IS IT SAFE TO VISIT ZIMBABWE?

Zimbabwe is relatively safe for tourists to visit provided they stay vigilant and book with a reputable tour company.

There are numerous crimes that do occur, from petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing increasing to muggings, house robberies and car jackings.

Criminals are known to target both foreigners and residents. Highway robberies are common, particularly at night.

Be extremely vigilant when leaving banks or using ATM machines.  Also be cautious when you travel on the road between Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and when journeying through the Beitbridge area.

Crime increases in the large cities such as Harare and Bulawayo. Stay vigilant at tourist sites such as Victoria Falls and Honde Valley waterfalls and at popular safari camps in the Hwange and Mana Pools national parks.

Demonstrations and civil unrest sometimes does happen. They normally happen in the Central Business District and highly populated areas of major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo. They have led to violence in the past.

Wildlife viewing always poses risks due to wild animals especially if you viewing them on foot or at close range.

Many areas in the country have long and frequent interruptions to the electrical and water supplies.

Local police are most of the time unable to travel to the site of a reported crime. The police are more than likely going to ask you to go to the nearest police station to report a crime.  

There are daily power outages happening across the country since May 2019. This can also lead to water shortages. Food and petrol shortages happen frequently. Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in case of lengthy disruptions.

Telecommunications networks disruptions occur.

WEATHER

The rainy season stretches from November until March. Flash floods can occur and make some roads impassable. Make sure you watch the weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

NO-GO AREAS FOR ZIMBABWE

Avoid the border area with Mozambique. Do not stray from the main roads near the Zimbabwe–Mozambique border, as the risk of crime and theft is high. Do not attempt to enter the area to the Marange diamond mining fields in Chiadzwa as it is restricted by armed forces.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER IN ZIMBABWE

Do not try and cross roadblocks even if they look unattended.  

Always follow the instructions of local authorities.

Make sure that your personal belongings are secure at all times, especially in crowded places. Keep your passport in a secure location and carry a photocopy.

Avoid areas where demonstrations happen. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent quickly. They can also lead traffic congestion.

Always keep a safe distance when observing wildlife. Listen to your guide when it safe to move when sighting animals.

Avoid swimming in rivers and lakes due to wildlife and waterborne diseases.

Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators when you book your Victoria Falls Tour.

SAFE TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN ZIMBABWE

Do not use intercity bus and rail services, as they are dangerous. Buses are extremely overcrowded and badly maintained, and the drivers are often reckless.

The rail system is weak and poorly maintained, resulting in frequent accidents.

Major hotels usually have their own taxi services which are safe for intra-city travel. Taxis recommended by hotels are normally reliable and in good condition. Taxi service is only available in major cities and taxis will normally not take you more than 20 km outside the city limits.

If you decide to rent a car, make sure you get a four-wheel drive. Preferably arrange a driver who is professional. You should carry an International Driving Permit.

Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Using a cellular telephone without a hands-free device while driving is illegal and may result in a fine.

Most roads do not have street lights so driving after dark is not advised plus the element of crime increases.

Traffic lights normally do not work, and drivers do not treat non-functioning lights as four-way stops. Be extra careful before proceeding through an intersection.

Potholes are common and cause many road accidents. Badly maintained vehicles and dangerous driving habits also add to accidents.

A lot of vehicles do not have functioning lights which makes driving at night even more dangerous.

Pedestrians regularly walk on the roads during the day and at night. Domestic and wild animals roam major roads, also posing a risk.

If you feel your vehicle is being followed by an unknown vehicle, drive to your nearest police station.

Do not leave valuables and documents in your vehicle when it is parked. While driving hide any of these from view.

Drive with your doors locked and windows up at all times, and park in a guarded parking lot overnight.

Security forces can create roadblocks anywhere without notice. Drive carefully and always cooperate if you are stopped.

You can be arrested or detained if you do not have copies of your travel documents and vehicle police clearance certificate with you at all times.

Security forces are allowed to search you and your vehicle any time, as well as any person travelling with you. Security forces can also seize any items they consider suspicious during a search. Police officers may ask you to accompany them to the police station or to pay a fine on the spot.

