Zimbabwe Safety Guide 2026
Essential safety information, emergency contacts and travel precautions for Zimbabwe
Overall Safety Rating
Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with world-class attractions including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Great Zimbabwe ruins. Tourism infrastructure is good in popular areas. The main challenges are economic (currency instability, cash shortages) rather than security-related. Zimbabweans are famously friendly and welcoming.
Safety Assessment by Category
| Category | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Crime | Medium | Pickpocketing in Harare markets and bus stations |
| Road Safety | Medium | Potholes, wandering livestock, poor lighting at night |
| Health Risks | Medium | Malaria in lowveld areas; limited medical facilities |
| Violent Crime | Low | Rare against tourists; Zimbabwe is comparatively safe |
| Scams | Medium | Currency scams, fake tour guides, informal money changers |
| Terrorism | Low | No significant threat |
| Political Risk | Medium | Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings |
| Safari Safety | Low | Excellent guides; follow instructions around wildlife |
| Food & Water | Medium | Bottled water recommended; food at hotels/lodges is safe |
| Cash/ATM | High | USD cash essential; ATMs unreliable; card payments patchy |
Safe Areas vs Areas to Avoid
Generally Safe Areas
- Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe's safest tourist destination; excellent infrastructure
- Hwange National Park - Well-managed safari camps with professional guides
- Mana Pools - Remote wilderness; safe within camps
- Matobo Hills - Beautiful granite formations near Bulawayo; peaceful
- Great Zimbabwe (Masvingo) - Historical ruins with low crime
- Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani) - Mountain scenery; safe and quiet
Areas Requiring Caution
- Harare CBD at night - Petty crime risk increases after dark
- Mbare Market (Harare) - Crowded, pickpocketing hotspot; visit with a local
- Political gatherings - Avoid all demonstrations, rallies and political events
- Remote border areas - Limited infrastructure and communications
- High-density suburbs - Standard urban caution applies
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police (ZRP) | 993 | Zimbabwe Republic Police |
| Ambulance | 994 | Government ambulance service |
| Fire Brigade | 995 | Fire and rescue |
| MARS (Private Medical) | +263 24 2734 631 | Medical Air Rescue Service - best for emergencies |
| ACE Air Ambulance | +263 772 161 161 | Private air ambulance service |
| Avenues Clinic (Harare) | +263 24 2251 160 | Harare's best private clinic |
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
Currency Scams
Informal money changers offer attractive rates then give counterfeit notes or short-change you. Prevention: Only use banks or hotel exchange. Count money carefully.
Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed guides at Victoria Falls offering cheap tours. Prevention: Book through your hotel or licensed operators. Check for Zimbabwe Tourism Authority registration.
Police Road Blocks
Police roadblocks are common and sometimes involve requests for "fines" payable on the spot. Prevention: Carry all vehicle documents. Ask for official receipt for any fine. Note badge numbers.
Curio Overcharging
Souvenir sellers at Victoria Falls and markets charge heavily inflated prices. Prevention: Bargain firmly - start at 30-40% of asking price. Compare prices at multiple stalls.
Money & Cash Safety
- Bring enough USD cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for your entire trip
- $50 and $100 bills are often refused or given poor change
- ATMs dispense local ZiG currency which fluctuates in value
- Credit/debit cards work at some hotels and restaurants but not reliably
- Keep cash in multiple locations (money belt, hotel safe, separate pockets)
- Do not change money on the black market - it is illegal and risky
Health & Medical Safety
Vaccinations
| Vaccination | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | If arriving from endemic country | Not required if arriving directly from non-endemic countries |
| Hepatitis A & B | Recommended | Food/waterborne risk |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Especially outside Harare/Bulawayo |
| Rabies | Recommended | Especially for safari and rural travel |
| Cholera | Consider | Periodic outbreaks in high-density areas |
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in most tourist areas including Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou and all lowveld regions. Harare and Bulawayo have lower risk due to altitude but prophylaxis is recommended October to May. Take antimalarials, use DEET repellent, and sleep under nets.
Water Safety
Tap water is unsafe in most of Zimbabwe. Drink bottled water only. Safari lodges and good hotels provide purified water. Bring water purification tablets for off-the-beaten-track travel.
Safety by Traveller Type
Women Travellers
- Zimbabwe is relatively safe for women travellers
- Zimbabweans are generally respectful and helpful
- Avoid walking alone at night in cities
- Safari lodges and Victoria Falls area are very safe
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Political Safety
- Avoid all political demonstrations and gatherings
- Do not photograph police, military installations or government buildings
- Avoid discussing politics with strangers
- Carry ID (passport photocopy) at all times
Driving Safety
- Drive on the left (as in the UK)
- Road conditions vary - potholes can be severe
- Watch for wandering livestock, especially at night
- Police roadblocks are common; carry all vehicle documents
- Fuel can be scarce in rural areas - fill up whenever possible
Essential Safety Tips
Before You Go
- Bring plenty of USD cash in small bills
- Get travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Register with your embassy
- Start antimalarials if visiting lowveld areas
While in Zimbabwe
- Keep USD cash in multiple secure locations
- Save MARS emergency number in your phone
- Don't photograph military or police
- Avoid political gatherings of any kind
- Carry a torch - power cuts are common
Quick Emergency Numbers
Police: 993
Ambulance: 994
Fire: 995
MARS: +263 24 2734 631
ACE Air: +263 772 161 161
USD Cash Tip
Bring small denomination USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Large bills ($50, $100) are often refused. Zimbabwe's economy runs on physical USD cash - cards and ATMs are unreliable.