Zimbabwe unlike other southern African countries is a land of diversity, contrasts and unrivalled natural beauty. Blessed with the waters of the Zambezi river, this controversial African state politically is one you’ll enjoy for Africa safaris and adventure.
Besides the majestic Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has lots of adventures to enjoy first hand such as water rafting on the Zambezi river, game drives and safaris, helicopter rides over the Victoria falls, bungee jumping off the Victoria falls bridge. Whatever your choice of adventure, you will leave your Zimbabwe tour holidays with fond memories of an unforgettable visit.
The Economy
The most important sector of the country’s economy is agriculture, with a variety of crops such as tobacco, sugar, coffee, cotton and maize as well as a large cattle farming industry which in the past exported high-grade beef.
The second largest sector is mining, with many important minerals like gold and nickel being important exports. Other sources of income to Zimbabwe include beads and cloth exchanged for ivory and gold.
Tourism is yet a very important source of foreign exchange with important tourist attractions such as Victoria falls, the numerous national parks and the great Zimbabwe ruins bringing in close to 20,000 people every year to celebrate Zimbabwe as a natural habitat
The political state of Zimbabwe has put the country under a lot of pressure economically being one of the countries with the highest rate of inflation in the world. This has a huge impact to the country in terms of trade, tourism and lifestyle of the people.
Currency
Zimbabwe’s unit currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar and is the weakest currency in the world. You have to get small denominations in Dollars preferably to transact in anywhere in the country
Language
English is remains the official language of Zimbabwe since the early colonial years while other local languages such as Chishona and Sindebele are widely used. Other minor languages used in the country include Sotho and Nambya used around the western border with Botswana, Shangani in the East, Tonga around the Zambezi valley, Venda and Chewa among a few others.
Culture & Religion
There are so many people living in the vibrant cities and towns of Zimbabwe. Many of the cultures and traditions of the different peoples of Zimbabwe are preserved through the lifestyles, architecture and traditions in the countryside. This multi racial society is particularly friendly any person will appreciate on Zimbabwe cultural safaris.
Tourist Attractions
ildlife Safaris usually are a very good way to enjoy the untamed side of Zimbabwe
. Hwange National Park
is Zimbabwe’s largest game park with significant herds of African elephants. Experience this beautiful park on a guided Elephant Back safari through the acacia woodlands, thick savannah bushes and across the
Zambezi River
on the ride and visit nearby
Victoria Falls
. Other sights on the trails include lions, zebras, rhino, buffalo, eland, sable antelopes, waterbuck, leopard and over 400 different birds.
Not far away from Lake Kariba is
Mana Pools National Par
k. This small park remains mystical and is rarely visited on Zimbabwe safaris and tours. Canoe rides cross the park over
Mana pools
on the banks of river Zambezi and enjoy the scene of schools of hippos, elephants on the banks, antelopes and birds like kingfishers, the endangered black eagles and fish eagles.
Sport fishing on the river Zambezi is another adventure as catches include record sizes of tiger fish. The river is also site for bungee jumping, canoeing, white water rafting and other water sports. Catch the thrill of Victoria falls, Zimbabwe’s prime attraction with awesome sights during the rainy season. Down the river is Lake Kariba popular for luxury house boating trips, spectacular sights of small islands, fewer game on the shores and birds here and there.
Food & Wine
Zimbabwe has a wide range of foods and you can begin your Zimbabwe holiday feasting from any of the restaurants and hotels in Harare or in Bulawayo. Some of the mouth watering snacks around the country is influenced by European and Portuguese roots
Some of the popular Zimbabwe Food Recipes are Salted Groundnuts, Corn meal with pumpkin, and Peanut butter stew. Cornmeal, also named as Mealie meal, is used to make ilambazi or bota isitshwala or sadza.
