Zimbabwe is a captivating destination in southern Africa, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country is home to some of the continent’s most iconic natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge in a spectacular display of power. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant population and diverse game viewing opportunities, or visit Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and close wildlife encounters. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, offers scenic boat cruises, excellent fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Combining adventure, natural beauty, and authentic safari experiences, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations.
It is always African Travels aim to:
- Supply all non-‐alcoholic beverages inclusive in your tour price (soft drink, water or juices) during periods outside of your hotel stay.
- Wherever possible make all hotel/lodge bookings inclusive of meals and included in your tour price. Also referred to as Full Board. It will be noted on your itinerary where this is included or not.
- We will supply inclusive of tour price any lunches (usually packed/picnic style) on activities outside your hotel/lodge that are not supplied in the activity you are doing.
What you should allow for is:
- Purchases of any snack food -‐ $5 a day.
- Hotel/lodge alcoholic beverages – see your lodgings beverage menu list.
- Room service surcharges – see your lodgings compendium or information desk.
- Laundry costs -‐ $1-‐$3 USD per item is a guide.
CARRYING & STORING CASH
It’s a good idea to carry both USD’s (or other local currency) on your travels. A good guide is USD$50 per day. Most travellers find it prudent to keep cash on them (neck and waste belts are great). At the least keep your luggage/back packs locked if keeping valuables in them.
If using hotel safes ensure they are bolted in and don’t share the code or key with anyone. If the safe is not bolted most hotels will allow you to use their safes. Take a photo or sign an agreed register for valuables kept at hotel receptions.
If you are heading away from major towns for more than a day talk to your guide about how much currency you should carry or about availability of International ATM’s. International ATM’s are available in major towns and cities.
TIPPING
Tipping is a part of Zimbabean culture & surrounding countries. Bear in mind that most people are on very low wages, but the Zimbabweans are not demanding or rude about tipping and have no expectation other than tipping what you feel is appropriate and within your means. Quite often if you ask or seek guidance on how much to tip you will get the answer “Whatever you feel is right”. The below guide will help.
Tipping can be done in USD, however if in USD please ensure the notes are in excellent condition and post 2009. Rwandans can find it difficult to exchange USD’s outside of these parameters.
Also note that for more regional or rural trips tipping it’s preferred in the local currency as money exchanges may not be nearby. So it’s best to carry a bit of USD. That leaves a lot of leeway, anything from $0 to large amounts and can at times be confusing especially for visitors from non-‐tipping nations.
Therefore to help assist our visitors below is a guide, but please bear in mind that you are entitled to tip however little or much you desire or budget for.
Activity
Safari Guides: (Normally given at the end of the tour)
- 1 traveller: $15 to $30 per person per day
- 2 travellers $12 to $22 per person per day
- 3 travellers $11 to $18 per person per day
- 4 travellers $10 to $16 per person per day
- 5 travellers $9 to $14 per person per day
- 6 travellers $8 to $12 per person per day
Cook on camping safari
Some people feel that it is appropriate to tip a camping cook a little less than the safari guide and some may prefer to tip roughly the same.
Service Tips at lodges
Best to put in a central tip box. That way unseen staff get a share. $2-‐$5 a day
