Zimbabwe
5th Edition
Published on 19. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
408 pages
978-1-80469-269-1 (ISBN)
Description
The new fifth edition of Bradt's Zimbabwe remains the only detailed, standalone guide from a major publisher to cover one of the premier safari and cultural destinations in southern Africa. Best known for the Victoria Falls, which leaves visitors awed by the world's largest curtain of falling water, Zimbabwe offers manifold other experiences for the intrepid traveller - from evocative wildlife to fascinating arts, jaw-dropping landscapes to astonishing World Heritage sites.
Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the capital, Harare, with its bustling arts scene and trendy restaurants, or head to the mighty Zambezi River for fast-flowing adventure. Visit national parks that offer a variety of wildlife encounters: enjoy canoe-based game-viewing at Mana Pools (where African painted dog is a highlight) or remote camping beside rare nyala antelope in the wilderness of Gonarezhou. Capitalise on the exciting revival of Matusadona, which boasts one of Africa's highest densities of leopard, or combine watching white and black rhinos with admiring the world's greatest concentration of ancient hunter-gatherer rock art, at Matobo Hills.
History buffs will marvel at Zimbabwe's plethora of historical and cultural sites, most famously the World Heritage-listed, stone-built, ancient cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami, the latter once controlling a lucrative international trading empire. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, will delight in a trove of avian encounters, notably in Bunga's lush forests, one of Zimbabwe's best-kept secrets.
With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and lodges have opened, the country's national parks have been rejuvenated, its two main airports upgraded and major roads improved. Accommodation options comprise everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for travellers who arrive overland, plus suggested pit stops to break up journeys.
Written by a former resident of Zimbabwe, thoroughly updated by two seasoned adventurers, and with a foreword by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Bradt's Zimbabwe remains an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts to adventure seekers and hikers, whether travelling independently or on an organised tour. New for this edition are a 64-page, full-colour wildlife guide, plus expanded coverage of Zambezi National Park, Matobo Hills and the surroundings of Harare and Bulawayo.
Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the capital, Harare, with its bustling arts scene and trendy restaurants, or head to the mighty Zambezi River for fast-flowing adventure. Visit national parks that offer a variety of wildlife encounters: enjoy canoe-based game-viewing at Mana Pools (where African painted dog is a highlight) or remote camping beside rare nyala antelope in the wilderness of Gonarezhou. Capitalise on the exciting revival of Matusadona, which boasts one of Africa's highest densities of leopard, or combine watching white and black rhinos with admiring the world's greatest concentration of ancient hunter-gatherer rock art, at Matobo Hills.
History buffs will marvel at Zimbabwe's plethora of historical and cultural sites, most famously the World Heritage-listed, stone-built, ancient cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami, the latter once controlling a lucrative international trading empire. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, will delight in a trove of avian encounters, notably in Bunga's lush forests, one of Zimbabwe's best-kept secrets.
With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and lodges have opened, the country's national parks have been rejuvenated, its two main airports upgraded and major roads improved. Accommodation options comprise everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for travellers who arrive overland, plus suggested pit stops to break up journeys.
Written by a former resident of Zimbabwe, thoroughly updated by two seasoned adventurers, and with a foreword by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Bradt's Zimbabwe remains an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts to adventure seekers and hikers, whether travelling independently or on an organised tour. New for this edition are a 64-page, full-colour wildlife guide, plus expanded coverage of Zambezi National Park, Matobo Hills and the surroundings of Harare and Bulawayo.
More details
Edition
5th Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Buckinghamshire
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 214 mm
Width: 133 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
578 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80469-269-1 (9781804692691)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
On a visit to Zimbabwe soon after the country's independence, Paul Murray quickly established enduring friendships with some leading players in the Victoria Falls tourism sector and developed a keen interest in all aspects of the country. From a South African base, very frequent visits to Zimbabwe followed over the following three decades and led to him realising an Africa ambition - buying a house at Victoria Falls. This gave Murray and his wife unparalleled access to the diverse riches of Zimbabwe which, in turn, enabled him to write Bradt's Zimbabwe. His love for Zimbabwe has been driven by local people, whom he regards as "probably the friendliest I've met anywhere in the world". Murray now lives in the UK.
Content
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, National Parks, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Zimbabwe Wildlife Guide
Mammals, Reptiles, Birds
Chapter 3 Planning and Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Planning your trip, Suggested itineraries, Wildlife activities, Tourist information, ZimParks, Tour operators and agents, Red tape, Getting there and away, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with children, Travelling with a disability, What to take, Electricity, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Maps and GPS, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
Chapter 4 Health and Safety
Health, Safety
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 5 Victoria Falls and Surrounds
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Zambezi National Park, Kazuma Pan National Park
Chapter 6 Hwange
Hwange town, Hwange National Park, Towards Bulawayo
Chapter 7 Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley
Deka to Binga, Chizarira National Park, Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba, The Middle Zambezi, including Mana Pools
Chapter 8 Harare and Surrounds
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Northwest of Harare, Southwest of Harare, Chitungwiza, Southeast of Harare, Northeast of Harare, North of Harare
Chapter 9 Central Zimbabwe
Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Zvishavane, Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe
Chapter 10 Bulawayo and Surrounds
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Bulawayo, Matobo Hills, Plumtree
Chapter 11 Southern Zimbabwe
Beitbridge, The A6 from Beitbridge to Bulawayo, Lowveld towns, Gonarezhou National Park, Around Gonarezhou National Park
Chapter 12 The Eastern Highlands
Getting there and around, Southern area, Central area, Northern area
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
Index of Advertisers
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, National Parks, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Zimbabwe Wildlife Guide
Mammals, Reptiles, Birds
Chapter 3 Planning and Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Planning your trip, Suggested itineraries, Wildlife activities, Tourist information, ZimParks, Tour operators and agents, Red tape, Getting there and away, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with children, Travelling with a disability, What to take, Electricity, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Maps and GPS, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
Chapter 4 Health and Safety
Health, Safety
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 5 Victoria Falls and Surrounds
History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Zambezi National Park, Kazuma Pan National Park
Chapter 6 Hwange
Hwange town, Hwange National Park, Towards Bulawayo
Chapter 7 Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley
Deka to Binga, Chizarira National Park, Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba, The Middle Zambezi, including Mana Pools
Chapter 8 Harare and Surrounds
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Northwest of Harare, Southwest of Harare, Chitungwiza, Southeast of Harare, Northeast of Harare, North of Harare
Chapter 9 Central Zimbabwe
Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Zvishavane, Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe
Chapter 10 Bulawayo and Surrounds
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Bulawayo, Matobo Hills, Plumtree
Chapter 11 Southern Zimbabwe
Beitbridge, The A6 from Beitbridge to Bulawayo, Lowveld towns, Gonarezhou National Park, Around Gonarezhou National Park
Chapter 12 The Eastern Highlands
Getting there and around, Southern area, Central area, Northern area
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
Index of Advertisers