Sundowners & Safari Dreams - Vic Falls and Chobe combination

Touted as the adventure capital of Africa, Zimbabwe is one of the those places you simply have to experience for yourself. It’s a country of thundering waterfalls, meandering rivers, abundant game, ancient city ruins, and picturesque perching granite boulders. The Victoria Falls, aptly known as the “Smoke that Thunders” is a truly impressive Natural Wonder of the World, at 1.7kms wide and 100 metres high. Action enthusiasts will delight in the wild activities here – white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swings, microlight and helicopter flights… the list is endless! Lake Kariba - one of the largest manmade lakes in the world - is a fabulous fishing destination, which pairs wonderfully with the remote Mana Pools National Park, best discovered on foot or a canoeing safari. Hwange National Park is home to a massive elephant population (more than 30,000) and the endangered African Wild Dog, or explore lesser known Gonarezhou National Park with its spectacular cliffs bordering the country to the East. When it comes to natural splendour and wonder, Zimbabwe has it all.

VISAS

Most nationalities require a visa.  SA passport holders are issued a tourism visa free of charge at the border/airport on arrival. 

Other nationalities cost in the region of USD 50, Canadian USD 75 (see UniVisa below). It is generally easier to obtain the visa on arrival at Zimbabwe unless you are a Category C country, in which case must apply in advance.  Info can be found at: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/faq.html

ONLINE IMMIGRATION DECLARATION FORM 

To streamline and speed up the immigration process on arrival The Zimbabwe Immigration Department has implemented an online immigration declaration form that must be completed by all travellers prior to arriving at any Zimbabwean border post or airport, including Victoria Falls. 

Visitors should complete the online form prior to arrival in order to speed up the immigration process at the port of entry.  

If travellers are unable to complete the form in advance, they can do so upon arrival -either online (subject to Wi-Fi availability) using their own devices, or Immigration officials will provide access to devices at the port of entry.  Alternatively, guests may fill out the physical version provided by immigration.

We strongly recommend completing this info prior to arrival for ease of travel and to prevent delays at immigration.

This new online process will replace the manual immigration declaration form and is aimed at improving the guest experience at border control.

To access the declaration form, please visit: 

https://evisa.gov.zw/app/index.html#/standby-kiosk 

KAZA UNIVISA

Zimbabwe and Zambia offer a joint KAZA (Kavango Zambezi) UniVisa. This visa is valid for travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe multiple times in a 30 day period, but only allows a day trip to Botswana. If you stay overnight in Botswana you essentially lose the UniVisa, and you will then need to purchase an additional Visa to enter back into Zimbabwe after your Botswana visit.

The KAZA UniVisa facilitates travel within Zambia and Zimbabwe and can be acquired at major airports in both countries. Eligible citizens who can receive visas upon arrival in Zambia and Zimbabwe are eligible for the UniVisa. However, please be aware that at times, border posts may run out of KAZA UniVisa stickers. In such cases, visitors can obtain single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas for each country they plan to visit. It is advisable to carry USD in cash to pay for visas upon arrival, as credit card machines are sometimes offline. The booking in advance e-visa service is available online. Upon payment, guests will receive a receipt which they need to print and bring along. Upon entry, presenting this visa receipt to the immigration officer will facilitate the issuance of the visa in their passport.

Please note there are some people who suggest you do not pre-apply for your online via the Zimbabwe e-visa website if you fall under Category B nationals. The e-visa system primarily caters to Category C nationals, who are required to pre-apply. You can check your country category here: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/faq.html. 

 Pre-applying online doesn't expedite your arrival process; in fact, it may prolong it as officials need to verify your application. Category B nationals don't require the extensive information requested during online application. Additionally, there is a risk of e-visa applications getting lost, so it may be easier to apply for your visa on arrival for a smoother process with minimal hassle.

USD, South African Rand, Botswana Pula and Visa credit cards are generally accepted in Zimbabwe – with USD offering the most favourable rates of exchange.  Most prices will be quoted in USD in shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. Cash is ‘king’, and we suggest a selection of note sizes (rom 1’s to 100’s) as change can sometimes be a problem. Be sure to bring newer notes (no more than 5 years old).

Non-residents are required by law to pay with foreign currency for their accommodation and items charged to their room account. Check at the time of booking whether the establishments you are staying at accept credit cards.  ATMs accept mainly Visa cards (Master Card and AMEX are generally not accepted throughout Zimbabwe).

Please ask your consultant at Wild Frontiers for the latest health protocols regarding travel to Zimbabwe prior to travel.

It is strongly recommended that malaria prophylactics be taken just before, during and after your visit to Zimbabwe.  Precautions against other tropical diseases may be considered depending on where you are going. Please consult a travel medical specialist in your region/country. 

Zimbabweans are friendly and helpful. However as with travelling throughout most African countries, keep all personal belongings in a safe place - don't tempt fate! Some hotels have lock up safes in rooms, others may have a central area to store valuables. We do strongly suggest you leave all jewellery and valuables at home.

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).  It is best to drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. 

