Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia is a republic located just above the northern tip of the Republic of South Africa. Rhodesia was formerly known as the breadbasket of Africa, being one of the most modern states on the continent however after the take over of Mugabe and formation of Zimbabwe the country was plunged into hyperinflation by racist economic policies, stripping land of white farmers causing mass starvation turning Zimbabwe into one of the poorest countries in the world.

Traveling info

All tourists traveling to Zimbabwe are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of some nations may enter Zimbabwe without the requirement of obtaining a visa. These are mostly made up of African and Caribbean states. These states account for category A states and do not require a visa. Category B states which are made up of remaining countries are required to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. Applications can be made online or in a Zimbabwe consulate or embassy. Tourists who wish to drive in Zimbabwe are required to have their national driving permit along with an international driving permit in order to drive legally. Tourists should beware that an IDP is only a translation of the original document and does not substitute for it. Both documents must be with the driver at all times. Traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road.

Traveling hazards

Driving in Zimbabwe is extremely hazardous, particularly at night. Zimbabweans drive on the left side of the road and many people drive over the speed limit. Although the main roads throughout Zimbabwe are generally in fair but deteriorating condition, most lack passing lanes, shoulders, breakdown lanes, lighting, reflectors, and similar safety features. Avoid driving at night. Pedestrians in dark clothing and animals are often walking along and on the roads, and the majority of roads in Zimbabwe are poorly lit. Motor vehicles often have no headlights or taillights and are difficult to see at night. Passing lanes are not always clearly marked, and road visibility at times can be restricted. In urban areas, lane markers are often faded, with non-working street lights and traffic lights. Potholes are also numerous on most roads. The Traffic Safety Council reports there are 40 to 50 vehicle accidents in Harare alone each night. Also note, as mentioned above, local police frequently use marked and unmarked roadblocks to enforce order and collect fines, particularly in urban centers and on major roads. Even though these roadblocks are manned by uniformed police officers, be cautious when approaching them, particularly at night. When instructed by police or other security officials to stop at a roadblock, comply with these instructions.

Environmental hazards

Despite the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe, wildlife is flourishing. There are a number of animals which are a potential danger for people. Among the most dangerous are lions, hippos and elephants. Lions are the largest land apex predators in Africa. These animals are responsible for over 250 deaths each year across Africa. Hippopotamus despite looking docile is fierce and will attack any intruder. These animals are known for attacking people involved in water activities such as kayaking. Elephants are the largest land creatures on earth, especially the African bush elephants. These animals are not aggressive however when angered or startled these animals can easily flip over a large car, nevermind trampling people. Crocodiles are numerous in Zimbabwe. The exact number of attacks and fatal attacks is unknown due to many of these happening in remote areas. Despite the unreported attacks, there are numerous reported ones. These large reptiles are prevalent in most water bodies in Zimbabwe. There are several different species of venomous snakes in Zimbabwe. Most notably black mamba, puff adder, cobras and several other. Tourists should avoid all spotted snakes as an untrained eye won’t be able to tell venomous from non-venomous snakes. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country however it has many rivers and lakes. These, however, are usually inhabited by crocodiles or hippopotamuses.
Zimbabwe experiences multiple natural hazards, including drought, floods, and heavy rains. Droughts affect rural and urban food security, water supplies, and livelihoods. Recurring floods damage property, infrastructure, and disrupt lives.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Apart from yellow fever, there are no other vaccination requirements. There are however several other vaccinations which are strongly recommended to ensure a disease-free trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, cholera, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies. There is, unfortunately, no vaccination against malaria. There is however another way to protect against the disease. Malaria is contracted through mosquito bites, therefore, mosquito nets and repellents are strongly recommended. There is also medicine on prescription against malaria however it is only available after consulting your local GP. Since the fall of Rhodesia, all the medical facilities in the country began to erode. Currently, hospitals lack modern equipment, there is a shortage of supplies and a shortage of educated workforce. All skilled medical workers are leaving the country. Private facilities exist however these are scarce outside of big cities. Tourists should consider purchasing medical insurance to cover for their potential medical expenses and avoid public facilities. Tourists should also prepare some of the most basic medical supplies for their trip as these might be difficult to obtain on the spot.
In case of an emergency dial 994.

Crime

Despite the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe, it is relatively safe. Tourists should, however, keep cautious no matter where they are in the country. Petty and violent crime is on the rise caused mainly by staggering poverty in the country. Tourists should keep their possession safe, not leave any valuables in cars and employ gadgets such as money belts to keep their money away from potential thieves. Tourists are mainly targeted by thieves in hope of economic gain, therefore, western tourists should be particularly careful. Crowded areas, public transport, etc are perfect spots for pickpockets. There are multiple reports of ATM skimming and spotting incidents in Harare, resulting in victims being followed or attacked upon arrival at a residence. While the queues at the banks spiked mid-year, the volume of available cash in banks and ATMs continued to drop, which resulted in fewer instances of ATM-related crimes. There is no risk of terrorism in Zimbabwe. Possession, distribution, and cultivation of any narcotics in illegal and considered a criminal act.

Summary

Despite the current crisis of Zimbabwe, there are numerous incredible places to visit. One can search the big African five or witness the glory of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side however there is much more to discover. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/zimbabwe-visa.html
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/zimbabwe
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291