Following the collapse of the Zimbabwe Dollar, Zimbabwe currently uses the US Dollar as its currency. Cash is king in Zimbabwe: make sure you can cover your costs during your visit as withdrawing cash from an ATM or bank is not something you can rely on. Travelers’ cheques and credit/debit cards are not widely accepted and often incur hefty fees. It is advisable to travel with smaller denominations (ie 1, 2, 5 and 10 dollar notes) as change can be a problem.
TIPPING
Bring small denomination notes – small change is rarely available in Zimbabwe – and note that although tipping lodge staff and guides is customary for good service, make sure that a service charge hasn’t been added onto your bill beforehand.
CLIMATE
Average summer temperatures: 17°C to 31°C
Average winter temperatures: 7°C to 29°C
Rainy season: November to April
WHAT TO PACK
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable for Zimbabwe throughout the year. For your Zimbabwe safari, pack lightweight clothing in light, neutral colors (but not white as it gets dirty very easily). Include a warm jacket or fleece in your suitcase for evening game drives as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Dimensions for luggage are 25cm (10 inches) wide and 30cm (12 inches) high. No wheels / frames / rigid structures are allowed. For safety reasons a luggage weight limit of 20kgs per person (for hand luggage, camera equipment and checked bags). Additional fees may apply to overweight luggage. Extra seats can be booked for heavier luggage.
Passengers weighing over 100kgs will need to notify Robin Pope Safaris of their actual weight so this can be taken into consideration. Additional fees may apply to passengers weighing over 100kgs.
In the recent years we have had more and more guests arriving without their luggage. Unfortunately with new security at airports hand luggage is being restricted. However, where possible we recommend that you travel with anything essential (medication in particular, spare glasses), and if possible a change of clothes.
FLIGHTS AND GETTING AROUND
Harare International Airport: mostly used as a conduit to Victoria Falls, the easiest way to fly into Harare is via Johannesburg as there aren’t many direct international flights into the country.
Victoria Falls International Airport: serving Victoria Falls, Hwange and the Zambezi Valley destinations, this airport is a local logistics hub and connects easily with destinations in Botswana and further afield.
Road transfers in Zimbabwe are usually conducted in mini buses and game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles. Light aircraft charters are available for flights to more remote destinations.
VISA AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by most visitors to Zimbabwe and can usually be obtained at your point of entry. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Israel and Japan as well as a number of other countries will receive their visas at the airport or border post upon payment of requisite fees. However, some nationalities will have to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling. Visas can be obtained at all Entry ports into Zimbabwe on arrival. Fees differ according to country of residence.
Canadian passports: Single entry – US$75
British and Irish passports: Single entry – US$55 (or equivalent in SA Rands or Pounds); Double entry – US$70.
Other passports (USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand): Single entry – US$30 (or equivalent in SA Rands or Pounds); Double entry – US$45 (or equivalent).
Zimbabwe immigration visa website link http://www.evisa.gov.zw/
Airport Tax
US$15 per person payable at the airport for all private internal charters only. Commercial airline airport tax will be included in all tickets upon initial travel booking. (Subject to change without notice)
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The standard vaccinations required for the Southern Africa region are applicable to Zimbabwe. It’s important to see your doctor several months in advance, as some vaccinations take time.
It’s highly recommended to get vaccinated for both cholera and typhoid, both which had sporadic breakouts in late 2016.
Malaria is present in many parts of the country, so it’s recommended to take a course of antimalarials such as Doxycycline or Malarone. However, preventing bites is the ideal solution, so wear long-sleeve clothing in the evenings and bring along repellent containing DEET.
Also ensure you get shots for hepatitis A and B.
Malaria protection is imperative. Tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Guests travelling from Zambia and into South Africa are required to have a Yellow Fever certificate. Please consult your regular doctor or travel clinic in your home country for up-to-date information. It is advisable to know your blood group type in case of emergency.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is vital for travel in Zimbabwe. The state of health care isn’t high, so for anything serious you’ll need to be airlifted to South Africa. If you plan on rafting, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other adventure activities, ensure you are covered by your policy.
INSURANCE
We ask that full insurance is put in place at point of confirmation. Please give us details as to the above. We expect every guest to have insurance that covers the following as a minimum:
o Cancellation and curtailment
o Medical costs (including full hospital costs if needed); Personal accident or death; Emergency evacuation from the point of evacuation to the nearest best hospital and then back to the guest’s home town. Family or travelling partner should also be covered for accompanying the evacuation.
We cannot emphasize how important it is to be fully covered. Private hospitals in Africa will not accept a patient until full medical insurance has been established.
TAP WATER
The tap water in Zimbabwe is NOT safe to drink, so ensure you consume bottled mineral water only, which is widely available.
Please Note: Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate, African Safari Experts is in no way responsible for the information provided. We will endeavor to communicate any amendments to the information in a timely manner.
If the best of Zimbabwe is your style then have a look at Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools.