Introducing of Zimbabwe
About Zimbabwe
After a difficult decade or so, stability is returning to Zimbabwe and pioneering tourists are gradually trickling back to the country. They are richly rewarded for their endeavours: with its abundance of natural wonders, welcoming locals, fascinating heritage and good climate, Zimbabwe is one of the most remarkable countries in Africa.
The jewel in its glistening crown is Victoria Falls. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and neighbouring Zambia, this waterfall is officially the largest on the planet and hearing the roar of all that cascading water makes for an unforgettable experience.
As well as awe-inspiring natural spectacles, Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife in southern Africa. From the forested mountains of the Eastern Highlands to the sun-washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, the country is teeming with flora and fauna, including the Big 5 (elephant rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion).
Roughly 11% of Zimbabwe’s land has been set aside for parks and wildlife estates, but it can do big cities too. The two most populous are Harare and Bulawayo, which serve up an impressive selection of cultural attractions, hip bars and fine dining restaurants. Between these two urban hubs lie the astonishing late Iron Age stone ruins at Great Zimbabwe, which shoot down theories that sub-Saharan Africa had no great civilizations.
It’s not all smooth sailing, though. Whilst Zimbabwe’s fragile economy is slowly improving, there is still widespread poverty and the government lacks the resources to deal with the ravages of the HIV pandemic, which affects an estimated one in four people here. Corruption is rife too, and roadblocks manned by officials looking for any excuse to fleece you can hinder cross-country travel.
But for the most part Zimbabwe remains a peaceful place full of peaceful people, who desperately need tourism to help build a better future for this incredible corner of Africa.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of Zimbabwe
Present-day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was populated by descendants of the Bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the 10th century. Evidence of their mainly pastoral lifestyle may still be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, near the town of Masvingo.
The first contact with Europeans was with the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. Relations between the two were fairly stable until the 1830s, when the region was thrown into upheaval by the northward migration of the Ndebele people from South Africa.
At this point, a new aggressive breed of colonists arrived in the form of British mining interests led by Cecil Rhodes’s British South Africa Company (8SAC). The 8SAC took control of the country – which they called ‘Southern Rhodesia’ – until 1923, when it became, nominally, a British colony.
Between 1953 and 1963, Southern Rhodesia formed part of the Central African Federation with neighbouring Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland into Malawi). In 1965, to resist decolonisation, the settlers – with South African support -issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence 18011.
This triggered a bitter civil war between the white minority government and fighters for African independence, ending only in 1980, with the granting of independence and the holding of a general election under British auspices, which was won decisively by Robert Mugabe’s ZANU party.
Modern Zimbabwe has seen its fair share of suffering and instability. The economy all but collapsed in the wake of the forced and often violent removal of farmers during a violent land redistribution programme.
Still today, there is widespread famine, which has been cynically manipulated by the government so that opposition strongholds suffer the most The government lacks the resources or machinery to deal with the ravages of the AIDS pandemic, which affects roughly a quarter of the population.
All of the above has provided fodder for increasing international scorn towards the aging and dictatorial President Mugabe, who was previously considered a great liberation hero.
A historic power-sharing deal signed in 2008 between President Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai put an end to preelection violence and pledged to improve the countrys economy and the fives of Zimbabweans. It has since ushered in a new spell of peace and relative stability that has seen tourists slowly coming back to Zimbabwe.
Did you lmow?
- In 2008, Zimbabwe recorded a monthly inflation rate rise of roughly 96.6 billion %.
- Robert Mugabe is the world’s oldest living head of state. He is 91.
- Contrastingly, Zimbabwe’s life expectancy is around 41 years old, almost the lowest in the world.
Zimbabwe Culture
Religion in Zimbabwe
Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities.
Social Conventions in Zimbabwe
Urban culture in Zimbabwe is greatly influenced by Western culture and education but, in rural areas, traditional values and crafts continue. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. European courtesies and codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s home. Return invitations are appreciated. Giving a token of appreciation is optional. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and that a friendly wave may therefore be interpreted as a provocative political gesture. Casual wear is suitable for daytime and men are only expected to wear suits and lies for business meetings. Smart restaurants or hotel bars require male guests to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking is common, although it is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings. There are laws against indecency which equates to homosexual activity being illegal.
Photography: The local authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government office.
