Zimbabwe safari packing list

Zimbabwe safari: What to pack and wear

Winter is the most popular time to visit Zimbabwe, and these are generally mild to warm during the day, so pack light clothes for wearing in the middle of the day. Long sleeve cotton shirts are coolest and help protect you from the sun. Please be aware that it can become very cold at night (especially between May and September), so warm clothing must also be included. Nights below freezing are not unknown in Hwange.

Most lodges have a relatively informal evening dress code, therefore, depending where you are, casual clothing goes down best. There are no safari lodges and hotels where you are required to wear a collar shirt at evening meals, with the exception of the Livingstone Room at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lip balm, shady hats, binoculars, insect repellent and a torch are all essentials for safari holidays. Don't forget your bathing costume as many places have swimming pools, which are very refreshing in the warmer summer months. We have included a suggested luggage list below, however, please call the team at Expert Africa if you are in any doubt as to what to take.

Please note that bright colours and white are not advised and army camouflage uniforms or army hats are forbidden. Clothing in muted safari colours like brown, dark beige, khaki and green are ideal.

In many safari camps clothes are hand washed and for cultural reasons ladies underwear cannot be included. In such cases powder for hand washing will be supplied, usually in your bathroom, should you wish to wash your own. Alternatively, you should consider packing enough underwear to last the safari.

Packing checklist

Passport
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Credit card
Cash (US dollars is the most useful currency in Zimbabwe)
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Footwear (including walking shoes/boots if appropriate)
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera
Mobile (cell) phone (see below)
Chargers and adapters (Zimbabwe generally uses UK style type G plugs, with three square pins)
Torch / flashlight
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Zimbabwe. This can be very useful – for booking restaurants, calling home, or getting in touch with anyone in a hurry. Your phone can be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider so contact them before you depart.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be quite pricy, bring a cheap/old mobile phone with you and buy a local SIM card and some call minutes when you arrive. (Do make sure that this spare phone is not locked against SIM cards from other providers/countries.) Or, buy a cheap phone and SIM card on arrival. The main airports in Zimbabwe have outlets where you can arrange this.

NB: Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Zimbabwe

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person

Ground Hornbill Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.

US$5,540 - US$8,560 per person

Buffalo Safari

9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.

US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person

Grysbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.

US$11,070 - US$16,110 per person

Pied Kingfisher Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person

Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

US$3,040 - US$3,570 per person

Lion Safari

7 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.

US$7,300 - US$10,280 per person

Bat Hawk Safari

7 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT

Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.

US$8,670 - US$9,130 per person

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.

US$10,360 - US$17,400 per person

Side-striped Jackal Safari

6 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.

US$3,930 - US$6,420 per person

View all holidays in Zimbabwe

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