On-the-spot fines are illegal in Zimbabwe and you must ask for a ticket to be issued. You can then pay the ticket at the nearest police station.

TAKING PHOTOS IN ZIMBABWE

Photography of the following is prohibited unless permission is granted from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Information: The State House, government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences and embassies. You are also not allowed to photograph police officers, military members and demonstrations.

Special permits could be needed for other photography. Observe all restrictions, as authorities strictly enforce them. If in doubt, do not take a picture.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

It is a criminal offence in Zimbabwe to make derogatory or insulting comments about the president or the Zimbabwean government. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution.

Possession or importation of pornographic material is forbidden.

Demonstrations are illegal in Zimbabwe if not pre-approved by the government. Authorities have taken onlookers into custody at such events.

LGBT RIGHTS IN ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.  Same sex couples visiting the country should exercise extreme discretion in public and also when making hotel bookings.

DRUGS

The penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs include arrest, detention and prosecution. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.

CUSTOMS

Tourists over the age of 18 years are permitted to bring the following duty free into the country: Five litres of alcoholic drinks (of which up to two litre can be spirits).

Possession or importation of pornographic material is forbidden.

Skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone and mercury are forbidden.

Firearm and ammunition are prohibited.

LOST PASSPORT

Always keep a copy of your passport with you at all times.  If you do lose your passport, report it to your nearest police station and get a copy of the police report. Also report it to your nearest embassy to obtain another passport.

MEDICAL FACILITIES IN ZIMBABWE

Medical facilities and medical supplies in the whole of Zimbabwe are limited. There is a major shortage of prescription medication. If you are taking prescription medication, make sure you bring enough for the duration of your stay.

Virtually all medical services, such as doctor visits, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation, must be paid for immediately in cash, as overseas medical insurance payments are rarely accepted.

Make sure you get adequate travel insurance which covers you for medical evacuations and hospital stays.

IMMUNISATIONS

The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for Zimbabwe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza

MALARIA

Malaria is widespread in Zimbabwe. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Symptoms can be flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Also, a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.

Make sure you start taking anti-malaria medication before your journey and during. Ensure you have adequate medication for the duration of your stay. Take insect repellent with you.

YELLOW FEVER

Travellers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Zimbabwe.  Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria; ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.

FOOD AND WATER IN ZIMBABWE

Do not drink the tap water and ice. Drink bottled water and beverages. Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to contamination.

If food has been left out of a refrigerator for longer than an hour especially eggs, chicken and dairy do not consume them.

CHOLERA

Cholera which is a severe form of diarrhoea, and it can be fatal. Get to your nearest hospital or clinic if you have symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, chills and fever.  It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera.

AVOID STRAY DOGS AND CATS

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in Zimbabwe which is life threatening. Don’t go near pets or stray dogs or cats in Zimbabwe. The animals may bite and scratch you. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEATSTROKE

Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that have come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.

Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones. Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist

HIV/AIDS

HIV and Aids is still a prevalent problem in the country and throughout the African continent. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday.  If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.

IS ZIMBABWE SAFE FOR WOMEN?

Foreign women travelling without male company are probably going to encounter a few local men who will try and make unwanted advances. A firm rebuttal is usually sufficient. The best advice is to wear a ring and say you are married. Do not drive or walk alone at night. Use common sense when looking after your own safety. 

NOTE ON CORONAVIRUS

Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

WHAT CAN A VISITOR DO TO PROTECT HIM OR HERSELF FROM THE VIRUS?

Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser as often as possible, since it can eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.

Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and discard tissues into a closed bin immediately, then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Sneezing or coughing into your hands may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain a fair distance between yourself and other people, since coughs or sneezes from infected people may project droplets containing the virus.

If you experience some fever, cough and difficulty of breathing, immediately seek medical care.

Always practice general hygiene measures, but especially when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets. Wash your hands with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.

Strictly avoid any contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities and avoid consumption of any raw or undercooked animal products. You should even handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

ENJOY A SAFE HOLIDAY IN ZIMBABWE WITH A REPUTABLE TOUR OPERATOR

MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Zimbabwe We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Zimbabwe who make safety a priority.