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	Zimbabwe

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Zimbabwe Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lions Lions unknown Zimbabwe could be a fantastic place for tourism. Only 20 years ago, it was the richest country in Africa. However, the present economical and political situation make it not a country you want to visit as a tourist. While the eastern parts of the country are strife torn, the western part is somewhat more safe for the traveller. The most visited place are the spectacular Victoria Falls. They can be seen on a short trip from Botswana or South Africa but in doing so they are missing some fascinating areas. Visitor to Zimbabwe can gaze upon hundreds of species of tropical wildlife, thrill to the experience of white water rafting, scale chilly mountain peaks and savour the history of a people that goes back tens of thousands of years. Yet these pleasures are but a few of those waiting to be discovered by the traveller who plans to visit this gem in the heart of Africa. More highlights are the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the beautiful Lake Kariba and also the two biggest cities of Zimbabwe are worth a visit: Harare and Bulawayo. Last but not least, to the east are the so-called Eastern Highlands, fine walking and fishing country, so cool that at certain times of the year, the grass in the morning can be trimmed with frost. In the west is the other-worldly jumble of granite rocks that make up the Matopos National Park. Zimbabwe's largest wildlife sanctuary is Hwange National Park, situated on the western border with Botswana. Hwange is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations and myriad other species. Other excellent game viewing areas are Matusadona, Mana Pools and Zambezi National Parks. _________Practical Information Edit This There are two exchange rates, the official rate, and the black market rate. In fall 2006, the black market rate was 8 times the official rate per USD. If you are a non-resident booking a room in a hotel and wish to pay in Zimbabwe dollars, you must carry a letter showing proof that you exchanged money on the official market (otherwise you must pay in USD). However, cheaper hotels will not ask you for this information thus allowing you to pay in Zimbabwe Dollars. Be careful exchanging money at the black market rate. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe is an exorbitant country if you travel on the official market rate. Currency The local currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD) [Add Practical address] VICTORIA FALLS Edit This Harare Main Post Office is at the intersection of Inez Terrace and Nelson Mandela Street type: Post office World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.zimpost.co.zw _________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Agriculture employs 37% of the labor force of this landlocked nation and supplies almost 25% of exports. Mining accounts for only 5% of both GDP and employment but minerals and metals account for about 20% of exports. The government is working to consolidate earlier progress in developing a market-oriented economy. Although the IMF suspended support for Zimbabwe's economic structural adjustment program (ESAP) in 1995 due to government failure to meet key targets recent talks between the government and the Fund have held hope for renewed support if Zimbabwe remains committed to budgetary targets. A key element of the budget is the Zimbabwe Program for Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMPREST) the second phase of ESAP whose goals include increased commercialization and privatization of government-owned enterprises and more "outward-looking" trade and investment policies. The World Bank resumed balance of payments support to Zimbabwe in early 1998. Government officials face the difficult task of restraining expenditures in their effort to keep inflation within bounds. GDP: purchasing power parity—$24.9 billion (1996 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 8.1% (1996 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$2 200 (1996 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 18.3% industry: 35.3% services: 46.4% (1993 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 21.4% (1996) Labor force: total: 4.228 million (1993 est.) by occupation: agriculture 27% transport and services 46% industry 27% Unemployment rate: at least 45% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion expenditures: $2.9 billion including capital expenditures of $279 million (FY96/97 est.) Industries: mining (coal clay numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores) copper steel nickel tin wood products cement chemicals fertilizer clothing and footwear foodstuffs beverages Industrial production growth rate: 10% (1994) Electricity—capacity: 2.148 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 7.1 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 792 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: corn cotton tobacco wheat coffee sugarcane peanuts; cattle sheep goats pigs Exports: total value: $2.5 billion (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: agricultural 38% (tobacco 28%) manufactures 34% gold 12% textiles 4% ferrochrome 7% (1996 est.) partners: South Africa 12% UK 12% Germany 6% Japan 6% (1996 est.) Imports: total value: $2.2 billion (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 41% other manufactures 24% chemicals 13% fuels 10% (1996 est.) partners: South Africa 38% UK 9% US 5% Japan 5% (1996 est.) Debt—external: $4.8 billion (1996) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $362 million (1993) Currency: 1 Zimbabwean dollar (Z$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Zimbabwean dollars (Z$) per US$1—18.7970 (January 1998) 11.8906 (1997) 9.9206 (1996) 8.6580 (1995) 8.1500 (1994) 6.4725 (1993) Fiscal year: 1 July—30 June _________People Edit This Population: 12 514 000 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (male 2 439 907; female 2 397 761) 15-64 years: 54% (male 2 914 336; female 3 000 442) 65 years and over: 3% (male 133 232; female 158 469) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 1.12% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 30.64 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 20.43 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1 000 population note: there is a small but steady flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa in search of better paid employment Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 61.75 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 39.16 years male: 39.12 years female: 39.19 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.86 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Zimbabwean(s) adjective: Zimbabwean Ethnic groups: African 98% (Shona 71% Ndebele 16% other 11%) white 1% mixed and Asian 1% Religions: syncretic (part Christian part indigenous beliefs) 50% Christian 25% indigenous beliefs 24% Muslim and other 1% Languages: English (official) Shona Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele sometimes called Ndebele) numerous but minor tribal dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write in English total population: 85% male: 90% female: 80% (1995 est.) :::::::::: Bulawayo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lalani MaMhlanga wing Lalani MaMhlanga wing Kudzai Masaire Without a doubt, it must once have been a fascinating and glorious city. Today, it stands as a sad reminder of the effects of Robert Mugabe's disastrous economic policies. Grand Victorian style buildings now stand delapidated, limited electricity at night, non-functioning street lights, streets in disrepair, and loss of almost all tourist-infrastructure are the result. Never the less, Zimbabwe's second largest city is worth a stopover to catch the nightly train to Vic Falls. Don't expect much accomodation here and don't rely on your guidebook; even if printed yesterday, it may well be out of date already. Hostels and backpackers close faster than Mike Tyson goes bankrupt. Shaka's Spear, once the premier backpackers rest, no longer stands. Try the Hotel Cecil, though bizarrely, it may also be known by another name by many. Don't trust the porter who tells you that you can stow your stuff for free in the luggage room. You are unlikely to be reunited with your bags until you fork over a nice tip. The grocery stores are filled to the brim with food, though the precarious political situation may change that at any time. Safety is not to be taken lightly, but having said that, the traveller is relatively comfortable. Political violence is not frequent, one must only watch out for thieves and robbers, just as any other African city. Don't be stupid, lock yourself in your hotel room before nightfall. You can take the nightly trains to Vic Falls, but beware of your belongings! Thieves are thick as flies at the train station and the moment you turn your back, your stuff will be gone. Find your compartment and lock yourself in as soon as possible. The train makes frequent stops at night and would-be thieves also have no qualms boarding the train and checking each compartment or waiting for you to fall asleep. It helps to have multiple people watch out for each other. Ideally, get the first class cabins, only about $13 per person, lock yourself in and spend the night in the comfortable beds. Don't let anyone in and only open the door if you after making sure it is the conductor (visual check through peep-hole.) :::::::::::Eastern highlands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The eastern highlands form a natural barrier between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Although it's an area that sees relatively few visitors, but the rolling hills are pretty and great for trekking. The area is cooler than most of Zimbabwe, and the winter months, June and July, are often very cold. The rains come between November and March and then wildflowers are at their best. Sweeping 300 kilometres from Chimanimani in the north, the highlands include the Vumba near the city of Mutare, the Nyanga mountains and the farming area of Cashel. ________Mutare Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Mutare is the biggest town located near the Eastern Highlands. In the town itself there is really only one main road. West of town there is an old game viewing area that charges a minimal fee. The Sakubva market is an interesting place located just near the main bus terminal. It has various fruits and vegetables along with locally made stone and wooden crafts and carvings. The mountainous area is very beautiful and green during Zimbabwe's rainy season which is typically from mid-October to March or so. While there, visit the