Travel to Zimbabwe confirms their marketing mantra, “WOW (a
World of Wonders).” From natural
geological wonders, to fabulous wildlife, to the warmth of their people, you’ll
be saying “WOW,” day after day.
To get the most enjoyment from your trip, here’s a list of
things an American needs to know when planning a trip to Zimbabwe.
#1 Zimbabweans have a culture of using the sun to tell time.
That’s more figurative than literal, but it does mean that “Zim time” is a
rather loose definition. “Meeting at 7:30am” definitely means meeting in the
morning, but you might leave at 7:30 am, 8:00 am or perhaps, even 9:00 am. Double check with your host, if the time
referred to is Zim time or English time.
#2 Dining is a leisurely process. Don’t expect drinks to be brought first like
in the USA. Drinks seem to be an afterthought in Zimbabwe. You might want to grab a drink before sitting
down if you are real thirsty. Otherwise, drinks could easily arrive 15 minutes
after you are seated.
#3 Passports are needed when you check in most hotels. Have
it handy and save yourself some time.
#4 Flashpackers, get ready for electrical outlet withdrawal.
Unless you are staying at a 5 star hotel, be prepared for only one or two
useable outlets in your room. Other than the low amperage shaver outlet in the
bathroom, there are typically only one or two 220v outlets in each suite or
cabin.
#5 Take a couple outlet adapters with the two round prongs
for use in Africa. Most of today’s computers and cellphone adapters’ work with
both 110v and 220v, but you’ll need that adapter to fit the outlets. Don’t
spend the big bucks on a current convertor unless you really need it.
Convertors aren’t meant to run for more than an hour or so at a time or you
will burn it up. Also, do not plug a standard power strip in after the adapter. All sorts of flashy, sparky things happen - NOT GOOD.
#6 The Internet is a prized commodity in Zimbabwe. Most
urban hotels have wired or wireless connections…sometimes. Don’t expect more
than a 56MB connection. A 10MB connection is probably what you’ll get. Outside
the major urban centers, you’ll probably lose access to it completely. 3G is available more widely if you were smart
enough to pick up a local sim card and prepaid plan. $100US can get you the sim
card and 100MB of data. (My AT&T data plan from the U.S. conversely will
bill you $19.95 per single MB for data!
Ouch.)
#7 Driving in Zimbabwe might not be what you expect. Most of
the main roads are wonderfully paved and the tendency to exceed the speed limit
is inviting. Don’t. Despite the remoteness of the countryside, there are
frequent roadside checks that stop all motorists to check documents and inquire
about your travels. Most are a quick, friendly “hello” and you are on your way;
but, a few are equipped with hand-held radar guns and you’ll get your first
Zimbabwean citation if you have too much of lead foot. Slow down, watch the
speed limit and enjoy the scenery. Also, rent from the majors like Hertz or
Avis so you’ll have back-up service should you need it.
#8 Travel in Africa gets you closer to the animals than you
would have ever expected. Walking through major urban vacation areas (like
Victoria Falls) doesn’t mean you won’t come upon wildlife. While we were there,
a warthog wandered through town like he was out running an errand. People left
him alone and he wandered off without any problems. Elephants have also been
known to come to town to see what’s happening. Don’t be shocked, nobody else
is.
#9 On safari, you’ll get even closer to wildlife than you
ever imagined as well. On a typical safari drive at Ivory Lodge, our guide
drove our vehicle to within 30 or 40 feet of most animals we saw. In most
protected animal preserves and national parks, the animals seem to tolerate the
snap-happy tourists and just go about their business. At Antelope Park in
Gweru, you can even get closer, actually walking with a pair of almost
full-size lions. (
Read the whole story about
walking with the lions here.)
#10 Don’t even think about illegal hunting or
poaching. The government is so strict about the protection of their elephant
and rhino populations that they have a “shoot first, ask questions later”
policy with illegal hunters and trappers.
#11 Don’t worry about
changing money when you get to the airport in Zimbabwe. They use the American
dollar as official currency in the country, but getting change is a bit more
problematic. They don’t officially use
our coins to make change. Instead, lots of retailers offer a receipt for
change, (like a due-bill) that can be used on your next visit toward the price
of your order. If you won’t be returning to that store again, you might as well
add some gum or something to make it as close to an even dollar amount as
possible.
#12 There are many
languages, dialects and tongues spoken in Zimbabwe. Luckily for Americans, a
great number of people speak or understand English. Signs often have the
English names as well as the local name. If you can’t way find by yourself,
don’t hesitate to stop and ask someone for directions. The locals are usually
only too happy to help with directions or suggestions.
With this short list of travel-tested suggestions, hopefully
you’ll be ready to explore and enjoy all the WOW that is Zimbabwe.
Set between Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, Landmark London is
a feast for the eyes of those who love gothic architecture. With its stained
glass windows, impressive stone walls and tastefully appointed interiors, you
can imagine yourself as that king returning to his castle, even if only for the
duration of your stay. 
#9 On safari, you’ll get even closer to wildlife than you
ever imagined as well. On a typical safari drive at Ivory Lodge, our guide
drove our vehicle to within 30 or 40 feet of most animals we saw. In most
protected animal preserves and national parks, the animals seem to tolerate the
snap-happy tourists and just go about their business. At Antelope Park in
Gweru, you can even get closer, actually walking with a pair of almost
full-size lions. (Read the whole story about
walking with the lions here.)
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