Flights and Travel Guide to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a developing country that has recently gained much attention as a tourist destination offering outstanding Game viewing, national parks and an access to the Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world. The culture, customers, festivals, dances, celebrations and true exhibits of the age old African traditions bless Zimbabwe with a unique identity of its own in Africa.

Geography Neighborhood:

Zimbabwe has a popular neighborhood. Located in the Southern Africa, Zimbabwe has one after another holiday and safari destination neighboring it. Towards the South, it has the ‘Travel Capital of the World’ South Africa; while in the northwest is located the ‘Golfers heaven’ Zambia; in Southwest, Zimbabwe is bordered with another ‘Safari expert’ country Botswana and the ‘beach ecstasy’ Mozambique is situated towards the east of Zimbabwe. This unique neighborhood makes Zimbabwe a well connected and well gifted African holiday destination that is gateway to much more than just a few attractions.

Climate in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe enjoys a sub-tropical environment. The summer months are October to April and June to August is winter. The monsoon or rainy season spans from November to March every year.

Summer (October-April): It is hot, sunny and the temperature can climb to 30°C to 40°C in different areas.

Winter (April-June): It is the best time to travel to Zimbabwe and Game reserves are at their very best in winters. The weather is pleasant and temperature can go around 20°C or colder in nights.

Rainy Season (November-March): It is not a very good time to travel due to the rains.

The Local Time in Zimbabwe is +2 GMT.

Getting In and Around

Passport / Visa Requirement

It is advised to seek most up to date Visa/Passport information from Zimbabwean Embassy in London. British nationals can also obtain Visa on Arrival. The limit of stay on Visitors visa is 90 days unless extended or renewed. Working in Zimbabwe without the work permit, carrying precious stones without documentation or getting involved in drugs or trafficking can result in strict penalties, possible jail time or deportation depending on the nature of crime. Journalists or reporters need special permissions and documentation to travel to Zimbabwe. Also, for current and most up to date information it is highly recommended to call and inquire the relevant information from the concerned embassy before proceeding with your travel arrangements.

Moreover, the passport must have three blank pages and should be valid for at least six month period.

Main International Airport

Harare International Airport (IATA:HRE) is the main airport serving both domestic and International flights to/from Zimbabwe. It is at a distance of around 12 kilometers South East of the city. The airport has all basic facilities including duty free shops, parking, bank, restaurants, exchange machine, eateries, post office and other shops. There are taxis and coaches available outside the airport conveniently. 

Other Routes to Get in and Around

Often travelers book multi-national holidays to Africa going to Zimbabwe via South Africa, including a stopover in Johannesburg. From Johannesburg cheap flights to Harare are offered by many local and international airlines including mainly South African Airways and Air Zimbabwe. While, driving from Johannesburg all the way to Harare is also one of the many options. Other interesting ways to visit Zimbabwe is to take a road trip from Johannesburg to Harare or Bulawayo and further onwards to Victoria falls from where visitors often move further ahead into Zambia to get a full fledge African safari experience. Also a train service also connects Zambia with Zimbabwe.

Airlines to Zimbabwe

The national airline of Zimbabwe is Air Zimbabwe (IATA:UM) that offers flights to Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and other domestic and regional routes departing from London Gatwick (LGW) airport. Air Zimbabwe flights can be booked in economy or business class and have the shortest travel time as the carrier flies direct to the capital city Harare. Air Zimbabwe’s popular connection airport includes Johannesburg, South Africa.

Other airline to/from Zimbabwe includes Ethiopian Airline (IATA: ET), KLM Airline (IATA: KL), Air France (IATA: AF), South African Airways (IATA: SA), Kenya Airways (IATA: KQ), Qatar Airways (IATA: QR), British Airways (IATA: BA), Etihad Airways (IATA: EY) and more.

Capital of Zimbabwe

“The Sunshine City” Harare is the capital city and most traveled destination of Zimbabwe. The major international airlines from around the world, offer flights to Harare. It is a strong and developed city of Zimbabwe that enjoys most tourist traffic and International arrivals. The infrastructure is fine; the city is laced with numerous travel attractions, landmarks, galleries, theatres, clubs, museums, gardens etc and promises a great beginning of a trip to Zimbabwe.

Other Major Cities

Although most travelers restrict to the main cities, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls only but the other larges and less visited Zimbabwe cities include Chitungwiza, Gweru, Mutare, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Kadoma, Marondera, Chinhoyi, Zyishayane, Chegutu, Redcliffe and Hwange.

Infrastructure and Transport

Except for the flooding caused in rainy season that runs from November to February each year, most city roads are passable. Driving in Zimbabwe with a full British driving license is acceptable however it is recommended o obtain Zimbabwean driving license to avoid any complications at road blocks. Traffic signals should be followed; fastening seat belts is required as well. In parts of Zimbabwe, there can be fuel shortages so while on a long drive, its better to keep fuel cans. Do not travel after dark, if possible. In some parts of the town, large potholes, rough driving, absence of street lights and vehicle lights are common. Also there are incidents when livestock causes temporary road blocks and accidents. Drive carefully if renting a car or take a local guide cum driver for your ease and convenience. Local buses can be used during day time.

