10 Day 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.

Visitors to Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. In addition, each country you may be visiting generally requires at least two consecutive/side by side blank pages on entry for both visas and stamps. Should your itinerary include more than one country, excluding the country of departure and return, please ensure that you have a sufficient number of blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport, i.e. if visiting three countries, a total of six blank visa pages may be required. Should there be insufficient blank pages in your passport then entry into or exit from a country could be denied.

Any applicable visas, costs and/or relevant documentation are your responsibility. Please verify with your relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements and, if extending your journey to other countries, visa entry requirements for those countries need to be established as well. Kindly ensure that you have all necessary visas prior to departure from your home country (unless these can be obtained on arrival) as we cannot be held liable should entry be denied.

In addition, it is your responsibility to ensure that the duration of stay in each of the countries visited on your itinerary is correctly noted on your visa/arrival paperwork or communicated to the Immigration Official, so that the appropriate number of days is stamped in your passport. If this is not done, there is a risk of being detained or charged for the number of days that you have “overstayed” in the relevant country/ies.

Please also ensure that you comply with the entry requirements of each country in relation to COVID, including PCR testing. Be aware that these regulations are constantly changing as the situation evolves.

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 

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps. 

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. 

If you are driving yourself around Zimbabwe, be sure to check on fuel availability in advance. If you are covering long distances within the country, ensure you carry extra fuel in 5 or 10lt metal containers in case of emergency. Fuel is generally available, but supply can fluctuate. Fuel is only available for cash.

Light Aircraft Transfer

Inter-camp transfers are in light aircraft. There may be stops en-route which may require changing aircraft. Times for the shuttle transfers in Zimbabwe will only be determined on the day.

The number of passengers carried on each leg of the circuit flights is dependent on aircraft used, time of year, passenger and luggage weights, routing, fuel required etc.

Luggage Allowance 

The following important luggage and weight guidelines must please be noted for all air transfers in light aircraft:

• The maximum permissible luggage allowance when travelling on a seat rate basis, including carry-on hand luggage and camera equipment, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb.) per person;

• The number of bags per person is not limited with the provision that guests conform to the dimensions and types of bags as listed, and together, do not exceed the total permissible weight of 20 kg (44 lb.) per person;

•  Soft bags with a rigid structure at the base – including wheels and/or a collapsible handle – will be accepted. Alternatively, standard soft duffel/tog type bags;

•  The maximum dimensions of all bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 30 cm (11.8 inches) wide x 35 cm (13.8 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long.

The above itinerary includes camps/lodges that are situated in Malaria areas and all clients are advised to take prophylactics. Please ensure you consult a physician at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

For More information on Zimbabwe please visit  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/zimbabwe

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. 

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. 

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

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

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