Visitor Information

General

Area:                                      390 757 sq km (150 871 sq miles)

Population:                           12, 521, 000 (estimate 2009)

Population Density:             26 per sq km

Capital:                                  Harare

Time:                                      GMT +2

Geography

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, lying between latitudes 15° and 23°S, and longitudes 25° and 34°E. Most of the country is elevated in the central plateau (high veld) stretching from the southwest to the northwest at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600m. The country’s east is mountainous with Mount Nyangani as the highest point at 2,592 m. About 20% of the country consists of the low veld under 900m. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls, is located in the country’s northwest as part of the Zambezi river. The country has a tropical climate with a rainy season usually from late October to March. The climate is moderated by the altitude.

Climate

The climate is tropical, although markedly moderated by altitude. There is a dry season, including a short cool season during the period May to September when the whole country has very little rain. The rainy season is typically a time of heavy rainfall from November to March. The whole country is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone during January. In years when it is poorly defined there is below average rainfall and a likelihood of serious drought in the country (as happened in 1983 and 1992). When it is well-defined rainfall is average or well above average, as in 1981 and 1985.

Harare average temperatures

MAX˚C                   MIN˚C

January                 26                           16

February                26                           16

March                     26                           14

April                        26                           13

May                        23                           9

June                       21                           7

July                         21                           7

August                   23                           8

September            26                           12

October                  28                           14

November             27                           16

December             27                           16

Best time to travel

The best time of year to visit Zimbabwe is April and June when the water level are at the highest and provide the best scenic pictures of the Victoria Falls.


Currency

The Zimbabwean Dollar was stopped in 2009. Currencies such as the South African rand, Botswana pula, pound sterling, euro, and the United States dollar are now used for all transactions in Zimbabwe; the policy of the government of Zimbabwe has insisted that any attempts to reintroduce Zimbabwean currency should be considered only if industrial output improves.[

Drinking Water

Tap water is purified and safe to drink.

Driving

Driving in Zimbabwe is extremely hazardous, particularly at night. Zimbabweans drive on the left side of the road and many people drive over the speed limit. Although the main roads throughout Zimbabwe are generally in fair but deteriorating condition, most lack passing lanes, shoulders, breakdown lanes, lighting, reflectors, and similar safety features.

Electric Appliances

220 V; Plug D & G, converter needed for USA appliances


Health

Health services in Zimbabwe are integrated, so that every health facility offers a full range of available services, that is both curative and preventive services. Thus all health services offer maternal and child health services (MCH), including family planning. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for people travelling from infected areas.

Language

The three official languages of Zimbabwe are Shona (or chiShona), Ndebele (or SiNdebele), and English, which was inherited from colonial rule. There are also other indigenous languages of Zimbabwe.

Airlines

Harare International Airport has a number of international flights, mainly to other African countries. When coming from Europe you can fly directly with Air Zimbabwe from London. Air Zimbabwe also operates to Dubai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur in Asia. However, a good option is to fly with South African Airways

Airports

Zimbabwe boasts a good number of domestic and international Airports with many Zimbabwean airlines together with other international airlines operating to domestic and international destinations.