Yes, U.S. passport holders require a visa. The easiest visas for U.S. passport holders are an arrival visa or an e-visa, which can be applied for easily through the internet in advance for tourism purposes.

• Visa On Arrival: Available in all major ports. You will need to have cash for $30 USD (for single entries). You will require newer bills (after 2009), as older ones won’t work.
• E-Visa: Available online at the government’s website for Zimbabwe. Takes a number of business days to process.
• Visa Validity: Your passport should have at least two blank pages and should remain valid for a period of at least six months after entry.
• Double-Entry Visa: If you plan to visit Zambia (perhaps for Livingstone) and re-enter Zimbabwe, you will need to apply for a double-entry visa on arrival in the first country. The fee for the double-entry visa will be $45 USD.

Yes, absolutely, and this is compulsory for all EurotourClub guests. In a destination offering adventure sports and distant national parks, coverage has to be complete.

• Should Include: Emergency medical evacuation is essential since serious medical cases need medical evacuation to South Africa. Make sure it also covers medical expenses.
• Activity Coverage: Your policy should include adventure sports such as rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping, and helicopter flights.
• Proof: Carry a hard copy of your policy information and your emergency numbers.

It is a practice in the tourist industry. Payment in US dollars is common.

• Safari Guides & Drivers: If the intention is to hire the best possible private guide, the cost will run to $15-$20 per guest per day. If the requirement is to hire a driver-guide, the cost will be $10-$15 per guest per day.
• Lodge Staff: There is also a tip box for the overall staff in many camps. $8 to 12 USD per guest, per night, contributed to the manager during check-out is quite generous.
• Restaurants & Hotels: For restaurant services, a tip of 10% is expected when the service charge is not included. Hotel porters should receive a fee of $1-$2 per bag.

No, do not drink the tap water. Drink only bottled water or purified water while you are there.

• Bottled Water: Packaged bottled water can also be easily found. Your guide will provide you with water during drives and activities.
• At Lodges: Most safari lodges and hotels offer filtered and purified water for drinking. You can use this water to fill up your bottled water.
• Vigilance: Drink and use for brushing your teeth bottled or purified water even in large cities.

It is generally a very safe and welcoming destination for holidaymakers. The primary concerns are typical city hazards, along with general health precautions typical of a safari environment.

• For Your Safety:

Be very careful when in possession of valuables in cities such as Harare. Refrain from walking alone at night.

It is essential that you heed the advice of your guide at all times when participating in any kind of wildlife activity. They are professionals

Malaria is common. Adhere to the prescribed antimalarial drug, wear strong DEET-based insect repellent, and sleep under the net if provided.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State to receive updates for your trip.

The emergency number for the police is 999.

Phone access is available in urban areas as well as large towns, while it is extremely limited or not available at all in remote national parks as well as during safaris.

• Internet and Wi-Fi: These are ubiquitous in Victoria Falls and Harare, with many establishments providing the service. When in the bush, connectivity is limited to the common areas and is slow.
• For U.S. Phones, please check with your carrier for your options when roaming internationally. For good local rates, you can easily obtain a local SIM card (from Econet or NetOne) at the airport when you land (with your passport).

Embrace the Disconnect
Accept lack of connectivity in wilderness regions as part of the safari experience.

These range from the flush toilet facility provided in the hotel/lodge to the pit toilet facility provided in public areas or during walks.

• On Safari: Permanent safari lodges and tented camps have private bathroom facilities that include flush toilets and showers with hot water.
• During activities: Sometimes during road transfers or when at designated far-off picnic spots, you might come across the use of simple pit toilets. During a walk in the wilderness, a bush break will be located in a private place by the guide.
• Essential: Always carry a supply of loo paper and hand sanitizer with you in a daypack. These are rarely available outside hotels.

They are a deep way to experience the bush environment, and their use is stringently controlled for safety reasons.

• Guided Only: You will be required to be with a professional guide. It’s illegal and unsafe to hike in national parks without a guide.
• The Experience: More about tracking, botany, and smaller ecosystems—the experience is more about immersing yourselves in the environment than taking down big game. You'll learn to adhere to proper safety procedures.
• Preparation: You'll need to wear subdued colors, along with comfortable boots that support your ankles. Your guide will also brief you on the safety procedure before you head out.

The US Dollar (USD) is the major foreign exchange. The Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL) is the local currency, used for small transactions.

• Cash is King: bring enough USD cash with you for souvenirs, tips, and markets. Make sure the bills are newer series (from 2009 onwards) and in good condition.
• Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at most of the larger safari lodges, hotels, and a few shops in Victoria Falls. American Express cards are seldom accepted. Expect to use cash elsewhere.
• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): These machines are available in the cities but tend to be unreliable. You shouldn’t depend on them as an alternative source for cash.