Sadza is a porridge prepared by blending the cornmeal with water to create a chunky paste. Once the paste has been boiled for more than a few minutes, extra cornmeal is given to condense the paste-ideal for dinner when served with vegetables, beans and meat. Other people enjoy Sadza with curdled milk, typically called as lacto (mukaka wakakora). Tanganyika sardine, recognized regionally as matemba or kapenta is a delicacy as well served with Sadza.
Biltong, a variety of jerked meat, is a well-liked snack, made by hanging pieces of zested raw meat after drying in the shade. Boerewors is another popular food, which accompanies sadza. Boerewors is a big sausage, usually well-seasoned, made of beef instead of pork, and grilled. You can have these dishes served in an exotic way in many Zimbabwe hotels and restaurants.
Zimbabwe Travel and Visa Requirements
Flights to Harare Zimbabwe
-Harare the capital city has numerous attractions among them; ruined buildings and the international airport.
Harare International Airport
has a number of international and regional flight schedules.
Air Zimbabwe
the National carrier has direct flights from European cities like Heathrow (London). South African Airways has one stop flights to Zimbabwe via Johannesburg and so do British Airways and Kenya Airways. Other small airlines to Harare Zimbabwe with cheap flights include Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airways, KLM, Eagle Air from Entebbe Uganda, Virgin Atlantic Airline, Air France to Paris and others.
Tourists from countries in the Common Wealth are exempted from visa upon entry in Zimbabwe. A few other countries can get their visas from Zimbabwe international airport and these include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cook Islands, Denmark, Dominica Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy and many others.
We recommend checking with the nearest Zimbabwe consulate or embassy before applying for a visa to know the status of your country.
Health and Vaccination
It is therefore advisable to obtain good medical insurance prior to arrival. Tourists are advised to carry anti malarial medication and other prescribed medicines as access to some drugs is rare in pharmacies around Zimbabwe. Some of the malaria infested areas in Zimbabwe include Kairba, Hwange, Victoria Falls and the area around Zambezi valley.
Treating Malaria-The safest option is to try and prevent mosquito bites by taking the following steps: apply insect repellent to any exposed skin; wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks at dusk and at night; use mosquito coils, candles, mats and nets.
People who travel to Zimbabwe from infected areas are required to possess valid vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever. Remember to consult a doctor or physician before you pack your bags on Zimbabwe holiday trips
Weather
Zimbabwe is an all year round destination depending on the adventure you want to enjoy on you tour. Victoria Falls tours are satisfying during the months of April as the rainy season of November to March comes to an end. August is the time when the waters running over the gorge are lowest.
Best botanical months to visit the famous Vumba Botanical Gardens are Dec – May when the vegetation is lush and green, also when most plants are in flower. Bear this in mind when planning your Zimbabwe holiday.
Summer is from October to April with temperatures are 30ºC during day and a chilly 14ºC during the night. It is advisable for tourists to carry a sun hat, sun glasses and sunscreen as the days have harsh weather.
During May to September, the days are dry, sunny and cool to warm and arguably the best time to take Zimbabwe safari holidays and tours
Water
It is not advisable to use the water in Zimbabwe for drinking or swimming. However water in the town and Zimbabwe hotels (including swimming pools) is purified and therefore safe.
Safety
Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards each other and visitors alike. Although all Zimbabweans are very helpful, it is always advisable to be cautious when dealing with strangers.
Contact Zimbabwe tourism Association offices or Zimbabwe police for any help. Desist from asking help from strangers as this will put you in great danger. Be very mindful of where you are keeping your travel documentation and valuables especially in the bags and safety boxes in the hotels around Zimbabwe
Hotels & Lodges – Zimbabwe
Options for holiday accommodation in Zimbabwe are very many. Safari camps, houseboats, guest houses, bush camps, hotels and lodges are some but part of the many options fro Zimbabwe holiday accommodation.
This South African nation is gifted with nature’s best wonders such as Victoria Falls, Mana Pools National Park, Hwange Game Reserve and many other premier safari destinations and there are Zimbabwe hotels and lodges in each of the tourist destinations while several Guesthouses, bed and breakfast accommodation is available in several towns and cities.
