ZIMBABWE FACT SHEET
Zimbabwe is one of the youngest nations in Africa, having gained its independence in 1980. Approximately the size of California, it lies to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn between the Zambezi and the Limpopo Rivers. On its northern border with Zambia, the country boasts one of the natural wonders of the world, the magnificent Victoria Falls. Further east, the Zambezi is bordered in the south by South Africa, by Mocambique on the east and north east, and by Botswana on the south-west, It is part of the great plateau which is a major feature of geography in Southern Africa.
HISTORY
Bantu-speaking people – probably the Shona group – first infiltrated Zimbabwe during a southward migration around AD 1000. They found the country already populated with Bushmen and Hottentots, who had probably settled in the area some 500 years prior. The Bantu people easily over-shadowed the indigenous subsistence farmers, introduced a stronger form of government, and are generally credited with building walled city-states. Up until the 19th century, these Shona city states flourished and brought abundant wealth to the country through gold trade routes to Tanzania coast and offshore islands. Soon after that era, the Shona civilization began to crumble, primarily due to the fierce Zulu groups from the south, who waged successive raids on the less war-like Shona people.
One of these Zulu groups was the Ndebele (or Matabele) who settled in the area now known as Bulawayo, and quickly over-shadowed all Shona presence in this area. It was not until the 19th century that European traders and missionaries made their way into the Zimbabwe interior. The British South Africa company controlled the territory for many years, making a fortune from diamond and gold mining, until their charter was dissolved in 1923, and the country was named Southern Rhodesia and became a self-governing colony of England.
For many decades to follow, the country was beset by internal racial conflict and disputes between white settlers who wanted their freedom, and England who was not willing to grant independence.
In 1965, a coalition of white settlers declared a Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain, thus earning the status of an international ‘outlaw’. But internal racial problems continued to intensify, and after many years of guerilla warfare, the white population and British Government agreed to the formation of an independent nation in 1980, which the citizens soon renamed Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe became the first president and unfortunately still remains in office to this day.
ECONOMY
The major portion of Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange comes from its extensive mining industry. Two-thirds of the world’s known reserves of chrome are found within its borders. Other major mineral deposits include coal, copper, nickel, gold and iron ore. Inflation, however, is at record highs and most of the citizens of the country are suffering because of it.
CLIMATE
Nature has given Zimbabwe one of the finest climates in the world, with its long warm summers and short mild winters. The dry winter months (May-October) have sunny days and cold nights, this is an excellent game-viewing time. The wet summer months have hot days and frequent showers.
In summer, temperatures average 23-30 degrees C during the day, with the hottest month being October, when temps often exceed 32 degrees. Light clothing is essential, and it is advisable to wear a hat and sunblock. During the rainy season (November to March), a sweater may be needed in the evenings.
PLACES OF INTEREST
HARARE
Formerly called Salisbury, Harare is the capital and largest city. Although a commercial and industrial centre, the flowering trees, colorful parks and contemporary architecture lend an air of spaciousness. Points of interest include the National Museum, National Art gallery, Botanical gardens, Houses of Parliament and the Tobacco Auction Floors. A short drive from Harare are the Lavon Bird Gardens, Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens, Mazoe Citrus Estates and Lake McIlwaine Game Park.
BULAWAYO
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second largest city and is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is rich in historical associations and is home of the national Museum. Nearby are the ancient Kame ruins, while to the south is the Matopos National Park with its huge granite boulders, dams with excellent fishing, caves with rock paintings, Rhodes’ grave and a well-stocked game reserve. Bulawayo is also home to the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage.
LAKE KARIBA
Created by the damming of the Zambezi River, it consists of over 2,000 square miles of water studded with islands and surrounded by mountains, providing a year-round supply of water for abundant animal and birdlife. Lake Kariba is a playground for watersport enthusiasts as well as providing excellent fresh water fishing.
MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Kariba and bounded on the east by the Sanyati Gorge and the west by the Umi River, this scenic 600 sq mile park has an abundance of elephant, kudu, impala and buffalo. Game-viewing by boat near shore, fishing and walking safaris are available.
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
During the dry season, Mana Pools National Park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. The park is situated on the south side of the Zambezi River downstream from lake Kariba, and is home to 12,000 elephant and 16,000 buffalo, and the country’s largest population of black rhino.
