Zimbabwe’s unique nature is one of the most beautiful in eastern Africa. Despite the difficulties of the recent past, the country has much to offer the tourist.

A destination for the open-minded traveler

According to countryaah, Zimbabwe is located in Eastern Africa. The landlocked state has four neighbors. The country shares a border with Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.

Despite the economic and political difficulties, the culture lives rich and the Natural Attractions attract tourists. Mass tourism has not yet corrupted Zimbabwe, but to find a piece of genuine Africa in the country.

The most famous natural site in the country is Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Dr. David Livingstone discovered and named the waterfalls according to Queen Victoria in 1855. About an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls is Zwabwe’s largest national park, Hwange. In the national park you can see The Big Five, the largest wildlife in Africa. A popular nature attraction is also Mana Pools National Park. This park in the north of the country is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pleasant climate all year round

Short for ZW by abbreviationfinder, Zimbabwe is located in a tropical zone, but due to the altitude, the country is not tropical hot.

The rainy season lasts from November to March. Rainfall usually comes as heavy afternoon drizzle, but sometimes it can last for a few days. Thunderstorms are common and temperatures rotate 25 degrees on either side. It may be 18 degrees in the morning, while in the afternoon the mercury may rise to 32 degrees. Humidity during the rainy season is remarkably high.

The dry season in Zimbabwe is from April to October. In this case, it does not rain at all and the temperatures drop. At night and in the morning, temperatures can drop to as much as five degrees. During the day, however, the sun heats, raising the mercury to 25 degrees.

The best travel time is April-May and August-September. In this case, the days are sunny and the nights bright but cool. Wild animals congregate in drinking places where they are easy to see.

Good to know about Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a suitable destination for the open-minded nature tourist. Due to the confusing political and economic history of the country, tourism is a nascent industry.

A Finnish tourist needs a visa to enter the country. It can be requested in advance from the Embassy of Zimbabwe, but it can also be obtained from the airport. It is a good idea to check the delegations for up-to-date price information and requirements well in advance of your trip.

Zimbabwe is at risk for malaria, so medication is recommended. Vaccinations should also be taken care of before the trip. Comprehensive travel insurance is also worth obtaining, as the level of local health care is not very high and serious cases are often taken to South Africa for treatment.

The security situation in Zimbabwe is moderate. Political protests occur and participation should be avoided. However, political violence rarely targets tourists. Pocket thefts occur, so normal vigilance is necessary. Driving alone in the dark should be avoided, as should driving in the dark. It is recommended to make a travel declaration. Up-to-date travel information is available in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ press release.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN ZIMBABWE

Long flight to your destination

There are no direct flights from Finland to Zimbabwe. You can fly to the capital Harare via the largest airports in Europe. The machine usually needs to be replaced twice. Travel time is about 20 hours depending on stopovers. Round-trip tickets cost 800-1100 euros.

Long-distance travel agencies can be inquired about package tours to Zimbabwe. Often the tours are tours that also visit other favorite destinations in southern Africa.

Accommodation for many tastes

Zimbabwe has accommodation to suit the needs of every traveler.

The budget traveler often has a few dorms to choose from and a host of affordable rooms to choose from. There are plenty of mid-range rooms on offer and they are often of good quality. For more demanding tastes, you can find both luxury hotels and cottages.

The most expensive cottages in the national parks have been built with respect for nature and the environment. There is also a possibility to camp in the park area. Your own tent is convenient to carry, but not essential. There are a variety of restaurants in the national park areas, so you should check the situation in advance and prepare for your own snacks according to the situation.

Getting around Zimbabwe

In large cities, taxis are the most convenient way to get around. Taxis can be conveniently ordered from the hotel reception and are inexpensive. Cars have gauges and most drivers use them. At night, taxis are also the safest way to get around.

Renting a car in Zimbabwe is also possible but expensive. Most who want to rent a car rent it from South Africa and drive across the border. When renting a car, it is advisable to check the condition of the car and the necessary paperwork. Obtaining an international driving license before the trip makes sense, because even if you can drive with a Finnish driving license in principle, the police may fine or demand bribes for the lack of a local card in the event of a stop. It should also be noted that several roads are in poor condition. In addition, the local driving culture may cause hazards.

