Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Holidays

Zimbabwe, landlocked in south-eastern Africa making it a great choice for Zimbabwe holidays with other African cities. Bordered by Mozambique to the east and north-east, Zambia to the north-west, Botswana to the south-west and South Africa to the south.

Four countries – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia – meet at a single point at the country’s westernmost point. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the man-made Lake Kariba to the northwest.  The marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops).

Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty. Rising to 2592m at Mount Inyangani, the country’s highest point. Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife parks in southern Africa.  In particular Hwange (southwest), Matopos (south) and Nyanga (northeast) national parks. These, together with the Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, are the principal attractions for visitors.

Why visit Zimbabwe?

Where else in the world can a visitor gaze upon hundreds of species of tropical wildlife?  Experience the thrill to of white water rafting!  Scale mountain peaks and savour the history of a people that goes back tens of thousands of years? Yet these pleasures are but a few of those waiting to be discovered by the traveler who plans to visit this gem in the heart of Africa.

The opportunity to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World!  Victoria Falls brings people from all over the world to witness the sight of this curtain of water, 1.7 km wide. Plunging into a chasm which is 108 meters at it’s the deepest point.  Producing a caldron of bubbling water and a cloud of spray creating its own rainbows. This is a sight to be experienced to be truly appreciated.

One of the best ways to see the Victoria Falls is on a Might Angels over the Falls and gorges. The Falls are at their most spectacular between April and July at high water peak. The flow is at its lowest between October generally September to November.

Restaurants and Food

Zimbabwean cuisine is mostly the legacy of British fare combined with African dishes. The dietary staple is sadza – the white maize meal porridge upon which most local meals are built. The second component is nyama – meat, usually beef or chicken.  But also crocodile, Kudu, and Impala. Zimbabwe is a cosmopolitan society and enjoys both local and international cuisine. Eating out is popular and comparatively cheap. Table service is the norm in restaurants.

Accommodation in Zimbabwe
There are hotels and lodges (which are similar to guest houses and provide bed and breakfast). A list of registered hotels is available from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Non-residents must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (usually US$) or by credit card. The local currency is not acceptable even on the presentation of exchange certificates.
All hotels are graded on a 5-star system, with that classified 1-star or above being registered with the Tourism Authority. Over 70 hotels are registered. Further information can be obtained from the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Zimbabwe (HARAZ), PO Box CY 398, Causeway, Harare.

Zimbabwe Weather
As Zimbabwe is south of the Equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere.  Mid-summer at Christmas and winter lasting from May to August. Harare has generally sunny throughout the year even during the summer rains.  These are normally between November and February.

October is the hottest month with higher humidity than is normally experienced. April – July are near perfect months. Due to its altitude, nights in Harare are cool. The temperatures given are those for the main centers. It is considerably warmer all year round in low-lying areas such as Kariba, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Gona-re-Zhou and the Zambezi Valley.

In winter the days are generally dry and sunny with temperatures averaging 15, – 20, C. Light to medium weight clothing is generally sufficient with a warm coat or woolens to wear outdoors on overcast or windy days.

In summer temperatures average 25, – 30, C during the day, with the hottest month being October, when temperatures often exceed 32, C.

Banks and Currency in Zimbabwe
The National currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe dollar divided into 100 cents. Visa, Mastercard, Access, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted in good hotels, restaurants and also in many stores in the capital

A maximum of 250 Zimbabwe dollars may be imported or exported. There is no limit on importing foreign currency provided that it is declared. Foreign currency may be exported up to the amount imported and declared.

Banks: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 08.00 – 15.00 hrs
Wednesdays: 08.00 – 13.00 hrs Saturdays 08.00 – 11.30 hrs

All brands of travelers’ cheques in US dollar or UK pound denominations can be easily exchanged for Zimbabwe dollars at any bank. Major international currencies are also accepted. Establishments catering to tourists and business people accept credit cards. There are some Barclays Bank ATMs, compatible with Visa cards.

Visa Requirements Zimbabwe
A Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following: Nationals of Canada, Ireland and the UK; Nationals of Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Leeward Islands, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

Passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area.

Regulations may be subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalising travel arrangements. Travel health insurance is recommended.

Driving in Zimbabwe
International driving permits and valid driving licenses issued in Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Swaziland are valid in Zimbabwe.

A visitor from any other country may, fop 90 days or more (depending on the country of issue), use a valid driving license issued by the appropriate authority in that country. If not printed in English, it should have a certificate of authority and validity or a translation of the text with the bearer’s photograph attached. Rules of the road – In Zimbabwe, drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to traffic to your right, at uncontrolled intersections. At controlled intersections, motorists are required to yield precedence to pedestrians crossing on a green light. The general speed-limit in Zimbabwe is 120 km/h on open roads and 60 km/h in urban areas but watch for the signs.

Go Easy Travel has arranged the best value Holiday Car Hire for you. Call now for a quotation for your holiday car hire in Zimbabwe

Calling Home: International Direct Dialing is available.

Country code: 263. Outgoing international code: 110

A Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry is required by all and a visa is required for entry.
English, Shona Language, Northern Ndebele language
Zimbabwe Dollars, US Dollars