Zimbabwe, with its spectacular landscapes, rich wildlife, and historic sites, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers. From the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the ancient Great Zimbabwe Ruins, this Southern African gem offers a unique experience for those seeking adventure, culture, or simply a break from the mundane. If you're planning to visit Zimbabwe from the UK, finding cheap flights can be one of the biggest challenges. This article will guide you through how to find the best deals on flights to Zimbabwe and what to consider when booking your journey.
Why Visit Zimbabwe?
Before diving into the practicalities of booking cheap flights, it’s essential to know why Zimbabwe is worth visiting:
Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is an absolute must-see for travelers.
Hwange National Park
Home to over 100 mammal species, this vast reserve offers a top-notch safari experience.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins provide a glimpse into the country’s rich historical heritage.
Friendly locals
Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality, making it a welcoming destination for international visitors.
Affordability
Compared to other African destinations, Zimbabwe can be quite affordable for tourists, particularly for accommodation and food.
Now that you know why Zimbabwe is worth the trip, let’s take a look at how to score cheap flights from the UK to Zimbabwe.
Best Airports in the UK for Flights to Zimbabwe
The first step in finding cheap flights to Zimbabwe is knowing which airports offer the best connections. From the UK, there are a few key airports that offer regular flights to Zimbabwe. The primary international gateway into Zimbabwe is Harare International Airport (HRE), the capital city’s main airport. However, Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is another popular entry point for travelers heading to the falls or safari destinations.
Major UK Airports to Consider
London Heathrow (LHR)
As the UK's busiest airport, Heathrow offers the most flight options to Zimbabwe, with direct and connecting flights to Harare and Victoria Falls.
London Gatwick (LGW)
While fewer direct flights are available, Gatwick can sometimes offer cheaper connecting flights through other European hubs.
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Another option with connecting flights to Zimbabwe, typically via Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
While flights from Birmingham may require a stopover in a major Middle Eastern hub, they can sometimes offer competitive prices.
Best Airlines Offering Flights to Zimbabwe
There are a variety of airlines that operate flights to Zimbabwe, some offering direct services, while others require one or more stopovers. Let’s break down your options:
Direct Flights
British Airways
The UK’s flagship carrier offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Harare. While this is one of the more expensive options, it’s often the fastest and most convenient.
Air Zimbabwe
The national carrier of Zimbabwe sometimes offers direct services from London Heathrow to Harare, though availability can vary.
Connecting Flights
If direct flights are out of your budget, there are numerous airlines offering one-stop flights with layovers in European or Middle Eastern hubs. Some of the best choices for connecting flights to Zimbabwe include:
Qatar Airways
Offering one-stop flights via Doha, Qatar Airways is known for its excellent service and competitive prices.
Emirates
Another top choice for connecting flights via Dubai. Emirates often provides good deals and a comfortable flight experience.
Ethiopian Airlines
Offering flights with a layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines is a cost-effective alternative for those looking for affordable tickets.
Turkish Airlines
Connecting through Istanbul, Turkish Airlines can also be a budget-friendly option for flights to Zimbabwe.
When to Book Flights to Zimbabwe
Timing plays a crucial role in securing the best deals on flights. While Zimbabwe can be visited year-round, certain periods are better for scoring cheap fares:
Best Time to Book
Off-peak months (May to early June and October to November) are typically the best times to find affordable flights. During these months, flights to Zimbabwe are less in demand, and you might find deals that are significantly cheaper than during peak tourist seasons.
Peak season (July to August and December to January) coincides with school holidays and the dry season, which is ideal for safaris. Flights during these periods tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.
How Early to Book
Ideally, you should book your flights to Zimbabwe at least 3 to 6 months in advance to get the best prices. Booking too early may not always guarantee the best fares, as airlines may still adjust their prices as the departure date approaches. Conversely, booking last minute can often lead to sky-high prices, especially during peak travel times.
Use Fare Comparison Websites and Alerts
One of the best ways to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe is to use fare comparison websites and set up flight alerts. These tools help you compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms, saving you both time and money.
Some popular fare comparison websites include:
Skyscanner
This popular flight search engine allows you to compare flights from various airlines and travel agencies. Setting up price alerts can help you track changes in flight prices and book when fares drop.
Google Flights
Google Flights is a powerful tool that lets you monitor and compare flight prices. The ‘Explore’ feature also helps you discover destinations with low-cost flights.
Kayak
Kayak aggregates flights from many sources and allows users to set up price alerts to track fluctuations in flight prices.
Momondo
Known for finding hidden deals, Momondo scans over 100 travel sites to find the best flight options to Zimbabwe.
Consider Alternative Routes
While Harare is the most common entry point, there are alternative ways to reach Zimbabwe that might save you money. For instance, flying into neighboring countries like South Africa or Botswana and then taking a short flight or bus to Zimbabwe may be a more affordable option. Johannesburg in South Africa is a major hub with frequent connections to Zimbabwe, and flights from Johannesburg to Harare or Victoria Falls are relatively inexpensive.
Similarly, flights to Livingstone in Zambia, just across the border from Victoria Falls, can also be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re visiting the falls.
Tips for Saving on Flights to Zimbabwe
Flexible Travel Dates
Being flexible with your travel dates can make a significant difference in flight prices. Avoid flying on weekends, as these are often the most expensive days to travel.
Book Round-Trip Tickets
Booking round-trip flights instead of one-way tickets is often cheaper, even if you only plan to use one leg of the journey.
Use Airline Miles or Points
If you’re a frequent flyer, use accumulated miles or points to reduce the cost of your flight.
Look for Promo Codes and Sales
Airlines often have sales and promotions, particularly during off-peak seasons. Signing up for email alerts from airlines or travel websites can help you spot these discounts early.
Conclusion
Traveling to Zimbabwe from the UK can be a fantastic experience, and finding affordable flights is the first step toward making your dream trip a reality. By knowing when to book, which airlines offer the best routes, and using the right tools to compare prices, you can score a great deal and save money for your adventures. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness of Hwange National Park, marvelling at Victoria Falls, or stepping back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe promises to offer an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers. Happy flying!