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the north-western part of the country is Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Hwange’s greatest appeal is its unspoilt wildlife area that allows the visitor to view a great variety of animal species in splendid surroundings. Here is one of the last great elephant sanctuaries in Africa and herds of elephant may be seen. Other predominant species include buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable, white and black rhino, cheetah, wild dog and bat-eared fox.
VICTORIA FALLS
Victoria Falls is approx. 5600 feet wide, twice the height of Niagara falls and one and a half times as wide. It is divided into five separate waterfalls: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract, ranging in height from 200-355 feet. Peak flood waters usually occur around mid-April when 150 gallons of water per minute crash onto the rocks below, spraying water up to 1650 feet in the air. Hence the African name for the Falls ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ – the smoke that thunders. Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River form the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The banks of the 1675 mile long Zambezi River are lined with thick riverine forest. Daytime and sundowner cruises operate above the Falls where hippo and crocodile may be spotted, and elephant and other wildlife may be seen coming to the shore to drink.
THE GREAT ZIMBABWE MONUMENT
Located 247 miles south of Harare stands the brooding stone ruins of the ancient city state named Great Zimbabwe. For years the ruins were known as ‘one of Africa’s greatest mysteries’, as their origin and purpose baffled scientists throughout the world. Only recently have archaeologists proposed that Great Zimbabwe was built and inhabited by African people between 13th and 15th centuries. The complex once occupied several square miles and is thought to have contained a population of over 10,000 inhabitants. Fortified by a flourishing gold trade with Arab and Muslim merchants, it is believed to have begun its decline in the late 15th century due to agricultural overuse of the natural environment. When the gold trade trickled to a halt at the end of the 18th century, the entire culture was dissolved. The ruins are dominated by the Acropolis, Valley of the Ruins, Temple and Conical Tower – all examples of the incredible skill and tremendous labor put forth by these ancient builders. The ruins are easily explored on foot.
TOURIST INFORMATION
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
United States citizens must be in possession of a valid passport and visas are obtained upon entry in the country. Single entry visas are US $30 per person and double entry US $45 per person. Univisas are now also available if you are traveling into Zambia as well. $50 covers the visa fee for BOTH countries, and is valid for 30 days. The visa is available in Zambia at Livingstone’s Harry Mwaanga Airport, Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda Airport, the Victoria Falls land border and the Kazungula land border. In Zimbabwe the univisa can be obtained at Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls land border and the Kazungula land border.
Fees for Canadians: Single Entry US$ 75. Canadian Passport holders can only get a Single Entry Zimbabwe visa at the port of Entry, not a Multiple Entry Visa.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATES
No inoculations are required if arriving directly from Europe or the United States. Anti-malaria precautions MUST be taken if visiting the safari areas. Yellow Fever shots are always recommended for any African country.
WATER
It is not advisable to use water in the rivers or dams for swimming or drinking. However, water in towns, hotels and swimming pools is from purified water supplies and therefore perfectly safe to drink.
WHAT TO WEAR
Lightweight and casual clothing is acceptable attire, although some of the country’s finer restaurants warrant coat and tie for men and equivalent dress for women. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary on game-viewing excursions, while touring Victoria Falls and at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. A jacket or sweater is recommended during the winter months.
CURRENCY
Zimbabwe’s unit of currency is the Zimbabwe dollar and is divided into 100 cents. You may take any amount of foreign currency in bank notes into the country with you, but you must declare the total to customs upon entry or you will be unable to re-export your bank notes. Both Visa and Amex are accepted at most places but advisable NOT to use them due to the extremely high inflation and exchange rates. Please also note that US $100 bills CANNOT be exchanged.
BANKING HOURS
Weekdays from 8.30AM to 3PM. Saturdays 8AM – 11.30AM
SHOPPING HOURS
Most stores are open from 8AM Monday thru Friday. Closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
GOOD BUYS
Articles made from glowing Zimbabwe copper, jewelry made from semi-precious gemstones, soapstone or granite sculptures and wood carvings are the best buys. Hardwoven tapestries, crocheted items and baskets are particularly attractive in the highland areas.
LANGUAGE
The major African languages are Shona and Sindebele, although English is widely spoken in the cities.
VOLTAGE
City and town power systems are 230 volts. Not all hotels and game parks have plug in points to suit all electrical equipment. Best to have international adapters with you.
TIPPING
While on safari, $10 per person per day for the game ranger and $5 per person per day for the tracker.
Hotels porters should receive the equivalent of $2 per bag and waiters should receive 15%.
TAXES
There is a Departures Tax of US $30 per person – usually included in your air ticket taxes – if flying out.