About Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has much to offer travellers. Whether you're visiting for a conference, wedding, family holiday or business, you are sure to enjoy your experience. Read the useful information below to learn more about the adventures that await you.
General Information
Situated in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is bordered by South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique. Prior to receiving independence from the British colony in 1980, Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia and comprises of eight provinces and two cities with provincial status for administrative purposes. Mining and agriculture are the key business industries in the economy of Zimbabwe and its natural resources include coal, platinum, asbestos, gold, chrome, diamonds and iron ore. The country is a delightful destination and some of its most acclaimed tourist attractions include Victoria Falls, the many game parks and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Zimbabwean Public Holidays
News Year's Day - 1 January
Easter Dates – Varies yearly
Independence - 18 April
May Day (Worker's Day) - 1 May
Africa Day - 25 May
Heroes Day - 11 August
Defence Forces Day - 12 August
Unity Day - 22 December
Christmas Day - 25 December
Boxing Day - 26 December
Language
English is the official language of Zimbabwe and is understood in most populous areas. In other areas, indigenous languages are spoken - the most commonly spoken are Shona and Ndebele while minority languages such as Tonga, Chindau and Hlengwe are also spoken.
Travel Health
We advise that you visit your doctor for an anti-malarial prescription and for yellow fever vaccination when planning your trip to Zimbabwe. Please also ensure that you have sunblock and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Currency
The US Dollar ($) is used in Zimbabwe and you can exchange currency at all the major banks.
Travel Within Zimbabwe
Air Services – A network of local airports allow you to travel across the country in significantly less time. Domestic flights between Harare, Kariba, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo are available.
Road Services – There are approximately 80 000 kilometres (48 800 miles) of roads throughout Zimbabwe, of which 5000 kilometres (3000 miles) are first class, two lane surfaced roads. The rest of the country relies on single lane, all-weather gravel and dirt roads. All tourist centres are linked by asphalt roads and luxury coach services operate between tourist destinations and neighbouring countries. You can also hire a car and embark on an exciting self-drive holiday in Zimbabwe should you prefer a little more freedom.
Taxi Services – Airport shuttle and taxi services are immediately available at Harare International Airport, outside most hotels in Harare and at the country's major city centres. Licensed taxis are metered and a 10% tip is usually added directly to the meter. Meikles Hotel has a fleet of taxis available 24 hours a day for guests.
Rail Services – Zimbabwean Railways operate all trains in the country and you can get information on train stations, destinations and travelling times from the Concierge should you wish to embark on a rail journey.
The Weather
Zimbabwe is a year round destination, but the time of year you travel can depend on the type of activities you are interested in. For safari enthusiasts, the best time to travel to Zimbabwe is between May and September as the waterholes become the main source of water for the game. For the nature enthusiast, the rainy season is a delight as the bird life and flora is at its best. For adventure junkies, summer is the best time for white-water rafting as the water levels are quite low.
Summer: From October to April. Balmy hot days are intermittently interrupted by magnificent thunderstorms and temperatures range from 25C - 35C. It does get a little cooler at night and the rainy season falls between November and March.
Winter: From May to September. The days are sunny and cool to warm with the temperature usually sitting at 20C. The evenings get quite chilly (5C - 10C), so be sure to pack accordingly.
What to Pack
As it gets quite hot, light cotton items are recommended as are sunblock, sunglasses, your swimming costume and a cap or hat. A comfortable pair of walking shoes for sightseeing, a pair of open sandals for around the pool and a pair of smart shoes for dinners should suffice. A lightweight rain jacket and some warmer fleeces or sweaters are recommended and don't forget the camera!
Banking
Banking hours are from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except Wednesday). Wednesday bank hours are from 8am to 1pm and banks are also open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 11am. All the major banks offer currency exchange: Barclays, Standard Chartered, Kingdom Bank, ZB Bank, Stanbic Bank, CBZ (Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe), African Banking Corporation, MBCA, FBC, and NMB.
Electrical Appliances
In the main centres and main tourist resorts, all electrical appliances run on 220/230 volts. Outlets are of the 3 pin square, 13 amp type.
Business Travel Information
Office hours are from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and while the atmosphere is generally less formal than in most European countries, the normal business conventions apply.
