Zimbabwe Overview Country Overview Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the man-made Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The Victoria Falls are a principal attraction. Formerly Salisbury, the capital, Harare, 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. Zimbabwe’s second city, Bulawayo, is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is home to the National Museum and headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. 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 per cent of Zimbabwe’s land – 44,688 sq km (17,254 sq miles) – has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates. Traditional dishes include sadza (a stiff maize meal) eaten with meat and/or gravy and a relish. Nightlife is rather limited outside the cities with the emphasis on eating and discos. General Information Area: 390,757 sq km (150,873 sq miles). Population: 12,293,953 (1997). Population Density: 31.5 per sq km. Capital: Harare. Population: 1,189,103 (1992). 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 northwest, 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), Matopos (south) and Nyanga (northeast) national parks. These, together with the Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, are the principal attractions for visitors. Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1980. Head of State and Government: President Robert Mugabe (Head of Government since 1980 and Head of State since 1987). Language: The official language is English, with Shona and Ndebele dialects. Religion: Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities. Time: GMT + 2. Electricity: 220/230 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone Full IDD is available. Country code: 263. Outgoing international code: 110. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network. Operators include Econet (website: www.econet.co.zw), Net One (website: www.netone.co.zw) and Telecel Zimbabwe (website: www.telecel.co.zw). Coverage is limited to a few urban areas. Fax Widely available. Internet ISPs include Data Control, InterData (website: www.id.co.zw), Africa Online (website: www.africaonline.com) and M-web Zimbabwe (website: www.mweb.co.zw). E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes in Harare and in Mashonaland. Telegram Available at post offices and major hotels. Post Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. Press The main English-language newspapers are The Herald, The Chronicle, The Financial Gazette and The Sunday Mail. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 21.47 12.10 11.94 6.005 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.58 11.98 6.035 0.909 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes 2 Yes Australian Yes 2 Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes 2 Yes OtherEU Yes 1/2 Yes Japanese Yes 2 Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) 1. nationals of Canada and Ireland; (b) nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia; (c) passengers continuing their journey to a third country within six hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area. Note: 2. Nationals of the following countries may obtain visas valid for up to 90 days on arrival in Zimbabwe, provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana (gratis visa), Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep of), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA and Vatican City. Types of visa and cost: Visa at port of entry: Single-entry – US$30; Double-entry – US$45; Multiple-entry – US$55. Validity: Six months from date of issue. Application to: Consular section at Embassy or High Commission; see Contact Addresses section. For Multiple-entry visas, travellers must apply direct to Zimbabwe. Application requirements: (a) Completed application form. (b) Return or onward ticket. (c) Evidence of sufficient funds to cover stay in Zimbabwe. (d) Passport valid for six months. (e) Fee. Working days required: Seven to ten days. Temporary residence: Apply to Chief Immigration Officer, Private Bag 7717, Causeway, Harare. Money Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Z$500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Z$5, 2 and 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 & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, whilst MasterCard has more limited use. Some ATMs accept credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Banks and major hotels will exchange these. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to Z$2000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is unlimited as long as supported by the visitor’s currency declaration form. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Zimbabwe Dollar against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 80.81 84.33 87.69 87.89 $1.00= 55.45 55.45 55.45 55.20 Banking hours: Mon-Tue and Thurs-Fri 0800-1500, Wed 0800-1300 and Sat 0800-1130. Duty Free The following items may be imported into Zimbabwe without incurring customs duty: Goods up to a value of US$250 per person inclusive of tobacco, perfume and gifts; for persons of 18 years of age or older, 5l of alcoholic beverages (up to 2l of which may be spirits). Note: (a) The import of drugs, honey, pornographic literature, toy firearms, flick knives and lockable knives is prohibited. (b) Permits are issued on arrival for firearms and ammunition. (c) Agricultural products including seeds and bulbs require an import licence. Public Holidays Dec 22 2002 Unity Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Apr 18 Independence Day and Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Workers’ Day. May 25 Africa Day. Aug 11 Heroes’ Day. Aug 12 Defence Force’s Day. Dec 22 Unity Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. Apr 18 Independence Day. May 1 Workers’ Day. May 25 Africa Day. Aug 11 Heroes’ Day. Aug 12 Defence Force’s Day. Dec 22 Unity Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera Yes 2 Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A 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 advisable. