Hostels In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe pioneered the Southern African backpackers lodge scene, and for many years the network was a vibrant and trend setting phenomenon that in many of the parks and tourist areas of the country was a bit of a destination unto itself. These days the backpackers lodge system in the country is a bit jaded, and many of the older lodges have broken the golden rule and opened up their rooms and facilities to local clientelle which has tended to translate into many becoming thinly disguised fleshpots. Subsequently you have to be a little bit careful in your choices, but there are still a handful of dedicated and highly rated lodges and hostels in the country faithfully serving the shreds of the local tourist and backpacker industry.

As a rule of thumb it is advisable if you are flying into Harare or Bulawayo to book in advance in order to ensure that at least your first few nights are trouble free. Most local backpackers lodges will arrange an airport pick up for you, which is vital considering the confusing exchange rates and conventions surrounding money changing. This state of affairs opens tremendous opportunities for taxi drivers to exploit the unwary, which are opportunities that few will ever pass over.

Thereafter the local network will point you in the right direction as you strike out of the capital. There are good, reasonably priced hostels and backpackers lodges all over the country, with the best ones being in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. If you are coming in overland from a neighbouring country, you will presumably already be in the information loop, but still choose wisely.

Backpackers lodges all offer camping facilities and safe lockup. Make a point of using the latter.