Victoria Falls Backpackers
Slightly rough around the edges, and a bit further away from the centre of town, it nevertheless remains a very good choice for budget travellers wanting a more laid-back environment.
Zimbabwe generally has a good standard of accommodation that will suit most traveller's needs, whether roughing it in US$10 dorms or lapping it up in US$700 luxury lodges.
Backpackers ususally have a choice of one or two options in each town, which have dorms, private rooms, wi-fi access and kitchen facilities for cooking meals. Camping is an option, with budget lodges allowing you to pitch a tent for around US$10, and use their facilities. Having your own tent is handy for national parks, too.
In cities, you can opt for comfortable 4- to 5-star hotels or boutique B&Bs, all of which are reasonably priced around the US$100 to US$200 mark.
Upmarket lodges in national parks are stunning and built in close harmony with nature. Most are in the middle of the action, allowing you to enjoy wildlife among your luxurious surrounds of teak furniture, poster bed and verandahs. Prices are high, but rates include activities such as wildlife drives, food and alcohol. Many have 'tented camp' accommodation, which are pre-erected walk-in tents with comfortable beds and flooring, which range from fairly basic to luxurious.
National parks also have affordable lodges run by the Zimbabwe National Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, which offer a good choice of lodges (from US$35) and campsites (from US$8). A few have restaurants, but mostly you will have to rely on self-catering. The main office in Harare is the best place to book in person: booking by phone and email are also theoretically possible, but less reliable.
Slightly rough around the edges, and a bit further away from the centre of town, it nevertheless remains a very good choice for budget travellers wanting a more laid-back environment.
Livingstone (about 19km)
Livingstone (about 19km)
Livingstone (about 19km)
Once a backpacker institution, things have been spruced up here into a guesthouse full of upmarket touches: free internet and wi-fi, shady lawns, a great pool and some of the nicest and most spacious dorms we’ve seen. No Basil or Manuel in sight.
Livingstone (about 19km)
The British and Canadian owners of Jollyboys know exactly what backpackers want, and it is wildly popular for a good reason...
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