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Zimbabwe

A country that offers the tourist a wide range of attractions, Zimbabwe with the breathtaking Victoria Waterfalls rated as one of the world's natural wonders. The countryside of Zimbabwe from the mighty Zambezi River to the Eastern Highlands will also keep the cameras clicking. The mysterious ancient Great Zimbabwean Ruins draws one back into the past, while the abundance of wildlife in the game-parks matches any of those its neighbouring countries. For those seeking adventure thrills, Zimbabwe is home to the best white water rafting in the world, not to mention a frightening 111meter high bungi-jump. Although the economy of Zimbabwe is on the brink of collapse and the government is constantly under political attack, it is still an extremely popular destination - it is relatively cheap, beautiful, friendly people, warm, plenty attractions - the stuff a dream holiday is made of.

History

The countries name, Zimbabwe, comes from Shona, the language of the Mashona people meaning 'stone houses.' It is applied to any of the 200 stone ruins scattered throughout southern Rhodesia. The largest of these is known as Great Zimbabwe, located at the head of the valley of the Mtilikwe River, a beautiful and magnificent setting.

It covers 60 acres and includes three separate buildings built of granite stones. First there is a series of high walls, labyrinthine passages, steps and corridors, now known as the Acropolis. Second is a large elliptical enclosure, known as the Temple. It is more than 100 meters long and 70 meters wide. In between them is the ruins of smaller buildings known as the Valley Ruins.

Geography

Landlocked between Mozambique in the east and north-east, Zambia and Botswana in the west and South Africa in the south. Zimbabwe is situated on a high plateau and is covered in grasslands and woodlands. The central region is known for its hills and granite rocky outcrops and the eastern part is elevated by high mountain ranges. More than 11% of the country is set aside for conservation areas, although it is suffering from overgrazing caused by huge numbers of elephants. In the north of the country lies Africa's biggest man-made dam, Lake Kariba, fed by the Zambezi and other smaller rivers.

Climate

Although the country has a tropical temperature, the altitude has a moderated influence on it. Summer starts in November and continuous through to March, which is also the rainy season (night and morning rains). Although this a comfortable temperature, game viewing is not that good due to high grass, but then again the country is covered in a beautiful green carpet. The best time to visit Zimbabwe will be in early or late winter (April, May and then again August and September). The winter days are between 15 and 25oC, but night-time temperatures can drop to much lower figures.

Zimbabwe map with loctacion an how to get there.
View a larger Zimbabwe map in Africa.

Summary

Area size: 390 580 km2
Capital: Harare
Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Shona, Ndebele
Time: GMT + 2
Telephone Country Code: + 263
Electricity: 220/230 round 3-pin plugs

Required clothing

Medium clothing for the day and warm clothes for the cooler nights and Zimbabwe cold winter nights should be taken along. Certain restaurants will only allow semi-formal dress. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evening are essential for protection against mosquito bites.

Health and safety

Generally speaking this is a safe country to visit, but crime, like elsewhere in the world, is on the increase especially around tourist areas like Victoria Falls and Harare. Muggings have been reported on hiking trails in the Eastern Highlands. The municipal campsite in Victoria Falls is notorious for theft and valuables should be locked away out of sight. A lot of the so-called war veterans have been causing trouble throughout the country, fuelled by the president of the country. Although unlikely to see any of these riots as many occur in the farming areas, it is possible that it can spread to tourist destinations. Be informed about the situation before entering the country, stay away from these riots and use common sense. Fuel shortages can also hamper the independent traveller. However, the country is still so amazing beautiful, that it will be a shame to cut it out from any Southern Africa itinerary, therefore we recommend to stay on the outskirts of the country like the south or Victoria Falls.

Money matters

1 Zimbabwe Dollar is equal to 100 cents.

Major foreign currency (travellers' cheques and cash) can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, but for the best exchange rates and less commission use US Dollars and British Pounds. Do not participate in black market dealings, as con-artists are extremely well-practised in cheating. All cash must be declared upon entry, otherwise only a limited amount of US$200 in cash can be re-exported. Credit cards like Visa, Diners Club and American Express is accepted in hotels, car hire agencies, restaurants and other tourist shops with Master-Card having limited acceptance.

Accommodation and food

Hotels are graded to a maximum of 5 stars for the most luxurious accommodation available. Within the major tourist centres there are many top hotels with outstanding service, but cheaper hotels and camp sites can be found throughout the country. One must often pay for accommodation in hard currency. For additional information on Food and Accommodation in Zimbabwe contact the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Zimbabwe in Causeway, Harare. Their telephone number is +263 4 733211 and fax is +263 4 708872.
Food is prepared according to Western standards and various restaurants provide a variety of relatively cheap food. Traditional dishes include sadza, a stiff maize porridge, accompanied with meat or gravy.

Social behaviour

Handshaking is customary when greeting and western culture prevails in the urban areas. Although informal, casual wear is normal during daytime, some hotels and restaurants might require jacket and tie for men and smart casual for women.
Tipping is normally between 10 and 15%.

Useful addresses

For visa details one can contact various diplomatic missions around the world and these are but a few:

England

High Commission for the Republic of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand,
London WC2R
Tel: +44 171 8367755 or
call +44 891 600172 for a recorded message (50p/minute fee)
Fax: +44 171 3791167

Canada

High Commission for the Republic of Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West, Ottawa,
Ontario K2P 0J9
Tel: +1 613 2374388/9
Fax: +1 613 5638269
E-mail: zim.highcomm@sympatico.ca

USA

Embassy of Zimbabwe
1608 New Hampshire Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: +1 202 3327100
Fax: +1 202 4839326

Entry Requirements

A passport (valid for 6 months beyond intended stay), a visa (for some nationalities), tickets and documents for return or onward travel and an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever if arriving from an infected area within the last 5 days are required for entry.

