All the information for a trip to Zimbabwe, what to eat and what to drink, what to bring with you to dress, when to go, vaccinations and climate, prophylaxis and passport, that's all.
When I meet people interested in coming in Africa, I think that many do not know Zimbabwe. I hope in these lines to be able to help those who wish to undertake a trip to Zimbabwe.
Let's start from where it is: geographically it is in southern Africa, north of South Africa and borders Mozambique to the east, Botswana to the west and Zambia to the north. Just above the Tropic of Capricorn, many know it as Rhodesia… or rather remember it that way.
The most frequently asked questions I get are related to safety, to which I always reply, that it is a very peaceful country with a very peaceful and friendly people and that a little common sense is enough to avoid any kind of problem, as everywhere in the world. The other question concerns the vaccinations and Medicines. The luck of Zimbabwe is to be, mostly on a plateau and many tropical diseases related to the proximity of the equator, are not here. Of course I always believe that the best prevention, even here, is in the common sense of every traveler, and small basic rules save us from unpleasant inconveniences.
In Zimbabwe vaccinations are not mandatory. The only one "problem“, If we can say so, it is linked to malaria. But even here there are more or less aggressive periods and more or less active areas, depending on where you want to go. In capital, for example, and in the highlands, prophylaxis is not necessary. In the periods of June and July, where temperatures are cool-cold, it is not strictly necessary as the rest of the year. I always recommend it, but finding an alternative is a good idea and, luckily, there are. However, consult your GP, who knows you and knows how to behave.
Il climate of Zimbabwe, is optimal. It is divided into two seasons, the rainy season from December to March with humid heat, and the dry season from March to November. It should be noted that June and July are two particularly cool months during the day and cold at night, while October and November are the hottest but dryest months. Consequently, what to bring always depends on the period you come and your habits. I always recommend a soft bag and not a suitcase, to make everything more practical.
Comfortable footwear, and light clothing, but above all avoid bright colors that attract mosquitoes such as white, yellow or phosphorescent colors. I highly recommend a shirt even in the hot periods. The evening is cool, and then there is often the air that comes from the mountain range in the east of the country, very pleasant but refreshing. In the periods of rainOn the other hand, a high quality raincoat is highly recommended, which is also useful if we visit the Victoria Falls: a "natural shower" is planned. In addition to the classic "tools of the trade" for health and cleaning, I always recommend sunglasses, binoculars and a camera. The things to see are impregnable. But make sure you have enough batteries and memory. It should be noted, however, that Zimbabwe is a well-stocked country, it will seem to be in Europe, since the shops and supermarkets are well stocked with everything you need. Especially in the cities.
Many ask me: the food? I reply: excellent! Starting from the fact that the people have an obsessive care on cleanliness that sometimes seems exaggerated, we find dishes for all tastes. But above all related to meat. But Arab and Indian influences first and then British, have left a considerable impact. The typical dish is the Soot, a white polenta, combined with boiled vegetables and beef. But there is no shortage of hamburgers, Chinese and European cuisine, even in the most unthinkable places. For drinks, spoiled for choice, but I recommend only sealed bottles or cans.
I conclude with some technical info: the passport it must have a residual validity of 6 months from the expiry date. And I highly recommend (if you come with me it is mandatory), a health insurance. The current currency is the American dollar and only banknotes printed after 2006. Unless otherwise instructed, the US currency remains in force, although the latest rumors speak of a reintroduction of the local dollar soon. ATMs and credit cards work and are accepted, especially in the capital and in the Victoria Falls, but I recommend bringing cash, especially to avoid wasting unnecessary time, and trust me it risks being a lot.
