The Victoria Falls are without a doubt one of the world's grandest natural spectacles and every viewpoint reveals something new. Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of
the country, and connecting its two largest cities, is the Highveld, a chain of low mountains and Zimbabwe's most populous area.
Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife parks in southern Africa. From the forested mountains of the Eastern highlands to the sun-washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, from the hot Mopani Forest to the shores of Lake Kariba, more than 11 per cent of Zimbabwe's land – 44,688 sq km – has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates. There are also several botanical gardens, sanctuaries and more
than a dozen national safari areas for hunting.
Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Zimbabwe
Former Name
Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia
Capital City
Harare
Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Area Size
390,580 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Climate
Summer runs from October to April and has hot, sunny days with daytime temperatures around 86ºF (30ºC) in the main centres and hotter in the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Kariba and Victoria Falls. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. The rainy season runs from November to March, although the Eastern Highlands experience rain throughout most of the year. Winter days are warm and dry (68ºF/20ºC), with a vast drop in temperature at night, and runs from May to September. Winter is the most pleasant time to travel, and is best for game viewing and white water rafting; however this is also peak tourist season and is the busiest time of year.
Geography
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, surrounded by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Inyangani is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe at 2,592 m. The north-western border is defined by the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination on the Zambezi. To the south, Zimbabwe is separated from South Africa by the Limpopo River. Zimbabwe also shares a border with Namibia to the west via a narrow land corridor.
Languages
English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects
Culture
Traditional arts in Zimbabwe include pottery, basketry, textiles, jewelry, and carving. Among the distinctive qualities are symmetrically patterned woven baskets and stools carved out of a single piece of wood. Shona sculpture in essence has been a fusion of African folklore with European influences. Also, a recurring theme in Zimbabwean art is the metamorphosis of man into beast.
History
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their brutal repression of regime opponents.
Travel Information
The national airline is Air Zimbabwe (UM). Harare (HRE) is 14km southeast of the city. Coaches run at regular intervals to the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Taxis are available. Airport facilities consists of Post office, restaurant, duty-free shop and bank/bureau de change. Bulawayo (BUQ) is 24km from the city. Limited bus and taxi services are available. Victoria Falls (VFA) is 22km from the town. Bus and taxi services are available. Airport facilities consists of Bureau de change, duty-free shop, bars, restaurant and car hire. Departure Tax US$20. Children under two years and transit passengers (within 24 hours) are exempt. There are train connections from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. There are roads from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Off the main routes (Beitbridge and Victoria Falls), travel conditions are often difficult during heavy rains. Border posts are generally open from 0600-1800, although the more popular route through Beitbridge is open from 0600-2230.
Accommodation
There are hotels and lodges . A list of registered hotels is available from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Non-residents must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (usually US Dollars) or by credit card. Local currency is not acceptable, even on presentation of exchange certificates.
Visa Requirements
Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to below. All visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry. Visa is not required for nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. Visa is not required if passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area. Nationals of Australia, Canada, USA and The EU (apart from exceptions above) may obtain visas valid for up to 90 days on arrival in Zimbabwe, provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visas are valid six months from date of issue. Apply to Embassy. For multiple-entry visas, travellers must apply direct to the Chief Immigration Officer in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Getting Around
Air Zimbabwe provides reguler flights between the main centres and major tourist resorts with the exception of the Lowveld and Eastern Districts. Air Charter flights are avialabe to all centers and most game viewing areas. Metered taxis are available in all main centres. The National Railways of Zimbabwe visits the main centres of the country with an overnight service between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Car hire is available in most tourist areas. A valid driving licence from visitors home country is required. Driving in Zimbabwe is on left hand side of the road.There is an excellent road network throughtout the country and all main tourist areas are linked by good tarred roads.
Health & Safety
Travellers coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, Meningococcus and tetanus are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. Tap water in urban areas is considered safe to drink, but bottled water is also available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high. The security situation in Zimbabwe remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. There has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centres, such as Victoria Falls. Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe. Visitors should be especially cautious at ATMs and after dark; downtown Harare is a particularly high crime area. Extreme caution is advised when travelling, and independent travel, including backpacking, is not recommended - it is advisable to travel with a recognised tour operator to established tourist destinations. Although the scene of much crime, many tourist centres have been largely unaffected by political and social unrest. Police throughout Zimbabwe have been ordered to beat anyone venturing out onto the streets after dark, and to break up small gatherings of people. People have been detained and prevented from leaving the country at the airport. Tensions are mounting and the opposition party (MDC) have threatened a programme of mass demonstrations in Harare. Visitors should be aware that these are likely to turn violent.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 18 Apr - Independence Day. 1 May - Workers' Day. 25 May - Africa Day. 13 Aug - Heroes' Day. 14 Aug - Defence Forces Day. 22 Dec - Unity Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.
Currency
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Dollars (ZWD)
Electricity
220/230V AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630.
Emergency Numbers
999 993(Fire) 994(Ambulance) 995(Police)