Mutare Crafts store run and owned by Derek Allen on the main road west of the TM grocery store. For a meal search around on the northside of the main road and wander around a bit near the OK grocery store and you will find Stax, a small sit down resturant perfect for brunch. ::::::::::Gonarezhou Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Clarendon Cliffs in Gonarezhou Game Park Clarendon Cliffs in Gonarezhou Game Park unknown Gona-Re-Zhou is Zimbabwe's second largest and wildest national park, accomodation can be found at the malilangwe game reserve at Nduna and Pamushana Lodges. Photo shows the Chilojo Cliffs. :::::::Gweru Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Gweru is a great place. If you want to visit Gweru, you have to visit Antelope Park it's a great place with Elephant rides and Lion walks. This is the only place in the world where you can walk with lions. Visit Antelope Parks website. www.antelopepark.co.zw :::::::: Harare Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Downtown Harare Downtown Harare J.Jukwa Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare used to be a very modern and quite a pleasant city. Due to political and economical problems the atmosphere is very tense now. Harare has a few museums worth spending time in, there are some parks and markets where it is nice to stroll around, but in the end the real charm of the city stems from its laid back atmosphere. Near Harare there are some parks where you can see wildlife; other nice daytrips can be made to Chapungu Kraal and Kopoje. For more info see the section on daytrips. __Museums Edit This [Add Museum] Harare Gardens Edit This Stroll through the Harare Gardens (next to the Gallery). type: general World66 rating: [rate it] National Gallery Edit This Many original items by Zimbabwean artists, some are for sale. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Queen Victoria Edit This Harare Harare photo by: Einstein The Queen Victoria Museum (near the Sheraton) requires an hour to see its natural history displays and another hour could be spent at the type: general World66 rating: [rate it] African Unity Park Edit This In African Unity Park flower vendors sell a fantastic array of tropical blooms for very reasonable prices. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Day Trips Edit This Several short excursions can be made from the capital. The Kopoje site of the Eternal Flame of Independence is on a hill outside of town and offers great vistas. Ewanrigg National Park about a half hour outside of town has impressive gardens filled with aloes and cycads—things are really blooming in July and August. In the suburbs is Chapungu Kraal a reproduction of a 19th-century Shona village—complete with a traditional healer and soothsayer—and performances by traditional dance troupes on weekends. The kraal also holds an art gallery and sculpture gardens. If time permits spend a day at the Lion Park and Lake McIlwaine Game Park to see lions giraffes rhinos and other animals (there’s a snake farm there too). It’s really more like a drive through a zoo than visiting a real reserve and it’s really only for people who aren’t planning on going to larger game parks. [Add Day Trip] Lion & Cheetah Park and Lake Chivero Game Park Edit This A short drive from Harare to the Lion & Cheetah Park where the king of beasts can be seen and photographed in his natural surroundings. View the many rare and nocturnal species of game before continuing past Lake Chivero to the well-stocked game park where giraffe, antelope and numerous other plains game may be seen. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Tengenenge Sculpture Community Edit This Departs A leisurely drive through fertile farmland north to Tengenenge. On arrival you will be overwhelmed by the sight of thousands of stone sculptures. The appeal of Tengenenge originates from the multi-cultural community that expresses itself in original and characteristically different stone carvings. The opportunity to interact with the artists makes for an unforgettable visit type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Larvon Bird Gardens & Snake Park Edit This The Larvon Bird Gardens host hundreds of species of local and exotic birds. Refreshments are available before we continue to the Snake Park, where you will experience a close-up-view of some of the world's most venomous snakes. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::::Hwange national park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Zimbabwe's largest national park, located between Bulawayo (Zimbabwe's second largest city) and Victoria Falls. The park is a vast land of wild animals living freely in the wilderness. It's the best place to go if you are farcinated with wild cats. There are also quite a few great viewing platforms over man made waterholes so you watch the animals come to have a drink and you may even get to spot the endangered Painted dogs of Africa! Just like any other place in Zimbabwe tourist need to be careful of thieves, the sad economic situation in Zimbabwe is destroying this once best place to visit. Hwange is a coal mining town,there is'nt much in the town. Located on a major rail line you can catch the daily Bulawayo Vic Falls train or by road through laxaury buses. There are a variety of accomadation options available at the three main rest camps Maincamp, Robins and Sinimatella camps. Ranging from luxury to basic camping. Contact National Parks office to book your accomadation in Harare. Main Camp is of the course the hub of Hwange natinal park .It is the main centre for all activities based in the park, the is an abundance of viewing opportunities available within a short drive out of the camp gates. Sinimatella camp is a couple of hours drive from main camp andis situated on a mesa overlooking the plains. An abundance of buffalo, elephant and lion make this camp a highlight to any african wildlife safari. Robins Camp is the most basic of the camps, but it gives the traveller a more realistic view of the bush and it's wildlife. The accomadations are a lot closer to nature and a lot more rustic. Wildlife viewing is available along the rough roads. