Zimbabwe - Tourist Information |
Statistics
Statistics
Population: 12.2 million
Area: 390 580 sq. kms.
GDP per capita: US$ 2 100
Languages: English, Shona, Sindebele |
Climate
The climate is generally temperate on the interior plateau at elevations above 1000 metres and in the Eastern Highlands. The low-elevation areas in the Zambezi and Limpopo valleys and the...
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Currency and Credit Cards
The unit of currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Bank notes currently available are in denominations of Z$1.000 & Z$500. Coins in denominations of Z$2, Z$1,...
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Electricity
The Zimbabwean power grid uses 220/240 volts AC 50 Hertz. Wall sockets (round and square 3 pin) are rated to carry a maximum of 15 amps. It is important to carry a 3 pin round and square adapter. Most...
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Visas and Entry Requirements
Valid passports are required by all foreign nationals to enter Zimbabwe. Citizens of the European Union, Commonwealth countries, Scandinavia or the USA do nor require visas. All air arrivals must be...
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Public Holidays
01 January - New Year’s Day
Good Friday (Easter weekend) - April (variable date)
Family Day (Easter weekend) - April (variable date)
18 April – Independence Day
01 May - Workers day
25 May -...
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History
The first inhabitants of Zimbabwe were the San people who lived a hunter-gatherer existence across all areas of the country, until they were displaced by the arrival of Black African people from the...
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Economy
Zimbabwe has substantial mineral deposits including coal, chrome, iron, asbestos and gold. The agricultural industry in Zimbabwe used to be the countries largest producer of foreign exchange, with...
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Languages
The official languages are English, Shona, Ndebele.
The main local languages are Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, Venda. |
Geography
Zimbabwe is entirely landlocked and is situated between the Zambezi River and Zambia in the north and the Limpopo River and South Africa in the south. Moçambique forms its eastern border with Botswana...
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Physical Features
Zimbabwe's entire northern border with Zambia is the Zambezi River. The Zambezi flows over the world-renowned Victoria Falls and into the deep rocky Batoko Gorge before emptying into the vast man-made...
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Political Features
Zimbabwe is divided into eight provinces and has three official languages, with English the language of business and government. The capital city and most populous urban centre is Harare, situated in...
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Accommodation
The variety of accommodation in Zimbabwe ranges from luxury hotels and exclusive game lodges to bed and breakfast type accommodation and National Park bungalows and campsites. |
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Banking hours in most centres are 08h00 to 15h00 Mondays to Fridays and 08h00 to 11h00 on Saturdays. On Wednesdays banks close at 13h00.
Foreign bank notes and travellers cheques may be converted...
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Business Hours
Most businesses and shops are open between 08h30 and 17h00 on weekdays and between 08h30 and 13h00 on Saturdays. Supermarkets and flea-markets are often open on Sunday morning. Curios can be purchased...
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Dining and Drinking
Zimbabwean food reflects the agricultural products of the country. Superb meat products including beef, lamb and venison feature prominently. Harare and to a lesser extent Bulawayo, boast a wide...
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Tipping
Tipping for service is standard practice in Zimbabwe and usually ranges around 10% in restaurants and about US$1 for hotel porters. Cleaners and maids in hotels and Bed and Breakfast establishments...
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Media and Television
A limited variety of daily and weekly English newspapers are available in Zimbabwe, which reflect both the Government and an independent perspective to the news.
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting...
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Medical Care
Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and it is advisable to carry comprehensive medical insurance, which includes casualty evacuation insurance to South Africa. There are Public...
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Telephones
A formerly efficient telephone service, which has suffered from neglect in recent years, is available in almost all parts of the country. Direct national and international dialling is possible in...
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Postal Services
Post Offices are open from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. |
Air Travel
Direct flights from Europe and Australia provide easy direct access to Zimbabwe. Direct flights from multiple destinations in Europe, North and South America, the Far East and the Middle East provide...
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Road Travel and Public Transport
The road network is well developed and of a high standard. Major international and a number of local car hire companies are represented in Zimbabwe. Easy access to car hire from major airports and in...
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Security
The declining economy in the country has resulted in an escalation of more serious crime and it is important that the visitor is aware of the following:
· Certain inner city areas are unsafe and...
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