Hiking and Trekking in Zimbabwe
Quick Trail Finder
Day Hikes
For Day Trippers:
- Mt. Nyangani (3-5 hours)
- Pungwe Falls (2-3 hours)
- Matobo Hills circuits
- Victoria Falls trails
- Bvumba nature walks
Multi-Day Treks
For Trekkers:
- Chimanimani (3-7 days)
- Eastern Highlands circuit
- Matobo wilderness trails
- Safari walking trails (with guides)
Easy Walks
For All Levels:
- Rainforest walks (Vic Falls)
- Tea estate strolls
- Nature trails in parks
- Short summit attempts
- Cultural village walks
Eastern Highlands - Premier Hiking Destination
- Mt. Nyangani - Highest Peak
- Chimanimani Mountains
- Other Eastern Highlands Trails
Summit Zimbabwe’s Roof (2,592m)
Overview:- Elevation: 2,592 meters (8,504 feet)
- Prominence: Highest point in Zimbabwe
- Location: Nyanga National Park, Eastern Highlands
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep but no technical climbing)
- Time: 3-5 hours round trip
- Distance: ~10km round trip
- Located in Nyanga National Park
- Park entry required ($10-15)
- Clear signage and parking area
- Can hire guide (recommended, $20-30)
- Well-defined path (can be muddy)
- Steady climb through montane grassland
- Gains ~500m elevation from parking
- Exposed to weather (sun, wind, possible fog)
- Cairns mark route in places
- Final approach steeper
- Spectacular 360° views (clear days)
- Can see into Mozambique
- Often foggy/cloudy (especially afternoon)
- Rocky summit plateau
- Summit marker/trig beacon
- Can be extremely windy and cold
- Same route
- Watch footing (loose rocks, slippery when wet)
- Easier but still takes 1.5-2 hours
- April-October: Dry season (clearer views)
- May-August: Clear but cold at summit
- September-October: Warmer, still clear
- November-March: Wet season (afternoon thunderstorms, fog)
- Layers (can be 5-15°C at summit even when hot below)
- Windproof jacket
- Rain jacket (any season - weather changes fast)
- Hat and sunscreen
- 2+ liters water
- Snacks/lunch
- Sturdy hiking boots (ankle support)
- Trekking poles helpful
- First aid basics
- Phone/camera
- Weather: Changes rapidly, fog common afternoon
- Start early: Summit before 11 AM to avoid afternoon clouds
- Navigation: Easy to get disoriented in fog
- Guide recommended: Locals know route, weather patterns
- Cold: Even summer can be cold and windy at summit
- No water: Bring all you need (none on mountain)
- People have gotten lost in fog (some fatalities over decades)
- Hypothermia possible (weather changes fast)
- Lightning during storms
- Cliffs on some sides of mountain
- Always tell someone your plans
- Turn back if weather deteriorates
- Moderate fitness
- Comfortable hiking uphill for 2 hours
- Altitude not typically an issue (gradual from nearby towns already at ~1,800m)
- Park entry: $10-15
- Guide: $20-30 (optional but recommended)
- Total: $10-45 per person
Matobo Hills - Unique Granite Landscapes
Walking Safaris - Wildlife on Foot
Victoria Falls Area Trails
Trail Difficulty Ratings
- Easy Trails
- Moderate Trails
- Challenging Trails
Characteristics:
- Distance: 1-5km
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (under 200m)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Terrain: Generally smooth, some paths paved
- Fitness: Minimal required
- Victoria Falls rainforest walk
- Vumba nature trails
- Short rock art walks (Matobo)
- Mtarazi Falls viewpoint
- Tea estate walks
- Families with children
- Seniors with mobility
- First-time hikers
- Those seeking gentle exercise
- Combined with other activities
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Water (1-2 liters)
- Camera
Safety & Preparation
What to Pack for Hiking
Day Hike Essentials
- Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
- Clothing: Moisture-wicking layers, hat, long sleeves
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses
- Water: 2-3 liters capacity
- Food: Snacks, lunch, extra energy food
- Navigation: Map, compass, GPS/phone
- Emergency: First aid kit, whistle, emergency blanket
- Tools: Multi-tool, headlamp (if late return possible)
- Rain Gear: Jacket (especially Nov-Apr)
Multi-Day Trek Additions
- Backpack: 60-70L capacity
- Shelter: Tent (lightweight, weatherproof)
- Sleep System: Sleeping bag (0-5°C rating), sleeping mat
- Cooking: Stove, fuel, cookware, utensils
- Food: All meals + 1 extra day
- Water: Purification tablets or filter
- Clothing: Multiple sets, warm layers, extra socks
- Hygiene: Toilet paper, trowel, biodegradable soap, toothbrush
- Emergency: Comprehensive first aid, repair kit, emergency shelter
- Communication: Satellite device if available
Best Seasons for Hiking
- Dry Season (April-October)
- Wet Season (November-March)
- Year-Round Destinations
Optimal Hiking Conditions
Advantages:- Clear weather (fewer rain interruptions)
- Better visibility for views
- Trails less muddy, safer
- River crossings easier
- Comfortable temperatures (especially mornings)
- Wildlife more visible (concentrated at water)
- May-August: Cool to cold mornings/nights (great hiking temps, but bring layers)
- September-October: Hot in lowlands (35-45°C), but mountains still pleasant
- Peak tourist season: More hikers on popular trails
- Mt. Nyangani (clearer summit views)
- Chimanimani (safer river crossings)
- Walking safaris (better wildlife viewing)
- Multi-day treks (predictable weather)
Planning Your Hiking Adventure
1
Choose Your Trails
- Match difficulty to your fitness/experience
- Consider time available
- Factor in season and weather
- Day hikes vs. multi-day commitment
- Guided vs. independent capabilities
2
Prepare Physically
- Train with weighted pack for multi-day treks
- Build cardiovascular endurance
- Break in boots (blisters ruin hikes)
- Practice with gear before trip
3
Arrange Logistics
- Book guides/porters if needed (Chimanimani)
- Reserve park accommodation if camping
- Arrange transport to trailheads
- Purchase park permits
- Obtain maps and route information
4
Pack Appropriately
- Test all gear before departure
- Pack for weather extremes
- Include emergency supplies
- Don’t overpack (weight matters)
5
Stay Safe & Enjoy
- Tell someone your plans
- Check weather before departure
- Start early
- Know when to turn back
- Leave no trace
- Embrace the experience!
Related Guides
All Activities: See our comprehensive Activities and Experiences guide Water Activities: See our Water Sports guide Wildlife: See our Animals and Birds guide Destinations:- Eastern Highlands - Hiking paradise
- Nyanga - Mt. Nyangani and trails
- Matobo Hills - Unique granite landscapes
- Mana Pools - Walking safaris
Ready to explore Zimbabwe on foot? From mountain summits to wildlife encounters, Zimbabwe’s hiking and trekking opportunities offer unforgettable adventures!
Photo Credits
Image Attributions: We’re grateful to the talented photographers whose work brings Zimbabwe’s beauty to life on these pages.
View Photo Credits
View Photo Credits
All images on this page are used with permission or under free licenses:Moses Adventures Photography:
- Authentic Zimbabwe travel experiences
- Tour photography from actual safaris and adventures
- Used with permission from Moses Adventures
- Free high-quality photography
- Licensed under Unsplash License
- No attribution required, but we credit photographers to show appreciation
- Public domain images
- Licensed under Pixabay License
- Free for commercial use