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Practical Travel Tips for Zimbabwe

 

** Very Important Information **

Zimbabwe and Camouflage Clothing

Regardless of how fashionable camouflage prints may be at the time of your vacation, do not wear any camouflage prints, board shorts, long trousers, shirts, hats, caps, bags etc in Zimbabwe!
 

Please note a new law has been passed. It is illegal to wear (or even have in one's possession) camouflage-style clothing in Zimbabwe. It is an offence to be in possession of a "camouflage uniform" which is defined for legal purposes as any piece of "apparel" bearing a camouflage print or pattern. Should you be found in possession of any camouflage-style clothing you could receive a fine, 6 months in jail or both. Law enforcement holds the right to detain passengers for up to 48 hours in prison before charging them.
 

Getting There

Visiting Zimbabwe is easy and convenient. The international airports of Victoria Falls and Harare are regarded as the gateway to safaris in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
 

Victoria Falls is the most accessible, and almost all visitors to Zimbabwe spend a few days at this breathtaking spectacle. From here, any safari to Hwange or Chobe National Park can be arranged. There are daily flights to and from Johannesburg with either Air Zimbabwe or South African Airways.

Harare is serviced via a world wide network including flights between London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfort, Perth & Sydney, Lisbon, Johannesburg and a host of African countries such as Nigeria, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana as well as Mauritius.
 

Secondary airports include Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, and Bulawayo in the south-central region of Zimbabwe. These destinations are also serviced by flights from Johannesburg.

For self-drive safaris, entry points from South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana are possible. The most utilized border crossings are at Kazungula into Botswana, the Victoria Falls Bridge across the Zambezi River into Zambia and Beit Bridge across the Limpopo River into South Africa. Due to fuel shortages, independent self-drive safaris should be planned well in advance, with the assistance of yout travel specialist at journeys2africa. 

Although certain nationals are able to obtain their visas on arrival in Zimbabwe, Journeys2 Africa recommends you obtain the required visas in advance before departing for Zimbabwe. Visa congestion at airports and border crossings can delay your travel time. 
 

Weather

A sub-tropical climate prevails, with the low lying regions of the Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls experiencing considerably hotter conditions with average summer temperatures of 30 - 34 deg Celsius (92 deg Fahrenheit).

Winter temperatures can peak at about 23 deg Celsius (78 deg Fahrenheit) although early mornings, particularly whilst on safari game drives, can be extremely cold. Take care and bring a warm windproof jacket!

The rainy season extends from November to March with rain showers varying between 400 and 600 millimetres (16 to 24 inches) in the Lower Zambezi; and 1500 to 2000 millimetres (60 to 80 inches) in the higher eastern and southern regions of Zimbabwe. 

Journeys2 Africa Travel Tip: Double check with us whether certain safari lodges are closed during the rainy season, especially around Mana Pools.
 

Language

English is the official language, with Shona and Sindebele widely spoken.
 

Currency

In Zimbabwe, the currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar. It also includes cents.

All businesses will gladly accept payments in most currencies. It is illegal to change currency on the street despite a soaring black market exchange rate, and banks and Bureau de Change outlets are found in the major centres.
 

Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express and Diners are readily accepted, although it’s recommended that credit cards only be used at safari hotels and lodges due to the fluctuating surcharges and rate of exchange.
 

Local Time

Throughout the year Standard Time in Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the USA.
 

Electricity

All electrical appliances operate on 220 volts. Power supply outlets are designed for square 3 pin, 15 amp plugs.
 

Photo Tips

On safari, a minimum zoom lens of 200 millimetres is recommended for African wildlife photography. Bear in mind that large lenses and elaborate equipment is cumbersome on safari, particularly walking trails.

Be mindful of your maximum permitted luggage on a fly-in safari. Often the 12kg luggage limit includes safari attire, hand luggage and safari equipment!
 

On safari in the more remote areas, camera chargers, adapters, spare camera film and batteries are essential.

Don’t forget your photographer ethics! It is considered rude to photograph local people without their consent and it easily offends the local Botswana people if you do.
 

Do not film any military installations, airports or border crossings.