Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE
WHERE VICTORIA FALLS REIGNS, AND THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA THRIVES
Zimbabwe, a nation of stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, is reclaiming its position as one of Africa's premier safari destinations after years of political instability. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, known locally as 'The Smoke That Thunders', and explore the game-rich shores of Lake Kariba for breathtaking sunsets. Encounter massive herds of elephants in Hwange National Park or embark on an adventurous kayak trip down the Zambezi for close encounters with wildlife, marking Zimbabwe as a must-visit destination for intrepid travelers seeking unforgettable experiences in Southern Africa.
ZIMBABWE
ACCOMMODATION
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Zimbabwe is in a bit of a currency transition. While US Dollars are still widely accepted by tourists, a new local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold Dollar (ZiG), is being introduced in late April 2024. It's wise to check which currency is being used for a transaction to avoid confusion.
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger stores. American Express might be less common. While ATMs exist, they can be scarce and may not always have cash due to the ongoing currency situation. Before your trip, confirm if your debit card network (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) is accepted in Zimbabwe for point-of-sale transactions. It's a good idea to carry some cash in the form of USD as a back-up when in Zimbabwe.
Domestic flights connect major cities and national parks, ideal for covering long distances quickly. Airlines offer scheduled flights within Zimbabwe, with hubs in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.
Private shuttles are a convenient way to travel between tourist destinations, especially for groups or pre-planned tours. Several reputable companies offer shuttle services in Zimbabwe.
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.
Zimbabwe offers a mix of travel options for tourists, allowing you to explore based on your budget and preferences:
Renting a car provides freedom for self-directed exploration, particularly for remote areas and national parks. However, road conditions can be unpredictable, so sticking to main roads is advisable. Consider a four-wheel drive vehicle for unpaved roads, especially during the rainy season.
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.
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.
Zimbabwean cuisine is a vibrant blend of indigenous African flavors with influences from neighboring countries and European settlers. Here's a helpful guide for tourists to navigate the delicious offerings:
Sadza: The national staple, sadza is a thick maize porridge similar to grits. It's often served with stews, vegetables, and meat dishes.
Meat Delights: Sample "rambo" (braised beef), "kuriwo" (chicken stew with peanut butter), or "mutauro" (grilled offal skewers) for a taste of Zimbabwean meat specialties.
Vegetables: "Muriwo" refers to various cooked greens like spinach or pumpkin leaves, often seasoned with peanut butter or tomatoes. Don't miss "derere" (cowpeas) for a protein punch.
Snacks: Grab some "bonda" (deep-fried dough balls) or "mathangles" (samp and bean fritters) for a tasty on-the-go bite. Roasted peanuts and fresh seasonal fruits are also popular options.
Local Brews: "Chibuku" is a traditional African beer made from sorghum, while "maheu" is a non-alcoholic fermented porridge drink enjoyed for its refreshing taste.
Tea & Coffee: Zimbabweans love their hot beverages. Expect strong black tea with milk and sugar, or "kachumbari" (ginger tea) for a soothing option. Coffee is becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas.
Restaurant Etiquette: Dress code varies depending on the establishment. Upscale restaurants might have a dress code, while casual cafes are more relaxed. Tipping 10-15% is customary if service is good.
Street Food: While tempting, it's advisable to exercise caution with street food, especially for sensitive stomachs. Opt for vendors with good hygiene practices and freshly cooked items.
By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop. The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don't forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm.
For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the 'peak season'– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase. Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources. November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.
In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January,February and March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe's higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.
Staying connected in Zimbabwe as a tourist requires some planning. Free Wi-Fi availability is patchy, mainly limited to hotels, lodges, cafes, and airports. Connection speeds and reliability can vary.
For a more dependable internet connection, consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan upon arrival. Major mobile network providers like Econet and Telecel offer SIM cards readily available at airports, phone shops, and some supermarkets. Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a Zimbabwean SIM. Choose a data package that suits your needs and budget, with options to purchase bundles at designated shops or online.
Zimbabwe operates on a standard voltage of 220-240V and a frequency of 50Hz. The power sockets commonly used are type D, with three round pins in a triangular pattern, and type G, with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. As these sockets may differ from those in many other countries, it's recommended to bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with Zimbabwe's electrical outlets, enabling you to charge your devices without any inconvenience during your stay.
