Zimbabwe
Country info
Nowhere is there anything to compare with the magnificence
of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Nothing catches the spine-tingling magic of a walk in
the Zambezi Valley with buffalo and elephant cautiously watching your every
move. The magic of a canoe ride where you slide stealthily past a school
of hippo. Even a camera can't catch the camaraderie around the campfire
or the chill in the air of an early morning game drive. Only the excitement
that shines in your eyes will really convince your friends that the wild
raft ride through the towering gorges of the Zambezi was not only fun,
but also exhilarating.
It's not just a fist full of natural advantages that Zimbabwe
brings to the international tourism market. It also offers years of experience
and a well developed infrastructure, phones that work, reliable cars to
hire, efficient banks, excellent roads, good shops, international hotels
and a friendly people who are sincere in their welcome and desire for you
to enjoy your stay. Natural wonders, infrastructure, service, facilities
and a welcome; it's all there.
Zimbabwe adds one more vital ingredient: a fascinating
history that provides depth and meaning. Past and present are so inextricably
part of everyday life that it is impossible to separate the two.
For untold millennia Stone Age man has left the unmistakable
traces of his handiwork by the rivers and the rocks of this land, where
they lie still, today. Bushman artists have painted the walls of caves
and overhangs leaving a gallery of stunning art for us to enjoy.
Bantu speaking – people arrived from across the Zambezi
nearly two thousand years ago, bringing with them their cattle and their
knowledge of iron, their agriculture and their different way of life. For
more than a thousand years, Arab traders have trod this land and exchanged beads,
cloth, and plate from around the world for ivory, and gold. Portuguese
explorers too have sought out this metal, fought battles on this soil and
died from its pestilencec and hardships.
Travel info
Climate
Altitude and relief greatly affect both temperature
and rainfall in Zimbabwe. The higher areas in the east and the High Veld
receive more rainfall and are cooler than the lower areas. Temperatures
on the High Veld vary from 12 - 13°C (55°F) in winter and 24°C
(75°F) in summer. On the Low Veld the temperatures are usually 5.5°C
(10°F) higher, and summer temperatures in the Zambezi and Limpopo valleys
average between 32C - 38°C (90 - 100°F). Rainfall decreases from
east to west. The eastern mountains receive as much as 40 inches annually,
while Harare has 32 inches and Bulawayo 23.6 inches. The south and southwest
receive little rainfall. Seasonal shortages of water are common. The summer
rainy season last from November to March. It is followed by a transitional
season, during which both rainfall and temperatures decrease. The cool,
dry season follows, lasting from mid-May to mid-August. Finally, there
is the warm, dry season, which last until the onset of the rains.
Clothing
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is
suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari
are:
blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect
you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
t-shirts
shorts or a light skirt
jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary,
even in summer)
comfortable walking shoes
track suit - good for sleeping in during winter months
light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
Elegant casual outfit for dinner and/or cocktails at
the smarter hotels and restaurants - men are generally expected to don
collar, jacket (sometimes even a tie) in cocktail bars and restaurants
after 18:30, except in the warmer parts of the country and at the game
lodges.
Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night
temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable
for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
If you are travelling with an organised safari, it is
important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to
restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable
amount of camera equipment.
Visa
All visitors require a visa apart from nationals
from the following countries:- Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, USA,
EU countries (excluding Greece and Portugal), Japan, Nationals of commonwealth
states (excluding Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and
Sri Lanka).
Many, but not all, other nationals who do require visas
can obtain them upon arrival. You are strongly advised to check with your
local consulate or embassy.
Car hire
There is a fairly good network of roads, but
some are in poor condition. Driving is on the left hand side and an International
Driving Licence is recommended. There are numerous local and international
car hire firms
Health
It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics
before entering Zimbabwe. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor
or pharmacist which areas in Zimbabwe you intend visiting. Start your course
at least 24 hours before entering Zimbabwe and continue taking the pills
for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects,
try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually
minimises the effect of the symptoms. Precautionary measures that you can
take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or
in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped
at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use
of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeved clothing,
long trousers and socks when outside at night.
Any person entering Zimbabwe from, or via, a yellow fever
or cholera infected area must be in possession of a valid International
Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and/or cholera.
Avoid swimming in dams and rivers as the water may be
infected with bilharzia. If you are canoeing or rafting and cannot avoid
the water, this is not a problem - just remember to towel off as soon as
possible. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink and only in extremely remote
areas is it necessary to boil or purify the water. Tetanus immunisation
is recommended.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Zimbabwean dollar
(Z$), which is divided into 100 cents.
Foreign currency is widely accepted and prices are usually
also displayed in US$. Foreigners are requested to settle their accommodation
payment in foreign currency, preferably US$.
EXCHANGE RATE
For most visitors the exchange rate is in your favour.
Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment cost
a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere
in the world.
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most
shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques. Note
that hotels usually offer a more favourable exchange rate than banks.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and
restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants do
not accept payment by Diners or American Express. Credit cards are not
accepted at petrol filling stations.
Commercial Banks
Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business during the following
hours:
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 08:00 – 15:00
Wed 08:00 - 13:00
Sat 08:00 – 11:30
Language
English is the official language of Zimbabwe although
it is only the first language of about 2% of the population. Other indigenous
languages spoken include Shona and Ndebele. Guided safaris are usually
conducted in English.
Useful phrases:
English - Shona Ndebele
Hello (initial) - Mhoro/Mhoroi Sawubona/Salibonani
Hello (in reply) - Ahoi Yebo
How are you? - Makadii/Makadi-ni? Linjani/Kunjani?
I’m well - Ndiripo Sikona
Thank you - Ndatenda/Masvita Siyabonga kakula
Welcome - Titambire Siyalemukela
Good morning - Mangwanani Livukenjani
Good afternoon - Masikati Litshonile
Good evening - Manheru Litshone njani
Goodbye (to person staying) - Chisarai zvakanaka Lisalekuhle
Goodbye (to person leaving) - Fambai zvakanaka Uhambe kuhle
Please - Ndapota Uxolo
Excuse me - Pamsoro.ipindeo Ngicela ukwedlula
Sorry/pardon - Pamsoro Ngiyaxolisa
Do you speak English? - Unodziva kutawura chirungu? Uyakwazi
ukukuluma isilingu?
Yes - Ehe Yebo
No - Aiw Hayi
Where is . . .? - Arikiupi . . . ? Ungaphi . . .?
Accessoires
sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
binoculars and a camera are a must
track suit - good for sleeping in during winter months
light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
swimsuit and snorkelling and diving gear
towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping
bags can be hired from most safari operators)
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