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. 3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised. 4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists from November to June in all areas below 1200m (3937ft) and throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley although there is negligible risk in Harare and Bulawayo. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Food & drink: 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. Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Trachoma and Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningoccal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. There may be a small risk of plague in rural areas, especially Matabeleland. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. AIDS is a high risk throughout the country and precautions should be taken. Health care: Medical facilities are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. There is no reciprocal agreement with the UK. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission. Travel - International Travel Warning: Visitors to Zimbabwe should exercise caution at all times and remain aware of recent developments in the country. AIR: Zimbabwe’s national airline is Air Zimbabwe (UM). Other airlines serving Zimbabwe include Aeroflot, Air Botswana, British Airways, Egyptair, KLM, Lufthansa, Majestic Air, South African Airlines and Zambia Airways. Approximate flight times: From Harare to London is 9 hours 50 minutes. There are direct flights connecting London with Victoria Falls. Connections from the capital to Bulawayo take approximately 1 hour. International airports: Harare (HRE) is 14km (9 miles) southeast of the city. Coaches run at regular intervals to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are available. Airport facilities include post office (Mon-Fri 0830-1600, Sat 0830-1130), restaurant (1200-1430 and 1800-2230), duty-free shop 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. Bus and taxi services are available. Departure tax: US$20 (non-residents) or Z$20 (residents). Children under two years and transit passengers are exempt. RAIL: There are train connections from South Africa through Botswana to Bulawayo. There is a link to Zambia via Victoria Falls. ROAD: There are roads from Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia. Off the main routes (Beitbridge and Victoria Falls), travel conditions are often difficult during heavy rains. Border posts are generally open from 0600-1800 although the more popular routes through Beitbridge, Plumtree and Victoria Falls are open from 0600-2000. For details, contact the Embassy or High Commission (see Contact Addresses section). Travel - Internal Note: Carjacking, street crime, rape and credit card fraud are on the increase due to high rates of unemployment and deteriorating economic conditions. US citizens and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and therefore could be targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants and shopping malls in Harare and in the major tourist areas, such as Victoria Falls. Caution should be exercised at all times. Travellers are also encouraged to make two photocopies of the biographic page of their passport; leave one copy at home with friends or relatives and carry the second copy for identification and sightseeing purposes. AIR: Connections to Kariba, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Buffalo Range are run by Air Zimbabwe and other airlines. There are also special light-aircraft services at Victoria Falls and Kariba offering sightseeing and game-viewing flights. RAIL: There are daily trains between Plumtree, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Harare, Mutare, Labatse, Chiredzi and Triangle, run by National Railways of Zimbabwe (website: www.planet.nu/sunshinecity/nrz). 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: There are a number of buses, minibuses and coach services serving most of the country. Blue Arrow Luxury Coaches (website: www.bluearrow.co.zw)provides bus services to principal destinations including Harare-Bulawayo (via Chivhu and Kwe Kwe). For more details, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section) or, for ground handlers, contact Tourism Services Zimbabwe in London (tel: (020) 7240 6169; fax: (020) 7240 5465; e-mail: zta.london@btclick.com; website: www.tourismzimbabwe.co.zw). Car hire: Available at airports and main hotels. Documentation: International Driving Permit or national licence (for up to 90 days); if not in English it must be accompanied by a certificate of authority or translation of text. URBAN: A reasonable bus service is provided in Harare by a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Omnibus Company. Tickets are bought in advance from booths. There is also a local bus network in Bulawayo. WATER: Ferries run on Lake Kariba from Kariba to Binga and Mlibizi. Accommodation 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 Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). Non-residents must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (usually US$) or by credit card. 