Africa · Southern Africa

Zimbabwe

Republic of Zimbabwe

Flag of Zimbabwe
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Harare
👥 Population
17,073,087
📐 Area
390,757 km²
💱 Currency
Zimbabwean dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
📞 Calling Code
+263
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Southern Africa

About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country that has endured extraordinary hardship and yet managed to preserve, in its landscapes and its people, an openness and generosity that make it one of Africa's most rewarding destinations. Sharing the mighty Victoria Falls with Zambia on its northwestern border, Zimbabwe greets most visitors with one of the world's greatest natural spectacles — a kilometre-wide curtain of white water thundering into the Zambezi gorge, sending clouds of spray visible for miles and filling the air with a constant, awesome roar. Standing on the edge of the Zimbabwean bank, drenched to the skin by the spray, watching the water disappear into the chasm below, is one of those travel experiences that resets your scale of reference entirely.

But Zimbabwe is much more than its famous waterfall. Hwange National Park, one of Africa's largest and most impressive game reserves, shelters one of the continent's greatest elephant populations — an estimated 45,000 animals — alongside buffalo herds thousands strong, lions, painted wild dogs, and the full complement of African megafauna. Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi floodplain, where elephants stand on their hind legs to reach acacia pods and lions hunt hippos at the water's edge, is among the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on the continent and one of only a handful of parks where you can walk unguided. The Eastern Highlands, rising to 2,592 metres at Mount Nyangani, offer tea plantations, waterfalls, trout-filled streams, and a cool green landscape startlingly different from the dry savanna below.

The people of Zimbabwe carry their country's turbulent recent history with a dignity and resilience that humbles most visitors. Despite decades of economic hardship, hyperinflation, and political instability, Zimbabweans are among the most educated, articulate, and warmly welcoming people you will encounter anywhere in Africa. Coming here requires neither caution nor courage — it requires simply the willingness to be surprised, moved, and repeatedly reminded that great places are ultimately defined by great people.

History & Background

Zimbabwe's history stretches back to one of Africa's most remarkable pre-colonial civilisations. The Great Zimbabwe monument — a vast complex of dry-stone walls and enclosures covering 722 hectares in the south-central plateau, built between the 11th and 15th centuries — was the capital of a Shona kingdom that controlled the gold trade between the African interior and the Arab and Swahili traders of the Indian Ocean coast. At its peak, Great Zimbabwe housed an estimated 18,000 people and represented a level of political and economic organisation that contradicted, for centuries, European assumptions about African civilisation. The soapstone Zimbabwe Bird, carved sculptures found at the site, became the national symbol and appear on the Zimbabwean flag.

European contact arrived with Portuguese traders in the 16th century, followed by missionaries and settlers in the 19th century. Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company seized control of the territory in 1890, creating what became Southern Rhodesia — a settler-dominated colony built on the dispossession of African land and labour. The Chimurenga War of 1896–97, in which both Shona and Ndebele peoples rose against settler rule, established a tradition of resistance that culminated in the liberation struggle of the 1960s and 1970s. Independence as Zimbabwe was achieved on 18 April 1980 under Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, initially to widespread international hope. The land reform programme of the early 2000s, widespread political violence, and economic collapse under Mugabe's long rule cast a long shadow, though the country has been on a cautious path of recovery since the 2017 change of government.

Culture & People

Zimbabwean culture is a rich blend of Shona and Ndebele traditions, colonial history, and contemporary African identity. The Shona people, who make up the majority of the population, have one of the world's great sculptural traditions: Shona stone sculpture, which emerged as a recognised contemporary art movement in the 1950s and 1960s under the encouragement of Frank McEwen at the National Gallery of Rhodesia, has achieved international recognition for its distinctive aesthetic — organic, spiritual forms that seem to emerge from the stone rather than be imposed on it. Sculptures by artists like Joram Mariga, Henry Munyaradzi, and Nicholas Mukomberanwa are held in major museum collections worldwide.

Music is central to Zimbabwean cultural life. Mbira music — played on the lamellaphone, an instrument of thin metal tines plucked over a resonator box, often inside a calabash gourd — is the ceremonial and spiritual music of the Shona people, used in bira ceremonies to communicate with ancestral spirits. In a secular context, it forms the foundation of Zimbabwe's most celebrated popular export: chimurenga music, developed by the legendary Thomas Mapfumo, who blended mbira rhythms with electric guitar and politically charged lyrics. The Ndebele people of Matabeleland bring their own distinct musical and beadwork traditions, with elaborate geometric patterns in necklaces, aprons, and decorative arts that are among Southern Africa's finest.

