The exotic and vibrant banana republic of Zimbabwe is one of the most comfortable countries for foreigners to visit in Africa. In the absence of tsetse flies and yellow fever, pristine nature flourishes here with powerful waterfalls, exotic and rare animals like the black rhino, and the locals, with a sufficient level of civilization and European influence, keep ancient traditions and the culture of their ancestors. A juicy and bright cocktail of impressions from crazy jeep races, night safaris, helicopter flights over Victoria Falls and much more – this is what awaits foreign guests in Zimbabwe!
Geography of Zimbabwe
According to extrareference.com, Zimbabwe is a country located in southeast Africa between the large Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It shares land borders with South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. The main part of the territory of Zimbabwe is located on large plateaus from 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level, which gradually decrease into sandy plains. The whole country is permeated with a network of rivers in the Indian Ocean basin, but most of them are shallow and dry up during the dry hot season. Less than half of the area of Zimbabwe is covered with forests, their number is sharply reduced due to the high rate of industrial logging.
Capital
Harare
Area
The area of Zimbabwe is 390,757 km. sq., occupies the 59th place in the world by area.
Population
13 182 908
Currency
The state currency is the US dollar (USD).
Language
Official language is English, Shona and Northern Ndebele
Visa to Zimbabwe
Citizens of the Russian Federation can obtain a visa to Zimbabwe upon arrival. It is also possible to apply for a visa at the Consulate of Zimbabwe in Moscow, but this will only be a waste of time, in addition, the rules here may be more stringent. To obtain a visa on arrival, you only need to fill out an application form in English and have a foreign passport for at least 6 months after the end of your stay in Zimbabwe. The cost of issuing a visa at the border is $30, valid for 30 days. The Consulate of Zimbabwe can also apply for a double-entry tourist visa for $45. It is interesting that, given the local specifics: the popularity of visiting the famous Victoria Falls from neighboring Zambia, the Zimbabwean authorities allow re-entry even with a single entry visa during one daylight hours, which is quite enough for sightseeing. When leaving Zimbabwe, you will be given a special card with the time of your departure, which you can return on the same day.
Weather in Zimbabwe
The climate in Zimbabwe varies from sub-equatorial in the north to tropical in the south of the country. In total, there are three seasons in Zimbabwe: a warm rainy summer from November to March at temperatures of 21˚С -27˚С, a cool winter from April to July with temperatures of 13˚С -17˚С, and in mountainous areas up to -5˚С, as well as hot spring from August to October with temperatures from 30˚С to 40˚С. September and October are the hottest months in Zimbabwe, at which time people with a high sensitivity to heat are not recommended to visit the country. You can choose the most favorable time for travel based on the purpose of your trip. So, the period from May to September is suitable for exploring the flora and fauna, and for rafting, which is very popular here, it is better to choose the time from August to December.
Currency exchange in Zimbabwe
Almost everywhere in Zimbabwe, both American dollars and the local currency, the Rand of South Africa, are accepted. You can exchange money at any bank, hotel or exchange office. Cashing out a bank card is also not difficult. The schedule of banks in Zimbabwe is quite peculiar: on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday they work from 8:00 to 15:00, on Wednesday – until 13:00, and on Saturday – until 11:30. Please note that inflation is very high in Zimbabwe, and prices can change significantly even in a month of your trip.
Electricity
Mains voltage 220V, 50Hz. There are two types of sockets: D – outdated British with two thin and one thick round pin, and G – two flat horizontal and one vertical pin.
Religion
According to recent population surveys, 85% of Zimbabweans are believing Christians, including Afro-Christian sects and beliefs. 12% of the population are convinced atheists. 3% are African pagans and adhere to traditional local beliefs.
Security
Zimbabwe is the safest country for foreign tourists in all of Africa, but even so, it is not recommended to travel alone, carry valuables and large sums of money. Zimbabwe has a rather unstable political situation, so it is worth asking in advance about what is happening in the country before traveling. When visiting national parks, try to wear closed shoes and long sleeves, this will protect you from meeting unpleasant and dangerous insects.
Health
Officially, no vaccinations are required to travel to Zimbabwe, but it is recommended that you take malaria prophylactic pills and also get vaccinated against yellow fever. As in many countries of the world, it is recommended to use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Also pay attention to the quality of ice in drinks, from time to time you may be offered ice from tap water, which should never be used for this purpose. It is highly recommended that you take out health insurance before traveling to Zimbabwe, as most often you will be required to pay for all medical services before they are provided if you do not have it. The country has very high rates of AIDS.
