Quick Facts

WEATHER

Normally the rainy season with warm to hot days, mild to warm evenings. Light clothing and rainwear.

Mainly sunny, warm days with cool to cold evenings. Pack a jersey for the evenings.

Mild, sunny days but can be distinctly cold in the evenings. A jersey or anorak is strongly recommended.

Pleasant sunny days may need a jersey for the evenings.

Hot sunny days with high temperatures. Nights are warm. Light clothing.ITEMS TO BRING Protection against the harsh African sun is advised, as well as khakhi, loose-fitting cool clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential.

TRANSPORT

FLIGHTS: Domestic flights run between the main cities.
ROADS: Excellent road network.
DOCUMENTATION: IDP (International Drivers Permit) is required and vehicle identification.
BUS: Services are provided in most parts of the country.
RAIL: Daily between the main cities.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Zimbabwe has three cellular network operators through which roaming facilities are available. If you wish to bring your cellular telephone along it is advisable to check with your local cellular provider as to whether or not they have roaming facilities in Zimbabwe. Pay as you go cards are also available from the cellular companies in Zimbabwe.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 Volts AC; 50 Hz.

RELIGIONS

Majority Christianity; Hindu and Muslim minorities. Traditional beliefs in rural areas.

BANKING HOURS

0800 – 1500 Monday to Friday.
0800 – 1130 Saturday.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Gold dollar (ZiG) although it is not an internationally recognized currency. However, the economy of the country is pegged in US Dollars, so essentially the US Dollar is the dominant currency. If you are a visitor to Zimbabwe you want to think in US Dollars however South African rands are also accepted.

CREDIT CARDS

International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Some banks have ATM machines where visitors can use their international credit cards. Please check with your bank if you can use your ATM card in Zimbabwe. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at the bank.

MONEY WIRING SERVICES

• Western Union
• Mukuru
• Mama money
• World Remit

FOOD

The cuisine of Zimbabwe is rooted in traditions of African cuisine but tempered by influences of having been a British colony. However, maize and corn remain staple grains supplanted by millet, sorghum, rice, and wheat. A quintessential Zimbabwean dish is sadza paired with vegetables or meat. Mealie-meal is not just used to make food it is also used to make beverages like maheu. Naturally sour tasting, thick and creamy in consistency, maheu is sometimes sweetened with sugar. When fermented, it is an alcoholic beverage.Some taboos about food persist, while some have fallen out of favor. Eggs were thought to cause infertility in women and were to be avoided, a taboo less in practice these days. Those belonging to the Ndebele ethnicity avoid eating corn out of the season that it is harvested in. A lot of ethnic groups do not eat animals or plants that are on their family totem or that their family name is based/derived from.

HEALTH MATTERS

Yellow fever and Malaria: Vaccination recommended

DOCUMANTATION

Valid passport required by all with at least 6 months from date of entry. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the nearest Zimbabwe Embassy before departure. If you are not staying for longer than six months, you enter Zimbabwe with minimum of formalities. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket to your country (or enough money to buy one) and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe. All visitors require valid passports. A visa can be obtained from any Zimbabwean embassy.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Indecent film and publications; ammunition, narcotic drugs etc.

SHOPPING HOURS

Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700hrs
Saturday 0800 to 1300hrs
A number of smaller shops stay open until later and many suburban supermarkets are open on Sunday morning. In tourist areas most curio shops or markets are open all day and all week. Throughout Zimbabwe many roadside markets sell hand made curios and carvings with a wide variety to choose from.