Find Information about Zimbabwe
The scenery only lacks a seashore! Zimbabwe has almost every type of attraction - The Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Lake Kariba, not to mention the mighty Zambezi River! The country boasts well stocked game parks in a variety of natural settings, in which the variety of wildlife rivals most African countries. Elephants in particular, seem to thrive! Distances are not to great, so it is possible to see quite a lot of the country in a relatively short time and without too much discomfort. |
The People:
Predominantly Shona and Ndebele, but English being the official language, is spoken throughout the country.
Safety:
Like in all major African cities, crime is slowly on the increase. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.
It is advisable to adhere to the following:
Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket.
or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home.
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant.
The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.
Currency:
The Zimbabwe dollar is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Z$20, Z$10, Z$5 and Z$2; coins in 1c, 5c, 20c, 50c and Z$1. There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form. It's best to come into the country with either Travelers checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main owns or larger hotels. All moneys brought in should be declared on a forex form in order to guarantee its re-export.
Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks:
International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.
Climate:
Because of the altitude, the climate is somewhat like that of Southern California's - warm during the day and cool at night. The rainy season occurs during the summer months, between December to March. |
