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Population: 12.747.000
Languages: English (official), Shona, Ndebele (Sindebele), nu
Currency: Zimbabwean dollar Currency code: ZWD
Local Times:
Zimbabwe - Harare
Country Dialling Code: +263
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
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Zimbabwe has struggled to paint itself with a tourist canvas and as a result, has a relatively low number of tourists. With so few visiting the country, those who do can expect royal treatment. Whilst the world’s media focuses on the fall of Zimbabwe and its political strife, visitors will see a very different image of the country. With the absolute wilderness of Mana Pools National Park, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the mountains looking over Mozambique in E Zimbabwe, to the fine dining of Harare, bungee jumping over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers something for everyone and then some.
Zimbabwe is rich in culture with colonialism etched in all sorts of ways, but local traditions are visible. If you’re willing to join a tour group, or pay and plan your own trip, then a country of charm, political intrigue and magnificent wilderness awaits.
Zimbabwe also has one of the world’s best climates. Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from September to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing.
Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo, is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is home to 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.
The Victoria Falls are Zimbabwe's most popular tourist destination. The world's largest waterfall (by many measures) is renowned for being the 'adventure capital of Africa', with a variety of high adrenaline activities, including white water rafting and a 364ft (111m) bungee jump into the Zambezi River gorge from the bridge linking Zimbabwe to Zambia. If relaxing is more your flavour, there are scenic flights over the area, game viewing and tranquil vantage points over the falls.
Zimbabwe is an unbeatable destination for adventure travel of all sorts. Not only are its game reserves among the most abundant and beautiful on the continent, but they also offer unusual types of safari experience that are simply unavailable anywhere else. |