Zimbabwe Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Zimbabwe trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the main tourist areas of Victoria Falls, Hwange, and safari lodges. Petty theft in city centers and opportunistic crime after dark are the main risks. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Wildlife poses genuine danger outside lodges.
Zimbabwe offers extraordinary natural wonders including Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, and Hwange National Park with its massive elephant population. Experience ancient ruins at Great Zimbabwe, vibrant cities, and some of Africa's best safari experiences.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Be vigilant in Harare city center, especially after dark. Avoid political demonstrations. Wildlife safety is a serious concern in all national parks.
Last updated: 2025-06
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Crime occurs throughout Zimbabwe. Demonstrations occur periodically in Harare. Photography near government buildings may result in arrest.
UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
Visitors should exercise caution, particularly in Harare city center. Petty crime such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing occurs. Be aware of political demonstrations and avoid them.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Street Money Changers
Individuals offer to exchange USD at better-than-official rates in city centers. Transactions always result in being cheated — counterfeit bills, short-changed, or robbed once the transaction is underway.
Gem and Stone Scam
Sellers approach tourists claiming to have valuable uncut diamonds, emeralds, or gold at bargain prices. The stones are always worthless or illegal to export.
Craft Market Aggressive Upselling
At Victoria Falls and Harare craft markets, vendors can be very persistent and pushy, occasionally using emotional manipulation or guilt to pressure purchases.
Fake Safari Guides
Unofficial guides at Victoria Falls or park entrances offer to guide you at lower cost. They typically harass you for more money, provide false information, or lead you away from regulated zones.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or unregistered taxis at Harare airport or city center quote inflated fares, particularly to visitors arriving for the first time.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in city centers
Be aware of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas
Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings
Use reputable tour operators and accommodation
Carry USD cash as ATM withdrawals may be limited
Register with your embassy on arrival — the US, UK, and Australian embassies maintain emergency contact lists for travelers
Malaria is prevalent in low-lying areas including Victoria Falls and Kariba — take prophylaxis and use DEET repellent at dusk and dawn
Wild animal encounters are real outside safari vehicles — never approach elephants, hippos, or crocodiles near river banks
Photography near government buildings, military installations, and presidential motorcades is strictly prohibited and can result in arrest
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel is manageable, especially on the established tourist circuit (Victoria Falls, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe). Use official transport, stay in established lodges and hostels, and connect with other travelers. Inform your accommodation of your plans daily. Avoid walking alone in Harare city center after dark.
Female Travelers
Female solo travelers are generally welcomed and respected in Zimbabwe. Harassment exists but is less aggressive than in some regions. Dress modestly outside tourist areas, avoid being alone after dark in cities, and use reputable accommodation. Victoria Falls is considered very safe for solo women in the tourist zone.
Families
Zimbabwe is an excellent family destination. Safari lodges have age-appropriate programs, Victoria Falls offers family activities, and Zimbabweans are warm to children. Pack malaria prophylaxis for children, use strong sunscreen, and supervise children around water and wildlife at all times.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Zimbabwe under the Criminal Law Act, and LGBT+ travelers should exercise significant discretion. Public displays of affection are inadvisable. The risk of legal harassment is real. While major hotels and tourist businesses are generally professional, open LGBT+ expression could attract negative attention or legal consequences.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Required: Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic area). Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if doing wildlife activities), Tetanus, Polio. Malaria prophylaxis essential for Victoria Falls, Hwange, and lowland areas. Consult travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water (widely available, $1-2 per liter). Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless in upscale establishments. Water purification tablets recommended for safaris.
Food Safety
Cooked street food is generally safe — avoid uncooked salads and raw vegetables at lower-end venues. Sadza at local restaurants is always safe. Avoid tap water and unpeeled fruit washed in tap water.
Medical Facilities
Harare and Bulawayo have private hospitals (Avenues Clinic Harare, Mater Dei Bulawayo) with reasonable facilities. Victoria Falls has a small clinic but serious medical emergencies require evacuation to South Africa. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Zimbabwe
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide