African Sojourns - Zimbabwe - A feast of cultural festivals, safari and history - the Mahenye Festival

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, and 10c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed. 

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Several‌ ‌airlines‌ ‌operate‌ ‌domestic‌ ‌routes‌ ‌with‌ ‌regular‌ ‌links‌ ‌between‌ ‌Johannesburg,‌ ‌Cape‌ ‌Town,‌ ‌Durban,‌ ‌George,‌ ‌Nelspruit‌ ‌and‌ ‌Port‌ ‌Elizabeth‌ ‌and‌ ‌relatively‌ ‌frequent‌ ‌flights‌ ‌to‌ ‌several‌ ‌smaller‌ ‌towns‌ ‌and‌ ‌cities‌ ‌too.‌ ‌

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver's licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa.

Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis can be ordered and e-hailing services are available. There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town and a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains with  more luxurious options are available. There is also the Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to maintain hygienic standards.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months, while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C during the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

Summer

Bring cool, light and comfortable clothes because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it's advisable to bring rain gear along.

General

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media, for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Most accommodation offer Wifi in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access.

There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.  

Electrical sockets in the Republic of South Africa are Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug it in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in South Africa usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. A voltage converter will be necessary if your appliance isn't compatible with 230 volts.

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in south-central Africa that is slightly smaller than California. It is bordered by Botswana on the west, Zambia on the north; Mozambique on the east, and South Africa on the south.

Zimbabwe now provides excellent value and has acquired relatively increased stability, due to the dollarization of the economy. The geographical nature of Zimbabwe allows one to visit many different areas without long travelling times. 

The country offers some of Africa’s finest walking and canoeing safaris alongside the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park; cruise on a house boat on Lake Kariba, enjoy magnificent big 5 viewing in Hwange National Park; the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls where some of the best white water rafting experiences can be enjoyed whilst on the Eastern side some fantastic golf and trout fishing opportunities are on offer in the mountains.

Harare in the capital city whilst Victoria Falls in the west of the country is one of the main tourist hubs.

The remains of early humans, dating back 500,000 years, have been discovered in present-day Zimbabwe. The land's earliest settlers, the Khoisan, date back to 200 B.C. After a period of Bantu domination, the Shona people ruled, followed by the Nguni and Zulu peoples. By the mid-19th century the descendants of the Nguni and Zulu, the Ndebele, had established a powerful warrior kingdom. The first British explorers, colonists, and missionaries arrived in the 1850s, and the massive influx of foreigners led to the establishment of the territory Rhodesia, named after Cecil Rhodes of the British South Africa Company. In 1923, European settlers voted to become the self-governing British colony of Southern Rhodesia. After a brief federation with Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (now Malawi) in the post–World War II period, Southern Rhodesia (also known as Rhodesia) chose to remain a colony when its two partners voted for independence in 1963.  The white minority finally consented to hold multiracial elections in 1980, and Robert Mugabe won a landslide victory. The country achieved independence on April 17, 1980, under the name Zimbabwe. Mugabe eventually established a one-party socialist state, but by 1990 he had instituted multiparty elections and in 1991 deleted all references to Marxism-Leninism and scientific socialism from the constitution. Once heralded as a champion of the anticolonial movement, Mugabe is now viewed by much of the international community as an authoritarian ruler responsible for egregious human rights abuses and for ruining the economy of his country.

The country accepts payments in US Dollars (mostly accepted) but at certain camps and hotels they will also accept Pounds Sterling, Euros and South African Rand.  Please bring cash in small denominations (eg: USD 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20’s) as change if very limited. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted in most hotels and camps.  ATM’s are found at most banks in Zimbabwe, but they do not always work.

Note: There is an extreme shortage of cash in Zimbabwe so we suggest that you do not rely on drawing cash from the ATM’s. Please bring sufficient cash to cover your visa entry fees, any park fees which are not included in your prepaid trip, for shopping in the markets and for any tips.  Please also note that Zimbabwe has the Zimbabwe Bond notes which appear to be denominated in USD but have no value outside of Zimbabwe. We suggest you try to pay for things in exact cash to avoid change in Zimbabwe Bond notes.

Access:

Most camps are accessed by light aircraft flights.  There is a luggage restriction of 20kgs (44lbs) per person in soft-sided bags (no hard framed suitcases) on these flights.  If

For all light aircraft flights luggage is restricted to a total of 15kgs to 20kgs(44lbs) per person in soft-sided bags (no hard framed suitcases, wheels or frames). If you have to bring more luggage we may be able to store it for you (additional charge) or charge you for an additional seat (depending on availability of seats). The maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm high (10 inches), so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the Passengers travelling on light aircraft:

Due to Aviation regulations and aircraft safety we need to be advised if any passengers are over 100kg (220lb).  We may ask for all passengers’ weights in order that charter companies can plan in advance prior to your arrival.

Health Precautions:

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are not medical practitioners so please consult with your doctor on what the latest requirements are for travel to Africa.

Malaria:

Many places in Southern Africa are classified as having a malaria risk.  Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are only active in the early evening and throughout the night. If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during, or within four to six weeks after, your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately. The best insurance against contracting malaria is to try to prevent one from being bitten:

• Use mosquito repellents liberally.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
• You should spray your room prior going to dinner with an insecticide (many camps do provide this service).
• Mosquito coils are also effective.
• Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete.

Yellow Fever:

Yellow Fever is a viral illness for which there is no cure, however, there is an effective vaccine that will prevent it. It is transmitted by a daytime biting mosquito. The Yellow Fever virus is found in certain areas of Africa, Central and South America. The illness develops within six days of being bitten by an infected mosquito, and the onset is usually sudden: fever develops, with headache, body pains, and most often nausea. Jaundice develops with a bleeding tendency, coma and death. Please check with us if you require a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate prior to travel.

• Inoculations must be taken at least 10 days before travel and the vaccine provides immunity against the disease for 10 years.
• You will receive a Yellow Card, which you have to carry with you when you travel. Failure to produce the card during travel could result in penalties by immigration or refusal to enter the country.  
• Pregnant women, very young babies, HIV-positive, anyone undergoing chemotherapy or with a suppressed immune system may be exempt with a letter provided by a certificate medical practitioner.

Tick Bite Fever:

Ticks are found throughout Southern Africa and tick bite fever is an infection caused by bacteria from the Rickettsia family, transmitted by infected ticks to humans in their saliva when they bite.  Tick bites most often occur when hiking, walking or camping in wilderness areas, particularly where there is long grass. The incubation period is 5-11 days. Symptoms vary but typical features include the presence of a black mark at the site of the bite, a fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes near the bite site and sometimes a rash. Treatment is with the antibiotic doxycycline. Try to avoid tick bites by wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants and shoes when you walk in the bush; apply insect repellent to exposed skin and always check yourself after you have walked in the bush.

Tsetse Flies:

Tsetse flies do occur in some parts of northern Botswana, Zambia and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. Some of them are the carriers of trypanosomiases, causing sleeping sickness in humans that can be fatal, however, is easily treated and cured. In many areas great strides have been made in their eradication. They are regarded more as an irritation (the bites are sharp) than as a serious threat. Symptoms can present a few weeks to months after a visit and begin with fever, headaches and pains in the joints followed by dramatic swelling of the lymph nodes. Dark coloured clothing is generally more attractive to tsetse flies since the majority of their host species are dark coloured large mammals such as buffalo. Wearing long-sleeved neutral coloured clothing is probably the best approach.

• AIDS:

The HIV virus and AIDS are serious health issues in many African countries. Use the same precautions while in Africa as in your home country to protect against contracting this virus.

Sun:

Always take precautions against the persistent overhead sun. Proximity to the equator makes the African sun particularly strong so ensure you use a high level of protection.

Water:

It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. Dehydration is possibly the single biggest cause of ill health on safari.  It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can, actually contribute to dehydration.

Security:
Safety and security is a matter of common sense. It's sensible to take the same precautions in major cities as you would in any of the world's metropolitan areas.

• Never leave luggage unattended in public areas or entrances to hotels.
• Deposit your valuables in the safety deposit box.
• Do not walk around the city looking like a tourist and keep your camera concealed.
• Be aware of who is around you, even in busy areas and when drawing cash at ATM’s. 

Food:
Please do inform us if you have any special dietary requirements. Use common sense when it comes to food and beverages. If you're unsure of their origin, don't touch them.

Drinks policy:

Many Southern African camps include all local drinks in the fully inclusive rate, while premium imported brands are excluded, in which case you are required to settle your drinks bill prior to departure. Drinks policies do differ from camp to camp so please check with us if you are unsure of what is included.

Climate:

You can do a safari all year round in most parts of Zimbabwe but the Mana Pools area on the Lower Zambezi is closed from November to April due to the rains.

The summer is from October to March.  This is the hottest time of year with the most rain falling in February and March. This period is a haven for all types of migrant birds and wonderful butterflies and flowers. 

The winter is from May to September. This is the dry cooler season. Temperatures in winter can drop quite dramatically at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari in the open vehicle, so we suggest that you pack accordingly with very warm clothing including a warm winter jacket, a beanie, scarf and gloves. However, daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm.  This period tends to see the higher concentration of game at the waterholes and larger herds of animals.  The bush is dry and thin and very dusty towards the end of the dry season!

 The in-between periods – April/early May and mid September, still tend to be dry, however, the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.

Casual, comfortable clothing is generally suitable throughout the year. Apart from light cotton tops and trousers, the following items of clothing are recommended for various reasons. Shirts with long sleeves are useful in summer as protection from mosquitos and the sun. T-shirts, shorts or a short skirt provide heat relief in summer, while sweaters, jeans or safari trousers may be necessary for those cooler evenings and days. A heavy jacket is useful for game drives, and essential in winter. A hat, comfortable walking shoes or boots, sun block, sunglasses and insect repellent are essential to enjoy the many activities. A swimsuit is recommended, as is a light raincoat during the rainy months. Layers are recommended for the fluctuating day and night temperatures. Hardy, durable clothing in neutral colors is recommended, rather than unpractical white items.

Internet availability is very limited especially outside of the major cities. 

Most holiday accommodation venues offer internet and/or WiFi (free or paid) to their guests but there are often disruptions in service.

Power:

Electricity is supplied at 220/240v. Square and wall plugs are used. Most camps run on generators and supply international adapters.  Expect to experience power cuts in the cities due to extreme power shortages in the country. Most city hotels do have back up generators.