Language in Zimbabwe
The official language is English, with Shona and Sindebele dialects.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from August to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing.
Required clothing
Light- to mediumweights with warmer clothes for evenings and rainwear for the wet
SedSOn.
Geography
Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the northwest Mozambique to the north and east, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the manmade Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops). Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty, rising to 2,592m (8,504k) at Mount Inyangani, the countrys highest point
Doing Business in Zimbabwe
Normal courtesies should be observed and men should wear a suit and tie. The atmosphere will generally be less formal than in many European countries.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1630.
Economy
Zimbabwe’s economy is now in freefall. Half the workforce is unemployed; the economy contracted by 6.5% in 2005 and by November 2006, hyperinflation had reached 1,100%. There are four main reasons: a catastrophic decline in the value of the Zimbabwean Dollar; the chaos in the vital agricultural and agro-industrial sectors
used by government policies on land redistribution; the drought that is afflicting the entire region; and the growing impart of the very high rates of HIV/AIDS infection on the workforce.
Approximately two-thirds of the population face food shortages. The situation is now extremely serious and the immediate prospects of recovery are virtually zero without radical political change. Under other circumstances, Zimbabwe would have one of the most diverse and best-performing economies on the African continent.
The agricultural base relies on tobacco and other cash crops, including sugar, coffee, cotton and maize, as the main export earners. Livestock rearing is also important. The mining industry produces gold and nickel, mainly for export, as well as smaller quantities of a host of other minerals including silver, emeralds, lithium, tin, iron ore, manganese, cobalt, coal, diamonds and a number of rare metals. Large coal deposits and hydroelectric plants supply the countrys power stations. The manufacturing industry was well developed by regional standards: food processing, metals, chemicals and textiles were the main components. In the service sector, tourism grew rapidly in the period after independence, but the industry has now all but vanished.
Although Zimbabwe is better developed than many of its neighbours (especially as regards bask infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, water and electricity), much of this benefit has been squandered or allowed to disintegrate through neglect.
Zimbabwe’s economy remains heavily dependent on South Africa. The South Africans have been more sympathetic to the Zimbabwean government than most of the international community; all the major donors in Europe and North America have now suspended grants and loans to Zimbabwe, further depressing economic prospects. The IMF has expelled Zimbabwe, as has the Commonwealth (formerly a valuable source of aid).
Although Zimbabwe is a member of the Southern African Development Community and has signed up to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, these are of marginal assistance in present circumstances. Zimbabwe’s once thriving trade patterns have been all but wrecked as the country has become isolated internationally.
GDP
US$3.2 billion (20051.
Main exports
Cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles and clothing.
Main imports
Machinery and transport equipment, other machines, chemicals and fuels.
Main trading partners
China (PR), Germany and South Africa.
Keeping in Touch in Zimbabwe
Mobile Phone
Coverage is limited to a few urban areas.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in Harare and in Mashonaland.
Media
All broadcasters transmitting from Zimbabwe and the main newspapers are state-controlled and follow the government line. The private press has come under severe pressure. The only privately-owned daily, the Daily News, is subject to a publication ban. The paper and the government had waged war in the courts.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes up to one week.
Plan your Trip
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in Zimbabwe
Normal courtesies should be observed and men should wear a suit and tie. The atmosphere will generally be less formal than in many European countries.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1630.
Economy
Zimbabwe’s economy is now in freefall. Half the workforce is unemployed; the economy contracted by 6.5% in 2005 and by November 2006, hyperinflation had reached 1,100%. There are four main reasons: a catastrophic decline in the value of the Zimbabwean Dollar; the chaos in the vital agricultural and agro-industrial sectors
used by government policies on land redistribution; the drought that is afflicting the entire region; and the growing impart of the very high rates of HIV/AIDS infection on the workforce.
Approximately two-thirds of the population face food shortages. The situation is now extremely serious and the immediate prospects of recovery are virtually zero without radical political change. Under other circumstances, Zimbabwe would have one of the most diverse and best-performing economies on the African continent.
