Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA)

PO Box CY286, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: (4) 752 570. Fax: (4) 758 828. Telex: 26082 (ZIM TOR ZW).

High Commission for the Republic of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand, London WC2R 0SA

Tel: (0171) 836 7755. Fax: (0171) 379 1167. Opening hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday; 0900-1300 Monday to Friday (Visa section).

Zimbabwe Tourism Office

Address as High Commission.

Tel: (0171) 240 6169. Fax: (0171) 240 5465.

Opening hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.

British High Commission

PO Box 4490, Corner House, Samara Machel Avenue/Leopold Takawira Street, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: (4) 793 781. Fax: (4) 728 380. Telex: 24607 (a/b UKREP ZW).

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe

1608 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009

Tel: (202) 332 7100. Fax: (202) 438 9326.

Zimbabwe Tourist Office

Suite 2315, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

Tel: (212) 332 1090. Fax: (212) 332 1093.

Also deals with enquiries from Canada.

Embassy of the United States of America

PO Box 3340, 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: (4) 794 521. Fax: (4) 796 488. Telex: 24591 (a/b USUFCS ZW).

High Commission for the Republic of Zimbabwe

332 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9

Tel: (613) 237 4388/9. Fax: (613) 563 8269.

Canadian High Commission

PO Box 1430, 45 Baines Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

AREA: 390,759 sq km (150,873 sq miles).

POPULATION: 10,401,767 (1992 estimate).

POPULATION DENSITY: 26.6 per sq km.

CAPITAL: Harare. Population: 681,000 (1983 estimate).

GEOGRAPHY: Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the northeast, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the man-made Lake Kariba to the north, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops). Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty, rising to 2592m (8504ft) at Mount Inyangani, the country's highest point. Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife parks in southern Africa, notably Hwange (southwest), Matapos (south) and Nyanga (northeast) national parks. These, together with the Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, are the principal attractions for visitors.

LANGUAGE: The official languages are English and the Shona and Ndebele dialects.

Religion: Christianity with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu and Muslim minorities.

TIME: GMT + 2.

ELECTRICITY: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

COMMUNICATIONS: Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 263. Outgoing international code: 110. Fax: Widely available. Telex/telegram: Available at post offices and major hotels. Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. Press: The two dailies, both in English, are The Herald and The Chronicle.

BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. See the contents for more information.

VISAS: Required by all except:

(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;

(b) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Finland, Greece and Portugal who do need a visa);

(c) 2. nationals of Commonwealth states (except nationals of Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka who do need a visa);

(d) 3. nationals of Egypt, Fiji, French Overseas Territories, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Nepal, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the USA;

(e) those continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight and not staying overnight. Passengers must hold tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and must not leave the transit area.

Note: 4. Nationals of all other countries may obtain visas on arrival in Zimbabwe provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay, apart from those specified below: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cape Verde, China, CIS, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Somalia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Zaïre; and stateless persons.

Types of visa: Single-, Double- and Multiple-entry. For Multiple-entry visas travellers must apply direct to Zimbabwe.

Cost: Single: £21; Double: £29.

Validity: 3 months from date of issue.

Application to: Consular section at Embassy or High Commission. For addresses, see top of entry.

Application requirements: (a) Completed application form(s). (b) Return or onward ticket. (c) Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Zimbabwe.

Working days required: 5.

Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Z$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Z$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and major hotels at the official exchange rate.

Credit cards: American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, whilst Access/Mastercard has more limited use. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Banks and major hotels will exchange these.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to Z$500. Import of foreign currency is unrestricted subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import, supported by the visitor's currency declaration form.

The following items may be imported into Zimbabwe without incurring customs duty:

Goods up to a value of Z$2000 inclusive of tobacco, perfume and gifts; Five litres of alcoholic beverages (up to two litres of which may be spirits).

Special Certificate

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Zimbabwe. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the contents for the Health section.

3: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists from November to June in all areas below 1200m and throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

4: All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten abroad, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the contents for the Health section.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe.

AIR: Zimbabwe's national airline is Air Zimbabwe (UM).

Approximate flight time: From Harare to London is 9 hours 50 minutes (there are no direct flights connecting London with Bulawayo or Victoria Falls; connections from the capital to either take approximately one hour).

International airports: Harare (HRE) is 12km (7 miles) southeast of the city. Coaches run every hour 0600-2000 (travel time - 20 minutes). Taxis and full duty-free facilities are available. Airport facilities include post office (0830-1600 Monday to Friday; 0830-1130 Saturday), restaurant (1200-1430 and 1800-2230) and bank/bureau de change.

Bulawayo (BUQ) is 24km (15 miles) from the city. Limited bus and taxi services are available.

Victoria Falls (VFA) is 22km (13 miles) from the town. Limited bus and taxi services are available.

Departure tax: US$20 (non-residents) or Z$20 (residents) for all international departures. Children under 12 years are exempt.

RAIL: There are train connections from South Africa through Botswana to Bulawayo. There is a link to Zambia via Victoria Falls. Trains to Mozambique are currently suspended because of the political situation.

