Zimbabwe

For a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, Zimbabwe offers an astounding variety of natural beauty and spectacular scenery. The country holds great appeal for active adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty - from the majesty of the famous Victoria Falls, to the giant marble-like boulders of the Motopo Hills, the verdant mountains of the Eastern Highlands, the national parks teeming with wildlife and the Great Zimbabwe ancient ruins to the country's impressive capital city, Harare. It is a great tragedy that Robert Mugabe and his corrupt regime has reduced this great country to an impoverished, cholera-ridden failed state, where the neither the rule of law nor the economy functions to any meaningful degree. The Victoria Falls are Zimbabwe's most popular tourist destination and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Their mile-wide (2km) curtain of water plunges deep into the Zambezi Gorge creating a cloud of mist that can be seen up to 20 miles (32km) away. The area is renowned for being the 'adventure capital of Africa', offering a variety of high adrenaline activities, including one of the wildest days of white water rafting on earth, and a 364ft (111m) bungee jump into the Zambezi River gorge from the bridge linking Zimbabwe to Zambia. If relaxing is more to taste, there are scenic flights over the area, game viewing and tranquil sundowner cruises above the falls. Wildlife flourishes in the untamed wilderness of the Zambezi Valley, in national parks, and on the shores of Lake Kariba, where hippo, crocodiles, buffalo, rhino, elephant and lion roam freely. Remote and protected wildlife reserves line the banks of the Zambezi River and the region offers some of the finest canoe safaris in Southern Africa, particularly the World Heritage site at Mana Pools, which is renowned for its outstanding variety of game. The saltpans and grassy plains of Hwange National Park support one of the largest concentrations of animals in the world, and is the largest game reserve in the country. Lake Kariba is treasured as a source of hydro-electricity, as well as for its fishing resources. It is a beautiful stretch of water studded with islands and the sun-bleached branches of dead trees, surrounded by mountains and forests. Houseboats offer a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in the spectacular sunsets, enjoy a variety of water sports, and spot the vast quantities of game attracted to the lake, including huge Nile crocodiles and hippo. The ongoing social and political unrest in Zimbabwe, together with an economy near to total collapse, has deterred most potential travellers from visiting Zimbabwe and experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery and first-class game viewing safaris in Africa. Although visitors to the country are urged to exercise caution at all times and to remain aware of recent developments, the main tourist areas, and national parks in particular, have been largely unaffected by the political situation, being far from the cities where much of the instability exists. In a desperate attempt to attract business, many game lodges are offering extremely competitive prices to travellers.

Climate

Zimbabwe has a sub-tropical climate with a summer season of about eight months (October to April), with hot, sunny days the norm. Summer daytime temperatures range around 86ºF (30ºC) in the main centres, though the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Kariba and Victoria Falls tend to be hotter, and there is always a possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm. The Zimbabwean winter climate is pleasant, with warm, dry days from June to August (though temperatures do drop more extremely at night) and the average temperature is around 68ºF (20ºC). Rain occurs mostly between November and March (summer), though throughout most of the year, the Eastern Highlands experiences rain with an average precipitation of about 1,020 mm (40 inches). Best Game viewing time is during the months of August, September and October: this is the dry season when animals congregate at the waterholes. The best time of the year for white water rafting on the Zambezi is September, October and November.

Money

The official currency is the US dollar (USD). The Zimbabwe dollar (ZWD) was effectively abandoned as the official curency in early 2009. Major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most of the larger hotels, restaurants and shops; Many smaller establishments still do not have credit card facilities; Diners Club and American Express are sometimes not accepted. ATM facilities, dispensing US$, are available in the cities.

Passport Visa

All visitors require tickets and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. Visa fees, where applicable, are payable in US dollars. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa
• UK passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.
• Canadian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$75. Canadians cannot get a double entry visa at the point of entry.
• Australian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa.
• South Africans must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained free of charge.
• Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport that should be valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$30 for a single entry or US$45 for a double entry visa.

Health

Travellers to Zimbabwe who are coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, and rabies are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for the world's lowest life expectancy according to WHO, and a breakdown in the water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.

Embassy Consulates

• Zimbabwe Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 7100.
• Zimbabwe Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7836 7755.
• Zimbabwe Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 421 2824.
• Zimbabwe Embassy, Canberra ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 2281.
• Zimbabwe Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5125.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 250 593.
• British Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 8585 5200.
• Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 252 181.
• Australian High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 852 471.
• South African High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 753 147.
• Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Harare +263 (0)4 771 949.
• New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Zimbabwe): +27 (0)12 435 9000.