Attractions & activities

To mention all the attractions and activities will be impossible in such a short limited space, but be sure to return to www.getawayafrica.com in the very near future for an in-depth coverage of all the treasures awaiting your arrival.

There is a huge selection of activities in Zimbabwe including many water sports like kayaking, sailing, canoeing and fishing. Hiking in the lush Eastern Highlands is extremely popular and various hiking trails are set out.

Cities & towns

Bulawayo
The second largest city in Zimbabwe with a typical small town feel. It has huge tree-lined boulevards covered in flowers especially during spring. Noteworthy attractions include the National Museum, the Railway Museum, the nearby Khami Ruins and the weird Matopos landscape and National Park south-west of the city.

Chinhoyi
The big attraction in this town located on the road from Harare to Lusaka, is the Chinhoyi Caves with a wonderful underground lake some 50 meters below the surface.

Harare
The capital of Zimbabwe, formerly known as Salisbury, does not have the chaotic manner of other cities like Johannesburg and Nairobi. The city is filled with lush green trees during the summer months. Interesting places to visit include the Larvon Bird Gardens and the beautifully arranged landscaped gardens of aloes and cycads at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens, a short 30 minutes drive outside the city. Visit the busy Mbane Musika market for a variety of products including curios and other handcrafts, and a traditional village called the Chapungu Kraal especially during weekends when traditional dances are performed.

Mutare
This is the main town of the Eastern Highlands region and forms an ideal base to explore this region covered in natural forests, grandiose mountains, deep gorges and a huge array of activities. The town itself is very pretty and for those interested in Zimbabwe's past, visit the Rhodes Museum, while a stroll in the Vumba Botanical Gardens will calm the anxious spirit. This town and surrounding areas like Chimanimani (with its wonderful pools, waterfalls, mountains and tropical forests) are definitely worth a couple of days' exploration and relaxation.

Great Zimbabwe ruins/ mutare
The impressive stone complexes called the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, was built between the 13th and 15th century during the period when the ancient Kingdom of Munumatapa was ruling this area. To this day the reason for their demise is unknown. What is known is that this an impressive and ingenious building style (not using any kind of cement and using primitive tools) made up of cylindrical walls and an enclosing wall (6 meters thick, up to 8 meters high and nearly 230 meters in circumference). It is essential to visit the nearby museum first, use a guidebook or hire a guide to explain the finer detail of the ruins. The closest town is Masvingo, but there is a camp site close to the ruins.

Victoria Falls
This world-famous falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "Smoke That Thunders" is a must-see when visiting Zimbabwe. To witness 5 million litres of water dropping every second over a mile long edge into a chasm of white foam 128 meters below is an awesome experience. When David Livingstone visited the falls in 1855, he named it in honour of the then queen of England. One stands small along the edge overlooking this natural wonder and the sound of the thundering roaring waters is sometimes deafening. The thundering waters are deafening and the view of this natural wonder makes one feel small and insignificant, and is certainly is not surpassed by many other in the world. Bring along a light rain coat for a heavy mist hangs above the Falls rising often up to 150 meters, and creates a spectrum of rainbows while watering the nearby small forest. The best time to visit the Falls are halfway between the rainy and dry season (July and August) when it is not so full that the mist obscures the view or too empty not to appreciate its might. But it does not matter when you see it, you will still be dumbstruck by it all. One can see it from above by joining tour operators and flying with microlights, light aeroplanes or parachuting. Any of these activities will be money well spent. The town of Victoria Falls is a busy centre attracting visitors from across the world to arrange all activities on and around the Zambezi River, including horse-riding, the 111meter high bungi-jump and some of the best and wildest white water rafting. There are also various craft markets in and around the town, and one is treated with various performances of local tribes during dinner at some restaurants.

Game Reserves

Mana Pools
Imagine sitting in a canoe and silently paddling by an abundance of elephant, hippo, lions, antelope, giraffe and many other animal and bird species. This is the reality of one of Zimbabwe's best parks, Mana Pools. One can also go on guided walking trails through the park or by vehicle. Fishing for the popular tigerfish (giving of a tremendous fight and watch out for those sharp teeth!), vundu and bream is allowed.

Hwange National Park
Just south of Victoria Falls, some 14000 km2 of plateau is home to one of the highest concentration of game, especially elephant. This is actually a cause for alarm, because of the destruction they are causing. Still it is an amazing park to see whether exploring it by car, foot or on horseback. Waterholes are often floodlit to watch animals at night and evening drives are recommended to see those elusive nocturnal animals. Accommodation is varies from camping to luxurious tree lodges.

Matopos National Park
Massive granite boulders neatly balancing on top of each other as if by a giant hand, is the most striking feature of this park. It lacks the abundance of animals found in other parks, but offers attractions like numerous, brilliantly preserved Bushmen paintings, exhilarating views from the hills of the surrounding countryside and the burial grounds of Cecil John Rhodes, explorer and prime minister of the Cape Province in South Africa. There are some white rhinos, unfortunately without any horns (cut off to prevent poachers killing them), leopard and some other antelope.

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