Zimbabwe is not a high-crime destination for visitors who stick to the usual tourist circuit, but a handful of practical risks — city-centre muggings, smash-and-grab theft from cars, patchy roads and a political climate that can turn a demonstration unpredictable — are worth knowing about before you go. None of it should keep you off Victoria Falls or a safari, but each risk has a straightforward way to manage it.
Crime in cities
Crime levels are moderate, with mugging, pickpocketing and bag-snatching common in city centres, especially after dark; the UK Foreign Office also notes that solo travellers face increased vulnerability and that armed robberies have occurred, including against foreign residents. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night in Harare or Bulawayo’s centres, and use a hotel safe rather than carrying your passport around.
Smash-and-grab theft from vehicles
Thieves have targeted cars stopped in traffic on the roads approaching the airport, Borrowdale Road and Churchill Road in Harare, and the Masvingo-Beitbridge road, reaching in to grab bags, phones or laptops left visible. Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic on these routes, and stow bags and electronics out of sight rather than on a seat.
Demonstrations and political risk
Political gatherings and demonstrations can turn unpredictable and have been met with force by the authorities in the past; avoid them altogether rather than stopping to watch. Publicly criticising the President or carrying material that could be read as offensive to the presidential office is a criminal offence, so keep political commentary, including on social media, off the table while you’re in the country.
State House and photography rules
The area around State House in Harare is restricted: roads nearby close overnight between 18:00 and 06:00 and are patrolled by armed Presidential Guards, and photographing the building is not allowed. More broadly, photographing government offices, airports, military sites, embassies, police officers or demonstrations requires prior permission from the Ministry of Information; doing it without permission can lead to arrest. If in doubt, ask before you point a camera at anything that looks official.
LGBT travellers
Sex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe, and the UK Foreign Office advises that same-sex couples avoid public displays of affection, which could draw unwanted attention.
Roads
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and injury for travellers, with hazards including potholes, broken traffic lights, poorly lit or badly maintained vehicles, dim street lighting and livestock straying onto the road. Emergency roadside assistance is limited outside the main towns, and driving between towns after dark is best avoided; a daytime drive gives you time to react to a pothole or a stray cow that headlights might miss.
Safaris and wildlife
Wild-animal attacks have injured and killed visitors at lodges and on guided activities, so never wander alone at night in an unfenced camp and always follow a guide’s instructions around wildlife. Before booking a safari or wildlife activity, check that the operator is licensed — for example through the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe — rather than going with whoever offers the cheapest trip at your hotel.
Money and currency exchange
Exchange currency only with licensed dealers or banks: using an unlicensed street money-changer is illegal and risks prosecution. Carry small-denomination US dollar notes in good condition, since Zimbabwe periodically runs short of small bills and torn or heavily worn notes are often refused — see the costs page for more on paying in US dollars versus Zimbabwe Gold.
Who to call
Dial 112 for ambulance, fire or police from any phone; Econet mobile subscribers can also reach it on 112, NetOne subscribers on 114, and landline users on 0800 3222 911. Save the number before you travel, and note that response times outside Harare and Bulawayo can be slow — see the health page for more on what to expect from medical care once you’re away from the two main cities.
Practical tips
- Keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone after dark in city centres.
- Lock doors and keep bags off the seat in traffic on Harare’s Borrowdale and Churchill roads, the airport approach roads, and the Masvingo-Beitbridge road.
- Stay away from political gatherings and demonstrations entirely.
- Ask before photographing anything that looks official — government buildings, airports, military sites, embassies, police or State House.
- Book safaris only with an operator you’ve checked is licensed.
- Avoid driving between towns after dark.
- Exchange money only with licensed dealers or banks, and carry small, undamaged US dollar notes.
What to check before you go
Read your own government’s current travel advisory close to departure, since specific warnings and risk levels can change: the UK Foreign Office page is the primary source behind this page. Confirm your travel insurance covers medical evacuation, and see the health page for vaccination, malaria and healthcare-quality detail before you go.