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From the mist and thunder of the Victoria Falls, to World's View in the Bvumba Mountains...Zimbabwe is a country full of surprises and breathtaking natural wonders. Other attractions include bungee jumping and white-water rafting in the Zambezi Gorge; visiting Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's greatest game park and one of Africa's largest with a large elephant population and a great variety of other wild animals; living it up in the capital, Harare, the city that never sleeps; enjoying a leisurely houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba, navigating past crocodiles and hippos and battling those legendary Tiger fish; or going trout fishing in the misty Eastern Highlands reminiscent of parts of Scotland and home to the Chimanimani National Park and three scenic mountain ranges.
What really sets Zimbabwe apart from other African countries however, are the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, site of a once flourishing city-state that existed between 1250 and 1430 AD. Landlocked, this Southern African country lies between the Zambezi River in the north and the Limpopo River in the south, and is surrounded by Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. Following a recent period of political turmoil a government of national unity is now in place and there is peace, but the economy is still in poor shape. However, Zimbabwe remains a beautiful country and, for tourists who won't mind the shortages of various goods, quite safe to visit. |
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| Official language is English, while Shona and Ndebele are the main indigenous languages. |
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| Harare |
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| High Veld temperatures from 12 - 13°C (55°F) in winter, around 24°C (75°F) in summer.
Low Veld temperatures about 5.5°C (10°F) higher.
Summer temperatures in Zambezi and Limpopo valleys between 32C and 38°C (90 - 100°F).
Rainy season from November to March, with cool, dry season from mid-May to mid-August. •Best time to visit April to May and August to September.
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| GMT/UTC + 2 hours. No Daylight Saving Time. |
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| Zimbabwean Dollar was abandoned early 2009 after runaway super inflation.
Multi-currency scheme now operates - US Dollar and South African Rand most common.
Major foreign currencies and travellers' cheques can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels.
American Express, Diners Club and Visa widely accepted, MasterCard more limited.
Good banking system with many outlets and ATMs. |
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| International dialling code: +263.
•Good fixed line telephone network.
Good mobile phone network with in most cities, towns and tourist areas.
Internet and email facilities available in Harare and other cities.
Internet cafes in larger cities.
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| State-owned Zimpost, provides postal services through 300 postal outlets.
Larger international courier services also operate here.
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| Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz.
Three round pin and three rectangular blade plugs are common. |
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| Most international airlines used to fly to Zimbabwe but have pulled out.
South African Airways and other African airways still fly to Zimbabwe.
Air Zimbabwe is the national carrier.
Main airport is Harare International Airport 12 km east of Harare.
Facilities include car rental companies including Europcar, Hertz and Avis, a bank, bureau de change and auto exchange machine, restaurants, bars, duty-free, various shops, first aid and post office.
Other airports at Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. |
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| VAT of 15% payable on goods and services.
Travellers don't pay duty on items under US$250 for personal consumption.
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| Visas required for most visitors including from USA, Australia, New Zealand.
Visas can be obtained upon arrival at airport, but best to check with local consulate or embassy first.
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| If coming from an infected area/country, travellers must be in possession of a yellow fever certificate.
Anti-malaria precautions are advised.
Water is not safe to drink.
A cholera epidemic is currently affecting the country.
Other risks include Hepatitis A, rabies, typhoid, polio, bilharzias and HIV/Aids.
Current economic situation led to shortages of medication in public hospitals - advisable to bring own supply.
Medical insurance is essential.
Good private clinics and medical rescue services, but expensive, and cash payment expected.
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| Driving is on left and international drivers' licence is required.
Most roads are in fairly good condition, but driving alone in rural or unknown areas not advised.
Major car hire companies available.
Basic train, taxi and bus services operate, while better standard express bus services between cities.
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| Political tensions have eased somewhat but remain high following results of national elections in 2008.
Government of national unity in place, with South Africa leading mediation to resolve political situation.
Rural areas where white-owned farms have been seized may be dangerous at times.
Usual crime prevails in cities and isolated tourist areas, though poverty and hunger has driven crime up.
Downtown Harare is a particularly high crime area.
Read up about the current situation before visiting Zimbabwe and check government advisories.
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Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Harare
+263 (0)4 752570
www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw
Email: info@ztazim.co.zw
Mars - Medical Air Rescue Services
Email: nigel@marshre.co.zw
Web: www.mars.co.zw
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Zimbabwe Embassy, London (also responsible for Ireland)
+44 (0)20 7836 7755
Zimbabwe High Commission, Canada: +1 613 237 4388
Zimbabwe Embassy, Washington +1 202 332 7100
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Zimbabwe Embassy, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand)
+61 (0)2 6286 2281
Zimbabwe Embassy, South Africa +27 (0)12 342 5125 |
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injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this website. In addition,
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