Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in south-central Africa, is slightly smaller than California. It is bordered by Botswana on the west, Zambia on the north, Mozambique on the east, and South Africa on the south.
Climate and Weather
Summer runs from November to April and has hot, sunny days with daytime temperatures around 86°F (30°C) in the main centers 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 (68°F/20°C), 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.
Population
The population of Zimbabwe in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 12,891,000, which placed it as number 67 in population among the 193 nations of the world. Black ethnic groups make up 98% of the population. The majority people, the Shona, comprise 80 to 84%. The Ndebele are the second most populous with 10 to 15% of the population.
Transportation
Most international flights arrive in Harare. If you're already in southern Africa, there are frequent services between Johannesburg (and plenty of other Southern African cities) and Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Air Zimbabwe offers services throughout regional Africa and to major cities in Europe.
Popular land borders include the Victoria Falls/Kazungala crossing between Zimbabwe and Botswana (from where you can continue through Chobe National Park to Namibia), the Victoria Falls/Livingstone crossing to Zambia, and the road and rail links to South Africa via Beitbridge. To Mozambique (and Malawi), the route is from Harare to Blantyre via the Nyamapanda and Mwanza border crossings. Daily buses run this route.
Top Attractions
1. Harare.
2. Bulawayo.
3. The Eastern Highlands.
4. Hwange National Park.
5. Victoria Falls.
6. Mana Pools National Park.
7. Lake Kariba.
8. Matobo National Park.
9. Nyanga National Park.
Best Travel Time
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination. However there are seasons that special interest groups should note:
For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December.
Winter months, May to September, are best for game viewing as the bush is thinner and the animals tend to congregate near the water holes.
The best time to visit the Vumba Botanical Gardens is from December to May, when the vegetation is lush and green and most plants are in flower.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Sadza (a stiff maize meal) eaten with meat and/or gravy and a relish.
• Nhedzi soup (wild mushroom).
• Game meat, including ostrich, warthog and crocodile tail.
National drinks: • Whawha (traditional maize beer).
Local Products/Shopping
A sales tax of 10 to 22 per cent is added to all purchases, the higher rate being on luxury items, except those which are to be exported. Special purchases are copper, wooden and soapstone carvings, gameskin and leather products, pottery and basketwork.
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1. Harare.
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination. However there are seasons that special interest groups should note: