General Information followed by About Our Country

Places to Visit

April to October, the dry and cooler months are best for game viewing though while the summer is hot, many of the lodges offer excellent low season rates and the lush green and spectacular thunder storms are very beautiful and atmospheric.

The main access points are Victoria Falls which can be reached from Johannesburg and Maun in Botswana and Harare which can be reached by direct flight from London and from Johannesburg as well as several other regional capital cities.

Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, Hwange National Park

If your safari includes charter flights the luggage allowance will be 15 kgs in soft duffel type bags.

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Wednesdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-11.30 a.m.

Most major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques may be exchanged at banks and hotels.

The Zimbabwe dollar (Z$) is divided into 100 cents. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency (which must be declared on arrival), although no more than Z$200 in local currency may be imported.

It is customary to tip up to 15%. Many camps and lodges have a communal tipping box, if in doubt ask what the standard practice is, or use your own discretion. We suggest $US5 - $US10 per couple per day.

GMT plus 2 hours

The game viewing winter months are usually warm and sunny though, allowing for light clothing but the early mornings and evenings can be very, very cold. During June and July temperatures may drop below freezing so gloves, a scarf and even a balaclava add to the comfort of an early morning game drive. From September you can expect some very hot weather and yet still need a sweater in the evening. On safari, it is advisable to wear trousers and stout, lace-up shoes, clothing should be in natural, earthy or khaki tones. Remember to take a hat, sunglasses and sun block, a torch, insect repellent, binoculars and plenty of camera film. A detailed "What to Pack" list will be provided with your documents.

220/240 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs have three square pins.

Be wary of swimming in lakes, rivers and natural reservoirs as they can be infected with the bilharzia parasite. There are many highly recommended vaccinations and malarial treatments - for information see your doctor or travellers medical centre.

In Harare and in Victoria Falls you can find almost all types of film however we recommend that you take your film from home. On safari, whenever you take pictures with a zoom or telephoto lens, it is preferable to use 200 or 400 ASA. Certain tribes will accept being photographed, usually in exchange for a small sum of money.

In towns, do not wear jewellery in public and do not carry large sums of money or a handbag. Use the hotel safe for all your valuables, cameras and passports. Do not respond to proposals made in the street. As a general rule take a taxi, particularly after dark. On safari take the advice of your guides, hosts and lodge management.

Hotels and lodges will provide drinking water, elsewhere bottled water is recommended.

Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure. Many nationalities require a visa for Zimbabwe so please check with the appropriate authorities.

The main entry points of Harare and Victoria Falls have exchange and banking facilities. There are airport buses and metered taxis available.

The winter months, the typically dry months are June to September - and all are usually good for game viewing. Many of the smaller water holes dry up and foliage is thinner, making it easier to locate and see animals. May and October are the autumn and spring times respectively, during which intermittent rain should be expected, and mornings and evenings are warmer. The wet summer from October to April can be very hot and is characterised by clear mornings and afternoon thunderstorm activity. At this time of year, the bush is at its lushest and most beautiful, and birds abound (including European migrants). Days and nights are also warm and mosquitoes are very active at dawn and dusk.

About Our Country

It would be impossible to deny the political unrest that has dogged Zimbabwe in the last couple of years, however those that do visit Zimbabwe will find the rewards far out weigh the perceived risks. Zimbabwe's tourism highlights are well away from urban centres and with a network of charter and scheduled flights able to whisk you into remote game viewing country, it is easy to spend 2 weeks here and never see or hear of trouble.

Much of Zimbabwe consists of a central plateau or highveld which stretches from southwest to northeast with a mountainous region along the Eastern border rising up to 2440m (8000ft) in altitude. From south to north the country extends from the Limpopo to the Zambezi, rivers with names that evoke the mystery of Africa. Wildlife is plentiful and you may choose to see it on guided game drives, walking safaris or from the river, whichever way, you will be escorted by some of Africa's most highly qualified and informative safari guides.

Zimbabwe is as rich in natural resources as in natural beauty. The Eastern Highlands boast golf courses and trout steams, Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks offer unparalleled game viewing and there are another 8 more remote National Parks. There are the historic ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the spectacle and adventure of Victoria Falls. All this adds up to a safari experience that is packed with diversity and adventure.