#1 Zimbabwe Travel Ultimate Packing List You’ll Need

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Think you’re ready for your Zimbabwe travel trip? Keep reading to make sure you’re not forgetting anything.

I don’t know if this resonates with you or not, but I sometimes find myself packing my luggage at the last minute for a trip I had planned for months ahead.

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Do you know what always happens? I’m sure you guessed it! You end up forgetting your eye mask, water bottle, travel pillow, and walking shoes – of course, the most important things needed for the trip. So, I created this Zimbabwe travel ultimate packing list packed with travel tips for you (and me)!

This post will help you avoid mishaps like becoming a “Baked Potato.” As your upcoming trip approaches, let this guide be your go-to ultimate packing checklist for all the essential items you’ll absolutely need for your Zimbabwe travel.

But first, let’s share some info on why you should travel to Zimbabwe.

Why You Should Travel to Zimbabwe!

Zimbabwe is a spectacular African country famous for its widespread natural beauty, hospitable inhabitants and a large reserve of natural resources.

Boasting the gigantic Victoria Falls; the largest waterfall in the world, Zambezi River, a tourist hotspot for game viewing, and Lake Kariba which is the largest man-made lake, Zimbabwe is a real treat for nature lovers. And if you are a great safari lover, then look no more.

Victoria Falls - One of the Natural Wonders of the World

Zimbabwe features highly popular national parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools that offer an absolutely unforgettable African wildlife safari that is flourishing with its majestic herds of buffaloes and elephants. And let’s not forget about the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

Your travel experience in this Southern Africa country will be filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders and throbbing with a rich cultural heritage.

After South Africa, Zimbabwe should undoubtedly be your next getaway destination if it isn’t already. I’m confident you’ll have a high degree of excitement and a time of a lifetime!

What are the Must-Have Packing List Items You Need for Your Zimbabwe Travel Experience?

Glad you asked! You’ve made up your mind about traveling to Zimbabwe and have even purchased your tickets and planned activities.

As your trip fast approaches, the next step you need to take is to get ready to pack your bags.

But before you’re in a hurry to get this done, keep in mind that to fully enjoy your Zimbabwe travel it is highly essential to pack your bag wisely. You’ll have to make sure you have all the essentials you might need throughout your trip.

To make things a little easier for you, I’ve created an ultimate packing list for your upcoming trip to Zimbabwe. Make sure you read the post thoroughly because you wouldn’t want to miss out on anything. Would you?

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The list contains links for each of the items mentioned that can be easily bought online on Amazon. An asterisk denotes that your hotel may provide those items.

Clothing

What to wear when in Zimbabwe? Well, it depends. Since the temperate can get as high 90 – 93°F (32 – 34°C) in the summer and as low as 45 – 50°F (7 -10°C) in the winter, having a mix of light and thick clothes is generally a great idea. Here’re clothes you should pack for your trip:

Long Sleeves Shirts – are ideal for protecting your skin from the scorching sun and mosquito.
Blouses – Packing some comfortable, earthy toned shirts is always a good option.
T-shirts – Soft and lightweight T-shirts are a suitcase must-have for both men and women.
Skirts – It is usually a good idea not to wear mini skirts when traveling to other countries because showing too much could be culturally inappropriate. Long, airy skirts are a Zimbabwe staple.
Shorts / Capris – are the best item to beat the heat when going for game drives or safari.
Jeans – Rainfall can often result in a lower temperature, so packing a pair of jeans for the cold evening is recommended.
Pants / Trousers – Bring along some excellent quality pants for a night out or a formal evening program.
Leggings – is nice to have as I find it very comfortable in the hot weather.
Fleece sweater – are nice to have during the cold winter nights in Zimbabwe.
Warm jacket – You should pack a couple of warm coats if visiting during the winter months, May through September.
Scarves – Both men and women can benefit from nude-toned scarves during sunny afternoons.
Raincoat – A raincoat is also a must-have during rainy seasons and especially when visiting the Victoria Falls.
Hats / Caps – It’s a great idea to carry hats or baseball caps to protect your face in the sun in the summer months.
Sunglasses – This is another staple that can help provide shade in the sunny Zimbabwe afternoons.

Intimates

Packing your personal items is, so make sure to grab them.

Underpants
Bras / Sports Bras – Safari rides and game drives can get bumpy. Be fully prepared with a couple of sports bras at your disposal once you’ve reserved your trip with the tour operator or guide.
Socks
Nightwear
Swimsuit – A swimsuit with a cover is a useful thing to bring along.
Swimsuit Cover-up / Wrap – this is a traditional wrapping which can double as a scarf, a DIY (do it yourself) skirt or for shade.

Shoes

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is pairing outfits with selections in your closet. That concept applies when you’re packing for a trip. Choose shoes that work well with the clothes you’ve packed and the activities you intend to do.

Running / Walking Shoes – Comfortable and good quality hiking shoes are a must-have for safari trips and climbing up the mountains.
Sandals – Lightweight and open shoes’ are a staple to walk around the city.
Flip Flops
Heels

Toiletries

Often overlooked but necessary. I recommend putting your toiletry bag together in advance. Don’t forget your travel size shampoo, body wash/soap, antibacterial wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.

