Safest cities in Zimbabwe
6 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in ZimbabweAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Zimbabwe, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Demonstrations and rallies can be unpredictable and may turn violent. Authorities have in the past used force to suppress them. Avoid political gatherings or activities which could be considered political, including political discussions in public places or online.
Blackouts and water rationing
- There are frequent, and sometimes long, power blackouts because of electricity shortages. During blackouts, traffic lights may not work. There is also water rationing in parts of the country. Contact your tour operator or hotel for the latest updates.
Mobile network and landlines
- The Zimbabwean mobile phone network and landlines are unreliable.
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsThere is a moderate level of crime in Zimbabwe. People travelling alone may be more vulnerable. Mugging, pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in city centres, especially after dark. Street lighting can be poor. Be vigilant when leaving banks and ATMs. Do not carry or display large amounts of cash in public places.
- Vehicle crimeThere have been smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, including:
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDCarry a copy of your passport’s photo page and your visa at all times. Leave your original passport somewhere safe. If you lose your UK passport, get a police report. You may need to show this to immigration to explain why you have no proof of entry when you depart.
- Illegal drugsIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
- MoneyZimbabwe’s economy is unpredictable. Monetary policy can change at short notice.
- Using cameras and binoculars in secure areasIt is illegal to take photographs of government offices, airports, military establishments, political party offices, official residences, embassies and other sensitive locations without special permission from the Ministry of Information. It is also illegal to photograph police and armed forces personnel, demonstrations and protests. The police…
- State House in HarareArmed members of the Presidential Guard patrol the area around State House in Harare (the President’s official residence). They do not allow loitering by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, and it is illegal to take photographs. The roads in this area are closed from 6pm to 6am. Do not use GPS navigation systems around the President’s residence…
- Journalism and social mediaThe Zimbabwean government uses a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. Journalism is illegal without accreditation. See Entry requirements. Consider carefully the risks of any social media activities, including posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which can be seen as…
- Dual nationalityZimbabwe’s position on dual nationality has been inconsistent. The Constitutional Court has ruled that some categories of dual nationality are legal, and that Zimbabwean citizens by birth may hold dual nationality. However, Zimbabwean law prohibits dual citizenship for those who acquire Zimbabwean citizenship by descent or registration. The…
- Wildlife, animal products and souvenirsIt is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Buying or trafficking such items risks prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 9 years.
- Camouflage clothingIt is illegal for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.
- LGBT+ travellersSex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society remains conservative towards same-sex relations, especially between men. However, there is a small but active underground LGBT+ scene in Harare and prosecutions are rare. Be aware that showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Safari lodges and game reservesSafety standards in Zimbabwe’s safari lodges and game reserves vary. Check with the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe whether operators are trained and licensed. Animal attacks have injured and killed visitors.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Zimbabwe, see information on driving abroad.
- Driving standards and road conditionsThe standard of driving is very poor in Zimbabwe. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Hazards include:
- Bus travelCommuter buses (‘combis’) are often overcrowded, inadequately maintained, uninsured and recklessly driven. Avoid them if possible. Larger intercity buses may also be poorly driven. There have been serious road accidents involving long-distance buses travelling at night.
- TaxisTaxis recommended by hotels are usually reliable and in good condition. Major hotels usually have their own taxis.
- Air travelThe UK Air Safety List lists all known airlines in Zimbabwe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil…
- Rail travelThe rail system in Zimbabwe is underdeveloped and very poorly maintained. Level crossings are poorly marked, resulting in many accidents. Passenger services are currently suspended. Check with National Railways of Zimbabwe for updates.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- FloodingThere is currently heavy rainfall and flooding across Southern Africa, including in areas of Zimbabwe. The rainy season runs from November to April. Heavy rainfall can damage roads, or make them impassable in some areas.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Zimbabwe, updated 2026-07-15 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 6.76 /100k2022
- Income inequality
- Gini 50.32019
- Human development
- HDI 0.5982023
- Income
- $6,390/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 41.2 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 49/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 36/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 22/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 4.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.59GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 15.0 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 26%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.1 doctors /1k2.0 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 11 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Drought
- 9.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 3.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 1.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Zimbabwe (as of 2025). This describes the law on the books, not necessarily enforcement practice.
How Zimbabwe compares
| Measure | Zimbabwe | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 6.8 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +4.4 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 50.3 | 35.2 | +15.1 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.598 | 0.763 | −0.165 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 41.2 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +25.8 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 36/100 | 52/100 | −16/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 22/100 | 39/100 | −17/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 15.0 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −4.7 µg/m³ — better for Zimbabwe |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.9/10 | 3.8/10 | +1.1/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Zimbabwe | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 6.8 /100k | 4.4 /100k | +2.3 /100k — better for Africa median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 50.3 | 38.3 | +12.0 — better for Africa median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.598 | 0.560 | +0.038 — better for Zimbabwe |
| Road deaths | 41.2 /100k | 27.9 /100k | +13.3 /100k — better for Africa median |
| Rule of law | 36/100 | 42/100 | −6/100 — better for Africa median |
| Corruption perceptions | 22/100 | 31/100 | −9/100 — better for Africa median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 15.0 µg/m³ | 27.7 µg/m³ | −12.7 µg/m³ — better for Zimbabwe |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.9/10 | 5.3/10 | −0.4/10 — better for Zimbabwe |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.