A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.
It is always African Travels aim to:
- Supply all non-‐alcoholic beverages inclusive in your tour price (soft drink, water or juices) during periods outside of your hotel stay.
- Wherever possible make all hotel/lodge bookings inclusive of meals and included in your tour price. Also referred to as Full Board. It will be noted on your itinerary where this is included or not.
- We will supply inclusive of tour price any lunches (usually packed/picnic style) on activities outside your hotel/lodge that are not supplied in the activity you are doing.
What you should allow for is:
- Purchases of any snack food -‐ $5 a day.
- Hotel/lodge alcoholic beverages – see your lodgings beverage menu list.
- Room service surcharges – see your lodgings compendium or information desk.
- Laundry costs -‐ $1-‐$3 USD per item is a guide.
CARRYING & STORING CASH
It’s a good idea to carry both USD’s (or other local currency) on your travels. A good guide is USD$50 per day. Most travellers find it prudent to keep cash on them (neck and waste belts are great). At the least keep your luggage/back packs locked if keeping valuables in them.
If using hotel safes ensure they are bolted in and don’t share the code or key with anyone. If the safe is not bolted most hotels will allow you to use their safes. Take a photo or sign an agreed register for valuables kept at hotel receptions.
If you are heading away from major towns for more than a day talk to your guide about how much currency you should carry or about availability of International ATM’s. International ATM’s are available in major towns and cities.
TIPPING
Tipping is a part of Zimbabean culture & surrounding countries. Bear in mind that most people are on very low wages, but the Zimbabweans are not demanding or rude about tipping and have no expectation other than tipping what you feel is appropriate and within your means. Quite often if you ask or seek guidance on how much to tip you will get the answer “Whatever you feel is right”. The below guide will help.
Tipping can be done in USD, however if in USD please ensure the notes are in excellent condition and post 2009. Rwandans can find it difficult to exchange USD’s outside of these parameters.
Also note that for more regional or rural trips tipping it’s preferred in the local currency as money exchanges may not be nearby. So it’s best to carry a bit of USD. That leaves a lot of leeway, anything from $0 to large amounts and can at times be confusing especially for visitors from non-‐tipping nations.
Therefore to help assist our visitors below is a guide, but please bear in mind that you are entitled to tip however little or much you desire or budget for.
Activity
Safari Guides: (Normally given at the end of the tour)
- 1 traveller: $15 to $30 per person per day
- 2 travellers $12 to $22 per person per day
- 3 travellers $11 to $18 per person per day
- 4 travellers $10 to $16 per person per day
- 5 travellers $9 to $14 per person per day
- 6 travellers $8 to $12 per person per day
Cook on camping safari
Some people feel that it is appropriate to tip a camping cook a little less than the safari guide and some may prefer to tip roughly the same.
Service Tips at lodges
Best to put in a central tip box. That way unseen staff get a share. $2-‐$5 a day