Food & Cuisine

Zimbabwean cuisine shares the maize-centred foundations common to much of Southern and Eastern Africa, with sadza — a thick, stiff maize porridge virtually identical to Zambia's nshima — forming the basis of virtually every traditional meal. Sadza is eaten with the right hand, rolled into a small ball, and dipped into accompanying dishes: nyama (meat stew), muriwo (leafy vegetable relish, often made with pumpkin leaves or rape), matemba (dried kapenta fish in tomato and onion), or groundnut (peanut) sauce. Game meat appears frequently on menus both traditional and upscale — impala, kudu, warthog, and crocodile are all eaten and game ranching has preserved wildlife while providing food and livelihoods.

Harare and Victoria Falls have developed sophisticated dining scenes that reflect Zimbabwe's cosmopolitan heritage and the high educational level of its population. The legacy of the British colonial era has left a strong tradition of baking and roasting — Zimbabwean beef, often grass-fed on vast cattle ranches, is of exceptional quality when you can find it. The mushroom season after the first rains brings a passion for wild mushroom gathering across the country; specific varieties like dovi and nhiri are dried and added to stews with an earthiness that is deeply Zimbabwean. Chibuku, a traditional sorghum-based opaque beer sold in cardboard cartons, is the everyday drink of millions and a deeply communal experience; commercial Castle and Lion lagers are the mainstream alternatives.

Top Attractions

  • Victoria Falls — The Zimbabwean side of Mosi-oa-Tunya offers the classic face-on view of the world's largest waterfall, with the rainforest walk, Devil's Pool swimming, and world-class white-water rafting all accessible from Vic Falls town.
  • Hwange National Park — Home to approximately 45,000 elephants — one of Africa's greatest concentrations — along with vast buffalo herds, prides of lions, painted wild dogs, and over 400 bird species across 14,651 square kilometres of wilderness.
  • Mana Pools National Park — A UNESCO World Heritage floodplain wilderness on the Zambezi where you can walk unguided among elephant and buffalo, watch lions hunt at the water's edge, and canoe through one of Africa's most dramatic river landscapes.
  • Great Zimbabwe National Monument — The extraordinary dry-stone ruins of the 11th–15th century Shona capital, the largest ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa south of the Sahara, and the spiritual and historical heart of Zimbabwean national identity.
  • Matobo Hills — A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of tumbled granite kopjes, ancient San rock paintings, and the graves of both Mzilikazi (Ndebele king) and Cecil Rhodes, offering also some of Africa's best white rhino tracking on foot.
  • Eastern Highlands — The cool, green mountain region bordering Mozambique, where the Vumba Botanical Gardens, Nyanga National Park, and the Chimanimani wilderness offer trekking, trout fishing, and a landscape completely unlike the rest of Zimbabwe.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Obtain a KAZA UniVisa (US$50) if combining Zimbabwe and Zambia — it provides multiple entries to both countries and is excellent value for a Vic Falls-based itinerary covering both sides of the border.
  • Zimbabwe uses multiple currencies simultaneously including USD, ZAR, and the Zimbabwean ZiG; USD is the most universally accepted and practical currency for tourists — carry small denominations as change can be difficult.
  • Book Mana Pools canoe safaris and walking permits well in advance — this is one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife experiences and capacity is strictly limited to protect the ecosystem.
  • The Bulawayo and Matobo Hills area in southwestern Zimbabwe is often overlooked by visitors rushing between Harare and Vic Falls — the ancient rock paintings, Cecil Rhodes's grave, and extraordinary kopje landscapes are worth a dedicated detour.
  • Harare has a vibrant arts scene; visit the National Gallery and the Chapungu Sculpture Park to see Shona stone sculpture at its finest, from established masters to emerging artists.
  • Travel with a good medical kit and ensure comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover — medical facilities outside Harare and Bulawayo are limited.
  • Photography of government buildings, airports, military installations, and official personnel is prohibited and can attract unwanted attention from authorities — ask before photographing anything that could be considered official.

Visa Overview

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zimbabwe, available on arrival at major border crossings and international airports for approximately US$30–75 depending on nationality and visa type. The KAZA UniVisa (US$50) is the best option for those combining Zimbabwe and Zambia. Citizens of SADC member states and many Commonwealth countries may qualify for visa-free entry or reduced fees. The e-visa system at evisa.gov.zw allows advance applications. A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and two blank pages is required. Proof of sufficient funds and onward travel may be requested at entry. Always verify current requirements with the Zimbabwe Immigration Department before travel.

Getting Around

Zimbabwe's main international airport is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, with a secondary hub at Victoria Falls International Airport. Harare to Victoria Falls by air takes approximately 90 minutes and multiple airlines serve the route. Intercape and Pathfinder buses connect major cities with reasonable reliability, though long-distance bus travel is slow. Self-drive is practical on main roads but requires awareness of road conditions, fuel availability, and speed cameras. Zimbabwe drives on the left. For national park access, a 4WD is strongly recommended. Many safari operators offer scheduled transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange, Bulawayo, and Harare that are efficient and competitively priced.

Safety Notes

Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the main visitor areas of Victoria Falls, Hwange, and the Eastern Highlands. Petty theft occurs in Harare and Bulawayo — standard urban precautions with valuables apply. Wildlife poses real danger in unfenced national parks; always follow ranger and guide instructions and never approach animals on foot without an experienced armed guide. Road safety is a genuine concern — potholes, wandering livestock, and poorly lit roads make night driving risky. Be aware of political sensitivities around photography and public commentary on government. Carry malaria prophylaxis and a first aid kit for remote travel.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) $
Updated: 2026-08-21
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.000169
AAVE 0.000000
ADA 0.000073
AED 0.000055
AFN 0.000992
AGIX 0.000241
AKT 0.000029
ALGO 0.000171
ALL 0.001191
AMD 0.005480
AMP 0.037719
ANG 0.000027
AOA 0.013795
APE 0.000114
APT 0.000026
AR 0.000007
ARB 0.000165
ARS 0.022500
ATOM 0.000010
ATS 0.000177
AUD 0.000021
AVAX 0.000002
AWG 0.000027
AXS 0.000015
AZM 0.127738
AZN 0.000026
BAKE 0.020086
BAM 0.000025
BAT 0.000226
BBD 0.000030
BCH 0.000000
BDT 0.001838
BEF 0.000519
BGN 0.000025
BHD 0.000006
BIF 0.044729
BMD 0.000015
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000019
BOB 0.000174
BRL 0.000078
BSD 0.000015
BSV 0.000001
BSW 0.040244
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.000032
BTN 0.001439
BTT 53.039241
BUSD 0.000015
BWP 0.000202
BYN 0.000046
BYR 0.294524
BZD 0.000030
CAD 0.000021
CAKE 0.000009
CDF 0.034452
CELO 0.000222
CFX 0.000334
CHF 0.000012
CHZ 0.001138
CLP 0.013867
CNH 0.000101
CNY 0.000101
COMP 0.000001
COP 0.046148
CRC 0.006830
CRO 0.000280
CRV 0.000053
CSPR 0.005703
CUC 0.000015
CUP 0.000398
CVE 0.001417
CVX 0.000009
CYP 0.000008
CZK 0.000310
DAI 0.000015
DASH 0.000000
DCR 0.000001
DEM 0.000025
DFI 0.027892
DJF 0.002677
DKK 0.000096
DOGE 0.000183
DOP 0.000879
DOT 0.000018
DYDX 0.000132
DZD 0.001997
EEK 0.000201
EGLD 0.000005
EGP 0.000765
ENJ 0.000572
EOS 0.000215
ERN 0.000225
ESP 0.002139
ETB 0.002449
ETC 0.000002
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000013
EURC 0.000013
FEI 0.000015
FIL 0.000020
FIM 0.000076
FJD 0.000033
FKP 0.000011
FLOW 0.000517
FLR 0.002160
FRAX 0.000015
FRF 0.000084
FTT 0.000069
GALA 0.009258
GBP 0.000011
GEL 0.000039
GGP 0.000011
GHC 1.666784
GHS 0.000167
GIP 0.000011
GMD 0.001115
GMX 0.000002
GNF 0.132118
GNO 0.000000
GRD 0.004380
GRT 0.000994
GT 0.000002
GTQ 0.000115
GUSD 0.000015
GYD 0.003146
HBAR 0.000203
HKD 0.000118
HNL 0.000403
HNT 0.000083
HOT 0.042505
HRK 0.000097
HT 0.000320
HTG 0.001968
HUF 0.004687
ICP 0.000006
IDR 0.266662
IEP 0.000010
ILS 0.000045
IMP 0.000011
IMX 0.000136
INJ 0.000003
INR 0.001439
IQD 0.019715
IRR 20.655382
ISK 0.001825
ITL 0.024890
JEP 0.000011
JMD 0.002380
JOD 0.000011
JPY 0.002389
KAS 0.000522
KAVA 0.000354
KCS 0.000002
KDA 0.003079
KES 0.001945
KGS 0.001316
KHR 0.060491
KLAY 0.000557
KMF 0.006324
KNC 0.000138
KPW 0.013524
KRW 0.020763
KSM 0.000005
