ZIMBABWE TRAVEL INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION - ZIMBABWE

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favoured whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence.

With more than a passing resemblance to a National Geographic best-of issue, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country to visit. It boasts the majestic Victoria Falls, magnificent wildlife reserves and the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe. It is landlocked and is bordered by Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique.

Population

The current population is 13 million.

Language

Nearly 70% of Zimbabweans are mother-tongue Shona speakers (the Mashona), spread across most of the country and beyond its borders, while Ndebele is the first language of 15% (the Matabele), living around Bulawayo and the Matabeleland area of the south west. Both are official languages, as is English.

Tours will be conducted either in English or Italian.

Currency

Zimbabwe's unit of currency is the Zimbabwe dollar which is divided into 100 cents.

Security

Violent crime is thankfully rare in Zimbabwe. However, in a country of great extremes of wealth and poverty, it would be a miracle if there weren't some theft. Usual precautions are therefore advisable. Pickpockets are quite common in urban centres. Be particularly mindful around markets - places where there are large numbers of people.

Electricity

Zimbabwe generates electricity at 220 volts, AC 50Hz. Confusingly, two types of plugs are commonly used throughout the country: the South African type, with three large, round pins/prongs; and the smaller UK type, with three square (actually rectangular) pins/prongs. Adaptors for both are readily available in major airports as you fly in.

Time

Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of GMT. Daylight is roughly 6am to 6pm, slightly extended in mid-summer.

Local Operators

We are an African company. We were born here and work here. We have the local knowledge.