain Zimbabwe Gold. ATMs usually deliver crisp US$100 notes which then require changing into smaller denominations at stores, which sometimes is a challenge. Smaller USD notes are most useful and US$1 are difficult to find but the most used. Anything larger is unlikely to be accepted. If receiving change of less than US$1, you will receive Zimbabwe Gold.

Many banks do not have enough bank notes due to a shortage of paper, so will only change U.S. dollars for Ecocash. Registering for Ecocash is recommended. You will need your ID to buy an EcoNet SIM card at EcoNet shops or other small phone shops. You can then register for EcoCash, but you will need to produce your ID again to activate your account. You can then load your account at a bank, and spend money in most shops using your PIN.

A growing number of businesses accept Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards in Zimbabwe, however shop workers are often resistant to use them. Be careful what currency your card is charged in.

Credit/debit cards

Credit and debit cards are used less commonly than in the United States or Europe. Many businesses in the city accept them and you can expect any major chain — supermarkets, fast food restaurants, clothing stores, etc. — to also accept them. The standard 10% tip in restaurant is often expected to be paid in cash, even when you pay the bill by credit or debit card. Bear in mind, tipping is not expected and may only apply to an establishment that does not already add a service charge.

If you use a debit or credit card, the checkout operator in places like supermarkets will often require you to present your card and a form of identification such as a drivers' licence. Present both at checkout and with confidence. A lack of confidence will lead to a request for your passport as identification.

PIN cards have become the most common and should be accepted anywhere, as well as magnetic band cards. PINs should be accepted but if not, the shop attendant will ask you to sign the invoice. Contactless credit cards are not commonly accepted as of 2020.

Traveller's checks

They are rarely used and may be difficult to exchange, but some banks and exchanges may accept them. Also, Western Union will cash them with proper identification.

Tipping

There is no obligation to tip in Zimbabwe although any tip is welcome, given the volatile economy. Some nicer restaurants will add a service charge (10 percent). In these cases tipping is not expected. Sometimes rounding up or telling them to "keep the change" is enough on small checks, deliveries, petrol attendants, etc. Leaving at least a 10% tip is considered kind and polite at restaurants, cafes, hotels, beauty salons, barbers, ushers and car-washes. Tipping bartenders is not customary but will be greatly appreciated. Leaving no tip when feeling unsatisfied is not an uncommon gesture, and will not likely make much of an impression. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Service fees are included in most upscale hotels and restaurants, usually around 10%. By law it is mandatory that this item is represented in the same text size as the rest of the menu items.

Domestically produced things are very cheap (especially labour-intensive things), and curios are especially well made. However, for a tourist drinking Coke and eating pizza, prices are not that much lower than in South Africa.

Specialities worth sampling include peri-peri chicken, a Portuguese/Mozambican influence, meat pies (which make an excellent portable, inexpensive, and delicious snack or lunch and can be found easily at many supermarkets and bakeries.), samosas (Indian origin) bream, sadza nedovi (sadza with vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce), boerewors (spicy farmer sausages) and vetkoek (a delicious fried pastry), both South African in origin as the names suggest.

Zimbabwe has traditionally been a cattle rearing country, particularly in the south and west, and therefore features excellent (and affordable) beef. The braai is a typical Southern African barbeque that crosses all classes and ethnicities, consisting of a variety of grilled meats (steaks, beef short ribs, sausage, chuck and sometimes offal) and a peri peri or other sauce over wood fire grill. Drinks are served and it is a great way to socialise and meet new people. As in many countries with a similar meat culture, men tend to dominate the grilling, though women and children are always made to feel welcome.

Additionally, the restaurant and coffee-shop scene in Harare and Bulawayo are great by continental standards, with a wide variety of places and cuisines to choose from.

Policing in Zimbabwe has improved markedly since the Mugabe era. On the whole, Zimbabwean police officers are professional and polite to tourists, but they are underpaid, which can lead to incidents of corruption or bribery. They are generally less aggressive than law enforcement agencies in many other nearby countries, particularly South Africa; however, this does not apply to political demonstrations or other politically motivated investigations, which have elicited very strong responses in the past. Tourists, expats and outsiders are strongly discouraged from attending political rallies or events. Bribery can occur at police checkpoints or border control but it is important to be firm and politely decline, as this behavior is not tolerated by senior authorities and harassment of tourists is considered a serious offence.

With local exceptions, such as airports, and national events, such as Independence Day parades, the vast majority of police officers in Zimbabwe do not carry firearms, and the only police officers allowed to carry firearms are those from specialist firearms units.

Most officers will only speak English, Shona or Ndebele, though they will attempt to find an interpreter for people who can't understand questioning in English. You have the legal right to silence when arrested and to have an interpreter at the police station.

Police officers in Zimbabwe usually wear dark blue uniforms, although some wear tan or khaki uniforms. Front-line police (in uniform) are also generally required to have shoulder numbers. Most police are also required to carry a warrant card, and should under reasonable circumstances be willing to produce it, to confirm their authority.

Private security guards do not generally have any "police-style" powers at all. There are a small number of non-police officials who have limited enforcement powers relating to specific local areas, or certain activities such as on-street parking or accessing some government buildings.

Although jaywalking is not an offence in Zimbabwe and common in the larger cities, crossing a road other than at a designated crossing should be taken with care. A number of traffic light crossings have a push button to change the 'man' from red to green. Pedestrians have right of way on zebra crossings, that are identified by white stripes on the road and yellow flashing lights. It is advisable to make eye contact with the driver before stepping into the road. Certain roads, such as the President's residence, prohibit pedestrians (and cyclists), this is often marked with signs in clearly visible locations.

As in the rest of the region, traffic in Zimbabwe drives on the left. Drivers from other countries should take special care if they are not used to driving on the left or if your car is left-hand drive. If driving a left-hand drive car, you may find it difficult to see traffic in your passenger-side door mirror and overtaking may be more difficult and hazardous.

Driving

Both in Zimbabwe and the rest of Southern Africa, road accidents tend to peak around holiday periods especially around Christmas and New Years'. This is mostly a result of speeding, reckless overtaking and drunk driving. If a driver is coming up fast behind you, do not be goaded into increasing your speed. They will overtake (at their own risk!) if you keep to a speed at which you are comfortable. Added to this, weather can be poor, with heavy rains possible from November to March. Listen to radio or television traffic reports (e.g. ZBC or Power FM) and avoid travelling by car in adverse conditions, if possible.

Many rural roads are poorly maintained, so you should drive carefully and never assume that it is clear around the next bend or over the next hill. Use full-beam headlights if visibility is less than 100 m (110 yards) ahead, but be considerate and don't daze other road users. In rural or farming areas, keep your speed down and watch out for livestock such as sheep and cattle or wild animals like monkeys and antelope.

Drunk-driving is not tolerated by the authorities and if you find yourself involved in any form of road incident that requires police attention, you will be stopped and breathalysed. If caught and convicted, a driving ban and/or imprisonment will normally follow. The drink-driving limit is stricter in Zimbabwe than in neighbouring countries, so please take precaution.