 | | | |
|  | ZIMBABWE COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the man-made Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The Victoria Falls are a principal attraction. Harare: Formerly Salisbury, the capital is Zimbabwe's commercial and industrial centre and also the usual starting point for any visit. It is a clean and sophisticated city, characterised by flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture. Bulawayo: Zimbabwe's second city is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is home of the National Museum and headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. From the forested mountains of the Eastern highlands to the sun-washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, from the hot Mopani Forest to the shores of Lake Kariba, more than 11 per cent of Zimbabwe's land - 44,688 sq km (17,254 sq miles) - has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates. Traditional dishes include sadza (a stiff maize meal) eaten with meat and/or gravy and a relish. Nightlife is rather limited outside the cities with the emphasis on eating and discos. The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their brutal repression of regime opponents. 8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status; Bulawayo*, Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands. The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of difficult economic problems as it struggles with an unsustainable fiscal deficit, an overvalued exchange rate, soaring inflation, and bare shelves. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, drained hundreds of millions of dollars from the economy. Badly needed support from the IMF has been suspended because of the country's failure to meet budgetary goals. Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998 to 133% at the end of 2004, while the exchange rate fell from 24 Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar to 6,200 in the same time period. The government's land reform program, characterized by chaos and violence, has badly damaged the commercial farming sector, the traditional source of exports and foreign exchange and the provider of 400,000 jobs. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map ServerTravel-Island.com | 
|
| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of the country, and connecting its two largest cities, is the Highveld, a chain of low mountains and Zimbabwe's most populous area.
Harare
Formerly Salisbury, the capital is Zimbabwe's commercial and industrial centre and also the usual starting point for any visit. It is a clean and sophisticated city, characterised by flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture. Local sightseeing includes the modern museum and art gallery, the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park, which has a lake and game reserve, the Lion & Cheetah Park, the Larvon Bird Gardens and the landscaped gardens of aloes and cycads at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens. Because of its pleasant climate, Harare is known as the 'Sunshine City'.
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe's second city is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is rich in historical associations and is the home of the National Museum and headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Nearby are the ancient Khami ruins, while to the south is the Rhodes Matopos National Park, notable for its exotic formations of huge granite boulders. Dams with excellent fishing, caves with rock paintings, Cecil Rhodes' grave and a well-stocked game park make this area popular with visitors.
The Eastern Highlands
The Inyanga, Vumba and Chimanimani mountain ranges are one of the country's principal holiday areas for both Zimbabweans and tourists and are ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy crisp mountain air. The country's highest mountain, Inyangani (2592m/8504ft), is in this area. The scenery is striking in its variety, with deep valleys, gorges, bare granite peaks, pine-forested slopes and bubbling trout streams rolling down steep cliffs. There are challenging hilly golf courses and pony rides through the heather, as well as the opportunity for mountain climbing, squash, tennis, bowls, fishing, snooker and gambling in the casino. Because of the mountainous and forested terrain, game-viewing in this region is more a matter of chance but for the lucky there are leopards and rare forest antelopes.
Elsewhere
A holiday in Zimbabwe would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the largest complex of ruins in Africa south of the pyramids in Egypt. The Main Enclosure, or Temple, has walls over 9m (30ft) tall, 4m (14ft) thick and over 228m (250 yards) in circumference, giving approximately 485,521 cubic metres (635,000 cubic ft) of hand-trimmed mortarless stonework. The remains are what is left of a city-state that flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries, trading in gold. Lake Kyle National Park is not far away; there is a well-organised campsite close to the lake.
Parks & Wildlife
From the forested mountains of the Eastern highlands to the sun-washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, from the hot Mopani Forest to the shores of Lake Kariba, more than 11 per cent of Zimbabwe's land - 44,688 sq km (17,254 sq miles) - has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates. There are ten national parks and ten recreational parks around the country, plus several botanical gardens, sanctuaries and 14 national safari areas for hunting (which helps to finance the conservation programme and is strictly controlled).
Note
For safety reasons, visitors may not enter any national park by motorcycle.
Hwange National Park
Formerly Wankie National Park, this is one of Zimbabwe's largest parks, both in size, 14,620 sq km (5,644 sq miles), and in the variety of animals and birds that may be seen. From the three camps, networks of game-viewing roads guide visitors to areas with good animal concentrations and to waterholes where, in the evenings, great numbers of wild animals congregate. At some waterholes platforms are erected from which one can observe game closely and in safety. Hwange is one of the last of the great elephant sanctuaries in Africa and herds of up to 100 elephants may be seen drinking and bathing at the waterholes, particularly at the end of the dry season in September.
Victoria Falls
120km (75 miles) from the Hwange National Park are the largest waterfalls in the world - 2.5km (1.5 miles) wide, 550 million litres of water plunge every minute 100m (330ft) into a narrow chasm; the spray can be seen 30km (20 miles) away. To gain an overall impression of the Falls, the 'Flight of the Angels' light plane trip is a must, as is a cruise up the mighty Zambezi River. It is possible to walk across to Zambia (with the minimum of formalities) to view from the other side; this is also highly recommended, for the Falls are without a doubt one of the world's grandest natural spectacles and every viewpoint reveals something new. Nearby is the Zambezi National Park, where sable antelopes and other exotic animals graze in a parkland setting.
Mana Pools National Park
One of Zimbabwe's most beautiful national parks, occupying 2196 sq km (848 sq miles) of forest along the shores of the Zambezi River. The animal population includes hippo, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many types of antelope. Game viewing on foot is allowed. The birdlife along the river and in the bush is particularly prolific. It is possible to fish for tigerfish, bream and the giant vundu.
Lake Kariba
Situated in the northwest of the country on the Zambian border, Lake Kariba covers 7770 sq km (3000 sq miles) and holds a million gallons of water. Game can be viewed from the comfort of various safari camps, or from well-appointed cruise vessels and self-contained safari-crafts.
Matobo National Park
Located close to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second major city, the park is noted for its spectacular granite rock formations and its wealth of ancient rock paintings. Cecil Rhodes' tomb can be visited at Malindidzimu (View of the World). The Nswatugi and Pomongwe caves are worth visiting.
Nyanga National Park
Situated in the mountain range that covers the eastern part of Zimbabwe, Nyanga National Park is an area of high grasslands, evergreen forests, waterfalls, cliffs and lakeside cottages. Trout fishing is very popular and the trout hatchery is well worth a visit. Visitors can also climb Mount Nyangani, the country's highest peak. The World's View offers a panoramic view across northern Zimbabwe. From here, a steep footpath leads to the road to Nyanga village with its English gardens, village common and church. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
|  More Resources | | | Traveller Forums |  | Travel Forums. First time users check out the Board Rules for instructions on using this travel message board. You have to create an account before you can add and relpy to messages. Please feel freely at any time to write your query or reply to our forum members.
This is a forum which gives people the opportunity to exchange information about travelling, as well as discuss various topics of interest. |
| | Photo Albums |  | Travel Photo Albums. This category contains photo albums and articles that belong to our users and visitors.
Upload and manage their own photos on our website. Rate the pictures and add additional comments. Images and articles are stored in individual user albums. | | 
| |
