About Destination
Zimbabwe known as the Republic of Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. South Africa adjoins it to the south, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. The capital is Harare. Zimbabwe achieved de jure sovereignty from the United Kingdom in April 1980, after14 years as an unrecognized state under the conservative white monitory government of Rhodesia, which unilaterally declared independence in 1965. President Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front usually abbreviated ZANU-PF has been the predominant political party in Zimbabwe since sovereignty
The name “Zimbabwe” is based on a Shona term for Great Zimbabwe, an ancient ruined city in the country’s south-east whose remains are now a preserved site.
Greatest of the country is advanced in the central plateau high veld extending from the southwest to the northwest at altitudes between 1, 200 and 1,600 m. The country’s east is steep with mount Nyongani as the leading point at 2,592 m. About 20% of the country made of the low held under 900m. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most striking waterfalls is found in the country’s northwest as part of the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe boasts infrequent major tourist attractions, Victoria Falls on the Zambezi, which are experienced with Zambia and eight main national parks, the highest of which is Hwange National Park. Some of Africa’s most private wildlife is found in Zimbabwe. Many of the national parks contain the famous Big 5 – Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhino as well as being world-renowned as a birding goal, with Hwange National Park comprises some of the concentrations of birds on the planet.
There are four different World Heritage Sites announced by UNESCO in Zimbabwe: Mana Pools National Park, Matobos National Park, Victoria Falls, and Great Zimbabwe ruins. Great Zimbabwe ruins found in Masvingo. Other ruins include Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe, DhloDhlo, and Naletale, although none of these is as famous as Great Zimbabwe.
People and Places provide this information as a guideline to the country you will be attending. To get more information, you can visit the official Zimbabwe Tourism Authority website at www.zimbabwetourism.net
Travel Documents
All visitors to Zimbabwe must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months exceeding their expected departure date from Zimbabwe. Guests to southern Africa must ensure they have enough blank VISA pages not support pages in their passports. Our advice is three pages or even four if you are traveling more than one country in your journey. If there is inadequate space in the passport then enter into a state can be refused. Visitors must also hold outward travel records and have sufficient funds for the continuation of their stay.
Visa
Visas are the in-charge of the traveler. Those nationalities that are required to have permissions to enter Zimbabwe may have to apply for these before, while others can get these on arrival at any the port of entry. Costs also depend on the country of your passport so please reach us if you are not sure. Zimbabwe has begun an online facility that travelers may use to re-apply for visas. For more information, please visit the website www.evisa.gov.zw
Alternatively, please visit the following website for additional details – bearing in mind that People and Places is not responsible for the content thereof: www.zimbabwe-embassy.us
Please note:
– If visas are needed, please guarantee you have the correct cash amounts available as credit cards and travelers’ cheques are not accepted at immigration.
– You must tell the appropriate official of the total number of days that you are using in Zimbabwe or you may be charged to obtain an extension or additional visa later on.
– If you arrive in Zimbabwe but continue your safari in another country (such as Botswana, Namibia or Zambia) and then return to Zimbabwe, then a double-entry visa must be obtained on arrival from the immigration official. **see Univisa
Univisa
A Univisa (KAZA Visa) is now possible for people who are visiting both Zambia and Zimbabwe on their travels. it can be used for in Zambia at Harry Mwaanga Airport in Livingstone, Victoria Falls Land Border, Kazungula Land Border in Botswana and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. Moreover, in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls Land Border, Kazungula Land Border and Harare International Airport.
The visa costs USD50 and serves up to 30 days as long as you remain within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through the Kazungula borders. It is only available for those countries who can receive visas on arrival in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. In case you need a pre-approved visa for Zambia or Zimbabwe, the Univisa is not applicable to you.
Climate
The weather in southern Africa is usually pleasant throughout the year warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights. During our winter months, May to September, it can get freezing at night and in the early morning, especially when on safari, so we would like to suggest that you pack respectively warm clothing which includes winter jacket, an anorak, a beanie, scarf, and gloves are suggested. Please also refer to our packing suggestions list.
Summer October to April – days is hot and frequently sunny in the morning with potential afternoon thunderstorms. Day temperatures between 25°C – 35°C, sometimes going into the 40’s. Night temperatures fall to 14°C – 20°C. The rainy season is commonly from November to March.
Winter: May to September – days are sunny and cold to warm 20°C – 25°C, while evening temperatures drop distinctly to 5°C -10°C. Temperatures in some parts can go below 0°C in the mornings and evenings.