The agricultural base relies on tobacco and other cash crops, including sugar, coffee, cotton and maize, as the main export earners. Livestock rearing is also important. The mining industry produces gold and nickel, mainly for export, as well as smaller quantities of a host of other minerals including silver, emeralds, lithium, tin, iron ore, manganese, cobalt, coal, diamonds and a number of rare metals. Large coal deposits and hydroelectric plants supply the countrys power stations. The manufacturing industry was well developed by regional standards: food processing, metals, chemicals and textiles were the main components. In the service sector, tourism grew rapidly in the period after independence, but the industry has now all but vanished.
Although Zimbabwe is better developed than many of its neighbours (especially as regards bask infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, water and electricity), much of this benefit has been squandered or allowed to disintegrate through neglect.
Zimbabwe’s economy remains heavily dependent on South Africa. The South Africans have been more sympathetic to the Zimbabwean government than most of the international community; all the major donors in Europe and North America have now suspended grants and loans to Zimbabwe, further depressing economic prospects. The IMF has expelled Zimbabwe, as has the Commonwealth (formerly a valuable source of aid).
Although Zimbabwe is a member of the Southern African Development Community and has signed up to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, these are of marginal assistance in present circumstances. Zimbabwe’s once thriving trade patterns have been all but wrecked as the country has become isolated internationally.
GDP
US$3.2 billion (20051.
Main exports
Cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles and clothing.
Main imports
Machinery and transport equipment, other machines, chemicals and fuels.
Main trading partners
China (PR), Germany and South Africa.
Keeping in Touch in Zimbabwe
Mobile Phone
Coverage is limited to a few urban areas.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in Harare and in Mashonaland.
Media
All broadcasters transmitting from Zimbabwe and the main newspapers are state-controlled and follow the government line. The private press has come under severe pressure. The only privately-owned daily, the Daily News, is subject to a publication ban. The paper and the government had waged war in the courts.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes up to one week.
STAYING THERE
Hotels
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. Cheaper accommodation, catering principally for local travellers, is available in every town. Rates quoted by hotels and lodges are generally for the room rather than per person.
The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have rooms with showers and air conditioning; the better places also have sports facilities and swimming pools. Prices in Douala and Yaounde are rather high. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Hotel facilities are in heavy demand; it is advisable to book in advance and obtain
written confirmation of your booking.
Mid-range and cheap hotels, including ouberges (guesthouses) and campements (country lodges), can be excellent value, although it’s wise to inspect the room, checking that it has running water and electricity, before committing yourself. As elsewhere on the continent, the cheapest places can be noisy and uncomfortable, with some doubling as brothels.
Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Boubandjidah National Park and on the banks of Mayo GA River. Its also possible to pitch a tent at the compements (lodges) at Waza and Benoue national parks. Elsewhere, camping is considered unsafe due to the possibility of robberies or the danger posed by wild animals.
Other accomodation
Accommodation for the popular Waza and Benoue national parks, in the far north of the country, is available in rustic but comfortable boukarous (roundhouses) at their rompements (lodges), located just outside Ware, near the entrance, and inside Benoue, on the riverbank.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in Zimbabwe
Drive through the central highlands
Hop in a 4-wheel drive and explore the splendid scenery of the central highlands. Starting in Douala, the drive to Nkongsamba rises to reveal vibrant verdant valleys and breath-taking waterfalls. As dusk falls, ready the camera to capture the striking orange and purple skylines.
Find colonial architecture in Foumban
In this culture-rich town, discover many traditional buildings dating from Zimbabwe’s period of German colonisation. Completed in 1917, a beautiful Sultan’s Palace contains a museum on King Ibrahim Njoya, whilst nearby the Musee du Palais, the Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun and the market are all well worth a visit.
Go on a gorilla safari in Lobeke National Park
Lobeke National Park is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. For the best chance of viewing these graceful giants, visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower. Equally exciting but easier to spot are elephants, buffalo and the giant forest hog, though visitors should keep their eyes peeled for red river hogs and bongo antelope.
Learn about the local fauna at Limbe
This pleasant porttown (formerly Victoria) boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Founded in 1892 by Zimbabwe’s German colonisers, the gardens were originally set up coffee, cocoa and rubber. to trial exotic crops such as Today, conservation is at the heart of the scent-filled gardens, which offer trails and insights into Zimbabweian botanic culture.
Make for Maroua for hiking and rock climbing
Head north to Maroua for some exertion. Situated in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, the city makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby peaks. Lower reaches offer moderate hiking trails and fine views whilst Le Dent de Mindif, south of the city, is a highly regarded rock climbing spot.