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

Zimbabwe can be visited year-round; each season has a different ‘appeal’ depending on your interests.

The climate is warm without being oppressive. Generally, days are bright and sunny and nights clear and cold in winter, with rainfall in summer. Within the country, temperatures and rainfall are directly influenced by altitude. The highveld and eastern highlands are cooler and the lowveld and the Zambezi Valley hotter.

Jan/Feb/March – this is generally the rainy season, and typically when the ‘young’ animals are born. New grasses mean rich grazing and the extra foliage makes hiding from predators easier. It’s an excellent time for fishing (tiger/bream fish).

Photographers will delight with the beautiful skies and clearer air as the dust will have settled with the rains, and often you see amazing sunsets/sunrises and even some electric storms – all of which create amazing photographic opportunities.

Birdlife is great – with some of the migratory species travelling through. And of course some of the birds are still in ‘breeding plumage’.

On the downside, some roads may be muddy and difficult to drive on, and if there has been good growth from the rains it can be a little trickier to ‘see’ through the denser foliage.

It is a lovely time to travel though and as it’s not too busy, you may even have an area to yourself – and not see too many other people – always a plus!

Depending on where you are, it will be hot in the day and quite warm at night.

April/May/June

Moving into the drier season the game viewing will get better – as the water pans dry out (natural rain pans) and animals start to congregate around permanent water sources.

Temperatures at this time of year are great; cooler at night, lovely and warm in the daytime.

Again, as it’s outside of classic ‘peak season’ there are not too many people around.

July/Aug/Sept

The winter months with its dry bush is generally optimum for game viewing, but it can be a bit dusty and dry.

Game is generally at its best as the water access will be more limited, so animals will gather around watering holes and rivers.

Daytime winter temperatures are pleasant and warm ranging from 13°C to 20°C, but can get very cold falling to -5°C at night depending on where you are.   

October/November/December

The three months heading into summer bring rising temperatures, and before the rains it can get very hot in some parts of the country (Zambezi Valley / Kariba / Mana Pools in particular with summer temperatures often soaring over 35°C, well above the highveld average of 28°C). Migratory birds start coming back into Zim – and the bush starts to spring to life again with the early rainfall.

Most hotels and lodges are relatively casual in Zimbabwe (except in cities such as Harare, and noting that casinos do not allow jeans/slip slops and shorts generally).  We suggest the following items be brought on safari:

Baggage – flexible bag (tog bag / duffel bag) not a hard suitcase – please don’t overpack! Due to the fact that on safari you will generally be moving from camp to camp, there may not be much time for washing clothes, so bear this in mind.  If you are taking any domestic flights, particularly charter/bush flights there will be a weight restriction that MUST be strictly adhered to for personal safety reasons – please check at the time of booking.

Light, tropical clothing for safari – (shorts/long pants/t-shirts and casual long sleeve shirts are ideal) AVOID ANY CAMOUFLAGE printed clothing, even on children. Light weight cotton collared long sleeve shirts are a great way to keep the sun off easily exposed areas.

• Jersey or jacket in winter (early morning game drives/evenings chilly)
• Raingear in summer (lightweight)
• Walking shoes or boots if you plan to do some walking
• Sandals (slip-slops/rafting shoes)
• Hat – essential
• Kikoi or sarong is useful for a multitude of things
• Swimsuit
• Plenty of suntan cream
• Mosquito repellent and antihistamine for biting insects
• Any personal medications and a small first aid kit.  Please advise your guide / booking agent of any severe allergies / medical problems.
• Lightweight torch & spare batteries - a yellow or red light torch will help you avoid heavy insect attention in the wet months.
• Camera – with spare batteries / memory / film & recharging cables
• Binoculars
• Any personal reference books
• Reading materials / games / cards etc

If canoeing ensure you bring a WIDE-BRIMMED HAT, and make sure you pack a kikoi – it is handy to drape over your legs in the canoe when the temperatures start to rise as protection from the sun.

If you are white water rafting or canoeing you need the type of sandals that effectively ‘stay on’ your feet in water, ie strap on safely, not slip slops… otherwise you will lose your shoes in the river!

The mains are 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. 

Generally square pin plugs (like the UK) and occasionally round-3pin.

Please bring your own adapter.

At lodges and permanent safari camps access to power for recharging is generally available. 

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

Currency: 
Local currency: Pula (BWP) 
Symbol: P 
ISO code: BWP 
Central bank: Bank of Botswana 
Subunit: Thebe 
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10 
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Generally, no 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Generally, no  
Diner’s club: Generally, no 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15 

Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00  

Public Holidays: No 

Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air:
Airports in major cities  
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air  
International Airports: In major cities

Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.  
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: No 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse. 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities 
Ice: Yes within major cities 
Meat: Yes within major cities 
Street food: Yes within major cities 
 
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”.  Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.  

Drinks:  Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.  

Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.

Annual rainfall: 475 mm  
Average temperature: 27°C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 31°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 23°C 
Average in lows: 22°C 
 
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
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 cafes: Yes in cities 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes in cities 
Cafes: Yes in cities 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes in cities