Zimbabwe Budget Guide: How Much Does a Trip Cost?
· 7 min read Practical
Contents
- Budget Tier: $50-80 Per Day
- Accommodation ($15-35 per night)
- Food ($10-20 per day)
- Activities (selective spending)
- Mid-Range Tier: $150-250 Per Day
- Accommodation ($80-180 per night)
- Food ($20-40 per day)
- Activities ($50-100 per day average)
- Transport ($30-60 per day)
- Luxury Safari Tier: $400-800+ Per Day
- All-Inclusive Safari Lodges (per person per night, sharing)
- What is Included at This Level
- What is NOT Included
- National Park Entry Fees
- Sample 10-Day Budget Breakdown
- Budget Traveller (approximately $650-900 total)
- Mid-Range Traveller (approximately $2,000-3,000 total)
- Luxury Safari (approximately $5,000-8,000+ total)
- Money-Saving Tips
- Plan Your Trip
Zimbabwe is not the cheapest country in Southern Africa, but it offers genuine value across all budget levels - from backpacker hostels in Victoria Falls to some of the continent’s finest luxury safari lodges. Understanding what things cost will help you plan a realistic budget and avoid surprises. All prices in this guide are approximate and quoted in USD as of 2026.
Budget Tier: $50-80 Per Day
Budget travel in Zimbabwe is absolutely possible, though it requires flexibility and a willingness to sacrifice some comfort. The backpacker scene is concentrated around Victoria Falls and, to a lesser extent, Harare and Bulawayo.
Accommodation ($15-35 per night)
- Victoria Falls: Shoestrings Backpackers (from $15 dorm, $35 private room), Victoria Falls Backpackers (from $18 dorm). Both are well-established, with pools and communal kitchens
- Harare: It’s a Small World Backpackers (from $15 dorm), Bronte Hotel budget rooms (from $30)
- Bulawayo: Burke’s Paradise (from $15 dorm, $30 private room)
- National parks: ZIMPARKS campsites in Hwange, Matobo and other parks cost from $15-25 per person per night. Bring your own camping gear or rent locally
Food ($10-20 per day)
- Local restaurants serving sadza (maize meal) with meat and vegetables: from $3-5 per meal
- Casual restaurants and cafes in Victoria Falls: from $8-15 per meal
- Self-catering from supermarkets: from $5-10 per day
- A beer at a local bar: from $1.50-3
Activities (selective spending)
- Victoria Falls Rainforest entry: approximately $30
- Self-guided walking in Matobo Hills: park entry approximately $15 per day
- Zambezi sunset cruise (budget option): from $35-45 per person
- Local transport (kombis between cities): Harare to Bulawayo approximately $10-15, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls approximately $15-20
Budget tip: The biggest budget hack in Zimbabwe is self-driving through national parks. A rental car from Harare costs from approximately $40-60 per day, and ZIMPARKS campsites plus park entry fees keep daily costs well under $50 per person (when splitting fuel and rental between two or more travellers).
Mid-Range Tier: $150-250 Per Day
This is where most independent travellers land, combining comfortable accommodation with guided activities and safari experiences.
Accommodation ($80-180 per night)
- Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge (from $150 per person sharing), Batonka Guest Lodge (from $100), The Elephant Camp (from $170)
- Hwange area: Ivory Lodge (from $120 per person), Miombo Safari Camp (from $100), Robins Camp (from $80)
- Bulawayo: Nesbitt Castle (from $90), Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel (from $70)
- Matobo Hills: Matobo Hills Lodge (from $110 per person), Camp Amalinda (from $160 per person)
- Lake Kariba: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (from $160 per person sharing)
Food ($20-40 per day)
- Hotel breakfast typically included in room rate
- Lunch at a mid-range restaurant: from $10-18
- Dinner at a good restaurant (The Lookout Cafe in Victoria Falls, for example): from $15-25
- A cocktail or glass of wine: from $5-8
Activities ($50-100 per day average)
- Guided game drive in Hwange: from $40-60 per person — browse the full range of Zimbabwe tours on GetYourGuide for guided options across all price points
- Half-day white-water rafting on the Zambezi: from $120-160 per person
- Victoria Falls helicopter flight (15 minutes): from $150 per person
- Rhino tracking walk in Matobo Hills: from $35-50 per person
- Guided tour of Great Zimbabwe ruins: from $20-30 per person (including entry fee)
Transport ($30-60 per day)
- International flights to Zimbabwe: search flights to Zimbabwe on Aviasales to compare fares across carriers
- Domestic flights (Harare to Victoria Falls): from $100-180 one-way with Fastjet or FlyZimbabwe
- Shared transfers (Victoria Falls to Hwange): from $40-60 per person
- Private transfers: approximately double the shared rate
- Car hire: from $40-60 per day for a mid-range vehicle, from $80-120 per day for a 4x4 — compare car hire rates in Zimbabwe across providers before booking
Luxury Safari Tier: $400-800+ Per Day
Zimbabwe’s luxury safari lodges are among the best in Africa, and their all-inclusive pricing reflects that. At this level, almost everything is included: accommodation, all meals and drinks (including premium wines and spirits), twice-daily game drives, walking safaris, park fees, laundry, and often transfers.
