Zimbabwe combines the best and the worst of Africa. The country has one of the most thriving animal populations in Africa. The scenery is spellbinding and changes from dense forest to savannah and river areas rich in water. One of the most fantastic sights in the world is to be found here where Victoria Falls' water cascades down - a freefall of over 100 metres down into the Zambezi River. In glaring contrast with the beauty of the natural environment is a population where one fourth lives beneath the poverty line. 40 percent of the population are HIV-positive, almost half of the inhabitants are unemployed, and - for the moment - civil unrest and rebel forces make it dangerous to be a white person here.Find your travel arrangement to Zimbabwe here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Republic of Zimbabwe
Capital
Harare
Size
390.580 km2
Principal Languages
The principal language in Zimbabwe is English, but actually, the population speaks shona or sindebele to a much higher degree.
Principal Religion
Christianity and the original animism of the region.
Inhabitants
11.163.160 (1999)
Government
Parliamentary democracy
Geography
Zimbabwe has tall mountains in the East and swamp areas in the West, while the savannah of the South offers completely different scenery. The Zambezi River and Victoria Falls form the natural border towards Zambia, while the grey-green muddy Limpopo River divides Zimbabwe from South Africa. Some of Africa's most beautiful National Parks give ideal possibilities to observe the large amount of predators and their prey.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
For people interested in safaris, it is best to go to Zimbabwe during the dry winter months of May to October, when the animals gather by the pools. On the other hand, during the wet summer months it is more green and lush and somewhat hotter.
Literature
Lonely Planet Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Zimbabwe they use the following weights and measures:
Weights: kilogram
Temperature: °Celsius
Distances: kilometre
Cubic content: litre
Weights: kilogram
Temperature: °Celsius
Distances: kilometre
Cubic content: litre
Photography
Avoid taking pictures of military installations, public buildings, foreign embassies and airports.
Drinking water
The tap water is not safe unless it has been boiled.
Electricity
In Zimbabwe they use the following current:
220 V AC, 50 Hz
220 V AC, 50 Hz
Behaviour
It is illegal to import pornography to Zimbabwe. Furthermore, quite a lot of the nicest restaurants demand that men wear suit and tie.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 8.00 to 15.00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday), from 8.00 to 13.00 (Wednesday) and from 8.00 to 11.30 (Saturday).
Shops are open from 8.00 to 17.00 (Monday to Friday) and from 8.00 to 13.00 on Saturday.
Shops are open from 8.00 to 17.00 (Monday to Friday) and from 8.00 to 13.00 on Saturday.
Food and drink
Corn is a highly valued crop in Zimbabwe, and one of the national dishes in Zimbabwe is sadza, a firm corn porridge that is eaten with gravy or flesh. They drink the corn beer 'whawha' with it.
Disabled travellers
There are very few facilities for disabled travellers in Zimbabwe.
Holidays
New Years Day, 1 January
Independence Day, 18 April
1 May
Africa Day, 25 May
Heroes Day, 11 August
Defence Forces' Day, 12 August
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Holidays than vary
Easter, March or April
Independence Day, 18 April
1 May
Africa Day, 25 May
Heroes Day, 11 August
Defence Forces' Day, 12 August
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Holidays than vary
Easter, March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
There are hotels in different price ranges in all major cities in the country. In small towns, it is usually only possible to find middle range hotels or very cheap ones. There are camping grounds near most of the National Parks, where you can also find quite a few guest houses. Furthermore, there are hostels in quite a few towns in Zimbabwe.
Book your Hotel in Zimbabwe here
Book your Hotel in Zimbabwe here
Camping
It is possible to camp in all the major National Parks and along the river.
You will find hotels in most towns in this country. The very big first class hotels are primarily to be found in the big cities, though. The hotels are divided into five star categories.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Guesthouses can be found in the tourist places and in the National Parks. Furthermore, it is possible to find B&Bs in quite a few towns.
Hostels
There are cheap hostels in quite a few places in Zimbabwe.
Local transport
There are domestic Flights in Zimbabwe between most major cities. Buses also operate between the large cities in the country, and there are also quite a few train lines. The train is often cheaper than the bus. It is also possible to rent a car, but at a lot of places you need a 4W. In Zimbabwe they drive on the left hand side of the road.
Planes
Air Zimbabwe handles domestic Flights between Harare and, among others, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Kariba, Hwange, Gweru, Maswingo and Buffalo Range. There are 467 runways in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, it is possible to charter a plane to get to the National Parks.
Bus
There are bus connections between all the major cities. Information about departures, services and timetables can be obtained at the tourist office in Harare.
Trains
There are train connections between Plumtree, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Harare, Mutare and Triangle. It is often cheaper than the bus.
Taxi
Most taxis in Zimbabwe do not have a taxi-meter; so settling the price before getting into the taxi is sensible. There are taxi companies in all the major towns.
car rental
There are car rental services in big hotels and in airports as well as in offices in the major cities. It is usually quite expensive, especially the 4Ws which are often necessary to get around this country.
Special conditions
Camouflage clothing is illegal in Zimbabwe.
It is not possible for foreigners to pay for their Hotel in Zimbabwe Dollars. Payment must be made by credit card or by a foreign currency, usually US $.
It is not possible for foreigners to pay for their Hotel in Zimbabwe Dollars. Payment must be made by credit card or by a foreign currency, usually US $.
