EXPLORE ZIMBABWE - TRAVEL INTO THE LAP OF NATURE AND WONDERMENT

Zimbabwe's history reveals that the country was home to a large African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Bantu tribe had migrated from the north and mainly lived a pastoral lifestyle. The evidence of which may still be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Other tribes followed such as the Shona people followed by the Nguni and Zulu tribes. The descendants of the Nguni and Zulu tribes established their kingdom. In 1850, the British colonised the country and named it Rhodesia. It was named after Cecil Rhodes, a politician and imperialist of the British South Africa Company. Soon it got the name of Southern Rhodesia and the country became a self-governing colony of the British. In 1963, Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) and Malawi (Nyasaland) voted for independence. Southern Rhodesia continued to remain a colony of the British.

In 1970, Rhodesia finally got its independence from Britain and became formally known as a Republic. The white minority of Rhodesia continued to control governance and resisted the Black Majority's demands for independence. This broke out into war and in 1978, the white minority transferred power to the Black majority. In 1980, a multiracial election was held that was won by the Black Majority. Robert Mugabe won with a landslide victory and on April 17, 1980, the country celebrated its independence and became known as Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe geography shows that the country is bordered by Mozambique to the north and east, South Africa to the south, Zambia to the northwest and Botswana to the southwest. The manmade Lake Kariba is in the northwest into which many rivers from the central zone of hills drain. The Zambezi River is to the northeast and the Botswana marshes lie to the west. Visit the Highveld landscape that has massive granite outcrops.

Mount Nyangani is the country's highest point along the eastern border. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country and is part of the African continent. The country is made up of 1200 m high inland and it lies within the tropics. The extensive high inland plateau extends northwards to the Zambezi Valley. It then drops southwards into the Limpopo Valley. The country lies in the south of the equator where the landscape is divided into an inland plateau, Escarpment and the Highveld plateau. A popular Zimbabwe attraction is the Victoria Falls that is fed by the Zambezi River.

Zimbabwe culture touches every aspect of life and is recognisable in art-worked objects. These include drums, beadwork, textiles, carving, sculpture and housing to name a few. Decoration of the body or tattoo is a common feature of Zimbabwe culture. Musical art is very prominent in Africa such as stringed bows, drums and lamellophones. Orators, poetry, tribal ritual chants, praise-singing and fable telling are also part of Zimbabwean culture and traditions.

Enjoy lip-smacking local cuisine in many cafes and restaurants that the city is dotted with. Chaykhanas or terraced cafes line the streets. Dig into eating houses on the streets that serve foodie delights such as somsa, pilaf, shaurma, palov amon other dishes. Scout for traditional local cuisine in Kukeldash Madrassah and Chorsu Bazaar, interesting Tashkent tourism eating spots. A fun and trendy thing to do in Tashkent at night is to visit the nightclubs that dot the city and enjoy a meal. Visit the National Food in Tashkent, the best Tashkent thing to do to try Uzbek food from plov, shashlyk and more.

Sadza (porridge with maize), Bota (porridge with peanut butter and milk), Dovi (peanut butter stew), Nhedzi (mushroom soup), Mapopo Candy (papaya cooked in sugar)

Whawha (maize beer), Bohlingers (beer), Lion (beer), Eagle (beer), South African Carling Black Label (beer), Castle, Mazoe Orange (fruit drink)

The locals are very welcoming and the expert guides will keep you secure and safe. Travelling around with a guide to the various national parks will ensure a wonderful African experience. Be greeted by open arms as Zimbabwe`s locals are considered the world's friendliest. The locals offer unique warmth to renew the enthusiasm for Zimbabwe tourism and travel.
Zimbabwe family traditions are very patriarchal and relationships are based on customs and greetings of the ethnic groups. Some groups shake hands and others don't. Facial gestures are important in greetings and bending one's knees in a bow or bowing one's head is another form of greeting.

• Among the top Zimbabwe things to do is to visit Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world.
• Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe and learn about Zimbabwe's history.
• Experience the stunning Gonarezhou National Park, the country's second-largest park for scenic landscapes, large numbers of elephants and Chilojo Cliffs.
• Visit the Khami Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological wonder and Zimbabwe attraction.
• Experience awesome wildlife at the Hwange National Park, a popular Zimbabwe tourism spot.
• Visit the great manmade Lake Kariba for the magic of wildlife and water, a top thing to do in Kariba.
• Explore the National Gallery of Zimbabwe for Zimbabwe history, a popular Harare tourism attraction.
• Go on an African adventure with a game drive at the Hwange National Park for various species of animals and birds.
• View lions waiting for their prey around the waterhole at Chitake Spring in Mana Pools National Park, a top Zimbabwe thing to do.

