ZIMBABWE
Capital: Harare
Population: 12.6 million
Currency: US Dollar, South African Rand
Language: English, Shona, Sindebele
Time Zone: EST plus 6 hours
Electricity: 220/50Hz
Fun Facts
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Zimbabwe is famous for its abundance of “Balancing Rock” formations, naturally hewn and were
featured on Zimbabwe’s paper money when it was in circulation.
The Victoria Falls are twice the height of Niagara Falls and one-and-a-half times the width.
Zimbabwe’s national flower is the flame lily, an impressive yellow and red flower with rippling leaves
that actually resemble flames.
Zimbabwe shares with its visitors a rich culture, still steeped in tradition and spirit. Its people are engaging
and welcoming and it offers one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A great source of pride and an inspiring
place of power, Victoria Falls is only a short trip away from some of the best safari locations in Africa, and
it perfectly completes any safari expedition. It is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after destinations in
Africa. The indigenous name for Victoria Falls, “Mosi-oa-Tunya” literally meaning the 'Cloud that Thunders', is
a remarkable waterfall forming the largest and longest sheet of falling water in the world. Although the water
levels may vary from dry to wet seasons, it is a spectacle to savor any time of year. Craggy cliffs, rainbows
across the mist, and the contemplative roar of the falls is unforgettable.
Your time in Zimbabwe will be a unique one. Explore the falls, the wildlife, peaceful waters and panoramic
views of indescribably spectacular African sunsets. Zimbabwe and its thundering Victoria Falls beckon
adventurers everywhere and never fail to deliver wildlife and scenery unlike any other part of the world.
VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health
requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit.
We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry
correct documentation.
A visa for your visit to Zimbabwe is necessary for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country,
check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Zimbabwe.
Visas cannot currently be obtained through an embassy or a visa service prior to departing the US due to
a shortage of visa stickers. They can only be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Victoria Falls or at the
border crossing. You will need space in your passport for the visa.
All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the
passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expiration
date carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when
traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you
and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry your
passport with you at all times.
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Health Requirements
It is imperative to find out from your physician what inoculations may be required for travel to Southern
Africa, and if any other health precautions are recommended (such as anti-malaria pills). For more details,
you might also like to consult the internet site of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://
www.cdc.gov/travel.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Zimbabwe is 263. When calling to Zimbabwe from overseas, dial your international
access code (011 from the US/Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone
numbers in Zimbabwe are 6-10 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 263 ## ### ####.
CURRENCY
As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have
difficulties with your preferred method of payment.
The Zimbabwean Dollar has been suspended indefinitely due to high inflation. US Dollars are the most
commonly used currency. It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition as some
merchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old.
ATMs are readily available in Victoria Falls but due to a shortage of US Dollars in the country they often
restrict or simply deny withdrawal requests so it is best to have US Dollars with you upon entry to the country.
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.
Credit Cards
The use of credit cards is far more limited in Zimbabwe, but they are accepted at tourist-heavy sites, hotels,
and some restaurants. Visa is most accepted; MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are more
difficult to use. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a
credit card. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification when making
a transaction with a credit card.
Traveler’s Checks
These are not accepted in Zimbabwe.
Bank hours:
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Mon., Tue., Thu. & Fri.: 8am – 3:00pm
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Wed.: 8am – 1pm
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Sat.: 8am – 11:30am
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Sun: Closed
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.
Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as
provided by our experienced personnel.
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The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US$1-2.
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An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately
US$7-10.
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at
approximately US$30-35.
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Shopping
Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges are
hardly ever included in the price. If you use a credit card for your purchase, you will be debited in the local
currency, and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services
Tax) is normally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing
airport from the relevant country.
TIPPING
Tipping is a common practice in Zimbabwe and usually well received. In restaurants and bars, a tip of
10-20% is acceptable.
Tip taxis drivers 10% of the fare.
For hotel and room service, a common tip amount is 1-2 USD per service if warranted (not including
porterage which is included).
ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Outlets
Voltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may be
necessary for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but may not convert
the voltage, so both devices are necessary.
Some hotels feature multi-region outlets.
TEMPERATURES
Zimbabwe experiences its drier season from April to October when it tends to be a little cooler, while heavier
rains usually occur from November to March.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Zimbabwe.
To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close
estimation.
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Zimbabwe features a lot of its local resources. “Mealie Meal” (cornmeal), fresh vegetables, rice, and chicken
are important staples. A common dish is “sadza and stew” (ground corn paste, similar to the consistency
of mashed potatoes with a hearty stew.
Drinking Water
In Zimbabwe, tap water is not safe to drink. Water served at your hotel is safe, otherwise we recommend
you drink bottled water.
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CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
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African culture is diverse. You will encounter new customs and different lifestyles as soon as you
take your first steps in the country. Appreciate and enjoy the differences. A majority of the locals
speak English and will greet you with a smile.
In some African countries, a warm smile and a handshake is a perfectly acceptable greeting. If you
are not a local, do not extend your hand first. Wait for the other person to do so. Local men do not
normally shake hands with women in public. When greeting an elder, it is acceptable to bow your
head slightly in place of a handshake.
Although not necessary, many visitors like to bring gifts for the local children. If you would like to
give a gift we suggest that gifts and donations be made through local schools and orphanages.
This gives you the chance to help the local community without reinforcing the culture of begging.
If you do choose to give gifts directly to children you encounter please do not give out candy. Gifts
such as school supplies or clothes are much better options. In addition we do not recommend that
anything be given to street beggars and street children encountered in the towns and cities, as it
promotes a negative life- style.
Always ask permission before taking a photograph of a local resident.
Poverty is a fact of life in many African countries. You should be prepared to see it but not scared
by it as most people are still very happy and friendly. Out of respect it is best to avoid excessive
displays of wealth.
A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Afrikaans:
Good morning / day: Gooie Môre, Good evening: Gooienaand, Hi: Haai/Hallo, Goodbye: Totsiens,
Please: Asseblief, Thank you: Dankie, Yes: Ja, No: Nee, Do you speak English?: Praat jy Engels, I
don't understand: Ek begryp nie dit nie, How much?: nic, 1 (one): Eeen, 2 (two): Twee, 3 (three): Drie, 4
(four): Vier, 5 (five): Vyf, 6 (six): Ses, 7 (seven): Sewe, 8 (eight): Ag, 9 (nine): Nege, 10 (ten): Tien, Where
is … ?: Waar is, WC: Badkamer, Tea: Tee, Coffee: Koffie, Bottled water: Gebottelde water, Cheers!:
Gesondheid, Have a nice day!: Lekker dag,
Last Updated 1/2/17
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