Zimbabwe Tours

• Zimbabwe became an independent state in 1980.
• It has some of the largest diamond and platinum reserves in the world.
• Mount Inyangani (2952m) is the highest point in Zimbabwe. 
• Victoria Falls was made a World Heritage Site in 1986, and locals call the Falls ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’. 
• Lake Kariba, created on the River Zambezi, is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.
• Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by cricket and rugby.
• The armed forces of Zimbabwe comprises of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe – being a landlocked country, it has no naval forces. 

Australian passport holders travelling to Zimbabwe need a visa at this time. An E-visa needs to be applied for prior to travel. Please visit the Passports and Visas page for more information.

We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you. 
 
Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.
 
The Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe:

1 Green Close 
Borrowdale, Harare 
Ph: +263 024 2 853 235 55
Fax: +263 024 2 870 566

The recommended currency to take to Zimbabwe is the USD. Once in each country you will be able to change some dollars into the local currency. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations. 

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen. 

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card. Be sure to retrieve your credit/debit card before walking away from the ATM as cash is often dispensed before the card. 

We advise that you exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on where the best places are to exchange money. 

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia. 

 Zimbabwe’s climate is tropical with a rainy season running from November through to March. Noted as having one of the most idyllic climates in the world, much of the country is set high on a plateau, so invariably the climate is more pleasant and slightly cooler than in the surrounding countries. 

Want to get out and explore on your own? 

As with many other African countries, staying in a group is the safest way to see the sights.  
When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in.  Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies. 

So, you’d love to bring home a special souvenir from Zimbabwe… 

 Locally made hand crafts are excellent buys in Zimbabwe - wood carvings and hand woven textiles are popular. Also worth a look are fine crafted silverware, ceramics and beaded jewellery. Highly polished crystals (used for healing) are also very good buys. If you are going to buy diamonds, make sure you receive a certificate of authenticity with your purchase. Zimbabwe also has lots of shops selling local music CD’s. 

Please remember to always declare all your purchases with customs when arriving back in Australia.  

• Always travel with others, especially after dark. Travelling in groups of three of four is strongly advised. Keep to well-lit, public places such as shopping malls and restaurants. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, as street crimes are commonplace. 
• Keep identification on you at all times – a photocopy of your passport page is sufficient. 
• Don't take photos indiscriminately. Many people object to having their pictures taken, so ask permission first. Military installations, airports and bridges should never be photographed.
• Don’t carry around non essentials and valuables. Use your hotel safe and don't flash expensive jewellery, watches and cameras. 
   

Heroes Day  
In 1978 and 1979, the battle for independence raged fierce in what was then known as the Colony of Rhodesia. The heroes of the nation are honoured every year in National Heroes Acre, where some of the soldiers from the revolution are buried. People come to lay down wreaths on their grave sites, and the president of the country comes to pay his respects. There is also always a group of youths who sing patriotic songs as they march united to the burial site. And there are many others who put on musical performances and dances. The main events for Heroes’ Day are held in the capital city of Harare, but there are similar events held all over the country. 
 
Independence Day 
This is a very important day in Zimbabwe, and it is celebrated every 18th April. In 1980 the country finally achieved its independence, after a long process of several decades. To commemorate it, flags are raised, military parades, patriotic speeches and flying displays are held. White doves are also released as a symbol of peace. 

Other national public holidays to be aware of include: 

• New Year’s Day
• Independence Day – April 18th 
• Africa Day -May 25th 
• Heroes Day - August
• Christmas Day