ZIMBABWE TRAVEL ADVICE

Fast Facts

Full Country Name: The Republic of Zimbabwe

Population: 11.2 million

Capital: Harare

People: Shona (76%), Ndebele (18%), Batonka (2%), Shangaan (1%), Venda (1%), European, Asian

Main languages: Shona, Ndebele, English

Religion: Christian, Mwari

President: Robert Mugabe

Passports and Visas

Passports: All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.

Visas: US & UK nationals will be issued a visa upon payment at port of entry. Irish nationals do not need a visa.

Health Risks

Bilharzia, cholera, malaria, rabies, yellow fever

Weather

Summer: October-April
Winter: May-September

During summer the days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 30ºC and night temperatures drop to around 14ºC - 16ºC. The temperatures given are those for the main centres but it is considerably warmer all year round in the low-lying areas such as Kariba, Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi Valley. The rainy season runs from November to March, although the Eastern Highlands are damp for most of the year.
During winter the days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20ºC and can drop to as low as 5ºC at night. Please note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although this is the exception rather than the rule) so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just in case!

Money

Currency: The unit of currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar Z$

Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

Banks: Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business during the following hours:
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 08:00 - 15:00
Wed 08:00 - 13:00
Sat 08:00 - 11:30
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travellers cheques. Note that hotels usually offer a more favourable exchange rate than banks.