CSC-Zimbabwe - ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE - Comfort

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Travel Guidance

PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL IN AFRICA

We at Conservation Safari Company understand that travelling in Africa can be a daunting experience but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organised and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart. There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive. We provide you with a comprehensive Travel Document that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details – we make sure that everything happens on schedule. In addition our team is here 24hrs and contactable so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.

In addition to us planning your safari, we are making a difference as a company. One percent [1%] of the value of every trip booked with us is spent on conservation, at no cost to you. We want to protect Africa’s wild places and wildlife, for future generations – please read more about our conservation efforts on our website!

Thank you for considering Conservation Safari Company

Luxury travel, making a difference!

Travel Documents

Very few additional documents or vouchers are required these days, but copies of electronic flight tickets and any provided vouchers will be sent to you or included in your printable Travel Document. Your Travel Document will contain detailed daily arrangements of each destination and transfer, flight details and contact numbers. It will also contain a list of emergency contact details - a copy of your itinerary should be left at home with friends or next of kin so that they have a means of knowing where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with all safari outfitters that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa. When it comes to making a critical decision in the case of an emergency it is essential that all the service providers have your Insurance Company, Policy Number and a 24hour contact number.

Visas

For travelers visiting South Africa with Children, please download and read the PDF document on our website 'South Africa Children & Visa' - specific documents are required.

Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not Conservation Safari Company. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa and that you have enough blank pages in your passport for all of the visas you require.

The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel. African countries are in a continual state of political flux and visa requirements can change overnight.

Health

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention – please consult your medical practitioner and check with your health department/travel clinic prior to departure from your home country, in the event there have been changes in the health regulations of the country you are visiting.

The primary concern for travellers in Africa is Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Flies and Ticks. Malaria is prevalent in specific areas and usually during the summer months - most travel doctors will recommend malaria tablets. Please read our pre-travel document on this page [pdf] and also consult the World Health Organization website for detailed information or the Centre for Disease Control website.

Luggage Weight Limits

Please take note of the weight limits for travel in the region and take particular note if you are flying on a light aircraft to any of the private and more remote destinations. Typically luggage on light aircraft flights is limited to a total of 20kg (including hand luggage) but in some cases is 15kg or 12kg in soft bags only - no hard cases or soft bags with frames!

Most commercial airline, regional flights have a 23kg check-in baggage limit with a total of 7kg carry on.

What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?

Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.

VIEW OUR SATSA CERTIFICATE AND NUMBER ON OUR WEBSITE 

GENERAL INCLUSIONS

  • Meet & greet, transfers to/from airports and hotels/lodges
  • Regional flights & taxes
  • Meals and drinks specified per accommodation
  • Daily excursions & activities as specified
  • Park fees and entrance fees as specified
  • Safari activities and lodge/guide staff

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS

  • Visas
  • International flights
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
  • Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
  • Items of a personal nature & curio purchases
  • Gratuities or tips

 

Thank you for looking at our itinerary and considering Conservation Safari Company as your travel provider, we put a lot of time and thought into creating itineraries and experiences for your specific needs and interests - so please check all the tabs above [if you are viewing a digital itinerary] or each page of a printed itinerary, to make sure you get through all the information. We know you have a choice of many providers, but we believe we offer excellent service, value for money pricing, and we are making a difference through our conservation projects. [https://www.conservationsafaricompany.com/conservation]

Zimbabwe

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.


Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Zimbabwean Dollar 
Symbol: Z$ 
ISO code: ZWL 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 dollar 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cent, 1, 2, 5 dollar 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Zimbabwe 
International Airports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zimbabwean cuisine is influenced by traditional African dishes and British colonial heritage. Sadza, a thick maize porridge, is a staple, often served with meat and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Nyama, a grilled meat dish, and Mopane worms. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Chibuku (traditional beer) and maheu (fermented drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 


Climate and Weather

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 


Internet Availability

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type D, Type G 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 


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