Archive for the ‘Zimbabwe’ Category

Bulawayo

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Bulawayo, also known as “City of Kings” or “Skies” is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, directly after its capital Harare. It’s situated in the province of Bulawayo, 270 miles south-west of Harare. Bulawayo has the reputation for being the business capital of Zimbabwe because of its strategic position close by Botswana and South Africa. As of latest measurement Bulawayo has a population of 890 thousand people.

The city of Bulawayo is a relaxed and elegant city with three lined boulevards and decent sized city center, most travelers agree it’s worth a day or two exploring its shopping facilities like the Bulawayo Centre which has modern and chic clothing stores, internet cafe and cinema and restaurant scenery with fantastic restaurants such as New Orleans Restaurant and Haefelli’s Bakery. Not to mention a handful of interesting museums and cultural sights like the Amakhosi Theatre Company, National Art Gallery, Bulawayo and the Natural History Museum.

As earlier mentioned, a day or two is enough to explore city center. Yet, around the city of Bulawayo there’s many sightseeing left to be seen. Just outside the city are the Matobo National Park which is also known as Matopos and the Khami ruins. Both of these sightseeing require a day trip at minimum. Other popular sightseeing destinations nearby Bulawayo include Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

Nationals worldwide require a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from Harare International Airport. Travelers are advised to look after their belongings and don’t walk alone at night time, petty crime and theft are part of Bulawayo’s daily activities against tourists and locals due to poverty.

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Victoria Falls

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

It’s no doubt about it, anyone that’s been to “Mosi-oa-Tunya” as the locals call it “the Mist that Thunders” internationally better known as the Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful water fall sights of the world. It’s situated on the Zambezi river in the west of Zimbabwe. Just a few miles outside Livingstone the falls are twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and several times more wide.

The big question is, on which side are the Victoria Falls situated, Zambia or Zimbabwe? The answer is Zimbabwe. Travelers coming in through Zambia have to purchase a visa ($30 US) and pay an entrance fee ($20 US). Further more you should keep in mind that there’s no ATM’s accepting foreign cards nearby the Victoria Falls, you should bring cash only. Prepare to pay in United States dollars or English Pounds only.

Not more than a few years ago, Victoria Falls town was a popular tourist destination for backpackers because of the clubs and parties. Today, because of the politically situation, most tourists prefer to stay at the Zambian side in Livingstone. How ever, the town of Victoria Falls is within walking distance, you can still find guest houses providing safe and comfortable accommodation. Although safety is not a major issue, be aware of scam artists. It’s not worth dealing money on the black market, you’re most likely either ripped off or arrested by tourist police.

Nearby and around the Victoria Falls there’s a lot of tourist activity and sightseeing that can be done. Think about a Zambezi river canoe safari, or bungee jumping off a bridge, take a helicopter or micro flight over the falls, experience a wild horizons elephant back safari or take it easy and go craft shopping at the local market, a full day trip to nearby Chobe or horse riding in African nature. Have your pick!

Nationals worldwide are required a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from the Harare International Airport. For more information regarding your visa contact the Zimbabwe embassy in your country. Travelers are advised to look after their belongings and don’t travel alone during evening or night time. Theft and petty crimes are common against tourists due to poverty.

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Harare

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Harare, formerly known as Salisbury is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe and has an estimated population of 1.6 million people. The city is its administrative, commercial and communication center of the country, as well the trade center for tobacco, maize, citrus fruits and cotton. Manufactures include textiles, steel and chemicals, and gold is mined in the area.

Harare is a beautiful modern city with many spacious parks and gardens within the city limits. Getting round in the city isn’t any problem, its north to south streets are named ”Streets” and its east to west streets are named ”Avenue/Road”. Besides the many taxis meters will bring you where ever. Walking through the narrow shopping streets which are colored by season you will notice a mixture of beggars and musical street bands which create an African sociable environment. In Zimbabwe the summer falls in the winter months with a lot of heat and sunny days, a unique street view are many the ice cream street vendors selling ice cream under red neon lights and a negligent setup Christmas tree.

If you enjoy strolling a local market with African products the Public Gardens are the place to go, each Sunday its market day filled with African music, tasty Zimbabwean and other African dishes, street vendors selling clothing, jewelry and hand wood. Not to far from the market is its National Gallery, where often art galleries take place showing International arts but also African. The museum is free for anyone to enter.

Nationals worldwide require a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from Harare International Airport. Travelers are advised to look after their belongings and don’t walk alone at night time, petty crime and theft are part of Harare’s daily activities against tourists and locals due to poverty.

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