Zimbabwe

If you’re over 50 and travelling solo, why Zimbabwe?

Ok, I might be biased here (“nooooo…. really? you surprise me”) as this is the land of my birth, but Zimbabwe is truly one of the great destinations for the independent traveller over 50 who wants a safe, luxurious, laid-back, great value trip in Africa.

What other country in Africa can you do the following:

• visit the breathtaking spectacle of Victoria Falls: a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 7 wonders of the world
• take in a luxury tented safari amongst the wildlife of Hwange or Gonarezhou National Parks;
• visit what for centuries was one of Africa’s major Asian and European trading hubs (and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site) the ancient ruins at Great Zimbabwe
• go fly fishing in the Scottish Highlands-esque Eastern Highlands
• take in a bustling vibrant capital City, Harare
• spend a few days luxuriating on houseboat on Lake Kariba, watching hippos and elephants (yeah, and crocodiles *munch munch*) or getting in some sport by fishing for the incredibly aggressive and toothy tiger fish
• all the while, surrounded by some of the nicest, friendliest people on the planet.

I think you’ll admit my bias is probably justified. 

• Getting around: You’re mostly likely going to need to hire a car if you’re aiming to travel independently and want to hang around Harare (although you can do local ride-share apps, the local kombis are not really for tourists TBH), visit Masvingo (for Great Zimbabwe), or take a trip to Nyanga and the Eastern Highlands. For Kariba, Vic Falls and Hwange/Gonarezhou visitors often take a short domestic flight, with onward transport arranged by your lodge or hotel. This is because the roads to all the destinations are in pretty poor state, and even a decent 4×4 is likely to struggle with the potholes and rocks you’re going to encounter. Roads around Harare are excellent, and keep single US$ bills to hand for toll boths. Roads inside Harare are a mixed bag – major thoroughfares are in good condition, but residential streets can be more pothole than tarmac, so drive slowly and with an eye out for your suspension & tyres. 
• When to visit: The dry season, roughly May to October, is the best time for wildlife, with game gathering at the waterholes. The rains run from late November to March, when the landscape is green and the Falls are at their most dramatic, though some roads and camps become harder to reach. Be warned though, that October and November can become brutally hot, specially in the lowveldt of Kariba or Vic Falls. Despite being in the tropics, winter months (May-August) can become very cold in Harare, dropping below freezing on occassion, because of its relatively high altitude
• Ok to go solo: 100% yes. I’ve done it myself, and will be doing it again soon.

How practical is Zimbabwe for a solo independent traveller aged 50+

There isn’t any public transport suitable for tourists right now, but hire cars are reasonably priced (either at the airport or from a number of local firms in Harare) and so won’t break the bank if you’re travelling alone.

Yes, upmarket hotels and resorts are getting more expensive, and you don’t get many bargains for single occupancy. Honestly, Vic Falls is starting to become a victim of its own success in this respect, and accommodation can be very expensive (eye-wateringly so if you’re on your own). My recommendation would be limit your time here to no more than 2 nights, which should give you a 

As a solo traveller, I budgetted US$300 per day, including accommodation and meals. Take lots of US$ bills with you, and keep a decent handful of lower denominations on you to pay for things outside your hotel, because a few places are not yet credit-card ready.  

Eating out alone isn’t uncommon, and don’t expect to get hassled or approached by (good natured!) hawkers unless you’re in Vic Falls, or wandering around the CBD in Harare. 

How safe is Zimbabwe for a solo independent traveller 50+

Zimbabwe is very safe for tourists, even if travelling alone. Petty crime (like thefts, pick pocketting etc) does happen, but tends to be more prevalent in places like the CBD in Harare (I wouldn’t recommend walking through here after dark btw) or tourist traps in Vic Falls. Obviously don’t leave valuables on display in parked cars, although many places (like Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale) has many private security guards constantly keeping an eye on things. It doesn’t hurt to tip them a couple of US$ btw, they have a difficult job. 

LGBT+ travellers

Ok, it must be said. Zimbabwe is a more difficult destination for LGBT+ travellers. This is not South Africa, people; same-sex sexual acts between men are illegal and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Wider society is still pretty conservative. Although there is a VERY small, low-key LGBT+ scene in Harare, I would strongly recommend avoiding public displays of affection.