AIR: Connections to Kariba, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Buffalo Range are run by Air Zimbabwe (UM).

RAIL: There are daily trains between Plumtree, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Harare, Mutare and Triangle, run by National Railways of Zimbabwe.

ROAD: There is an excellent road network, with paved roads connecting all major towns and many rural areas. Traffic drives on the left. Bus/coach: The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company provides bus services in most parts of the country. Routes via Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo, Nyanga, Rusape and Harare are run by Express Motorways Africa (Central) Limited. For more details contact the Tourist Board. Car hire: Available at airports and main hotels. Documentation: Zimbabwe law requires that vehicles carry identification at all times.

HOTELS: There are hotels and lodges (which are similar to guest houses and provide bed and breakfast). A list of registered hotels is available from the Tourist Board. Non-residents must pay hotel bills in hard currency. Local currency is not acceptable even on presentation of exchange certificates. Grading: All hotels are graded on a 5-star system, with those classified 1-star or above being registered with the Tourist Board. Over 70 hotels are registered. Further information can be obtained from the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Zimbabwe, 9th Floor, Travel Centre, Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare. Tel: (4) 733 211. Fax: (4) 794 015.

Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of the country, and connecting its two largest cities, this chain of low mountains is Zimbabwe's most populous area.

Harare: Formerly Salisbury, the capital is Zimbabwe's commercial and industrial centre and also the usual starting point for any visit. It is a clean and sophisticated city, characterised by flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture. Local sightseeing includes the modern museum and art gallery, the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park, which has a lake and game reserve, the Lion & Cheetah Park, the Larvon Bird Gardens and the landscaped gardens of aloes and cycads at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens. Because of its pleasant climate, Harare is known as the 'Sunshine City'.

From the forested mountains of the Eastern highlands to the sun-washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, from the hot Mopani Forest to the shores of Lake Kariba, more than 11% of Zimbabwe's land - 44,688 sq km (17,254 sq miles) - has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates. There are ten national parks and ten recreational parks around the country, plus several botanical gardens, sanctuaries and 14 national safari areas for hunting (which helps to finance the conservation programme and is strictly controlled).

Hwange (formerly Wankie) National Park is Zimbabwe's largest national park, both in size, 14,620 sq km (5,644 sq miles), and in the variety of animals and birds that may be seen. From the three camps, networks of game-viewing roads guide visitors to areas with good animal concentrations and to waterholes where, in the evenings, great numbers of wild animals congregate. At some waterholes platforms are erected from which one can observe game closely and in safety. Hwange is one of the last of the great elephant sanctuaries in Africa and herds of up to 100 elephants may be seen drinking and bathing at the waterholes, particularly at the end of the dry season in September.

120km (75 miles) from the Hwange National Park are the Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world - 2.5km (1.5 miles) wide, 550 million litres of water plunge every minute 100m (330ft) into a narrow chasm; the spray can be seen 30km (20 miles) away. To gain an overall impression of the Falls, the 'Flight of the Angels' light plane trip is a must, as is a cruise up the mighty Zambezi River. It is possible to walk across to Zambia (with the minimum of formalities) to view from the other side; this is also highly recommended, for the Falls are without a doubt one of the world's grandest natural spectacles and every viewpoint reveals something new. Nearby is the Zambezi National Park, where sable antelopes and other exotic animals graze in a parkland setting.

Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe's most beautiful national parks, occupying 2196 sq km (848 sq miles) of forest along the shores of the Zambezi River. The animal population includes hippo, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many types of antelope. Game viewing on foot is allowed. The birdlife along the river and in the bush is particularly prolific. It is possible to fish for tigerfish, bream and the giant vundu.

Lake Kariba, in the northwest of the country on the Zambian border, covers 7770 sq km (3000 sq miles) and holds a million gallons of water. Game can be viewed from the luxury of the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, the comfort of various safari camps, or from well-appointed cruise vessels and self-contained safari-crafts.

A holiday in Zimbabwe would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. This forms the largest complex of ruins in Africa south of the pyramids in Egypt. The Main Enclosure, or Temple, has walls over 9m (30ft) tall, 4m (14ft) thick and over 228m (250 yards) in circumference, giving approximately 485,521 cubic metres (635,000 cubic ft) of hand-trimmed mortarless stonework. The remains are what is left of a city-state that flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries, trading in gold. Lake Kyle National Park is not far away; there is a well-organised campsite close to the lake.

FOOD & DRINK: Zimbabwe is a cosmopolitan society and enjoys both local and international cuisine. Eating out is popular and comparatively cheap. A traditional dish is sadza (a stiff maize meal) eaten with meat and/or gravy and a relish. Table service is the norm in restaurants. Drink: Beer is the most widely drunk alcoholic beverage. Imported wines, spirits and liqueurs are available in hotels. Traditional maize beer, whawha, is made in large quantities on special occasions. Public bars are almost always part of a hotel. Licensing hours in Zimbabwe are 1030-1500 and 1630-2300. Major hotels have 24-hour bars and room service.

NIGHTLIFE: Rather limited outside the cities with the emphasis on eating and discos, but larger cities have nightclubs, cinemas and repertory theatres. The three main tourist areas have casinos.

