Originfacts
Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe occupies a landlocked plateau in southern Africa, where the Zambezi River carves the northern border and the ruins of a medieval stone city rise from the savanna — a country shaped equally by ancient civilisation and the raw drama of its wildlife.

Capital
Harare
Currency
Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG)
Languages
Shona, Ndebele, English
Population
16.3M
Time zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Drives on the
Left
Travel guide
The Zimbabwe guide
01

Overview

Zimbabwe sits in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana, covering roughly 390,700 km² at an average elevation of around 1,000 metres. The capital, Harare, is the political and commercial centre. Three languages share official standing — Shona, Ndebele, and English — reflecting the country's diverse ethnic heritage. The currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG). Zimbabwe's cultural identity is rooted in the Shona and Ndebele peoples, with a deep tradition of stone sculpture, mbira music, and oral storytelling.

02

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Harare International Airport and major border crossings, or apply in advance through Zimbabwe's official eVisa portal. Regional SADC passport holders generally enter without a visa. Travellers from numerous Commonwealth and Western nations are also eligible for simplified entry, though requirements shift; consulting the official eVisa system before travel is advisable.

03

Famous Attractions in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls — shared with Zambia on the Zambezi River — is one of the largest waterfalls by volume on earth, producing a permanent mist visible from kilometres away. Great Zimbabwe National Monument near Masvingo preserves the largest stone ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, dating to the 11th–15th centuries. Hwange National Park in the northwest hosts one of Africa's largest elephant populations. Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi floodplain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its walking safaris. The Matobo Hills shelter ancient San rock art alongside the grave of Cecil Rhodes.

04

Weather & Climate

Zimbabwe has a subtropical highland climate moderated by its elevated plateau. The rainy season runs November to March, with temperatures in Harare typically ranging 20–28 °C. The dry, cooler season from May to August sees temperatures drop to 7–21 °C, making it the most comfortable period to visit, especially for wildlife viewing when vegetation thins. The Zambezi Valley is hotter year-round, often exceeding 35 °C in October. Lightweight clothing with a fleece for cool evenings covers most travel scenarios.

05

Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe

  • Home to ruins of a 900-year-old stone city.
  • Once called the breadbasket of southern Africa.
  • Matobo Hills contain Africa's highest density of rock art.
  • Hwange shelters over 40,000 elephants.
  • Zimbabwe has 16 officially recognised national languages.
06

Official Resources

  • evisa.gov.zw — official Zimbabwe eVisa application portal
  • zimbabwetourism.net — Zimbabwe Tourism Authority national tourism board
  • met.gov.zw — Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department for weather and forecasts
  • zimparks.org.zw — Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for national park information

Airport directory

Which major airports serve Zimbabwe?

Airports in Zimbabwe, by city and IATA code.

2
airports

Airline directory

Which airlines are headquartered in Zimbabwe?

Airlines based in Zimbabwe.

2
airlines
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