KWD 0.000005
KYD 0.000013
KZT 0.006868
LAK 0.338656
LBP 1.348957
LDO 0.000044
LEO 0.000002
LINK 0.000001
LKR 0.004964
LRC 0.001853
LRD 0.002729
LSL 0.000242
LTC 0.000000
LTL 0.000044
LUF 0.000519
LUNA 0.000325
LUNC 0.281754
LVL 0.000009
LYD 0.000095
MAD 0.000139
MANA 0.000213
MBX 0.000706
MDL 0.000258
MGA 0.064282
MGF 0.321412
MINA 0.000321
MKD 0.000793
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.031555
MNT 0.054089
MOP 0.000121
MRO 0.006000
MRU 0.000600
MTL 0.000006
MUR 0.000701
MVR 0.000232
MWK 0.026085
MXN 0.000255
MXV 0.000029
MYR 0.000061
MZM 0.959126
MZN 0.000959
NAD 0.000242
NEAR 0.000009
NEO 0.000008
NEXO 0.000019
NFT 54.040166
NGN 0.020292
NIO 0.000553
NLG 0.000028
NOK 0.000140
NPR 0.002303
NZD 0.000025
OKB 0.000000
OMR 0.000006
ONE 0.020138
OP 0.000155
ORDI 0.000004
PAB 0.000015
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000050
PEPE 4.663080
PGK 0.000067
PHP 0.000927
PI 0.000165
PKR 0.004175
PLN 0.000056
POL 0.000186
PTE 0.002577
PYG 0.090606
QAR 0.000055
QNT 0.000000
QTUM 0.000018
ROL 0.675035
RON 0.000068
RPL 0.000009
RSD 0.001508
RUB 0.001244
RUNE 0.000033
RVN 0.004961
RWF 0.022116
SAND 0.000341
SAR 0.000056
SBD 0.000120
SCR 0.000211
SDD 0.901888
SDG 0.009019
SEK 0.000142
SGD 0.000019
SHIB 3.027275
SHP 0.000011
SIT 0.003081
SKK 0.000387
SLE 0.000344
SLL 0.344142
SNX 0.000071
SOL 0.000000
SOS 0.008593
SPL 0.000003
SRD 0.000568
SRG 0.568306
SSP 0.084456
STD 0.317576
STN 0.000318
STX 0.000101
SUI 0.000020
SVC 0.000131
SYP 0.195378
SZL 0.000242
THB 0.000493
THETA 0.000092
TJS 0.000139
TMM 0.262725
TMT 0.000053
TND 0.000044
TOP 0.000036
TRL 722.116193
TRX 0.000044
TRY 0.000722
TTD 0.000102
TUSD 0.000015
TVD 0.000021
TWD 0.000479
TWT 0.000037
TZS 0.039759
UAH 0.000671
UGX 0.055893
UNI 0.000004
USD 0.000015
USDC 0.000015
USDD 0.000015
USDP 0.000015
USDT 0.000015
UYU 0.000603
UZS 0.177996
VAL 0.024890
VEB 1,168,034.239091
VED 0.011648
VEF 1,164.797020
VES 0.011648
VET 0.002890
VND 0.391320
VUV 0.001782
WAVES 0.000073
WEMIX 0.000076
WOO 0.001294
WST 0.000041
XAF 0.008432
XAG 0.000000
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000041
XCG 0.000027
XCH 0.000010
XDC 0.000524
XDR 0.000011
XEC 2.165175
XEM 0.032757
XLM 0.000081
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.008432
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.001534
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000012
XTZ 0.000067
YER 0.003563
ZAR 0.000242
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.005941
ZMK 0.285138
ZMW 0.000285
ZWD 0.005439
ZWG 0.000400

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Zimbabwe needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare.
What currency does Zimbabwe use?
Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwean dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Zimbabwe?
The official language(s) of Zimbabwe include Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language.
What is the population of Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 17,073,087 people.
What region is Zimbabwe in?
Zimbabwe is located in Africa, specifically in the Southern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Zimbabwe?
The international dialing code for Zimbabwe is +263.
What time zones does Zimbabwe observe?
Zimbabwe observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Zimbabwe?
The local time in Zimbabwe is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe covers a total area of 390,757 km².
How many states or provinces does Zimbabwe have?
Zimbabwe is divided into 12 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Zimbabwe in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Zimbabwe in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Zimbabwe?
Visa requirements for citizens of Zimbabwe vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.