Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Overview

Zimbabwe has a variety of ways to experiences its fantastic game and wildlife areas, including game drives, and safaris ranging from walking, horseback, canoe, sailing and elephant rides.

Fisherman can catch tiger on the Zambezi, trout in the Eastern Highlands and Bass in the Highveld lakes. Golfers will find excellent golf courses throughout the country

Historically our ancient stone cities are the largest stone monuments south of Egypt. Bushman rock paintings are scattered throughout the country with the highest concentration, over 3000, being found in the Matopos area.

Harare and Bulawayo are the two biggest cities. Both these and Victoria Falls have great restaurants, coffee shops, and shops. 

Highlights & Places in Zimbabwe

The Zambezi river forms the countries northern border. From the Botswana border it passes the Zambezi National Park before reaching Victoria Falls. Moving through the Batoka Gorge, famous for white-water rafting it enters Lake Kariba, flows over the Kariba dam, and passes Mana Pools National Park before entering Mozambique at Kinyemba.

The Eastern Highlands lie on the Eastern border. Nyanga National Park is home to Mount Nyangani the country’s highest point. To the south-east Great Zimbabwe in the Midlands province is the best example of Zimbabwe’s great stone cities. Further south Gonarezhou National Park borders South Africa and Mozambique.

Harare, the capital is found in Mashonaland. The middle of the country, Matabeleland, is home to Hwange and Matopos National Parks and Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city.

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

When to Go

June and July are the coldest months yet daytime temperatures remain comfortable in the early twenties (Celsius). Game viewing is at its best during the June to October dry season with the best time being October, the hottest month. The December to April rainy season is great for ornithologists. Lodges have special ‘green season’ rates. Victoria Falls are at their fullest in April at the end of the rainy season, although best time for viewing is often around June.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Zimbabwe

It is possible to fly to Harare daily from Europe, but not always direct. There are approximately six flights a day direct from Johannesburg. There are also flights connecting Lusaka to Harare. Other international airports are Bulawayo and Chiredzi. Victoria Falls is accessed directly from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Zimbabwe road access is via Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Public transport is available on all these routes. The distances can be long and a Johannesburg to Harare bus trip can take 20 hours. 

Getting Around Zimbabwe

Air Zimbabwe links Harare to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and sometimes Kariba. Solenta Air has scheduled flights from Harare and Victoria Falls to Kariba, the airstrip near Bumi Hills on Lake Kariba and Hwange National Park. Charter flight companies service many of the smaller airstrips throughout the country.

There are daily coaches between all the major cities. There is a very basic rail service between Mutare, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. 

Zimbabwe Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
All major towns have ATMS. The largest banks are Barclays, Standard & Chartered and Stanbic.

Forex/Money:
Money can be changed in banks throughout the country. There are forex bureaus in the bigger towns, tourist centres and airports.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, tourist related businesses and the more established shops. Smaller shops and markets use US$ cash.

Internet availability:
Apart from the National Parks, internet can be easily found in all cities and tourist areas throughout the country and in most hotels.

Drinking water: 
Water is treated throughout Zimbabwe. Remote places often use borehole water and bottled water is available throughout the country.

Hospitals & Medical:
Medical facilities in the major cities and Victoria Falls are very good. There aren’t any medical facilities in National parks and the more remote wilderness areas.

Visa Requirements:
Most Nationals require a single entry visa which costs $30; a double entry is $45. Britain and Irelands single entry is $55, double is $70 and a multiple $90. Canadian single entry is $75. A double or multiple needs to be obtained from your local embassy prior to departure. 

Zimbabwe Map