←Zimbabwe travel guide
Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Kariba
Lakeside resort town on the Zambezi
Nature & OutdoorsScenic ViewsWildlife
Kariba is a resort town in northern Zimbabwe on the shore of Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest reservoirs. It is a base for houseboat safaris and wildlife viewing, and the main access point for the remote Mana Pools National Park downstream on the Zambezi.
Check Zimbabwe visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to October (dry season)
Region
Mashonaland West
Main airport
Kariba (KAB)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Kariba
Nature
Lake Kariba
On the Zimbabwean shore of this vast lake, Matusadona National Park brings elephants and lions down to the water. Houseboats drift past drowned forests and spectacular sunsets.
UNESCO World HeritageNature
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools stretches along the southern bank of the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, its name deriving from the Shona word for 'four', reflecting the four permanent pools that anchor the floodplain. The park forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the few places in Africa where visitors may walk unescorted among big game, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and painted dog. A large permanent hippo and crocodile population inhabits the river channels, while canoe safaris offer an unhurried way to move through the landscape at water level.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Kariba
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Zimbabwe
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Zimbabwe page at Yoogo.
Zimbabwe introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) currency in 2024 as a replacement for the RTGS dollar. The US dollar remains the most widely accepted currency in practice and is preferred for most tourist transactions, accommodation, and national park fees. Card acceptance is improving but cash remains important. Confirm currency acceptance before booking.
Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists in the main travel areas, including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Harare. Petty theft occurs and standard precautions apply. The political and economic situation has been volatile historically; check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.
Domestic flights connect Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Roads are generally driveable but conditions vary; a 4WD is recommended for some national park routes. Intercity buses serve major routes. Safari operators typically include transport. Driving is on the left.
May to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing in Hwange and other parks. July to September offer cool, dry conditions and excellent game spotting. Victoria Falls is most dramatic from March to May when the Zambezi River is at its highest flow.
Zimbabwe officially recognises 16 languages. Shona and Ndebele are the two most widely spoken, while English is the main language of government, education, and business. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and urban centres, making it straightforward for most visitors to communicate.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria is present in much of Zimbabwe, including near Victoria Falls and Hwange; antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are also recommended. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is advised outside major cities.
Tipping is expected in Zimbabwe's tourist sector. Safari guides and camp staff typically receive USD 10–20 per person per day as a guideline. Restaurant staff appreciate 10% where a service charge is not included. Tips are best given in US dollars.
Mobile coverage is available in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and major towns via NetOne, Econet, and Telecel. Coverage in rural and national park areas can be limited. Local SIM cards are available with a passport. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and lodges in tourist areas.