If Alice had stopped to think for a moment before disappearing down the hole, she may never have discovered Wonderland and Carroll’s glorious cast of misfits would have remained undiscovered. So too if you dwell too much on Zimbabwe’s satellite pictures you may convince yourself – wrongly – that there is little there worth uncovering. Zimbabwe viewed from the inside is very different from the beleaguered nation we see on our television news reels.
Luscious flood plains sprawl lazily around the winding Zambezi River that divides the country from Zambia and boasts the inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most impressive natural wonders. Epic wilderness better characterises the Mana Pools National Park, one of the best places on the continent to see crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, zebras and many more in their natural habitat.
Spend any time at all here though and you’ll see that the people are as amazing as the landscape; they’ll treat you so well that you’ll be begging to stay. The 2008 power sharing agreement between Mugabe and his opponents has improved the political situation immeasurably and now the country is desperate to woo back the attention it desperately craves. With the country climbing back to its feet, now is a great time to visit, before the rest of the world catches on.
Getting there
International flights land in Harare, though you can also fly direct to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg. Border crossings are possible to all neighbours except Namibia.
Getting around
Long distance buses connect most major urban centres and are relatively efficient; they are preferable to trains which run slowly and are prone to accidents. Local transport is a little more frenetic; buses don’t operate to timetables and there is often a shortage of spaces.
Local information
Language(s): English, Shona, Ndebele.
Time: UTC+2
Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot wet summers, warm dry winters. Temperature: Max 29°C (October), Min 7°C (July). Rainfall: Max 210mm (January), Min: 0mm (July)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Business etiquette: Business suits should be worn, though atmosphere will generally be relatively informal. Avoid hyperbole and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Expect decision making to take a little time. Avoid discussing the political situation.
Tipping: $1 for hotel porters, 10 percent in restaurants.
Duty free: 5l alcoholic beverages; goods to US$250 per person. Import of honey is prohibited; agricultural produce requires a licence.
Safety: Though calmer than in previous years, there are still political tensions between the two main parties.
Laws: Murder, treason, banditry, sabotage and terrorism are punishable by death. Severe penalties exist for drug offences. Camouflage clothing is illegal. Avoid political activity. Carry identification at all times; both visitors and residents may be stopped and detained arbitrarily.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus and typhoid. Medical facilities in towns are good but costs are high; health insurance is essential and many clinic may demand up front payments or production of health insurance certificate.
Socket type: Type D, Type G