You can travel between major cities by bus or train. The buses operate according to schedules. There is a choice of local buses as well as luxury buses. Trains mainly run at night, so it makes sense to invest in first class and sleeping space.

ZIMBABWE DESTINATIONS

The capital is Harare

The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, is a more diverse destination. Most tourists stop in town just to continue their journey on safaris. The city offers tourists history and culture as well as a wide range of restaurant experiences.

The city’s specialties include a house where farmers sell tobacco from one broker to another. Tobacco was once one of Zimbabwe’s largest exports, and still from February to August the layers are filled in the mornings with a hustle and bustle described as a stock exchange-like auction.

There is a protected area for injured and orphaned wildlife near the airport, where you can enjoy afternoon coffee or champagne while exploring the animals. The specialty of the place is that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the area. Advance booking is also desirable.

There are also a few museums in Harare, which store especially art objects and photographs.

Fashion weeks are also held in Zimbabwe. The ex-model from the country, Pricilla Chigariro, has set up an event where African designers will showcase their creations. The event takes place annually at the turn of August-September.

Lake Kariba

One of the largest artificial lakes in the world serves as a diverse recreation area. The best way to relax on the lake is to rent a houseboat. Fishing is also a popular pastime on the lake. Swimming is not recommended as the lake is home to large crocodiles. Other wildlife such as elephants and buffalo can also be seen on the shores of the lake, as it is adjacent to Matusadona National Park.

Lake Kariba also offers a water route to neighboring Zambia and Victoria Falls. If you are traveling by water to a neighboring country and want to return to Zimbabwe, make sure your visa allows for more entry.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the traveler a holistic experience of wildlife. What makes the park special is that it is not fenced. So elephants may wander past you as you enjoy breakfast.

The park can also be explored on foot. There live a large number of zebras, hippos and crocodiles, as well as lions. When hiking in the park and admiring the animals, it is good to remember that the animals are not only wild but also really fast. Although they rarely attack a person, the danger still exists. Because of this, moving around with a guide is highly recommended.

You can stay in a tent or cottage in the park area. Cottage accommodation is available on many levels, so there is an option for every budget. Some prices include food and accommodation, so it is a good idea to check the booking to make what is included in the price. It is also worth noting that some of the campsites close during the rainy season.

Victoria Falls

The waterfalls, named after Dr. Victoria by Dr. David Livingstone in 1855, are Zimbabwe’s most famous travel destination. The waterfalls are located on the border with Zambia and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The waterfalls are 108 meters high and 1.7 kilometers wide. The traveler experiences a different experience at the waterfalls, depending on the time of year when the waterfalls visit. The best time to visit the waterfalls is from June to September, when there is still plenty of water in the waterfalls, but the water mist does not obscure the visibility. Before the rainy season in early November, the amount of water in the waterfalls decreases and in some places there is no water at all.

On the Zimbabwean side, a Victoria Falls Marathon will be held in the immediate vicinity of the waterfalls. In addition to the full marathon, there is a choice of a half marathon and a distance of five kilometers. The route is relatively flat and the scenery is stunning. The marathon is held annually in June.

Hwange National Park

An hour’s drive from Victoria Falls is Hwange National Park. Founded in 1929, the park is the largest in Zimbabwe. About 100 mammal species live in the area. Elephants and buffaloes are found in exceptionally large herds. The area is also a birdwatcher’s dream, with about 400 different species living there.

You can stay at the campsite in the park. You can choose between tent or cottage accommodation. The main camp also has a restaurant and a grocery store selling basic necessities.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, when the animals gather at the drinking spots and getting around the park is easy.

THE BEST OF ZIMBABWE

According to countryaah, Zimbabwe is a country located in southeastern part of African Continent. And Zimbabwe is abbreviated as ZI by abbreviationfinder.

Experience these in Zimbabwe

1. Admire Victoria Falls and test your endurance with a marathon
2. Experience wildlife in Mana Pools
3. Enjoy Harare’s restaurant offerings

The disadvantages of Zimbabwe

1. No direct flights from Finland
2. Belongs to the malaria risk area
3. Pocket thefts are common