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| Zimbabwe Travel Guide for backpackers |
| This country of great beauty and great turmoil is a fascinating place. With the magnificent Victoria Falls on it border, intriguing and mysterious ruins in the walls and towers of Great Zimbabwe, and some the greatest national parks of the world sheltering the big five, it would seem paradise. Of course, in every paradise there is usually a snake, and the poison of corruption is creeping through the country and destroying its infrastructure and bringing it to the brink of famine. It would be wise to check the political situation before traveling to Zimbabwe, and if you should enter the country stay well away from any demonstrations. |
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Harare – The center of commerce and tall with high-rise buildings, Harare has all the problems and pleasure of any modern city, but it is not safe to walk alone in the city and one should definitely not venture out at night unless using an official taxi.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument – Sub-Saharan Africa’s greatest medieval city has walls that rise 36ft high, and are 16ft thick in places, with not a speck of mortar holding it together.
Hwange National Park – The best time to visit this great national park is over the dry season in September/October, when animals gravitate to the watering holes and provide fascinating tableaux of life on the edge.
Matobo National Park – The incredible balancing rocks of Matobo give the sense of some giant child’s playground, but there is also a feel of something great and majestic in the air, and many of the caves and peaks are considered sacred.
Victoria Falls – The magnificence of these falls can be summed up in David Livingstone’ s prose, when he described them as “scenes so lovely they must stopped angels in their flight.” Of course, that was way back when, before tourism stepped in with every possible tourist trap on the market. |
 DAILY BUDGET in ZIMBABWE - It is possible to get by on US$15 a day, or less, if you camp or stay in hostels, and do your own catering, but if you prefer the comfort of hotel accommodation with private bath and eating in restaurants, the amount will easily soar to about US$50 a day. |
| November to April, when the rain falls and cools the air, and green things grow, is the best time to visit Zimbabwe to see its landscapes at their best, but winter and the dry season is more advantageous for spotting wildlife. The huge Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Show is held at the Harare show grounds towards the end of August. |
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