Home / Safety Tips for Travelling in Zimbabwe: What You Should Know
Zimbabwe is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, incredible national parks, and the famous Victoria Falls. Thousands of travellers visit Zimbabwe to view wildlife, enjoy nature, and explore the scenic landscapes.
However, taking preventive measures to ensure safety while travelling to any destination is crucial. It is wise to consider the weather conditions, what to pack accordingly, the country’s current situation, and ways to avoid animal attacks during a safari.
Here are some safety tips for people travelling in Zimbabwe. Follow these to ensure a smooth journey.
It is vital to prioritise self-security to enjoy the trip thoroughly. Even the slightest inconvenience during the journey can diminish the pleasure of a holiday.
Talk to your tour guides or reliable locals around. Learn about the harmful places and the safe zones of Zimbabwe.
Beware of pickpockets and muggers while going out. Keep your essential belongings hidden in the purse or leave them at home. Notice their culture and try to dress accordingly.
Talk to your hotel management about any dietary restrictions beforehand. Before eating, investigate every meal and check out its ingredients in detail.
Zimbabwe is renowned for its many incredible national parks, Victoria waterfalls, and historical sites. However, selecting a reliable tour guide can double the fun of the holiday.
The locals are well-versed in their history, culture, folktales, and beliefs. Therefore, consider consulting a trustworthy travel agency for a remarkable trip. However, be cautious about who you choose as your guide to ensure security. Thus, select an agency with a legal certificate from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to avoid unexpected issues and make the most of the trip.
Most people visit Zimbabwe for a safari. While safari is an exciting and enjoyable activity, it does come with an adventure, and it is essential to prioritise safety.
Therefore, one of the best safety tips while travelling in Zimbabwe is maintaining a healthy distance from the wildlife. Animals are unpredictable, and their behaviours cannot be anticipated. Thus, it is best to photograph them from a healthy distance and avoid giving them food as it may aggravate their temper.
If you want to observe them, use binoculars. Always stay close to the local tour guide and remain alert even if the animal seems calm and relaxed.
However, staying alert does not mean moving quickly. Animals are sensitive to noise, smell, and movement and typically attack when threatened. Therefore, moving slowly and keeping a low-key presence among them is crucial.
Keep in touch with local politics. Do not visit if the country is facing political issues. Due to political and economic factors, protests and strikes may occur. Staying informed about the current political situation allows travellers to avoid areas with civil unrest.
Are you someone who always uses your card to pay? If yes, then this safety tip is for you. While travelling in Zimbabwe, always keep extra cash in your pocket or wallet. While there is an advanced banking system in Zimbabwe, and you can withdraw money from any working ATM, vendors may not always have a POS machine.
Stay in your designated area. Whether in a national park or a local town, staying in a safe zone ensures security. While in national parks, avoid visiting dangerous and prohibited areas. Stay in a public location if exploring a city or a village in Zimbabwe. Talk to the locals to learn about hazardous regions or places with high crime rates.
It is essential to respect Zimbabwe’s legal, cultural, and social norms when travelling, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ issues. Same-gender marriage is legally prohibited and not welcomed in Zimbabwe; therefore, if you’re in an LGBTQ+ relationship, maintaining a distance from your partner while in public is advisable to avoid any potential discomfort.
Avoiding local transport in Zimbabwe is best because most buses and minivans are overcrowded, poorly maintained, and unsafe. Therefore, renting a car or hiring a taxi is a considerable alternative.
If you rent a car, abide by the traffic laws of Zimbabwe and always keep your passport and driver’s licence in reach. Organise all the essential documents in a file and keep them safe. Make a PDF folder of all the documents for extra safety and keep it on the phone.
Visit Zimbabwe during the dry seasons to make the most of the journey. May to November is considered the best time to enjoy wildlife.
Avoid visiting from December to February to avoid rainy weather conditions. Moreover, during the wet season in Zimbabwe, there are high chances of malaria and other diseases because of the standing water. However, if you plan to visit during the wet season, pack essential mosquito repellent products in your travel suitcase.
One cannot help but take out his camera and photograph the incredible land of Zimbabwe. While as adorable as this activity may sound, it can lead to severe circumstances.
Many areas in Zimbabwe, such as military and government buildings, the state house, military barracks, and government offices, are prohibited. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure twice before photographing whether it is allowed.
Speaking of prohibited stuff, it is also not legal to make disrespectful remarks toward the current president, military, or police of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is generally considered one of the safest countries for tourists in Africa, especially if they remain in secure areas and under the supervision of a local guide. That is why getting assistance from a reputable travel agency is recommended. It is a beautiful and safe country to visit if you follow the safety tips when travelling in Zimbabwe.