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to November although Harare weather may soar into the 30s. AccuWeather Harare and BBC weather Harare give accurate weather forecasts that you can refer to. The months of July to August have temperatures in the mid-20s but the nights can get very chilly. The rainy season occurs between December and March and some of the safari camps around Hwange are closed for the season. Enjoy the high season between July and October when game viewing is a top Zimbabwe tourism attraction. Natural waterholes dry up and huge herds of wildlife collect at man-made water holes and lakes. For fantastic full flow views of Victoria Falls visit Zimbabwe between April and June. Zimbabwe's temperature remains warm throughout the year ranging between 21°C to 35°C. The rainy season in Zimbabwe is from December to March which is the wet season.

• Among the popular Zimbabwe things to do is the awesome microlight flight over Victoria Falls.
• Explore Zimbabwe's oldest game reserve, Hwange National Park and admire wildlife.
• Go white water rafting on the Zambezi River, an amazing Zimbabwe attraction.
• Visit the Great Zimbabwe National Monument when Bulawayo weather is warm.

• Head out to the Devil's Pool in Victoria Falls for a swim at the natural rock swimming pool.
• Jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is a Bungee Jumping adventure that is unforgettable.
• Go on an amazing safari at the Gonarezhou National Park, the “place of many elephants”.
• Visit the Eastern Highlands for a round of golf or try and catch trout fish.

• Take the Shearwater Bridge Swing for exhilarating moments of high wire activity.
• Relax on a houseboat amongst the wildlife on Lake Kabira.
• Enjoy a Zimbabwe culture tour of the Bushtrack Village.
• Go on a wildlife safari to see the Big Five in the Hwange National Park.

• Enjoy a memorable outing with kids to the 'Wild is Life' rehabilitation rescue centre for personal encounters with wildlife.
• Visit the Lion and Cheetah Park, an amazing Zimbabwe attraction and zoo.
• Take the Harare city tour, an exciting Harare thing to do.
• Discover the beauty of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and watch the kids stay amazed at wildlife views.

• Fabrics
• Baskets
• Ceramics
• Jewellery
• Masks
• Bronze Souvenirs
• Curios
• Batik Art Textile
• Soapstone Carvings

Explore the once grand capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe with its curved stone walls and enclosures. The marvellous stone structures are a must-see Zimbabwe attraction for their architectural and historical interest. A great stone dwelling with landscapes that are spread over three areas is mind-blowing. The Grandeur is the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara that takes you back to Zimbabwe history.

Best time to visit: May to November
Entry fee: $15 (per person)

This prime conservation area has great wildlife that includes lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants and more. This is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe with one of the largest elephant populations. Over 400 species of birds are spotted here and it is considered a renowned tourist destination in Zimbabwe for birding.

Best time to visit: Dry season
Entry fee: $260 (full day Hwange National Park tour from Victoria Falls)

One of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe is the thundering Victoria Falls. With an abundance of adventure activities and a scenic view spot, this is a top Zimbabwe attraction. The water plummets 110 metres into the Batoka Gorge and the mist spray can reach almost 400 metres high. The majestic falls are located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Best time to visit: February to May
Entry fee: $14

The World Heritage Site offers plentiful game drives in the dry season between June and October. The area consists of four main pools that have been in existence for thousands of years. You can spot elephants, buffaloes, impalas and lions in a safari experience. The River Zambezi slows its pace and forms pools and lakes in the park. Copious animals and birds roam as do herds of thirsty elephants, hippos and more. This is one of Zimbabwe's best places to visit.

Best time to visit: June to October (dry season)
Entry fee: $3.49

Discover Lake Kariba, a massive man-made lake with the magic of wildlife and water. Take a cruise on a houseboat and while away hours spotting birds, hippos and crocs from the deck. You can also go fishing or canoeing, other exciting Zimbabwe things to do. Matusadona National Park lies on the south shores of Lake Kariba and is home to the Big Five.

