Spectacular scenery, varied culture and outstanding safari experiences combine to make Zimbabwe a rewarding destination in its own right or a complement to an East or Southern African safari. From the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and its abundant wildlife, Kariba with game and opportunities for water activities, Masvingo with its ancient architecture at Great Zimbabwe, Bulawayo with its granite domes and colonial history, the Eastern Highlands with majestic scenery to Harare, the Sunshine City with many attractions and experiences awaiting you and the ideal stepping off place for your excursions to all of the above resorts, Zimbabwe is filled with sights and sounds that will entice the traveller to return again and again. Climate The seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, with midsummer at Christmas and winter lasting from May to August. In winter the days are generally dry and sunny with cold frosty nights in the highveld. In summer temperatures average 15-22 degrees, October being the hottest month. In low-lying areas it is much warmer all year than in Harare and other highveld centres. Travel Documents Passport (valid for six months) Return ticket (or enough money to buy one) Driving license (essential for car rental) Currency Zimbabwe's unit of currency is the dollar, worth 100 cents. You can import or export a maximum of ZWD 5000.00. You may bring in any amount of foreign currency in bank notes and travellers cheques. Visitors no longer need to declare the amount on entry to Zimbabwe. Hotel accommodation must be paid in foreign currency. Airport Tax For regional and international flights, visitors are required to pay an airport departure tax of USD 20.00. You can buy the necessary revenue stamp at a commercial bank before hand or buy it at the airport (US dollars or pound sterling only). This also includes children above 2. Please note that at the airport, one may not be able to use USD 50 0r USD 100 notes to purchase the revenue stamp. Health General standards of hygiene in Zimbabwe are high. Tap water in all tourist areas is perfectly safe to drink and swimming pools are supplied from purified central sources. However, you do need protection against tetanus and malaria. It is advisable to start taking malaria prevention tablets a week before your holiday and to continue for four weeks afterwards. If you run short during your stay, tablets are available at any chemist. You are advised not to swim in dams and rivers, particularly in low-lying areas as the water may be infected with bilharzia. Yellow Fever and Cholera There is no requirement for travellers arriving in Zimbabwe to posses a vaccination certificate against Cholera. Yellow Fever Vaccination is only required for visitors coming from infected areas as designated by the World Health Organisation. What to Pack? Pack a hat for the sun, necessary all year round, and rainwear for the wet season. For dawn and night game drives in winter, you will need a sweater or a warm coat. It is advisable to wear neutral colours on safari. Also pack sun screen, insect repellent, sunglasses, binoculars and a good telephoto lens for your camera. Smart casual wear is expected in hotels and restaurants in the evening. Visa Charges Single Entry USD 30 per visa Double Entry USD 45 per visa Multiple Entry USD 55 per visa (for 6 months, as many times) |