Zimbabwe is a country where you can experience the big 5 while taking in the incredible landscapes, making Zimbabwe home to five UNESCO world heritage sites. Victoria falls was one of the reasons I was looking forward to visiting Zimbabwe and it did not disappoint, the falls was breath-taking. However, despite Zimbabwe’s great beauty, it has received a lot of bad press in recent years. But I had a great experience, the people, accommodation and food were all great, the only down side was the shortage of cash at the banks and ATMs; Luckily my hotel excepted my visa card, but I only stayed a week instead of the two because of the shortage of cash. So, make sure you bring plenty of US dollars which seems to be the excepted currency in Zimbabwe.
Best Time to Visit
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination, July to October is peak season for the safaris, while April to June is the best time to visit Victoria Falls.
Things to do and see
- Victoria Falls National Park: Is in southern Africa along two countries, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls is 100m in Hight and a mile wide. This vast water fall is the largest waterfall in the world.
- Balancing Rocks: The Rocks are natural works of art; each rock is stacked one on top of the other. Worth the visit while visiting Zimbabwe.
- Victoria Falls Steam Train: This luxurious steam train travels through Victoria falls bridge and Jafuta Siding. The train serves snacks, a gourmet meal and drinks. A great way to spend an afternoon or morning in Zimbabwe.
- Zambezi River Cruise: A cruise on the Zambezi river is a relaxing activity to do when at Victoria falls.
Food
Game meat is very popular in Zimbabwe, many restaurants in the bigger cities serve international dishes. In urban areas the local diet includes starchy based foods and peanut based stews.
Transportation
Air: International airlines fly into Zimbabwe arriving at Harare or Victoria falls international airport. There are no direct flights to Zimbabwe from London.
Roads: Zimbabwe has a good network of roads connecting all the Major towns and rural areas. Drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Taxi: Taxi’s in Zimbabwe must be ordered there are several meter taxi companies operating in the bigger cities. There is no Uber.
Bus: There are several buses travelling between neighbouring countries in Southern Africa from Zimbabwe. Local buses have no schedule and will wait until the bus is full.
Ferry: Ferries run between Lake Kariba, Kariba, Binga and Mlibizi.
Rail: National rail of Zimbabwe run a line that connects Triangle, Victoria falls, Plumtree, Bulawayo, Mutare, Labatse, Chiredzi and Bulawayo. The rail system is poorly maintained.
Visa
Visas are required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals. You can get your visa on arrival.
Language
The main languages spoken in Zimbabwe are Shona, Ndebele and English, with everyone in the tourism industry speaking good English.
Money
The Zimbabwean dollar has been suspended indefinitely since 2009, US Dollars and the South African Rand are widely used instead. Credit and debit cards are useful although not everywhere has the technology to accept them. It is possible to withdraw cash from some ATMs, but most ATMs and banks are short of cash.
Tipping
It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service. You do not have to tip if the service charge has already been added to the bill.
Racism/Sexism/Discrimination
Adaptor
Zimbabwe uses the same plug as in the UK, three rectangular pins. Zimbabwe also uses three round pins and operates on a 230V supply and 50Hz voltage.
Wifi
There are many internet cafes in Harare and Mashonaland. The Major hotels will have free Wifi.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 