Best time to visit: June to October
Entry fee: Based on the tour

Enjoy Zimbabwe's second-largest national park with endless tracts that cover almost 5000 square km. Discover huge wildlife diversity and excellent bird viewing opportunities. Wander through the mahoganies, ironwoods and tall acacia albida trees. Witness the Runde River valley and the Chilojo cliffs that offer unique scenic views. Take a safari tour of the park, an amazing Zimbabwe thing to do.

Best time to visit: Dry season
Entry fee: Based on the tour

If you can make time to visit a few other places in Zimbabwe are,

• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Matobo National Park
• Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
• Thetford Game Reserve
• Mukuvisi Woodlands
• Victoria Falls Snake Park
• National Botanical Garden
• Haka Game Park
• Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Zimbabwe Harare

The capital city of Zimbabwe has a large number of Harare things to do. It is a worthwhile experience to witness the Harare Gardens, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Epworth Balancing Rocks and more. Mukuvisi Woodlands offers delightful sights of wildlife and has a bird park.
Visit For: National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Epworth Balancing Rocks, Harare Gardens, Thetford Game Reserves, Mukuvisi Woodlands, Lion and Cheetah Park, Harare Museum of Human Science

The city is home to the spectacular Matobo Hills rock in the Matobo National Park. Witness the Stone Age cave art and the tremendous wildlife. The Tshabalala Game Sanctuary is where you can see impalas and rhinos. The 15th-century Khami city ruins with their stone walls and terraces are a top Zimbabwe attraction.
Visit For: Bulawayo National History Museum of Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park, Khami Ruins, Railway Museum, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, Hillside Dams

Mutare has several attractions such as Mutare Museum, Cross Kopje, Utopia House, Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral among others. This city is located in the province of Manicaland and is also the capital of the province. Mutare is the largest city in eastern Zimbabwe and was formerly called Umtali.
Visit For: Mutare Museum, Cross Kopje, Utopia House, Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral, Leopard Rock Golf and Country Club

Gweru is a city located in central Zimbabwe. It is home to the prominent Midlands State University and Mkoba Teachers College. This city is also known as the City of Progress and is famous for its farming activities. It is the capital of Midlands Province and its commercial farming crops are exported. The city used to be called Gwelo.
Visit For: Antelope Park, Gweru Military Aircraft Museum, St. Theresa Cathedral, Danamombe

Masvingo is located in southeastern Zimbabwe. It is close to Great Zimbabwe which is the country's monument. This Zimbabwe tourist attraction is from where the country gets its name. Masvingo was founded in 1890 and was the first large settlement founded by the British South African Company. Masvingo means fort in Shona and was formerly called Fort Victoria.
Visit For: EAG Art Museum, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Great Zimbabwe Ruins (25 km south of the city)

• Kwekwe • Chitungwiza • Kadoma • Victoria Falls • Nyanga • Kariba • Marondera

The festival is a great place to experience Zim traditional food. You get to taste the best wine and food from the greatest chefs. The gourmet food scene is a celebration of Zimbabwe traditional food complemented with superb entertainment.

Location : Harare
Date: October

This cultural festival features urban artists and is an expression of new ideas. Musicians, budding artists, comedians and other talented performers use the platform to put up a show. The evening is full of festivity and enjoyment.

Location : Harare
Date: September

The event is a music festival that happens every year in April. Local dance and music groups showcase their talent. From street performers to classically trained experts, the show promises to be a musical haven.

Location : Bulawayo
Date: April

This two-day annual event showcases Zimbabwe culture and art. Enjoy music, poetry sessions, dance, acrobatics, art and crafts displays, and more. The free festival is a huge crowd puller and local communities participate with earnest enthusiasm.

Location : Manicaland
Date: August

Zimbabwe art is celebrated in the cultural festival. Workshops happen that feature films, visual arts, competitions, theatre, readings and more. Local and international artists come together to make this a memorable experience for their audiences.

Location : Bulawayo
Date: September

• Zimbabwe International Film Festival • Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival • Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival • Harare International Festival of Arts • Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Zimbabwe visa. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of return. The passport must have at least three blank pages as per the Zimbabwe visa policy.