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 Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Over 70 hotels are registered. Further information can be obtained from the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Zimbabwe (HARAZ), PO Box CY 398, Causeway, Harare (tel: (4) 733 211 or 792 919; fax: (4) 708 872; e-mail: hazim@ecoweb.co.zw; website: www.haz.co.zw). CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Most centres and tourist areas have caravan parks and campsites. Introduction Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of the country, and connecting its two largest cities, is the Highveld, a chain of low mountains and 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’. BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe’s second city is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is rich in historical associations and is the home of the National Museum and headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Nearby are the ancient Khami ruins, while to the south is the Rhodes Matopos National Park, notable for its exotic formations of huge granite boulders. Dams with excellent fishing, caves with rock paintings, Cecil Rhodes’ grave and a well-stocked game park make this area popular with visitors. THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS: The Inyanga, Vumba and Chimanimani mountain ranges are one of the country’s principal holiday areas for both Zimbabweans and tourists and are ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy crisp mountain air. The country’s highest mountain, Inyangani (2592m/8504ft), is in this area. The scenery is striking in its variety, with deep valleys, gorges, bare granite peaks, pine-forested slopes and bubbling trout streams rolling down steep cliffs. There are challenging hilly golf courses and pony rides through the heather, as well as the opportunity for mountain climbing, squash, tennis, bowls, fishing, snooker and gambling in the casino. Because of the mountainous and forested terrain, game-viewing in this region is more a matter of chance but for the lucky there are leopards and rare forest antelopes. ELSEWHERE: A holiday in Zimbabwe would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, 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. Parks & Wildlife 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 per cent 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 (an activity which helps to finance the conservation programme and is strictly controlled). Note: For safety reasons, visitors may not enter any national park by motorcycle. Hwange National Park: Formerly Wankie National Park, this is one of Zimbabwe’s largest parks, 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. Victoria Falls: 120km (75 miles) from the Hwange National Park are 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: 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: Situated in the northwest of the country on the Zambian border, Lake Kariba covers 7770 sq km (3000 sq miles) and holds a million gallons of water. Game can be viewed from the comfort of various safari camps, or from well-appointed cruise vessels and self-contained safari-crafts. Matobo National Park: Located close to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second major city, the park is noted for its spectacular granite rock formations and its wealth of ancient rock paintings. Cecil Rhodes’ tomb can be visited at Malindidzimu (View of the World). The Nswatugi and Pomongwe caves are worth visiting. Nyanga National Park: Situated in the mountain range that covers the eastern part of Zimbabwe, Nyanga National Park is an area of high grasslands, evergreen forests, waterfalls, cliffs and lakeside cottages. Trout fishing is very popular and the trout hatchery is well worth a visit. Visitors can also climb Mount Nyangani, the country’s highest peak. The World’s View offers a panoramic view across northern Zimbabwe. From here, a steep footpath leads to the road to Nyanga village with its English gardens, village common and church. Sport & Activities Safaris: For further information on the best places to see wildlife, see Parks & Wildlife in the Resorts & Excursions section. Apart from the traditional way of driving along the parks’ game viewing roads, canoeing and boat safaris are popular alternatives. At Lake Kariba, which has abundant elephant, buffalo, rhino and smaller game living on its banks, boats can be hired for a day or for over a week. Canoeing safaris ranging from three to ten days are especially popular between April and November along the Zambezi River past the Mana Pools flood plains. Individual travellers should book national parks accommodation in advance. For reservations, contact Central Reservations for Lodges (tel: (4) 706 077/8). For further information on safaris, contact the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Borrowdale Road, PO Box CY 140, Causeway, Harare (tel: (4) 707 624 or 724 027 or 792 786; fax: (4) 724 914; e-mail: nationalparks@dta.gov.zw); or the Zimbabwe Association of Tour and Safari Operators, PO Box 7240, Harare (tel: (4) 708 878-9; fax: (4) 794 015; e-mail: pangeti@zct.co.zw; website: http://site.mweb.co.zw/zatso). Adrenaline Sports: At the mighty Victoria Falls, the 111m-bridge (364ft) linking Zimbabwe to Zambia offers one of the world’s highest bungee jumps (at around US$100 per jump). Whitewater rafting through the Zambezi Gorge is at its wildest between July and August. Canoeing and kayaking can be practised on the more subdued river stretches above the falls. The flight of the angels is a 15-minute scenic flight over the falls by helicopter of fixed-wing plane (for approximately US$75). For further information on adventure sports near Victoria Falls, see also Sport & Activities in the Zambia section. Hiking and Trekking: The string of mountains and the lush countryside in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, which form a natural border with neighbouring Mozambique, are