Zimbabwe Travel Costs 2025: Budget Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips

Visa Costs.

Arrival for several countries, including US nationals, allows Visas for Zimbabwe to be issued. Depending on their country, costs vary; a single-entry tourist visa usually runs between $30 and $55. If qualified, a KAZA Univisa, valid for Zambia and Zimbabwe, can be a reasonably affordable choice for several visits within a given period. Before traveling, always find out the current visa requirements and fees from official sources or the Zimbabwean embassy.

Flights.

Depending on the season, booking time, and particular route, roundtrip flights from the US to Zimbabwe (usually Harare or Victoria Falls) run from $1,000 to $1,800. February is the least expensive month to fly. Skyscanner and Kiwi.com make examining multi-city plans easier and comparing flight offers. If it's more affordable, consider flying into the airport of a neighboring nation and then driving overland to Zimbabwe.

Accommodation.

In Zimbabwe, accommodation prices vary greatly. For 10 to 20 nights, budget visitors can locate hostel dorm beds or campsites. Mid-range lodges and hotels usually run between $50 and $150 a night. Usually including food and activities, luxury safari lodges can run from $250 to almost $1,000 per night. Many choices are available from booking sites such as Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb. Many resorts have discounted prices, often as much as forty percent off, during the green season—December through March.

Food and Drink.

In Zimbabwe, food is reasonably cheap. Local restaurants and street food provide cuisine for five to ten dollars—restaurant food costs between $10 and $20. Good eating can cost more than thirty bucks. The local beers cost about $2. Bottled water is recommended; a 1.5L bottle costs roughly $1.60. One affordable option is self-catering by shopping for groceries at neighborhood markets.

Transportation within Zimbabwe.

With tickets ranging from $5 to $30 for long-distance travel, buses are the most often used and reasonably priced transportation between towns within Zimbabwe. Minibus taxis can cover shorter trips. Renting a car can be costly—about $150 daily. Although railroads present a picturesque choice, dependability and safety are issues. Road travel should be done carefully, especially at night, since unreliable cars and other safety concerns exist.

Safari and Activities.

Safari prices in Zimbabwe depend significantly on the park, length of stay, kind of lodging, and activities. Including park fees, game drives, and meals, budget camping safaris might run 150–200 daily. Daily mid-range lodge safaris run $200 to $500. From $500 to more than $1,000 daily, luxury all-inclusive safaris can be. While activities like Victoria Falls entrance cost roughly $30, entrance fees to national parks are usually 15–30 daily.

Other Costs.

Consider other costs, such as trip insurance, mementos, and tips. Travel insurance is advised. Tipping is traditional for guides, between 10 and 15 percent in restaurants. The item and location will affect the souvenir price; local markets are often the scene of haggling.

Money-Saving Tips for Zimbabwe Travel.

Travel during the green season (December-March).

Many lodges are experiencing significant reductions, which would make them more reasonably priced.

Look for long-stay discounts at lodges and camps.

Many have lowered rates for stays of four nights or more.

Book with a single safari operator or lodge group.

Often, throughout multiple hotels, they provide discounts or combined offers.

Choose destinations nearby to minimize travel costs.

This lowers long-distance or internal flight or transportation costs.

Camp or stay in budget-friendly accommodations.

This drastically reduces the general accommodation expenses.

Eat at local restaurants and try street food.

These choices are far less expensive than venues geared towards tourists.

Utilize public transport or consider ride-sharing.

Avoid cabs since they might be costly.

Pre-book tours and activities to secure better deals and avoid last-minute price hikes.

Discounts sometimes accompany early bookings.

Haggle for souvenirs and crafts at local markets.

Bargain on costs to find the best offers.

Bring US dollars in small denominations.

This smooths out transactions and helps to avoid change problems.

Consider visiting less popular national parks or reserves.

They usually have less crowds and less entrance costs.