If you are an international visitor to Zimbabwe and only there for a short while, then you want to think in US Dollars or a foreign currency equivalent. You do not want to get involved with exchanging your forex into the local currency as it is too complicated. US Dollar cash is king and paying is easy. However, there is a critical shortage of small denomination notes so getting change is very difficult. There are no coins so everything is rounded up or down. 

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express not so much. It is advisable to only use your card when the item you are buying is priced in US Dollars. If the item is displayed in Zimbabwe Dollars (ZWL) your card will be debited at the official bank exchange rate of the day which can be exorbitant because generally things are priced according to a black market, or parallel rate which is vastly different to the official bank rate.

Entry Visa's and National Park entry fees are priced in US$ and can only be paid for with foreign Credit/Debit card or US$ cash or equivalent in another foreign currency. At restaurants prices are generally displayed in both US$ and ZWL. So if using a foreign credit card or cash, you pay the US$ price.

Malaria is present in certain areas of Zimbabwe at certain times of the year, so visit your doctor or travel clinic to discuss prophylactics (prevention), ideally two months before you go and start taking anti-malarials at least a week before your trip. The malaria transmission season lasts for about four months each year generally between December and April when the rainy season is in full swing.

Zimbabwe is not a yellow fever zone. You do not need a yellow fever vaccination to visit Zimbabwe. However, if you are traveling into Zimbabwe from a country that does have yellow fever, you will need to display a vaccination certificate when you enter Zimbabwe. It is advisable to have basic medical items packed in your luggage. If you’re prone to hay fever, remember to bring antihistamines, too. Make sure you have enough prescribed medication to last the duration of your vacation.

It is highly advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Carry copies of your medical insurance in your car and handbag. If anything happens that requires you to go to hospital in Harare or to be airlifted to Johannesburg, your medical insurance certificate will be required.

When you are out on safari, remember that the Zimbabwean wilderness is not a zoo and its animals are wild and, in some cases, dangerous. You will have qualified, experienced guides with you on game activities to help you understand each species and how best to react around them. As a rule, do not stand up in the safari vehicle, do not make a lot of noise and do not alight unless at an appropriate point and with the permission of your guide.

Each camp will give you a safety briefing on arrival. Please stay within the confines of the lodges or camps you stay in, follow their rules properly and enjoy your incredible African safari!

Please don't hesitate to ask us anything you like about your safari - we're here to help make your safari experience absolutely perfect.