Situated in southern Africa, Zimbabwe still provides travelers with an high quality African wildlife and wilderness experience although the unpopular actions of the country's President and a faltering economy have greatly tarnished this country's image. Once described as "Africa's Paradise", Zimbabwe is home to the Big 5 wildlife species including over 80,000 elephant and the second highest density of lion in Africa.

The main reason to visit Zimbabwe is to experience African wildlife and wilderness areas in the company of Africa's most highly trained and qualified guides. From Mana Pools in the northeast to Hwange in the west, travelers will find a wilderness punctuated by roving herds of game and cunning predators. The Matopos are home to the world's highest concentration of leopard. Guides are able to take you walking / tracking within national parks unlike Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania where you may not walk within national parks.

In the northwest the world's largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, crashes untamed into the Batoka Gorge. Southwest, in a land of rolling hills lies Great Zimbabwe. The man made structures, the most spectacular south of the great Egyptian pyramids, date back to the 13th century and are the heart of the country’s historic past. Some believe Great Zimbabwe is the lost city of Ophir from the Bible.

Due to Zimbabwe’s deteriorating economic and political situation we are very cautious as to which properties we will book there. The only tour operator we trust in Zimbabwe is Wilderness Safaris. As they have operations throughout southern Africa they are able to support their Zimbabwean properties very well (unlike many local companies which are struggling or have already failed). When booking travel 12+ months in advance we can’t risk working with a company which may be out of business by the time our client’s travel. We are confident in the stability of most Victoria Falls properties.

When to Visit: May through October
Big 5 Wildlife Species: Yes
Overall Quality of Safari Guides: 5.0
Overall Quality of Wilderness Experience: 4.5
Personal Safety: 3.0 (urban crime, farm visits not advisable)
Health Concerns: 3.0
General Infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, water): 2.0
Medical Infrastructure: 2.0
Political Stability: 1.0
Overall Rating: 2.9
(ratings are based on a 5 point scale with 1 being the least desirable value and with 5 being the most desirable value)

Official Language: English
Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar
Time Difference: EST +7
Electricity: 220/240 50 cycles
Departure Tax: Included on international outward ticket
Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20009
Telephone: (202) 332-7100
Entry Visa: Visa is required for American tourists - US $30 single entry, US $45 dual entry. Visa paid upon arrival in Zimbabwe. No paperwork