Hotels in Zimbabwe

Hotels in Zimbabwe: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Zimbabwe cost?

The price depends on the standard, the city and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually March, while October is the priciest. Lodges by the parks are among the more expensive. Booking ahead usually brings better rates.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Zimbabwe: most popular cities

Most stays are concentrated in Harare and in the town of Victoria Falls by the waterfall. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Harare. The capital and the widest choice of hotels, from hostels to business properties. The country main air hub.
• Victoria Falls. The town by Victoria Falls. The most hotels and lodges geared to tourists.
• Bulawayo. The country second city, with colonial architecture. A base towards Matobo National Park.
• Kariba. A resort on Lake Kariba. Hotels and lodges with views over the water and the wildlife.
• Masvingo. A base for the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Small hotels close to the site.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe combines wildlife, heritage and natural wonders, so a trip revolves around the parks and the falls.

• Victoria Falls. One of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, a true force of nature. Best seen from the town of Victoria Falls.
• Hwange National Park. The country largest park, famed for elephants and big cats. The best place for safari.
• Great Zimbabwe. The stone ruins of a medieval city near Masvingo. The country most important archaeological site.
• Matobo National Park. Granite rock formations and rhinos near Bulawayo. Landscapes and rock paintings.
• Chinhoyi Caves. An azure pool inside a cave, popular with divers. A lesser-known but unique attraction.

How much does a trip to Zimbabwe cost

Beyond the room, consumer prices tend to be lower than in English-speaking countries. The currency situation can change, and many tourism prices are listed in US dollars. Before the trip, it is worth checking the current payment method and asking your hotel which currency it prefers. Cards work at larger properties, but cash, ideally in dollars, is the basis in smaller places.

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe

The best weather falls in April, May and August, when Victoria Falls is at its best, and the HIFA festival takes place in Harare in April. March tends to be the cheapest in the price data, while October is the most expensive. For spotting the Big Five, July to September in the dry season is best, when animals gather at the water.

Getting to and around Zimbabwe

The two main airports are Harare International and Victoria Falls, which mainly receives flights from South Africa and Namibia. Domestic flights between Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo are run by Air Zimbabwe among others. Trains, mostly overnight, link Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Mutare. Buses run by companies such as Bravo and Pathfinder connect the cities, while cheaper local buses are less comfortable. In the cities the only public transport is taxis, usually metered. Almost all travellers need a visa, issued on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.

Example hotels in Zimbabwe

A few recognisable properties from different cities for reference:

• Rainbow Towers Hotel and New Ambassador Hotel in Harare (central, upper tier, from approx. $75).
• Elephant Hills Resort and Shoestrings Backpackers in the town of Victoria Falls (from luxury to budget, from approx. $22).
• Holiday Inn Bulawayo and Great Zimbabwe Hotel near Masvingo (from approx. $50).