Suggested Packing List
Khaki or neutral-colored clothing is solid dark colors blend in more in the bush than light ones. Loose fitting clothes are better, and the layers are always beneficial. Evening dress in most hotels and all camps are casual but bring longs to guard against mosquitoes when dining out in the bush. A light sweater is useful at largest times of the year. In case are traveling during our winter months, a warm coat will be essential.
The information that follows is designed merely to give the reader some general tips. We advise you to check with your doctor before travel and get accurate and up-to-date advice on inoculation requirements, and antimalarial precautions. Medical insurance, before one that includes air evacuation, should be regarded as a pre-requisite for any safari holiday. Tetanus and the hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.
Malaria: is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite and is endemic in Zimbabwe. Remember that the greatest precaution is the preventative kind. Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Many camps give a locally produced repellent, however, please feel free to bring your own if you suffer from any skin sensitivities or allergies. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings. Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available. Where provided, please use the insecticide supplied to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
English is the official language. Other widely spoken words are Shona and Sindebele, which also have various dialects and other minority languages.
Clothing
Headscarf or bandana Sun hater bush hat, especially for dusty dry regions, Golf-shirts, and T-shirts better with sleeves to guard your shoulders against the sun, Long-sleeved cotton shirts, Shorts and skirts; really short skirts are not effective for getting in and out of game drive vehicles.
Equipment and Other
Camera equipment
This is very personal, but zoom or telephoto lenses are beneficial. Cleaning equipment and a dust proof bag are also necessary. Spare batteries and memory cards are essential.• Visas, tickets, money, credit cards, passports, insurance details.
Many local villagers especially young ones who have received some education will be able to speak English. Most of the all general staff working in the lodges, camps, and hotel can also speak English.
Translators in various languages like German, Italian and French translators, are available when needed and can be arranged through your travel agent. When staying at a private camp or lodge, your guide will be very able to introduce you to his or her friends and family and will act as an interpreter if necessary.
Laundry
Laundry is done at most camps. This service is generally complimentary. Washes are available at the hotels in major centers and are linen is charged for per hotel rates.
Power
A lot of the camps booked are situated in remote areas, and electricity is generated in many ways. Fields will typically have a generator that runs for about 6 hours per day when guests are out on activities. These generators then charge batteries for an inventory system to provide lights when the generators are switched off. There are only 220v power points in camp. If something runs on 110v, you will need to bring your converter to have your video battery re-charged, which can be done while you are out on an activity. Therefore, please bring spare batteries for use while the other is being charged. These systems are simple and perfectly functional. Electrical plug outlets are not available in most camp rooms, and therefore it is not able to use machines such as hairdryers or electric shavers during your stay there. In major cities electrical devices run on 220/240 volts AC, accessible via 14 amps, square-pinned fused plugs.
Tipping
Generally, it is common to tip staff a small price if you feel the service has been up to scratch. In a hotel, restaurant or bar, not passing 10%. While staying in safari camps, one is not required to tip staff during the course of your stay but preferably to leave something with the camp manager at the end. As a bench mark, whilst staying in camps, we suggest something in the area of $5 – $10 per visitors per day, but of course, this is solely discretionary and depends on the service you have received.
Drinks Policy
Usually, unless specified in your bid all local drinks are incorporated in the standard Fully Inclusive tariff, but except premium imported brands and champagne. Please refer to your itinerary for precise information.
Currency
The country has adopted a multi-currency system as the payment mode. The readily accepted hard currencies are USD, GB Pounds, Euros, and SA Rand, although USD is most common and all goods and services in Zimbabwe are now priced in
USD: Guests are urged to carry their hard money in small denominations for ease of trade.
Credit Cards
Though credit cards are generally not accepted as a form of payment, some hotels will – Visa is most widely accepted, while MasterCard and American Express are less so. Please check with us for specifics before travel.
Shopping
Zimbabwe sells a wide range of locally made soapstone statues, wooden carvings, and basket ware, crotchet ware, and hand printed African sarong.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
There is a 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on most products which are not refundable to visitors.
Duty-Free
Visitors may import into Zimbabwe without incurring customs duty, goods up to a value of US$300 per person, inclusive of tobacco, perfume, and gifts and for persons of 18 years of age or older, 5 liters of alcoholic beverages (up to 2 liters of which may be spirits).
Religion
Between sixty and seventy percent of Zimbabweans belong to mainstream Christian denominations such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist Churches; however, over the years a variety of indigenous churches and groups have emerged from these mainstream denominations.
Time
Zimbabwe is two hours in front of Greenwich Time (GMT), seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time also ten hours ahead of Western USA time.