All-Inclusive Safari Lodges (per person per night, sharing)
- Hwange: The Hide (from $550), Somalisa Camp (from $650), Linkwasha Camp (from $750), Little Makalolo (from $500)
- Mana Pools: Ruckomechi Camp (from $700), Kanga Camp (from $550), John’s Camp (from $600)
- Matobo Hills: Camp Amalinda Exclusive (from $350), Big Cave Camp (from $300)
- Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls River Lodge (from $450), Matetsi Victoria Falls (from $650), The Elephant Camp (from $500 in premium suites)
- Lake Kariba: Changa Safari Camp (from $500), Kariba houseboats (from $300 per person all-inclusive)
What is Included at This Level
- All meals, snacks and drinks (often including premium spirits and wines)
- Twice-daily game drives in custom safari vehicles
- Walking safaris and canoe safaris where applicable
- Park and conservation fees
- Laundry service
- Lodge transfers from nearest airstrip
- Many include community visit experiences
What is NOT Included
- International and domestic flights to reach the lodge
- Charter flights between safari camps (typically $200-500 per person per leg)
- Premium activities like helicopter flights, bungee jumping or gorge swings at Victoria Falls
- Spa treatments
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff (budget $15-25 per person per day for tips)
National Park Entry Fees
Zimbabwe National Parks (ZIMPARKS) charges separate entry fees for international visitors. As of 2026:
| Park | Daily fee (per person) |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Rainforest | Approximately $30 |
| Hwange National Park | Approximately $20 |
| Mana Pools National Park | Approximately $25 |
| Matobo National Park | Approximately $15 |
| Gonarezhou National Park | Approximately $20 |
| Chimanimani National Park | Approximately $15 |
| Nyanga National Park | Approximately $10 |
Vehicle entry fees are additional: approximately $5-10 per vehicle per day.
Important: Luxury lodge rates almost always include park fees. Mid-range and budget travellers pay these separately at the gate. Carry USD cash in small bills - card payment is not always available at park gates.
Sample 10-Day Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveller (approximately $650-900 total)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (10 nights, hostels/camping) | $150-300 |
| Food (self-catering + local restaurants) | $100-200 |
| Victoria Falls entry + 2-3 activities | $100-150 |
| Transport (buses + shared transfers) | $80-120 |
| Park entry fees (3 parks) | $50-70 |
| Miscellaneous | $50-80 |
Mid-Range Traveller (approximately $2,000-3,000 total)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (10 nights, lodges/guesthouses) | $800-1,500 |
| Food (lodge breakfast + restaurants) | $200-350 |
| Activities (game drives, rafting, helicopter) | $400-500 |
| Transport (1 domestic flight + transfers) | $250-350 |
| Park entry fees | $50-100 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Luxury Safari (approximately $5,000-8,000+ total)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive lodges (7 nights safari) | $3,500-5,500 |
| Victoria Falls luxury hotel (3 nights) | $600-1,200 |
| Premium activities (helicopter, private dining) | $300-500 |
| Charter flights between camps | $400-800 |
| Tips and gratuities | $150-250 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-200 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in the green season (November to April): Lodge rates drop by 20-40% from peak season prices, and the landscape is spectacular
- Book directly with lodges rather than through international tour operators - many offer direct booking discounts
- Share costs: Car hire, fuel and camping fees are dramatically cheaper split between two or more travellers
- Self-drive Hwange: The main road through Hwange is accessible in a standard vehicle, and self-drive game viewing is free once you have paid the park entry fee
- Eat local: Sadza with meat and vegetables at a local restaurant costs a fraction of tourist restaurant prices and is genuinely delicious
- Book flights early: Domestic flight prices increase significantly as departure dates approach
- KAZA UniVisa: At approximately $50, it is cheaper than buying separate Zimbabwe and Zambia visas if you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls
For more trip planning, see our first-time visitor guide and packing list.
Plan Your Trip
✈️ Book your flights to Zimbabwe 🛡️ Get travel insurance 📱 Stay connected with an eSIM 🚗 Rent a car
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a safari in Zimbabwe cost per day?
- Safari costs in Zimbabwe vary enormously. Budget self-drive safaris cost from $50-80 per day for camping and park fees. Mid-range lodges run from $150-350 per person per night. Luxury all-inclusive lodges range from $400-800+ per person per night including game drives, meals and drinks.
- What are Zimbabwe national park entry fees?
- National park fees for international visitors range from approximately $15-30 per person per day as of 2026. Victoria Falls Rainforest costs $30, Hwange is $20, and Mana Pools is $25. Fees are payable in USD at the gate or online.
- Is Zimbabwe expensive for tourists?
- Zimbabwe is a mid-range to expensive African destination. While budget travel is possible at $50-80 per day using hostels and public transport, most visitors come for safari, which pushes costs higher. The country is generally less expensive than Botswana but more than Zambia or Malawi.