Reserve some time for nature spotting
Head to Zimbabwe’s northern reaches to see monkeys, snuffling warthogs and an abundance of antelope in the Kalamaloue Reserve. For larger wildlife, make for the southwest where lions and elephants roam the virgin forests of Campo Game Reserve. Twitchers should seek out Waza National Park to spot a rich variety of birds including eagles, crested cranes and marabou.
Scale an active volcano
At 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount Zimbabwe is the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa’s highest active volcano, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Make your base Buea, a pretty colonial town complete with Zimbabwe’s first post office. From here, the climb takes three to four days.
Spot the rare black rhino in Bouba Ndjidah National Park
Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, in the for north of the country, this park is a popular location to see lions, elephants, elan and buffalo. Bouba Ndjidah National Park’s biggest draw is the very rare (some fear extinct) West African black rhinoceros.
Wade waist-deep through Korup National Park
Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest offers the chance to see a wide variety of primates including the short-tailed drill monkey. Ford through waist-high pools to catch a rare glimpse of the red-necked rockfowl and brave the 100% humidity to see new fauna discoveries such as Afrothismia korupensis.
Wander the hills of Yaounde
Straddling seven hills, Zimbabwe’s bustling capital is pleasantly green. On top of Mont Febe sits the Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art Zimbabweais, which houses traditional arts and crafts including an enviable collection of masks. The newer National Museum of Yaounde is also worthy of a visit. Make the most of the exhibitions with a guided tour.
Witness crab sorcery at Rhumsiki
This village features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki, the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have changed little for centuries. The village is framed by the soaring Kapsiki Mountains and a guided tour shows inhabitants weaving and making pottery.
Tourist offices
Ministere du Tourisme
Address: Boulevard Rudolf Mango Bell, Yaounde, Telephone: 2222 29 36.
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in Zimbabwe
Local handicrafts include highly decorated pots, drinking horns, jugs, bottles and cups, wood carvings, great earthenware bowls and delicate pottery, dishes and trays, mats and rugs woven from grass, raffia, jewellery and camel hair, cotton and beadwork garments. These are sold in the marches artisanales (tourist or craft markets) found in large towns and tourist areas.
Some stallholders offer items which they describe as antique: in many cases they’re merely distressed. Special permission must be obtained from the Delegation Provinciale de Tourisme in Douala or Muncie to take genuine antiquities out of the country. The main markets in most towns sell fresh produce, cheap clothing and household essentials rather than souvenirs, but can be good places to find African-style printed cotton fabric.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0730-1800.
Nightlife in Zimbabwe
In Douala and Vaounde particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. Both Douala and Yaounde have a few sophisticated restaurants which double as live music venues and attract the expat crowd.
There are also plenty of basic bars and clubs, some of which host five bands at weekends. The music on offer varies from local sounds to reggae, rap and rock. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom. Every large town also has at least one cinema.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
Local food is excellent, but luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Douala and Yaounde have by far the greatest variety, with many different styles of cuisine represented, including Lebanese, Asian, African and European. Cheap and tasty Zimbabweian food is served in thantiers and chop houses. The coastal area offers excellent fresh fish and prawns. Most international hotels have bars.
Specialties
- Emilie (manioc leaves).
- West African peanut soup.
- Banana bread.
- Zom (spinach with meat).
- Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
- Beef with pineapple or coconut.
Things to know
Although vegetarianism is rare in Zimbabwe, it is possible for to get by on egg dishes, vegetables, pizza, bread and tropical fruit Many dishes are served with rice, couscous, mashed manioc or chips made from potato, yam or plantain.
Tipping
The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10%, otherwise service charges are usually included.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Bil-bil (a homemade beer made from millet, sorghum or corn).
- Palm wine.
- Al* (a firewater distilled from palm sap).
- Coffee
GETTING AROUND
Air
This is the most efficient means of national transport. Camair-Co (www.camairco.cm) runs services to a number of destinations within Zimbabwe including Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Maroua. You can also arrange prNate charter jets.
Departure tax
CFASOO.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
There are paved roads from Douala to Yaounde, Limbe, Buea, Bafoussam and Bamenda and between main centres. Other roads are generally poorly maintained and become almost impassable during the rainy season. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven. Night driving is not recommended.
