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| Welcome to Zimbabwe |
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Country Profile
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Zimbabwe is a landlocked country that sits in the southern part of Africa, flanked by Mozambique in the east and northeast, Zambia and Botswana in the west and South Africa in the south. Most of the country consists of a high plateau, of which the central region is dotted with hills and granite rocky outcrops and the eastern part consists of high mountain ranges called the Eastern Highlands. This is where most of the country’s coffee is grown. Southern Zimbabwe contains a lowveld of savanna, all the way down to the Limpopo River on the South African border. Africa's biggest man-made dam, Lake Kariba, fed by the Zambezi and other smaller rivers is situated in northern Zimbabwe.
There is an absolutely mind-boggling range of wildlife in Zimbabwe including buffalo, lion, elephant, hyena, jackal, monkey, rhino (both black and white) and cheetah. The chances of seeing the ‘big five’ game animals in one day are delightfully high here. Many species here are unique to Zimbabwe including the king cheetah and the nyala.
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| Banks |
Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business during the following hours:
Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri 0800-1500
Wed 0800-1300
Sat 0800-1130
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's
cheques.
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| Best time to go |
Zimbabwe is an all year round destinations. However there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of:
For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December
Best botanical months to visit the famous Vumba Botanical Gardens are Dec-May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. |
| Passports |
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Passport valid for at least 30 days longer than the period
covering stay in South Africa required by all. |
| Climate |
Summer: October - April, days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with the possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 30 degrees Celsius and night temperatures drop to around 14-16 degrees Celsius. The temperatures given are those for the main centres but it is considerably warmer all year round in the low-lying areas such as Kariba, Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi Valley. The rainy season runs from November to March, although the Eastern Highlands are damp for most of the year.
Winter: May-September, days are dry, sunny and cold to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20 degrees Celsius and can drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius at night. Please note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although this is the exception rather than the rule) so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just in case.
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| 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 mosquitoes)
• T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunblock, sunglasses,hat,insect repellent- essentials!
• Binoculars and a camera are a must
• Light, compact raincoat a good idea for the summer
• Towel,torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from safari operators)
• Elegant casual outfits 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 of course not at the game lodges.Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Zimbabwe. Dull and/or neutral colours are most suitable for safari, white is not practical. |
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| Very Important |
| If you are going on safari remember that packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment. |
| Communication |
A direct international dialling service is available from the major hotels in Zimbabwe. Both local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and every second counts in terms of cost. Major hotels and businesses have a fax service. Remember that hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Zimbabwe do not have telephonic communication facilities. These lodges are able to communicate with the outside world via two-way radio.
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| Credit Cards |
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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.
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| Currency |
Zimbabwe's unit of currency is the dollar, worth 100 cents. Visitors may import up to Z$500 and any amount of foreign currency in bank notes and travellers cheques but the total amount must be declared to Customs on entry, otherwise only the equivalent of US$200 will be allowed to be re-exported at the end of your holiday.
Non-residents and visitors must settle their hotel accounts in foreign currency. |
| Electricity |
220/240 Volts AC. Outlets are of the 3 pin, 13-amp type.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Zimbabwe do not have electricity. These lodges generally rely on generator power for lighting and refrigeration and this power only runs at certain times of the day. Please be aware that at these lodges you will not find plug sockets in your rooms or tents.
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| Entry requirements |
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If you are not staying for longer than 6 months, you enter Zimbabwe with a minimum of formalities. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket to your country (or enough money to buy one), and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe.
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| Visa |
Please check with your nearest Zimbabwe consulate for up to date information. It is the responsibility of all visitors to Zimbabwe to obtain all necessary visas in advance. Single entry visa is valid for 6 months, double visa is valid for 3 months, and multiple entry visas are valid for 6 months and are only issued in Harare.
