If you are planning a trip to Zimbabwe, it is vital that you learn as much as you can about the country. Listed below are some helpful tips for traveling around the country. You will find information about Wildlife, Cultural diversity, Accommodation options, and Precautions to take. Also, you’ll learn about what to pack and how to stay safe while visiting the country.
Wildlife
The Parks and Wildlife Board of Zimbabwe manages the wildlife in the country. This organization oversees the conservation of ten National Parks, nine recreational parks, four botanical gardens, four safari areas, and three wildlife sanctuaries. Together, these protected areas cover over 47,000 square kilometers, or 18,000 square miles. This is about 12.5% of the country’s total land area.
The biggest threat to Zimbabwe’s wildlife is poaching. This illegal activity has caused massive population declines of many species in the country. Thousands of species of animals call Zimbabwe home. In addition to poaching, many Zimbabweans over-exploit these animals for materials, food, and medicines. To help combat this problem, the government has introduced legislation to protect the country’s wildlife.
One important challenge is that the state is unable to gain domestic political support for its conservation policies. As a result, the state’s anti-poaching efforts have largely failed. Incentives have failed to deter poaching. However, the government is considering alternative strategies to protect the country’s wildlife.
The country has a diverse and rich birdlife. Many species of birds live in the country year-round, while others migrate here in winter. The country is also home to more elephants and black rhinos than at any time in its history. Wildlife in Zimbabwe is also protected through various methods, including grazing, hunting, and habitat management.
Zimbabwe has some of the finest wildlife parks in southern Africa. In addition to various mammal and bird species, Zimbabwe also has a plethora of botanical gardens and sanctuaries. Its Wildlife Estate comprises 12.5% of the country’s landmass and is home to numerous predators and a plethora of birdlife.
Cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is an important aspect of the country’s heritage. In 2006, the Zimbabwean government reformed its Cultural Policy to reflect the wide range of traditional and popular culture in the country. The new Cultural Policy was developed in conjunction with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education. Its aim is to support the development and preservation of the country’s cultural traditions.
Zimbabwe is home to a variety of different cultures and languages. While the dominant culture is Christian, there is a great diversity of languages and communities throughout the country. While many Zimbabweans identify as Christian and attend religious services regularly, others follow traditional beliefs and practices. In addition, about 1% of the population is Muslim. Most Zimbabweans practice traditional spiritual systems that are centered on ancestor worship.
Zimbabwean culture includes many arts and crafts. Some art forms include sculpture, masks, drums, basketry, and jewelry. Another popular art form is body decoration. Music is also important to the people of Zimbabwe. Traditional instruments include mbira and marimba. Dance is a spiritual tool for many.
While the country’s culture has undergone some significant changes over the last century, traditional values have remained intact. Zimbabweans still have an intense respect for their ancestors, and many traditional practices have been incorporated into the modern world. In addition, religion is a vital part of life in Zimbabwe, helping many people stay positive and optimistic in difficult circumstances.
Zimbabweans speak many languages, all of which are Bantu-based. English is not an official language and is rarely spoken by the native population. Shona, Ndebele, and Sindebele are the main languages spoken in the country. Education is available in English, Shona, and Ndebele.
Accommodation options
There are many accommodation options available in Zimbabwe, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to five-star hotels. Many of them offer a wide variety of dining options. Guests enjoy the choice of Zimbabwe’s diverse dining options. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority maintains a list of registered hotels and lodges. Visiting non-residents must make payment in foreign currency or with a credit card, as local currency is not accepted. The hotels are graded and classified according to star quality.
Travelers to Zimbabwe should be aware of petty crime, but the country is generally safe. It is advisable to drive yourself wherever possible, as it is generally safer than taking a taxi. The roads are well-maintained and safe to navigate. Accommodation options in Zimbabwe range from basic apartment units to luxurious hotel rooms.
While in Zimbabwe, tourists should opt for comfortable, luxurious accommodations if they want to combine the feeling of being close to nature with the comforts of home. Musangano Lodge is a great option, which boasts spacious accommodations and a shady thatched porch. The lodge offers cultural tours, as well as hiking in the surrounding countryside. Guests can also enjoy fishing in the nearby Osborne Dam.
Accommodation options in Zimbabwe can range from small, secluded guest lodges to large, luxurious hotels. Some are owner-run and have a personal touch. Camping is also an option in Zimbabwe, but it is not very popular. The Zimbabwean people are renowned for their hospitality and their manners, so you should expect five-star service in even a three-star hotel. Although Victoria Falls is technically in Zambia, the best view of the waterfalls is from Zimbabwe’s side. Visitors can also experience the beauty of the Zambezi River.
Precautions to take
While there are many advantages to travelling to Zimbabwe, there are also several precautions you should take before you go. First of all, you should have a valid photo ID with you at all times. If you are stopped by the police, you should have it on hand so that the police can identify you. You should also learn the local laws and observe them. For example, in Zimbabwe, you cannot kill or capture protected animals without a license. It is also illegal to engage in same-sex relationships. You should also keep your passport and travel documents in a safe place. It is also a good idea to enroll in a travel insurance program, which will cover medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Another precaution is to get a vaccination before you travel to Zimbabwe. Vaccinations are necessary to protect you against several diseases. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a travel companion, you should have your health checked at least three months before you travel to Zimbabwe. Your doctor may also recommend you take anti-malarial medications to prevent malaria. While traveling to Zimbabwe, you should also wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers and use insect repellent. You should also stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
In addition to these precautions, you should also make sure you pack adequate clothing. The weather in Zimbabwe can be very cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Therefore, it is a good idea to dress in layers and to wear hats and gloves. It is also a good idea to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance for Zimbabwe, as medical facilities are not so good in this country.
Economic situation
Zimbabwe has undergone a period of extreme economic hardship over the past few years. It has experienced a 50% cut in the prices of basic necessities, drought, and failed government policies. The president has also proposed nationalising foreign businesses, isolating the country from the international community. Food and other basic necessities have become scarce, particularly in rural areas. Due to price controls, it is difficult for the population to buy meat, which was once easily available, but now costs double its original price on the black market.
Zimbabwe’s economic situation is also grave due to the appreciation of the US dollar, which has made the country less competitive and led to company closures. Moreover, the country faces a crippling liquidity crunch. These factors have exacerbated the situation in Zimbabwe, and are making it difficult for the country to attract investments.
In addition to the economic crisis, Zimbabwe also faces a number of humanitarian crises, including the recurring outbreak of cholera and a repression of human rights. The country’s current power-sharing government has failed to address the health crisis, and its health system is in shambles. As a result, the country is in grave danger of another major cholera outbreak.
Zimbabwe’s economy has undergone unprecedented stress in the last decade. A series of events have pushed the economy into a state of crisis, with the country struggling to recover from a severe drought and economic instability. In addition, a parallel foreign exchange market has fueled high profits for certain businessmen and state-owned enterprises. All of these factors have contributed to a depreciating currency and hyperinflation by mid-2007.
Zimbabwe’s capital stock had become depleted and needed rehabilitation. The government’s Transitional Stabilisation Plan (TSP) outlined the steps needed to stabilise the economy and kick-start growth. The plan has a clear goal of getting the country to middle-income status by 2030.