Visas can be obtained from one of the Zimbabwean diplomatic missions or you can apply for a Zimbabwe visa online. This is a Zimbabwe visa policy requirement unless the citizen is from a visa-exempt country. Citizens from the following countries can visit Zimbabwe for three months without a visa,
• Angola • Antigua and Barbuda • Aruba • Bahamas • Barbados • Belize • Botswana • Cayman Islands • Cyprus • DR Congo • Eswatini • Fiji • Ghana • Grenada • Hong Kong (6 months) • Jamaica • Kenya • Kiribati • Lesotho • Madagascar • Malaysia • Malawi • Maldives • Malta • Mauritius • Montserrat • Mozambique (30 days) • Namibia • Nauru • Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Lucia • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Samoa • Seychelles • Singapore • Solomon Islands • South Africa • Tanzania • Tonga • Trinidad and Tobago • Turks and Caicos Islands • Tuvalu • Uganda • Vanuatu • Zambia

Zimbabwe visa on arrival is provided to the citizens of the following countries,
• Albania • Algeria • Andorra • Argentina • Armenia • Australia • Azerbaijan • Bahrain • Belarus • Bermuda • Bhutan • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Brazil • The British Virgin Islands • Brunei • Burundi • Canada • Cape Verde • Chile • China • Comoros • Costa Rica • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • Egypt • El Salvador • Equatorial Guinea • Ethiopia • Georgia • Guatemala • Gayana • Haiti • Honduras • Iceland • India • Indonesia • Iran • Israel • Japan • Kazakhstan • Kuwait • Liechtenstein • Macao • Marshall Islands • Mexico • Micronesia • Moldova • Monaco • New Zealand • Nicaragua • Norway • Palau • Palestine • Panama • Papua New Guinea • Paraguay • Peru • Russia • Rwanda • San Marino • Sao Tome and Principe • Senegal • Serbia • South Korea • Suriname • Switzerland • Tajikistan • Ukraine • UAE • UK • USA • Uruguay • Uzbekistan • Vatican City • Venezuela • European Union
A Zimbabwe visa online through the eVisa system of the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration is possible. The Zimbabwe visa cost can be paid online or on arrival and it takes approximately two working days to obtain a Zimbabwe evisa. The evisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Zimbabwe and Zambia introduced a Universal Visa on 28 November 2014 called KAZA Visa.

Tourist visas are available on application at the embassy with valid documents. The processing fee is $75 for a single-entry 30-day visa, which may vary based on the nationality and the embassy.The tourist visa can be applied for online with a fee of $30 for a 30-day single entry visa. $45 is the visa fee for a 45-day double entry visa and $160 for a 12-month multiple entry visa. A 30-days and 45-day extension of stay are possible by the Zimbabwe Immigration Office. The stay for a tourist visa in Zimbabwe is up to 90 days if the passenger fulfils Zimbabwe Immigration requirements.
A Transit visa is issued for visitors who have a brief layover. It is non-renewable and is for 30 days.

Air Zimbabwe is the national carrier of the country. It runs flights to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Harare. However, the national carrier does not have network routes to other cities. There are limited domestic operations. Special aircraft services can be availed at Kariba and Victoria Falls that offer delightful game-viewing and sightseeing experiences.

Car hires are possible at airports. There are excellent road networks and well-paved roads. This connects major towns and rural areas. Do drive with a full fuel tank as fuel availability is scarce. Public transport is not very useful.

It's a good idea to take a ferry service that runs from Kariba to Binga and Mlibizi. The ferries are available at Lake Kariba.

Trains are convenient that connect Bulawayo, Harare, Chiredzi, Mutare, Plumtree, Triangle, Labatse and Victoria Falls. The trains are run by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. It is to be noted that the rail system is underdeveloped and not well maintained.

The kombi or minivan taxi helps commuters get around the city. But this mode is very congested and not convenient. Efforts are being made to improve the public distribution system and introduce buses.

The national road known as the A4 Highway runs between Beitbridge and Harare. It is also known as the R1 Highway. There are other highways such as the R6 and R7 Highway and the P4/A9 Highway that are good roads to take while driving. There are various border posts such as Forbes Border Post between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Nyamapanda border post allows entry with valid documents as well.

Zimbabwe has no direct flights from the UK. British Airways or South African Airways fly via Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines also network via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Other routes connect and the quickest route from the USA is to use South African Airways via Johannesburg. Some of the airports that carry traffic into the country are Victoria Falls Airport, Harare International Airport and others.

There are train services three times a week. It connects Francistown, Botswana to Bulawayo. Trains are not available from Zambia or South Africa to Zimbabwe.