particularly sought after by walkers and trekkers. Climbing Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Mt Nyangani, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes; the climb is relatively easy, although climbers should note that mists can roll in very suddenly. Other: Zimbabwe offers excellent freshwater fishing, the best locations being Lake Kariba (famous for its tigerfish), the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls (known for its giant catfish), the streams of the Eastern Highlands and the many lakes. Permits are only required for trout fishing. Zimbabwe has 69 angling clubs which visitors may wish to contact for local advice. Further details can be obtained from the National Anglers Union (tel: (4) 775 444; e-mail: alannholt@yahoo.com). There are around 40 golf clubs, most of which have 18-hole courses. The Eastern Highlands have the highest concentration of courses. The Zimbabwe Open is an annual competition attracting world-class players. For a map and brochure giving details of golf courses, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). Although football and cricket are the national sports, tennis is becoming increasingly popular in Zimbabwe. The game attracts a considerable amount of spectator enthusiasm and tennis tournaments held in the country, particularly those involving the national Davis Cup Team (which has performed extremely well, even against the world’s best teams), are characterised by a festive mood. The highlands also offer good opportunities for horseriding. Social Profile 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. Beer is the most widely consumed 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 ten to 22 per cent 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: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300. Special Events: For a complete list of special events taking place in Zimbabwe, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses). The following are a selection of events taking place in 2003: Feb 10-Mar 4 World Cup Cricket (international cricket matches), Harare and Bulawayo. Apr 29-May 3 ZITF 2003 (international trade fair); A Sambeni African Tour and Travel Expo. Jul 1-4 Scholastica 2003 (education expo), Bulawayo. Sep 16-18 Scholastica 2003 (education expo), Harare. Nov 28-29 Intershop 2003 (trade fair). Nov Zambezi Lite Jazz Festival, Harare. Social Conventions: Urban culture in Zimbabwe is greatly influenced by Western culture and education but in rural areas traditional values and crafts continue. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. European courtesies and codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s home. Return invitations are appreciated. Giving a token of appreciation is optional. Casual wear is suitable for daytime and men are only expected to wear suits and ties for business meetings. Smart restaurants or hotel bars require male guests to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking is common, although it is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings. Photography: The local authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government office. Tipping: A ten to 15 per cent tip is usual. Business Profile Economy: Zimbabwe’s economy is now in freefall. Half the workforce is unemployed; hyper-inflation (currently estimated at 140 per cent annually) has taken hold while GDP is expected to contract by ten per cent during 2002. There are four main reasons: a catastrophic decline in the value of the Zimbabwean dollar; the chaos in the vital agricultural and agro-industrial sectors caused by government policies on land redistribution; the drought which is afflicting the entire region; and the growing impact of the very high rates of HIV/AIDS infection on the workforce. The situation is now extremely serious and the immediate prospects of recovery are virtually zero without radical reform. The agricultural base relies on tobacco and other cash crops, including sugar, coffee, cotton and maize, which are key export earners. Livestock rearing is also important. The mining industry produces gold and nickel, mainly for export, as well as smaller quantities of a host of other minerals including silver, emeralds, lithium, tin, iron ore, manganese, cobalt, coal, diamonds and a number of rare metals. Large coal deposits and hydroelectric plants supply the country’s power stations. The manufacturing industry, which was well developed by regional standards, improved significantly as a result of import substitution projects set up while international trade sanctions were applied against Rhodesia during the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) period; food processing, metals, chemicals and textiles were the most important of these. In the service sector, tourism grew rapidly in the period after independence but this has almost completely vanished. Although better developed than many of its neighbours – especially as regards basic infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, water and electricity – much of this benefit has been squandered or allowed to disintegrate through neglect. Zimbabwe’s economy remains heavily dependent on South Africa. The South Africans have been more sympathetic to the Zimbabwean government than most of the rest of the international community; all the major donors in Europe and North America have now suspended grants and loans to Zimbabwe, further depressing economic prospects. Zimbabwe is a member of the Southern African Development Community and has signed up to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. After South Africa, Zimbabwe’s main trading partners are Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA. 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: Mon-Fri 0800-1630. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Industry & International Trade, Private Bag 7708, 13th Floor, Mukwati Building, Fourth Street, Causeway, Harare (tel: (4) 702 731; fax: (4) 791 829; or Zimbabwe National Chambers of Commerce (ZNCC), PO Box 1934, Equity House, Rezende Street, Harare (tel: (4) 753 444; fax: (4) 753 450; e-mail: info@zncc.co.zw; website: www.zncc.co.zw). Conferences/Conventions: Contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). Climate Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is 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. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing. Required clothing: Light- to mediumweights with warmer clothes for evenings and rainwear for the wet season. History and Government History: Present-day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was populated by descendants of the Bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the tenth century. Mainly pastoral, evidence of their lifestyle may be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, near the present-day town of Masvingo. The first contact with Europeans was with the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. Relations between the two were fairly stable – the Portuguese were largely concerned with ensuring communications between their colonies in Angola and Mozambique on either side of Zimbabwe – until the 1830s, when the region was thrown into upheaval by the northward migration of Ndebele people from South Africa. The Ndebele, who espoused a Zulu warrior tradition, effectively enslaved the indigenous Shona people until the end of the century. At this point, a new aggressive breed of colonists arrived in the form of British mining interests led by Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company (BSAC). The BSAC took control of the country – which they 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 Jan 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 Nyasaland (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 – ZANU’s former ally in the ‘Patriotic Front’ that fought the guerrilla war against Rhodesia from their bases in Zambia and Mozambique. From 1985, however, the two parties moved towards a merger, which was peacefully achieved 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. However, despite a strong showing in the 1990 elections, Tekere’s party was still overwhelmed by ZANU-PF and has since faded. With no broadly based opposition, Mugabe sought and comfortably won another six-year term in 1996. Popular frustration with the Mugabe government’s economic mismanagement and growing corruption meant, however, that it was only a matter of time before organised opposition re-emerged. At the beginning of 1999, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was formed. The Movement has a strong base in the trades unions – party leader Morgan Tsvangirai was general secretary of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trades Unions – but also enjoys support from the white-controlled commercial farming lobby and elements on the far right who backed the Smith regime. The MDC performed creditably at the June 2000 poll, taking 57 of 120 elective parliamentary seats. But the Mugabe government then moved to remove or suppress its perceived opponents in the judiciary, the media and other centres of influence to reassert its control. Zimbabwe is now in a terrible state. The economy has all but collapsed. There is widespread famine, which has been cynically manipulated by the government so opposition strongholds suffer the most. The settlement of the Democratic Republic of Congo war has brought back Zimbabwe’s substantial military commitment, although some troops remain to secure the mining assets under their control. Most important of all, the government lacks the resources or machinery to deal with the ravages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which affects an estimated one-quarter of the population. With all this and the forced and violent removal of white farmers in a brutal land redistribution programme, Mugabe has earned himself widespread scorn from the international arena. Presidential elections fell due in March 2002. In the run-up to the poll, ZANU-PF, with the support of the army, security services and especially the so-called ‘war veterans’ – very few of whom actually fought in the Second Chimurenga against the Smith regime in the 1970s – set about wholesale intimidation and suppression of the opposition. Despite strong international criticism, these measures, plus organised subversion of the electoral process, ensured a Mugabe victory. Morgan Tsvangirai, at the time of writing, is on trial for alleged treason for an alleged and almost certainly fabricated plot to assassinate Mugabe. The government’s behaviour has drawn strong criticism from the EU and the USA, which have imposed limited sanctions against the leading members of the Mugabe regime. However, at 77, Mugabe has few years left: his demise is sure to be the catalyst for change in Zimbabwe; leading ZANU-PF cadres are already quietly considering the nature of the post-Mugabe political landscape. Government: Under the terms of the 1980 constitution, executive power is formally vested in the president, consulted by a prime minister, who in reality wields most power. He, in turn, is advised by a cabinet, which is responsible to the bicameral parliament, which wields all legislative authority. This consists of a House of Assembly, with 150 members, of whom 120 are elected by universal adult suffrage, 12 are nominated by the president, ten are traditional chiefs and eight are provincial governors. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.