SHOPPING: A sales tax of 10-22% 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. Shopping hours: 0800-1700 Monday to Friday and 0800-1300 Saturday.

SPORT: Football and cricket are the national sports, while tennis, squash, riding, rugby and hockey are also very popular. For the more adventurous there are clubs for hang-gliding, water-skiing, windsurfing and parachuting.

Special events: Feb '97 International Flower Show. Feb (mid) Zimbabwe Travel Expo. Apr/May Zimbabwe Trade Fair, Bulawayo. Early Aug International Book Fair, Harare.

ECONOMY: Zimbabwe is fortunate in its strong agricultural base: tobacco and other cash crops, including sugar, coffee, cotton, maize, are key export earners. In addition, Zimbabwe exports high-quality beef to the EU under the terms of the Lomé Convention (which governs trade between the EU and the ACP - African, Caribbean and Pacific - countries). The mining industry is also important with gold and nickel produced for export as well as smaller quantities of a host of other minerals. Large coal deposits and hydro-electric plants supply the country's power stations. Other minerals are processed before being exported: ferro-chrome and refined gold are examples. The manufacturing industry is well-developed by regional standards, significantly as the result of import substitution projects set up while international trade sanctions were applied against Rhodesia during UDI; nowadays, food processing, metals (ferrochrome and steel), chemicals and textiles are the most important of these. This offers one of the best opportunities for British exporters, since much of Zimbabwean industry relies on very old equipment which needs replacing. Zimbabwe remains somewhat dependent on trade links with South Africa although economic relations are expected to improve following the end of apartheid. Zimbabwe is a member of the Southern African Development Community and agreed in 1993 to the formation of a Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Drought has inhibited growth in the agricultural sector; otherwise Zimbabwe's economic prospects are good. The main problem of foreign exchange shortage (reflected in the import licensing system) is being tackled with the support of the IMF. After South Africa, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US are Zimbabwe's main trading partners.

Business: Normal courtesies should be observed and men should wear a suit and tie. The atmosphere will generally be less formal than in many European countries. Office hours: 0800-1630 Monday to Friday.

Commercial information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Private Bag 7708, 12-14th Floor, Mukwati Building, 4th Street, Causeway, Harare. Tel: (4) 702 731. Telex: 24472; or

Zimbabwe National Chambers of Commerce, PO Box 1934, Equity House, Rezende Street, Harare. Tel: (4) 753 444. Fax: (4) 753 450. Telex: 22531.

History: Present-day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. The people of the area resisted European colonisation until the late 1890s, when British mining interests under Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company (BSAC) seized control. The BSAC ran the country, called 'Southern Rhodesia', until 1923, when it became, nominally, a British colony. This followed a referendum (for whites only) on joining the Union of South Africa. Despite attractive terms from South African leader Smuts, there was a heavy vote against the merger. From 1953-63 Southern Rhodesia formed part of the Central African Federation with neighbouring Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nayasaland (now Malawi). In 1965, to resist decolonisation, the settlers, with South African support, issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI). This triggered a bitter civil war between the white minority government and fighters for African independence, ending only in 1980 with the granting of independence and the holding of a general election under British auspices, which was won decisively by Robert Mugabe's ZANU Party. The main focus of dissent in the early years was Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU opposition party. From 1985, however, the two parties moved towards a merger, which was achieved peacefully in January 1988. Named ZANU-PF, the party swept the board in the 1990 national elections, taking 147 of 150 seats. With Nkomo's party neutralised as an opposition force, the charismatic ex-guerrilla commander Edgar Tekere became the principal opposition to Mugabe and his party's continued domination of Zimbabwean politics. Tekere's Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM) made a strong showing in the 1990 elections, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, but was still overwhelmed by ZANU-PF and has since faded. Mugabe's original intention had apparently been to institute a one-party state once he had achieved a sufficiently large parliamentary majority. Having acquired it, however, he became curiously reluctant to continue down that path. The reason was political developments elsewhere in Africa, which are, almost without exception, moving away from one-party rule and towards pluralism. Nonetheless, conditions for opposition parties are virtually impossible as became apparent when Mugabe sought another 6-year term in 1996. His only opponents were the veteran opposition politicians Abel Muzorewa and Ndabadingi Sithole, both of whom had been involved in the transitional government of the late 1970s, but all but withdrew from the electoral process shortly before the poll. Mugabe won overwhelmingly on a desultory turn-out. On the economic front, Mugabe has committed his government to pursuing liberal economic policies in which market forces will play a dominant role: trade liberalisation and land reform are the main economic policies, while the government is also playing a prominent role in attempts to establish a free-trade zone among the members of the Southern African Development Conference. The Mugabe government's strong anti-apartheid stance means that it now enjoys good relations with the Mandela government elected in South Africa in 1994. Harare is also doing what it can to support the fragile political settlements in Angola and Mozambique. Foreign policy is otherwise characterised by attempts to maintain friendly relations both with the West (particularly the UK) and other EU countries, as well as China, North Korea and Eastern Europe.

Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from September to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September.