Is Zimbabwe Safe?

Is Zimbabwe Safe?

By Antoinette van Heerden

Safari Travel Planner

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While most people who visit Zimbabwe have a trouble-free holiday, you do need to be aware of some risks so that you stay safe on your travels.

• When you’re in a city or town, take care when you’re driving at night and avoid walking at night if you can. Don’t ever display your valuables or expensive jewellery and never leave belongings in your car, and be aware when you leave ATMs or banks.
• If you’re going on a self-drive adventure, make sure your doors are always locked and your windows rolled up. Be cautious of where you stop.
• Make sure that you stock up on fuel whenever you can, as petrol stations don’t always have availability. Be aware that traffic lights are often not working and that there are potholes in the roads – always drive carefully and wear seatbelts. Unless you’re in a town or city, don’t drive at night as rural roads are unlit and often have vehicles with poor lighting, as well as livestock and animals on them.
• When you’re on safari, be aware that you’re in a park or reserve surrounded by wild animals which should always be treated with caution. Never try to feed animals and be careful when you’re around monkeys or baboons as they can try and steal food from you and get aggressive. When driving yourself around parks, keep a safe distance from animals and never leave your vehicle except in designated areas.
• If you go on a walking or canoeing safari, make sure that your guide is accredited and follow their instructions at all times – if you encounter an aggressive animal such as a hippo or buffalo, you need to follow your guide’s direction to stay safe.