Actual immigration is strictly controlled and prospective immigrants are advised to contact the Chief Immigration Officer. Department of Immigration Control. Private Bag 7717. Causeway. Harare. In particular it should be noted that any applications for work or residence in Zimbabwe would not be considered whilst the applicant is physically in the country. |
| Customs Concession |
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Your personal possessions, which are not intended for disposal or consumption in Zimbabwe, are allowed entry duty free. In addition, other consumable goods which are not merchandise imported for trade purposes may be imported up to a value of Z$1000.00 per person. Alcoholic beverages maybe included within this allowance by person over the age of 18years, subject to a limit per person of 5 litres, of which not more than 2 litres maybe spirits.
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| Health requirements |
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With the exception of children under one year of age, all travellers arriving in Zimbabwe from infected areas are requested to possess valid vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever. While in Zimbabwe, you are advised not to use water in the country's rivers and dams for swimming and drinking as it maybe infected with bilhazia. Needless to say, all water in towns, hotels and swimming pools is from purified central water supplies or boreholes and is, therefore, perfectly safe. If you are intending to visit the lower-lying areas such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Gonarezhou and the Zambezi Valley, it is advisable to take a course of anti-malaria tablets as a simple precaution.
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| Medical services |
| Zimbabwe does not have a national health welfare scheme. It is therefore advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. It is also wise to bring with you, any medicines which you may require since you will not have access to pharmacies in many of the areas which you may be visiting. |
| Driving |
| International driving permits and valid driving licences issued in Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland are valid in Zimbabwe. A visitor from any other country may, for 90 days or more (depending on the country of issue), use a valid driving licence, issued by the competent authority in that country. If not printed in English, it should have a printed certificate of authority and validity, or a transcription of the text with the bearer's photograph attached. |
| Languages |
The official language of Zimbabwe is English and other indigenous languages spoken include Ndebele and Shona. Most if not all safaris are conducted in English.
In Zimbabwe drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to traffic approaching on the road to your right at uncontrolled intersections. At controlled intersections, motorists are required to yield precedence to pedestrians crossing on a green light. The general speed limit in Zimbabwe is 100km/h on open roads and 60kn/h in urban areas, but watch for signs.
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| Explorers in Zimbabwe |
Departs Daily
From Victoria Falls on arrival
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the mightiest waterfall on earth. Afterwards enjoy a spirited traditional dance performance.
Overnight: Hotel Mercure A' Zambezi
Day 2 Chobe Day Trip
Today cross the Zimbabwe- Botswana boarder to Chobe National Park. Enjoy a cruise on the river and lunch before you set out on a game drive in search of the park's 35 000 strong elephant herd. Return to Victoria Falls at dusk.
Overnight: Hotel Mercure A' Zambezi
Day 3 Livingstone Day Trip
After breakfast drive to Livingstone and into the village of the traditional Chief Mukuni for an opportunity to meet villagers and bargain for exquisite hand crafted souvenirs. End the day with a sunset cruise along the Zambezi
Overnight: Hotel Mercure A' Zambezi
Day 4 Victoria Falls -Hwange
Transfer from Victoria Falls to Hwange by road. A guided game drive revels Hwange's hundreds of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species.
Overnight: Hwange Safari Lodge
Day 5 Hwange
Enjoy a full day of game activities in this vast reserve.
Overnight: Hwange Safari Lodge
Day 6 Hwange - Bulawayo
Depart Hwange for the City of Kings-Bulawayo. Explore this grand, laid-back city's highlights including its Natural History Museum, famed for its impressive displays of mammal, bird and insect species. Time for shopping at the Mzilikazi Arts and Craft center before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Bulawayo
Day 7 Bulawayo
Spend an exhilarating day at the Matobo National Park, a sanctuary for the rare and reclusive white rhino. Scale the granite dwalas at the World's View to see the graves of Cecil John Rhodes and his lieutenants.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Bulawayo
Day 8 Bulawayo - Great Zimbabwe
A chauffer drive takes you to Masvingo, the home of great Zimbabwe. This afternoon, scale the massive Hill complex and marvel at this legendary 13th century city.
Overnight: Great Zimbabwe Hotel
Day 9 Great Zimbabwe - Harare
Travel to the modern capital city of Harare and enjoy an afternoon city tour
Overnight: Holiday Inn Harare
Day 10 Harare - Depart
Transfer to Harare International Airport for your departure |
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