• The currency in Zimbabwe today is the Zimbabwe dollar, but due to its collapse, the US dollar is used.
• Border crossing is easier and straightforward from 2019.
• Cash is king in Zimbabwe, so make sure you carry enough cash.
• Small change is rarely available and tipping is customary to lodge staff or local guides.
• Public transport is scanty and taxis are few. Car hire is a good idea.
• Bond notes are also in circulation but the value of the notes fluctuates.
• August to November is the best time to travel to experience the white-water rafting adventures.
• Pack apt. clothes and accessories for a safari trip.

• Swimming pools only if chlorinated are safe to swim in.
• Avoid a swim in freshwater pools.
• Be wary of scams and petty thefts.
• Zimbabwe is a safe country, but do keep your travel documents and valuables safe.
• It is safe to take a fantastic self-drive in a 4*4 to see the landlocked country.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times.
• Stay away from political gatherings and be aware of travel advisories.
• Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to get alerts in an emergency.

• It is always good to drink only bottled water.
• Several vaccinations are essential that CDC and WHO recommend; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
• Malaria is rampant, so carry mosquito repellent and anti-malaria tablets.
• Use a hat, sunscreen and umbrella to avoid sunburns.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from countries that suffer from the disease.
• Medical costs are high so it is good to carry travel insurance.
• Be careful of the unhygienic food and drinks. Avoid ice in the drinks.
• HIV/AIDS is a high-risk disease in the country.
• Carry a medical kit for emergencies as private hospitals and drugs are expensive.

• Important Travel Documents
• Clothes of Neutral Colours
• Sun Screen
• Safari Trousers/Jeans
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella
• Jackets/Sweaters
• Safari Boots
• First Aid Kit
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses, Hat
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Insect Repellents
• Camouflage Clothing
• Waterproof Jackets

• The dress code is moderate as Zimbabwe is a conservative country.
• Zimbabweans normally sit on low stools or on a floor mat to eat.
• Hands are always washed before every meal.
• People eat with their hands as it is a customary practice.
• Always greet with the right hand and a common greeting is a handshake.
• Elders are greeted first as a sign of respect.
• The traditional way of greeting is to clap after a handshake.
• Women may kneel briefly or curtsy while shaking hands.
• It is customary to ask about the other person's well-being with a simple ‘how are you?'.

Africa's popular safari destination, Botswana, is a beautiful travel destination. Known for its landmark attractions such as the Kalahari Desert, the Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, Botswana is a must-visit.

Visit Mozambique for beach holidays to enjoy water activities. Game fishing, colourful coral reefs and warm waters for scuba diving are the major attractions. This nation with a long Indian Ocean coastline is in southern Africa.

The landlocked country is noted for its diverse wildlife, parks and safaris. The Victoria Falls also called “Smoke That Thunders”, is a highlight attraction that is seen on its border with Zimbabwe. Visit the southern African country for big game drives and other attractions.

South Africa - 1619.7 km

• Zimbabwe is a country with many official languages which is a Guinness Record.
• The country is home to Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the world.
• Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made lake along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Great Zimbabwe is an ancient Shona city that traded gold and iron with the Portuguese.
• The Flame Lily, the national flower of the country, is a protected plant.
• Zimbabwe has the second-largest elephant population world over.
• Rock art that reveals about life in ancient times is seen in thousands of sites in the country.

CALLING CODE: +263

Ambulance : 999

Fire : 999,993

Police : 995

The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe dollar and the currency code is ZWL. The Zimbabwe currency symbol is Z$. The Zimbabwe dollar is broken up into 100 cents. Zimbabwe currency 2021 exchange rate for some of the popular currencies are;

Symbol: Z$

Code: ZWL

Banknotes:

Zimbabwe dollar banknote denomination: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500

Zimbabwe dollar coin denomination: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 1, 2 dollars (Zimbabwe bond coins)

Zimbabwe CURRENCY CONVERSIONS:

• 1 ZWL = 0.2268 INR (Zimbabwe dollar to INR)
• 1 ZWL= 0.00311 USD (Zimbabwe dollar to USD)
• 1 ZWL = 1.2705 Nigerian Naira (Zimbabwe currency to Naira)
• 1 ZWL =0.0390 South African Rand (Zim dollar to Rand)
• 1ZWL = 0.042 PKR ( Zimbabwe currency to PKR)
• 1 ZWL = 0.0114 AED( Zimbabwe currency to AED)
• 1 ZWL = 0.0022 GBP (Zimbabwe currency to GBP)

**Please note: Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places. The ROE is subject to change as per currency fluctuations.

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