What should I pack for Zimbabwe?

Pack neutral safari clothing, warm layers for early morning game drives, waterproof jacket for Victoria Falls spray, USD cash in small denominations, DEET repellent, antimalarials, binoculars, power bank, and a Type D/G adapter.

What do I need for Victoria Falls?

Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho (the spray soaks you), waterproof phone case, quick-dry clothing, sturdy shoes with grip for slippery walkways, and a dry bag for electronics. The spray is heaviest February-May.

Do I need USD cash in Zimbabwe?

Yes, USD cash is essential. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). ATMs are unreliable and dispense local currency. Credit cards work in some hotels but not widely. Cash is king.

What plug adapter for Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe uses Type D and Type G plugs at 220V/50Hz. Type G (UK three-pin) is most common. Bring a power bank as power cuts are frequent and can last hours.

What should I wear on Zimbabwe safari?

Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige), warm fleece for cold mornings, closed-toe shoes for walking safaris, hat, and long sleeves for evening mosquito protection.

Zimbabwe Packing List 2026

What to pack for Victoria Falls, safari and travel in Zimbabwe

Climate & Seasons

Season	Months	Temperature	Notes
Dry/Cool	May - August	10-25C	Best safari; cold mornings; falls at peak flow
Dry/Hot	September - November	25-40C	Best game viewing; very hot; falls receding
Wet/Warm	December - April	20-32C	Green season; afternoon thunderstorms; falls building

Essential Documents

	Item	Notes
	Passport (6+ months validity)	With Zimbabwe visa or KAZA UniVisa
	USD cash in small bills	$1, $5, $10, $20 notes - ESSENTIAL
	Travel insurance	With medical evacuation cover
	Booking confirmations	Hotels, safari, activities - print copies
	Photocopies of all documents	Keep separately; digital copies in email

Victoria Falls Essentials

Victoria Falls spray soaks everything, especially February-May when the Zambezi is at peak flow.

	Item	Notes
	Waterproof jacket or poncho	You WILL get soaked at the falls
	Waterproof phone case	Protect your phone from spray
	Dry bag for camera/electronics	Essential for falls walkways
	Quick-dry clothing	Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet
	Shoes with good grip	Walkways are slippery from spray
	Spare dry clothes	Change into after visiting the falls

Safari Clothing

	Item	Notes
	Neutral shirts (3-4)	Khaki, olive, beige
	Long safari trousers (2-3)	Zip-off for versatility
	Warm fleece	May-August mornings are cold (5-10C)
	Windbreaker	For open game vehicles
	Closed-toe shoes/boots	Essential for bush walks (Mana Pools famous for walking)
	Wide-brimmed hat	Sun protection
	Binoculars	8x42 or 10x42 ideal

Health Kit

	Item	Notes
	Antimalarial medication	Victoria Falls and all safari areas are malaria zones
	DEET insect repellent (30-50%)	Apply at dusk and dawn
	Sunscreen SPF50	Strong African sun
	First aid kit	Plasters, antiseptic, painkillers
	Water purification tablets	Backup for when bottled water unavailable
	ORS packets	Dehydration risk in heat
	Prescription medications	Bring enough for entire trip - limited pharmacies

Electronics

	Item	Notes
	Type D/G power adapter	UK-style most common; 220V/50Hz
	Power bank (20,000mAh+)	ESSENTIAL - power cuts are daily and last hours
	Torch / headlamp	For power outages and safari camps
	Camera with zoom lens	200-400mm for safari
	Spare batteries and memory cards	Limited availability in Zimbabwe

Money & Essentials

USD Cash is ESSENTIAL. Bring enough for your entire trip in small denominations.

	Item	Notes
	USD cash ($1, $5, $10, $20)	Enough for entire trip; $50/$100 bills often refused
	Money belt	Wear under clothing
	Backup credit/debit card	Works at some hotels; not reliable
	Zip-lock bags	Protect cash and documents from spray/rain

Don't Forget

USD cash (small bills!)
Power bank (power cuts!)
Waterproof jacket for Falls
Antimalarials
Warm fleece for safari mornings