Zimbabwe is very safe if you stay out of politics.I am a black Zimbabwean and my Husband is white British and we visit zimbabwe twice in a year without any problems.But i think like anywhere in a foreign country you need to avoid dodgey places and carrying expensive stuff unnecessarily! While in Harare stay in a good hotel like Meikles and avoid going down town!Its a good idea to avoid going into town because at the moment there isnt much to see or buy.Visit shopping centres that are out of town like Semi Levi and Chapungu in Masasa(they sell beautiful hand painted kitchenware,cushions and quality bedding)
Victoria Falls is very safe and I would recommend you visit now when the Hotels and Activities are still cheap!The easiest way to get to Vic Falls is by air.Book in advance as they tend to have full flights, especially on Fridays.
In Vic Falls I strongly recommend Vic Falls Safari Lodge for people without kids, as space is very limited but the lodge is amazing with a chance to view animals from your balcon.VFSL has a lovely and lively atmosphere with good, friendly staff.
Elephant Hills Hotel is good if you are into Golf and there is space for kids to play , including a big swimming pool and a tennis court.However,Elephant Hills Hotel is a very big and it can be a "bit deserted" as it tends to have very few guests (in relation to its size)
Azambezi Hotel is value for money, right on the Zambezi. We found it a bit deserted again, especially in the evenings.
Victoria Falls Hotel is ideal for those who like a five star formal envronment.Dont be deceived by the small front , its massive at the back with an amazing view of the Falls. Its a big hit with elderly visitors
There are several other good hotels but unfortunately I havent stayed in them, yet!
No matter what you do not leave before you have 1. visited a place called the BOMA (serve Zim food including the famous! mupane worm.The last time I was there, they even had a "joke teller". The jokes where as flat as pancakes but, hey, it was still a giggle.
2. done an elephant ride and a lion walk
3 bunjee jumped
These are just special experiences!!
If you are planning to canoe in the Zambezi you have a good chance of coming across some Hippos.Its essential to have canoeing skills beforehand or at least make sure the guide gives you enough time practise before you start the trip.Listen carefully to the dos and dont's. Our canoeing trip turned into a horror when when we came face to face with Hippos that where just about 2 metres away and failed to flee as we were struggling to control the canoe!
If you still have doubts about safety in Zimbabwe, ask the South Africans!There is a huge number of them visiting Vic Falls and most of them say they keep coming back because Zimbabwe is a lot SAFER AND CHEAPER than South Africa
My husband and I will be passing through on our way to Kariba this Xmas. See you there!!