Zimbabwe - basics - Countries Guide

Safety: The security situation in Zimbabwe remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, power cuts and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. Many hotels and restaurants are having difficulty finding food supplies, and fuel shortages is causing delays and cancellations to public transport and flights. There has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centres, such as Victoria Falls. Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe. Visitors should be especially cautious at ATMs and after dark; downtown Harare is a particularly high crime area. Visitors to Nyanga should avoid Pungwe Falls, Mterazi Falls and the Honde Falls, as there have been numerous incidents of violent crime reported at these sites. Extreme caution is advised when travelling, and independent travel, including backpacking, is not recommended - it is advisable to travel with a recognised tour operator to established tourist destinations. Although the scene of much crime, many tourist centres have been largely unaffected by political and social unrest. There are ongoing incidents of illegal land seizures, police roadblocks and violent political demonstrations, which could affect the safety of visitors; a low political profile is advised and in the event of demonstrations, visitors are warned to leave the area immediately and to make no attempt to watch or photograph the incident, or use a mobile phone, even from a safe distance, as there have been sporadic, violent attacks on innocent white bystanders in the past. With the results of the national elections held on 29 March 2008 still uncertain, there continues to be a high level of political tension in the country. The opposition party, the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change), believe the delay in issuing results mask attempts by Mugabe's faction to find a way out of the biggest crisis the president has faced in his 28-year rule.

Customs: It is against the law to take photographs of public buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to take photographs anywhere in the vicinity of such buildings, or any roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to arrest. It is also illegal to take photographs of police and military, as well as of demonstrations. It is a criminal offence to make insulting comments about President Mugabe and his government. It is also an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians are not permitted to wear camouflage clothing.

Communications: The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00 27 for South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)4 for Harare. Telecel, Econet and Net*One operators provide GSM 900 network mobile phone coverage in most cities, towns and tourist areas throughout the country. Internet and Email facilities are available in Harare, where there are about 30 Internet cafes which are generally always crowded.

Duty Free: Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$250 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, honey, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.

Climate: Summer runs from November to April and has hot, sunny days with daytime temperatures around 86ºF (30ºC) in the main centres and hotter in the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Kariba and Victoria Falls. Summer coincides with the rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms are possible, although the Eastern Highlands experience rain throughout most of the year. Winter days are warm and dry (68ºF/20ºC), with a vast drop in temperature at night, and runs from June to August. Winter is the most pleasant time to travel, and is best for game viewing and white water rafting; however this is also peak tourist season and is the busiest time of year.