Zimbabwe
Welcome to the land of the ‘Smoke That Thunders”
The broad Zambezi plunges with a roar into a chasm 1700 meters wide in a series of cataracts which billowing spray can be seen miles away. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the falls, in 1855, and he named them in honor of his queen, Victoria.
The wonders of the Zimbabwe landscape are matched by a variety and density of wildlife comparable with the worlds best. Here you will find four world heritage sites, the famous Victoria Falls, bountiful Mana Pools and the great medieval African cities of Khame and Great Zimbabwe. The extensive National Parks and Reserves include Hwange, the enormous man-made lake of Lake Kariba/Matusadona and Mana Pools & Safi Reserve, The Matobo Hills boasting a large population of black and white rhino and the massive miles of Gonorezhou’s open wilderness along most of the border with Mozambique. Historically you can see the remnants of the vast empire of Shona trading, The Great Zimbabwe, believed to be the biblical city of Ophir--the site of King Solomon's mines.
Adventure activities and safaris available in open vehicles, night game drives, walking safaris and boat safaris the latter including motor launch, canoe, kayak, and even houseboat. The Zambezi also offers some of the finest whitewater rafting and fishing in the world.
Sample Itineraries:
Key Facts
Geography
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country at the base of the African continent. It borders Mozambique (to the east), South Africa and Botswana (to the south and west), and Zambia (to the north). Zimbabwe lies on a high plateau, and its terrain consists primarily of grasslands bordered on the east by mountains. The northeastern border of the country is marked by the mighty Zambezi River (in full flood February – April) , along which is located the incomparable spectacle of Victoria Falls and the magnificent expanse of Lake Kariba. The Zambezi has become one of the world's best water adventure travel destinations, offering outstanding whitewater rafting in the Zambezi Gorges below the falls and uncomparable canoeing.
Currency
Zimbabwe's unit currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD) and is divided into 100 cents. Any amount of foreign currency brought into the country, must be declared to customs upon entry to you will be unable to re -export your bank notes. Master, Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels, restaurants and shops. Please note that US$ 100.00 bills cannot be exchanged.
Entry Requirments
US citizens must have a passport valid at least six months beyond intended stay, tickets and documents for return or onward travel, a Visa (this can be obtained at the airport on arrival for a stay of up to 90 days).
Health
Malaria risks throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley, so prophylazix is recommended. Other recommendations are Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Typhoid. A Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required if arriving from an infected area. While in Zimbabwe visitors should be wary of using water in rivers or dams for swimming and drinking as they may be infected with bilharizia.
Climate & Best Time to Travel
Zimbabwe is south of the equator so the summer season runs from October to April and has hot sunny days, with afternoon thunderstorms possible during this rainy season (generally November to March). Winter days from May to September are very pleasant and is the best time for white water rafting, canoeing and game viewing, though grasses will be high in May / June after the rains.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50 HZ.