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wbrianna ::::::::::Kwe kwe Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kwe Kwe is a mining and steel centre town almost halfway between Zimbabwe's two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo. It lies in the centre of the country, between the Kwe Kwe and Sebakwe rivers, and the towns of Kadoma and Gweru. It's satellite neighbour, Redcliff, is home to the ZISCO (Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Corporation) steelworks, accounting for most of Zimbabwe's local and export steel. At one stage, the Globe and Phoenix mine around which the town developed (circa 1900) was the biggest gold mine in the world. In the local mining museum on it's premises stands a relic of these boom days called the Paper House - a wood and reinforced cardboard affair in striking green and white. This 2 bedroomed dwelling on stilts (presumably to combat the heat and protect from termites) was home to the first mine manager, and was once slept in by Cecil John Rhodes, the controversial colonial empire builder who founded the country from which Zimbabwe emerged at 1980's independence - Rhodesia. Today Kwe Kwe (formerly Que Que) is a robust if not bustling business centre, of around 200 000 people. Served by the main national road and rail links, and even a small aerodrome, it boasts the normal commercial enterprises one would expect in a small African town, but most industry is located around the steel works and associated chemical and manufacturing plants. Two main hotels, the Golden Mile and the Shamwari cater for business travellers, and a recent abundance of chalet accommodation at breezy lodges such as Touchwood have emerged to cope with the overflow. Cricketing enthusiasts have worked hard to ensure that Kwe Kwe remains on the sporting map, and several internationally televised cricketing events have been held at the renovated facilities of the Kwe Kwe Sports Club, against countries such as New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Despite massive government intrusion, some small tourist operators maintain hunting and photographic safari licences on farms and concessions near town, where an abundance of wildlife can for some years to come hopefully still be seen - including Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and most big antelope (Kudu, Eland, Sable, Tsessebe etc). Kwe Kwe has always been a festive and social centre with warm inhabitants and a mild political atmosphere, and is worth a short stopover if time allows. ::::::::: Lake Kariba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Lake Kariba is located on Zimbabwe's northern border, 365 km from Victoria Falls, holding back the mighty Zambezi River for 280 km's of sparkling fresh water. It covers an area of 5 230 square kilometres and lies 500m above sea level. Lake island and shoreline constitute an unparalleled wilderness spectacle, home to a multitude of wildlife in a protected environment. Kariba is famed for its sport fishing, with the fighting tigerfish as the prime trophy. Lake Kariba is studded with islands and surrounded by mountains. Of the forests which fringe the shores, the most intriguing is found at the Matusadona national park Once on dry land, these thousands of teak trees were half submerged in water as the lake slowly expanded to its present dimensions. Today, the skeletal branches of the trees jut into the sky from another world. At the downstream end by the dam, the town Kariba is equipped with sophisticated hotels, casinos and restaurants. The summit of the hill above the town offers a spectacular panorama of the lake, the dam wall and the downstream gorge. Lake Kariba dam wall was constructed in 1955/59, as a hydroelectric project. _____Things to do Edit This There are a variety of things to do in Kariba, ranging from wildlife viewing safari's on land and on water, houseboatig, fishing and viewing local arts and crafts. Kariba houseboats are a zimbabwean tradition ranging from basic to absolute luxury houseboats for hire on a nightly to weekly hire rate. Coming with cook and captain on board. The fishing on Lake Kariba is world renowned. You can fish for anything from a Lowely barbal to an almighty Tiger Fish, all within sight of crocodiles, buffalo, hippo's, elephant and even Lion. Accomadation opptions in Kariba itself range from camping to five star luxury. :::::::Masvingo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Located about 150 miles north of Beitbridge , one can' t ignore Zimbabwe's beautiful history in this region. Great Zimbabwe ruins is an ancient village build of stones on a hill top. This is where the name of the country was derived from, Dzimba dzemabwe (houses of stones). One can find so much history about the country of Zimbabwe and how ancient Zimbabweans lived. The village or city built on a large scale is so remarkable and an amazing ancient construction. Once kept a secret by white settlers because they did not believe a black man could build such a wonder using stones is Zimbabwe's signature featured on it's money. ::::::Victoria Falls Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Kingdom Hotel The Kingdom Hotel Andrew Blanchard (NextGenerationMinistries.org) The 'Vic Falls' are the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa, if not the world. The Falls are about 1000km from the source of the Zambezi River in western Zambia. Towards the end of a normal rainy season the flow of water over the Falls reaches 500 000 cu m per minute. The towering column of spray when the river is high can be seen from over 20 km away, and the thunder of the falling water will take your breath away. Politically speaking the Victoria Falls is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can visit the falls on both sides, but the Zimbabwean side is considered by many to be the more beautiful with direct viewing of the "Devil's Cataract" and "Rainbow Falls" Until only a few years ago, Victoria Falls was a major tourist destination with parties abounding in all the clubs and backpackers. Today, because of the politically volatile situation, most tourists have deserted in favor of Livingstone, on the Zambian side. The town of Victoria Falls, however, is within easy walking distance of the falls and there are still may places providing safe, comfortable accomodation. Personal safety is not a major issue; instead, beware of scam artists. It is not worth dealing money on the black market - you are likely to be either ripped off by the dealer or arrested by the tourism police. In Zimbabwe, practically all tourist activities and your hotel room will have to be paid in $US or £, or your hotel will be able to exchange money at the current "official" exchange rate. There are many safaries that can be taken in the area (some stay in Zimbabwe or Zambia, and some will travel up the river into Botswana to see even more large game), and if you like whitewater rafting, one can't pass the opportunity to "raft the gorge" on the Zambezi below the falls. For those of you looking for even more of a thrill, there is a bungee jump set up on the bridge crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia (you have to leave the country through immigration to get there). Visitors can kayak, canoe, fish, go on guided walking safaris, ride on horseback, lunch on Livingstone's Island and in addition to the well-known "Flight of Angels", for the more adventurous there is microlighting with stunning views of the Fall. By the way, during the dry season the flow can be very minimal. It is difficult to see the Falls during the peak flow as the heavy spray obscures the Falls themselves. The mist off the falls maintains a rainforest surrounding the falls. The Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several game viewing opportunities in the area. ___________Sights Edit This Besides doing sports (trekking, bunji jumping etc.) and going on a Safari trip there are a few interesting things to do. [Add Sight] Snake Park, Edit This The snake park is located at 273 Adam Stander Drive. You can watch the feeding of the snakes. A small entrance fee is charged. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Tour of Falls Edit This x Tour of Falls, Rain Forest and Livingstone Statue can be done on your own or you can go on a guided tour. You have to pay a entrance fee at gate. Moonlight viewing available over full moon, liaise with officers at the gate for times and dates. They only take a limited number of people and often leave earlier than they say so be there at least half an hour before departure time. Raincoats and umbrellas can be hired at the car park opposite the entrance. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] River Cruise Edit This River cruises on the Zambezi start in the early morning. You can book this tour with any travel agent. Some tours include breakfast and/or lunch. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Tours and Excursions Edit This [Add New] Hwange National Park Edit This Day trips and overnight stays available from Victoria Falls. pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Book through any agency. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Zambezi National Park Edit This Game Viewing in this game park can include walking and braai (barbecue) breakfasts as well as birdwatching, lunch along the Zambezi River banks and, sundowners at watering holes. Transport is needed, but you can go on your own or through any of the local booking agents. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Things to do Edit This There are some possibilities to do some sports. Bunji Jumping, Canoeing, Horse riding and Mountain biking are the most interesting. If you want to do Bunji jumping the Vic Falls claims to host the highest commercial and bridge jump in the world. Canoeing is offered by several companies as Frontiers Adventures, Safari Par Excellence, Zambezi Odyssey and Shearwater Adventures. All of them offer you half-day or full day trips. Also overnight trips are possible. Please check them out. :-)