The last thing you want is to spend your day sitting on a dirty toilet seat. Maintaining proper hygiene while traveling is essential to have an A+ rated trip.

Insect repellent – A mosquito repellents with DEET are highly recommended to counter the mosquitoes attack and avoid potential malaria infections. This brand served us well on our trip to DR Congo.
Sunscreen – The general rule of thumb is to use a sunscreen with SPF-30 to protect your skin from sunburns during outdoor activities. Consider the waterproof option if you’ll participate in water sports.
Q-tips
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Shampoo*
Conditioner*
Soap*
Lotion*
Perfume / Cologne
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving Cream
ChapStick / Lip Balm
Sanitary Products
Steamer (if you can’t stand the sight of rumpled clothes) This is the exact one I use.

Beauty

This section is dedicated to all the female travelers out there.

Brush/Comb
Makeup
Makeup Remover
Curling Iron / Hair Straightener
Hair Dryer HO
Hairspray
Facewash
Face Moisturizer
Hair Ties
Shower Cap

Electronics

“What gadgets should I pack?” You might ask! Here are a few things to consider:

Adaptor Plug – In my opinion, this is one of the most important items in this section because, without one of these, you most likely wouldn’t be able to charge your electronics once your battery runs out.
Camera, Charger – A decent wildlife camera like this one might help you capture amazing animal shots on your safari tour.
An extra camera Battery – If you want to capture the beautiful nature and the astounding wild, then make sure to pack a couple of fully charged spare camera batteries for your Zimbabwe trip.
Cell Phone and Charger – I don’t expect you to forget your phone, but it’s on the list just in case.
Tablet / Laptop / Kindle and Chargers
Headphone – if you have an iPhone 7 or later, the audio jack is different than the regular audio jack. Having an earphone with a regular audio jack is nice to have handy, especially in local US flights and flights within Africa as they don’t provide an earphone for you. Or better yet, get a wireless Bluetooth earphone that has a great sound and long-lasting battery life. This is the one I use.

Meds/First Aid

It is crucial you remember to carry your medications. Travel health, safety, and security are of utmost importance. So, don’t forget to buy items in this category so you can quickly fix minor cuts sustained during outdoor activities.

Allergy Medication
Diarrheal – A few tablets on hand won’t hurt. Because when you need it, you need it! You can also purchase this medication over-the-counter for less.
Birth Control
Band-Aid / First Aid Kit

Travel Documents (The Important Stuff)

Passport – make sure to apply in advance for a tourist or business visa if you need one to get into Zimbabwe because local authorities will check for it at the port of entry.
Driver License or Photo ID – do you don’t carry your passport along with you everywhere, so a secondary piece of identification comes in handy for going to the club.
Itinerary, Plane Tickets, Hotel (see this post on the best places to stay in Zimbabwe), and Car Rental Confirmation
Travel Insurance – Never a bad idea, especially if you’re a first-timer. The rules for receiving medical care are very different from that of the US.
Immunization Records – Proof of immunization record may be needed before you’re allowed to enter the country. The CDC has an awesome vaccination guide for Zimbabwe. I once lost my immunization proof at an international airport. Luckily, this incident happened on our way back to the US. Be careful with these since they can easily slip out from your passport!
Copy of Passport and Visa – an extra copy of your travel document, paper or digital, comes in handy should you lose your record. Believe me, it could happen to you.

Travel Essentials

Purse and Wallet
Carry On – choosing the best carry on can get daunting. To help make the decision process a little easier, learn more about what makes the best wheeled backpack for travel.
Checked Bag / Packing Cubes
Credit Card and Cash – make sure you have some cash on hand and only take two credit cards (maybe three if you must) with you. Avoid using your debit cards since the majority, if not all, US credit card has $0 liability.
Money Belt – the reason I put this on the list is that my father-in-law always says that purchasing a money belt is the best travel advice he’s ever received from one of his friends.

Extras

Towels – Some soft, microfiber towels that are easy to wash, drys quickly and portable
Handkerchief
Water Bottle
Neck Pillow
Eye Mask
Blanket – don’t forget to carry your favorite blanket
Flashlight / Packing Light – A torch or a flashlight could come in very handy during a late-night outing or power goes out.
Binoculars – If you are real nature lover, then don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars to have a close look at the safari natural wonders and wildlife. Read an in-depth review of the best binoculars for travel or home.
Slippers – for maximum comfort on the plane and at the hotel room.
Books / Magazine
Snacks – your favorite meals you can’t do without is always a plus to have.

Whew! That was a long one. I hope you found this Zimbabwe travel and ultimate packing list helpful as you prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

If you forget a couple of items, don’t you worry! Zimbabwe has a lot of convenience stores and shops to get those everyday items. Just remember you may have to pay an arm and a leg to get that sunscreen! Be sure to monitor local media where you plan to travel to as it may provide additional ideas that I may have missed.

So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags with the must-haves mentioned above. The natural marvels of Zimbabwe await your arrival!

Your Ultimate Zimbabwe Travel Packing List

SUMMARY

Here’s a summary of the most essential items to park on your next Zimbabwe Travel: