TAILORMADE LUXURY SAFARIS
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ZIMBABWE - SAFARIS, TOURS AND TRAVEL
Zimbabwe offers endless safe and exciting safari travel options, so it’s worth planning ahead to ensure that you experience the very best of your holiday in this wonderful country. We have come up with a few frequently asked questions listed below.
Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ABOUT ZIMBABWE
ACCESS Q: What method of transportation is recommended to reach Zimbabwe? A: There are daily scheduled flights linking neighbouring countries with Zimbabwe. Domestic flights link Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. There are daily flights of one-and-a-half hours’ duration from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Victoria Falls. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.
Q: How do I get around in Zimbabwe? A: There are various methods of travelling around Zimbabwe from charter flights, self-drive options and trains and coaches (the latter is not recommended) to a range of exciting Guided Safaris. Our expert travel consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements. read more...
AFRICAN WILDLIFE Q: What are the characteristic animal species of Zimbabwe? A: Zimbabwe boasts magnificent National Parks which feature a wealth of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, kudu, impala, warthog, spotted hyena, African wild dog, sable, hippo, Nile crocodile and abundant birdlife.
CLOTHING Q: What should I wear? A: You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Zimbabwe. Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
Q: What should I pack? A: Packing suggestions
Light cotton trousers
Cotton shorts
Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
Sunhat
Fleece
Insect repellent
Small torch
Bathing suit
Suntan lotion
Sunglasses
Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
Binoculars
For winter, pack an extra:
Warm jacket
Woollen hat
Scarf and gloves
FAMILY SAFARIS Q: Is Zimbabwe a good family destination? A: Zimbabwe offers wonderful value for families, although some establishments cater more for children’s enjoyment than others. The recommended age for children on safari is six years and older. Some lodges do not take children under 12 years – we will advise you of the best family travel options.
FOOD Q: What style and type of meals are on offer? A: Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in Zimbabwe serve delicious, hearty meals of Pan-African cuisine – fresh ingredients, simply prepared with an African flavour. Vegetarian and halaal dietary requirements may be catered for but it is difficult to find strictly kosher meals.
GUEST SAFETY Q: Will I be safe? A: Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though Zimbabwe is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
HEALTH Q: What kind of medical precautions to I need to take? A: Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions.
MONEY Q: Where can I change currency? A: You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting Zimbabwe and we therefore advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. The unit of currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (Z$), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency is widely accepted and prices are usually also displayed in USD. Foreigners are requested to settle their accommodation payment in USD.
Q: Can I use my credit card? A: We do not recommend that you use your credit card and suggest that you use cash, preferably USD, when making payments.
SAFARI SEASONS & TEMPERATURES Q: Which are the best months to visit Zimbabwe? A: Zimbabwe offers excellent game-viewing opportunities throughout the year. Hot summers occur from October to April and days are generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thundershowers. Daytime summer temperatures range from 14°C/58°F to 30°C/86°F. Winter occurs from May to September and days are sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Winter temperatures range from 5°C/41°F to 20°C/68°F. Please note that cold spells can occur but this is the exception rather than the rule, therefore warm clothing is recommended. For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December. Best botanical months are from December to May.
Q: When is the rainy season? A: The main rains fall between November and March, although the Eastern Highlands are damp for most of the year. The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season.
TIPPING GUIDELINES Q: What should I tip? A: We recommend that you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff and lodge managers will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
WATER Q: Can I drink the water? A: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places but bottled water can be purchased.
