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 Mosi-oa-Tunya - ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of U.N.E.S.C.O.'s World Heritage Sites as well as 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.
Entry Requirements
Entry formalities: Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, valid for 6 months after the date of return. Entry visas are issued on arrival or online https://www.evisa.gov.zw/ for US$30. Visitors do not need to apply in advance if travelling on a European passport, South African, or United States of America passport. Entry is granted for a maximum of 90 days.
At least 2 blank pages must be in the passport.
Visitors from Category B countries, listed hereunder, can obtain their visas ON ARRIVAL in Zimbabwe. Single entry - US$30, Double entry - US$50.
Category B countries:
Argentina; Austria; Australia
Belgium; Bermuda; Brazil; Brunei
Cook Island
Denmark; Dominic Rep
Egypt
Finland; France
Germany
Indonesia; Iceland; Israel; Italy
Japan
Korea (South); Kuwait
Liechtenstein; Luxemburg
Monaco
Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway
Palau Islands; Palestine; Papua New Guinea; Poland; Portugal; Puerto Rico
Russia
Seychelles; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland
United Arab Emirates; Uruguay; United States of America
Vatican; Virgin Islands
For other countries, please consult your Embassy concerning your entry visa.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Zimbabwe uses US$ as it's own unit of currency (the Zimbabwe Dollar) is suspended. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is advised to carry small denominations of change with you, however it is best to pay for as much as possible outside of the country.
South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios, accommodation and activities.
It is not legal to leave Zimbabwe with more than USD 2000 (or equivalent) in cash.
Banking
Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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, rather than walking after dark.
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.
Health and Medical Information
Health: No vaccinations are obligatory in Zimbabwe. The risk of malaria is primarily concentrated in and around Kariba, the Zambezi escarpment and in the National Parks, and is a seasonal hazard. There are very reasonably priced, effective prophylactics available over-the-counter on arrival. Be aware of the water you might swim in as bilharzia is present in some isolated, slow/stagnant waters.
Medical insurance is recommended.
Safety Notices
· Telephone numbers in case of emergency:
Emergency : 999 – Police : 995 – Fire Brigade : 993
-Emergency, +263 4 705905 / 771221 / 706034 / 0772 235461 / 0772 792800
-Emergency, 112, for Econet numbers
-Emergency, 114, for NetOne numbers
-Emergency, 0800 3222 911, for fixed line numbers
Ambulances :
EMRAS :
Harare: Mobile 0772 141 610 / Landline 04-797479/ 04-911
Bulawayo: Mobile 0772 141 611 / Landline 09-62611; 62155
Gweru: Mobile 0772 141 612 / Landline 054-221214; 227256
Mutare: Mobile 0772 141 613 / Landline 020-62107
Masvingo: Mobile 0772 141 615/ Landline 039-262463
Kwekwe: Mobile 0772 141 614 / Landline 055-22664; 22778
Bindura: Mobile 0772 190 381 / Landline 0271-6141; 7239
Victoria Falls: Mobile 0732 146 256 / Landline 013-46052/53
MARS: Harare (04) 705905/706034/771221/0772235461/0772792800/0712600002
Bulawayo (09) 64082/ 62611
Gweru (054) 223339
Kariba (061) 3006
Kwekwe (055) 21999
Marondera (0279) 24949
Masvingo (039) 263222
Mutare (020) 66466
Vic Falls (013) 44646
ACE: +263 4 302 141 ou +263 782 999 901/2/3/4 (as well as Medical Air Rescue/Casevac)
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.
Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.
If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns. Shoprite stores have revolutionised what's available, and really have all that you will need.
Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.
Climate and Weather
Due to its high position, the Zimbabwe enjoys a pleasant climate. It has two seasons. Winter from May to October is dry and cold, days are sunny but very cold at night, this is the best season for the game viewing as dry this season lead them to the waterholes and river banks. Summer runs from November to April is the rainy season with severe thunderstorms. The days are hot and humid.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Please note! Unfortunately, camouflage clothing is banned in Zimbabwe. To avoid what could be an embarrassing incident, please do not bring any with you.
When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.
A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching suns rays. It is recommended you wear light and comfortable shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking.
For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.
General Guidance
IMPORTANT NOTE PLEASE READ CAREFULLY !!!!!
HARARE, June 7 (The Source) – The British government on Tuesday warned its citizens intending to travel to Zimbabwe on possible difficulties they are likely to face when visiting the country as a result of current cash shortages.
The warning comes as the tourism sector has already rung alarm bells on the toll the cash squeeze is already having onthe sector.
Banknote shortages have become a feature in the past two months, resulting in long bank queues which have been fuelled by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s announcement of the impending introduction of local “bond notes,” which many Zimbabweans fear signal the return of a hated local currency.
Zimbabwe ditched its hyperinflation-ravaged currency in 2009 and adopted the use of multi[le foreign currencies, chiefly the United States dollar and South Africa’s rand.
In an updated travel advisory, the UK government urged its citizens “to have enough US dollar notes” when traveling to Zimbabwe.
“Almost all transactions are conducted in US dollars. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a shortage of cash. It is not currently possible to make cash withdrawals using an international bank card,” read the advisory.
.
