Zimbabwe

Travel Tips

Entering the Country

To enter Zimbabwe you much obtain a travel visa given by the Zimbabwe Embassy, which will be about $30.

You must also carry with you a passport and have purchased a return ticket home.

Safety

Criticizing their president is a crime in Zimbabwe and Americans have previously been arrested for expressing their views.

Be wary of scams and muggers in the tourist areas. Criminals typically target tourists.

Don't flash valuables and secure all personal items at all times.

Clothing

An idea of what to pack:

blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
T-shirts
shorts or a light skirt
jeans or trousers for evenings and cooler days
fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer)
comfortable walking shoes
sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
binoculars and a camera are a must
track suit - good for sleeping in during winter months
light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
towel, flashlight and sleeping bag for camping safaris

Currency

Zimbabwe primarily operates with cash, not credit and debit cards. They do not have their own currency, but utilize currencies of other countries. Different areas will accept varying types of currencies, including the British Pound, the US Dollar, the Euro, South African Rand, and Botswana Pula. Finding the exchange rates is very simple on google.

Health

Waterborne diseases are very prevalent in this country, so make sure you're only drinking sealed bottled water.

Some tips on keeping yourself safe from diseases are:

Wash your hands frequently and always before eating or drinking. If no soap and water is available, use strong hand sanitizer,

Drink bottled water

Don't eat food from street vendors

Avoid dairy products

Make sure to get Malaria pills and get vaccinations for Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Routine, and Rabies. You should also bring plenty of bug repellent and over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.

Transportation

The best way to get around will be to take a luxury bus or taxi, or to rent your own car.

If you rent a car it's strongly suggested you rent one with four wheel drive.

The roads in Zimbabwe are deteriorating, no one obeys speed limits, and they drive on the left side of the road so don't let that throw you off. The conditions of the roads are definitely not up to most American and EU standards.. The use of cell phones while driving is prohibited.

Driving at night is not recommended for several reasons. There are drunks, people walking in roads, and criminals smash windows and steal valuables while you're stopped at stop lights. Make sure you have plenty of time to get home before dark.