Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe is a country located in Africa with name that begins with letter Z. Wild water, nature and joie de vivre – Zimbabwe offers all of this as one of the most diverse countries in southern Africa. In an area that would have space for Germany and Switzerland together, the country offers unique natural highlights, but also interesting historical sites, such as the stone witnesses of the sunken royal city of Great Zimbabwe, which was the seat of power between the 11th and 15th centuries.
A total of eleven national parks, which cover more than a quarter of the country’s area, protect the natural habitat of a large number of wild animals in Zimbabwe. Among them is the Hwange National Park with its considerable elephant population and of course the imposing Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, which marks the border with Zambia in the north. Zimbabwe borders South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and Mozambique to the east. There, with the 2,592 m high Inyangani, is also the highest mountain in the country, which was called Rhodesia as a British colony.
Around 16 million people live in the Republic of Zimbabwe, almost 3 million of them in the metropolitan area of the capital Harare, which is 1,500 m above sea level. Around 70% of the population belong to the Shona people, who are known for their sculptures, among other things. Over 90% of Zimbabwe’s residents are Christian. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter Z.
Entry
The Republic of Zimbabwe requires citizens of the European Union and Switzerland to have a visa which can be applied for upon entry.
Climate
The summers in Zimbabwe are humid and humid and hot with temperatures that are often above 35 °C in the lowlands and 25 to 30 °C in the higher regions. The rainy season from November to March falls 90% of the country’s annual rainfall. The southern winters from April to October are dry with a pleasant 25 °C average temperature.
Food and drink
Those who like polenta are sure to get their money’s worth in Zimbabwe, because the national dish Sadza is corn porridge, which serves as a high-calorie side dish for various stews. Sadza is traditionally eaten by hand, with the right hand (and only with the right!) Taking out portions the size of a golf ball from the porridge, in which you make a well with your thumb in order to be able to pick up vegetables or meat porridge.
When drinking, it is essential to ensure that you only consume bottled water that has not been originally sealed. Lager beer is also popular in Zimbabwe. The local “beer” called Chibuku is brewed from millet and corn and has a milky, viscous consistency. Despite its rustic taste, it is a product of the modern age: It was invented in 1950 by the German Max Heinrich in Zambia.
Cultural characteristics
The people in Zimbabwe are extremely friendly and value friendly, respectful interaction with one another. This desirable social behavior is called “tsika” in the Shona language.
Christianity has mixed heavily with popular belief in Zimbabwe. The traditional ancestral cult is still very important in Zimbabwe. As in many African countries, the family plays an important role.
Medical advice
No vaccinations are required for Zimbabwe, but are recommended for hepatitis A and typhoid fever. It is also advisable to take a personal first-aid kit with you. Medical care in the country cannot be compared with Europe. In order to prevent intestinal infections, appropriate food and drinking water hygiene must be observed – as well as normal hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing. There is a risk of malaria in the north of the country, which can be reduced with appropriate precautionary measures – clothing, insect repellants, mosquito nets.
Security
Political gatherings should be avoided in the larger cities. Due to the political situation, the Austrian Foreign Ministry recommends not to travel to Zimbabwe on your own, but preferably with tour groups.