Tourism in Zimbabwe

Accommodations in Zimbabwe

Over the Past few years, basic services such as electricity, air conditioning, water, telephone, internet and sanitation and health facilities have shown some improvement however, staying at hotels, hostels or guest houses below 4 stars is not recommended.
Keep in mind that there will be a difference of -1 when it comes to comparing the star ratings of hotels in Zimbabwe with hotels in developed countries i.e. 3 stars accommodation means 2 star standards in most cases.

Apart from that, the accommodations in Zimbabwe are cheap, affordable and available. It is rather better to get a reservation of flights and hotel together as a “package” from a well established Travel Agency in your home country, prior travelling. Also Insurance is ideal in all cases to save you from any financial loses.

Places to See in Zimbabwe

Following are few of the many places to see in Zimbabwe:

• The vast range of lush green magnificent mountains – the Eastern Highlands that stretch beautifully from one end of the horizon to the other, like a master piece of an artist.
• The largest Game Reserve of Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the prime attraction for every tourist; it is here that you will see the most talked about wild side of Zimbabwe.
• The manmade Lake Kariba that is famed for its several tiny Islands (including Chikanka, Sekula and Chete) is more of a fantasy than a reality. The calm and serene sparkling waters of the lake, at a full moon night are no less than a paradise on earth.
• Masvingo, the oldest colonial settlement is the place that takes you back in time and brings you closer with the history of Zimbabwe, a history that is written with tears, with joys and with pain equally.
• Khami Ruins National Monument is the very well known site that holds a great archeological treasure. The large stone structures speak the tales of the past, well crafted within them.
• Hidden caves used for hideouts since the stone age, Bushman paintings with all their mysteries yet to be unfolded, the sacred sites profusion of distinctive rock landforms are not to be missed at Matobo Hills, Bulawayo.

Things to Do in Zimbabwe

Popular sports and activities in Zimbabwe include:

• Game Viewing and Wild Life Safari
• River boarding at the Zambezi river
• Bungee Jumping at the Victoria Falls
• Tiger Fishing and Boating at the Kariba Lake
• Trekking, Mountain climbing etc

Food and Shopping

The food in Zimbabwe is very filling. Mostly its whole grains, stew and meat based recipes. Mashed potato, corns and wheat are common ingredients. Also, the continental, Chinese and food from around the world is available at top restaurants and five star hotels.

Wine is also very truly African and bars serve the locally made brews at cheap prices.

Though Open-flee markets are the popular way of shopping in Zimbabwe but bargaining is unavoidable for foreigners. One of the well known markets includes Mbare Market where you can find almost anything that you may need.

Festivals and Events

Keep an eye for the following celebrations:

• New Year on January 01
• Independence day of Zimbabwe celebrated on April 18, 2011
• Night Life in Zimbabwe
• Good Friday on April 22, Holy Saturday on 23 and Dyngus day on April 25
• May 25 is the Africa Day
• December 25 is Christmand and 26, boxing day like elese where in the world.

Travel Safety Advice

• Always call and recheck your flight schedule with the airline, or your travel agent in order to ensure that flights are operating as scheduled. Most low-cost often have schedule revisions and flight disruptions in busy seasons. 
• When going for Game viewing or Safari, dress up comfortably and keep mosquito repellent along for safety.
• Despite the fact the Zimbabwean economy is getting stronger, the political tensions continue in Zimbabwe. Avoid getting into an argument about politics; avoid demonstrations and sites of such political activities. Also do not photograph Government buildings or institutions without prior approval.
• Always make sure that your Travel Documents and correct, in accordance with the requirements of the Zimbabwean Government and are up to date.
• When travelling to Zimbabwe, one must make sure that he gets airline as well as a full health insurance. Also make sure that your insurance covers everything that you are likely to get involved into.
• It should be well understood that animals in the Game Reserves and National parks are wild animals. Stay at a Safe distance at all times and do not irritate them.
• Littering in national parks is a moral offense. Also, while camping throwing away your leftovers near your camp can cause some ‘uninvited’ visitors, like Jackals, stray dogs, Hyenas to visit you.
• Avoid deserted streets, dark corners and such areas after dark.
• Keeping your money at more than one place is better. Also keep Travelers’ checks and pay for your accommodations / flights before travelling to lessen the burden of carry cash.
• Do not wear expensive jewelery or other such items when going out for shopping in a local market.         
• Some areas, such as Marange Diamond Mines, are restricted to public entrance and if advised ‘not to enter’ in a certain premises, the travelers should comply immediately.
• It is required to immediately park the car when the President / Government motorcade is passing. Not doing so soon enough is considered a serious offence.
• Dual nationals (Zimbabwean and British Passport) can be penalized.
• The indecency laws in Zimbabwe make homosexuality illegal and therefore, LGBT travelers should seek advice from their consulate/embassy before travelling.

Is Zimbabwe Safe to Travel?

If you get up to date Visa, passport and security situation information before travelling; travel on valid, complete and genuine documents; abide by the laws and the above stated “Things not to do” in Zimbabwe, it is just as safe as any other country. Also according to the fco advice (as of now) there is low risk of Terrorism in Zimbabwe.