Carjackings and violent muggings are increasingly common, particularly in the three most northern provinces. Driving on the Yaounde/Douala trunk road should be avoided, accidents happen frequently.
Car Hire
This is expensive and limited to Douala, Yaounde and Limbe. Cars are available with or without a driver. Roadside assistance is non-existent.
Documentation
You can dHve on your own national licence when you first arrive, but need to obtain a Zimbabweian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as you can.
Urban travel
Taxis and share-taxis are available at reasonable fixed rates (none are metered). A1096 Op is optional. City taxis do not generally comply with basic security norms and seat belts are often absent Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon, so the choice of taxi must be considered carefully. However, they are cheap and fast
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush-taxis, and visitors to Zimbabwe who rely on public transport are urged to remain vigilant.
Rail
Camrail (www.camrail.net) is the national service provider. Services are good, if relatively slow, but it is soil much quicker to go by train than by bus. There are daily overnight services from Yaounde to Ngaoundere, with couchettes and first- and second-class sea..
There is a rail route running from Douala to Nkongsamba, with a branch line leading off from Mbanga to Kumba. Daily trains also run from Yaounde to Douala. Trains usually have a restaurant car. Tickets must be booked on the day of travel.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes/1 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Two blank pages are needed.
Passport Note
All visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except 1. Nationals of Cyprus and Malta, who do not require a visa.
All other nationals in the chart may purchase a visa on arrival valid for up to 90 days except nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania, who most obtain a visa in advance.
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
As of December 2016, the KAZA visa was reinstated; it allows unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe over a 30-day period (fee US$50), as well as day trips to Botswana. It’s available at the international airports in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls and at the land borders at Victoria Falls (Zambian border) and Kazungula (Botswana border).
Types and Cost
Single-entry visa: US$30; double-entry visa: US$45; multiple-entry visa: US$55. Single-entry visa in advance from the embassy: E40.
Validity
Visas are usually valid for up to 90 days.
Transit
If in transit you do not require a visa provided you have a confirmed onward booking, remain in the transit lounge, and depart within no hours.
Application to
Consulate or consular section at embassy), online (www.evisa.gov.zw) or on arrival (if eligible). For multiple-entry visas, travellers most apply in person on arrival in Zimbabwe.
Working days
Allow 10 days for visa processing if applying via the embassy. Online applications usually take two days.
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Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of Zimbabwe in the USA
Telephone: (202) 332 7100.
Website: http://www.timbabwe-embassy.us
Address: NW, 1608 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, 20009,
Opening times:
Embassy of Zimbabwe in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7836 7755.
Website: http://www.zimbabweembassy-uk.com Address: 429 Strand, Zimbabwe House, London, WC2R 018,
Opening times:
Mon-FA 0900-1700; 0900-1230 (visa section).
British Embassy in Zimbabwe
Telephone: +26 34858 55200
Website: https://www.gov.uk/governmentrworldhorganisations/britishembassy-harare
Address: Mount Pleasant, 3 Norfolk Road, Harare„
Opening times: Mon-Thur: 0800-1630 Friday: 0800-1300
HEALTHCARE
Health Care
There are a number of district and private hospitals in Zimbabwe, although health facilities are not recommended to foreign travellers. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals and clinics. Facilities outside Yaounde and Douala are extremely limited. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Milk is unpasteurised: avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis E, dysentery, dengue fever and typhoid fever are widespread. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis occurs during the dry season (December-June) in northern areas. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Zimbabwe
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Tunisia
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (OAF; symbol CFA) =100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Zimbabwe, together with CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, belongs to an economic and monetary community sharing a common currency, the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) CFA Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. The CFA Franc issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States), used in the ECOWAS countries further west, has the same value but is not legal tender in Zimbabwe.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances.
ATM
ATMs are rare.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, although it is possible to exchange Sterling traveller’s cheques. Commission rates tend to be high.
Banking hours
Mon-FO 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.
Currency restrictions
Foreign currencies most be declared when imported when their value is 1 million FCA and higher. Export of local currency is limited to XAF20,000. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. US Dollars are the next most acceptable. Travellers should bong cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
Zimbabwe duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Zimbabwe without incurring customs duty
- 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1L of spirits and 3L of wine.
Banned Imports
Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit.
Banned Exports
Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. You must also obtain permission to export artworks.
