LOCATION

Situated in Southern Africa, between the Limpopo and the Zambezi rivers, Zimbabwe is landlocked, bounded by Zambia to the North, Mozambique to the East, South Africa to the South and Botswana to the West.

CAPITAL CITY

Harare
Other main cities are Bulawayo, Mutare and Gweru

TIME ZONE

+2 Hours GMT

POPULATION

15.1 million

AREA

390,757 sq km

LANGUAGES

English, Shona and Ndebele

ZIMBABWE FLAG

The Zimbabwe Flag is made up of seven stripes, a triangular section containing a star and a stylized bird. The ‘Zimbabwe Bird’ is the national symbol of Zimbabwe. The original birds were found as stone carvings in the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The star stands for the political hopes of the country and the white triangle for post-independence peace. The green stripes represent the land and natural resources, yellow the mineral wealth, red the blood sacrificed during the struggle for independence, and the black in the centre, the people.

WEATHER

Seasons, Weather & Suggested Clothing

December to March
Normally the rainy season with warm to hot days, mild to warm evenings. Light Clothing and rainwear.

April and May
Mainly sunny, warm days with cool to cold evenings. Pack a jersey for the evenings.

June to August
Mild, sunny days but can be distinctly cold in the evenings. A jersey or anorak is strongly recommended.

September
Pleasant sunny days – may need a jersey for the evenings.

October to December
Hot sunny days with high temperatures. Nights are warm. Light clothing.

General Note
It is recommended that sun protection and hats be worn all year round. Good sunglasses

RELIGION

Christianity, Traditional beliefs and others.

BUSINESS HOURS

07:45hrs – 16:45hrs
On Saturdays government offices are closed but the commercial sector opens in the morning until 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm.
Some retail outlets opens on Sunday mornings

ITEMS TO BRING

Protection against the harsh African sun is advised, as well as khakhi, loose-fitting cool clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential.

TRANSPORT

FLIGHTS: Domestic flights run between the main cities.
ROADS: Excellent road network.
DOCUMENTATION: IDP (International Drivers Permit) is required as well as vehicle identification.
BUS: Services are provided in most parts of the country.

BANKING HOURS

0800 - 1500 Monday to Friday.
0800 - 1130 Saturday.

WEIGHTS & MEASURES

The metric system is used.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Zimbabwe has three cellular network operators through which roaming facilities are available. If you wish to bring your cellular telephone along it is advisable to check with your local cellular provider as to whether or not they have roaming facilities in Zimbabwe.
Pay as you go cards are also available from the cellular companies in Zimbabwe.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 Volts AC; 50 Hz

CURRENCY

Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL). The US dollar is also legal tender

CREDIT CARDS

International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops and banks. Please check with your bank if you can use your ATM card in Zimbabwe. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at the bank.

JOURNALISTS

All journalists visiting Zimbabwe need to be accredited by the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity. Please contact the Zimbabwean Embassy or consulate in or near your country.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Indecent film and publications; ammunition, narcotic drugs etc.

SHOPPING HOURS

Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700hrs
Saturday 0800 to 1300hrs
A number of smaller shops stay open until later and many suburban supermarkets are open on Sunday morning. In tourist areas most curio shops or markets are open all day and all week. Throughout Zimbabwe many roadside markets sell hand made curios and carvings with a wide variety to choose from.

MAJOR IMPORT COMMODITIES

Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels

MAIN EXPORT COMMODITIES