Location Information

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Language: English
Currency: Zimbabwe dollar (ZWN)

Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, and formerly Southern Rhodesia, the Republic of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia, is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. Zimbabwe borders South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east.

The history of Zimbabwe began with the end of the Bush War and the transition to majority rule in 1980. The United Kingdom ceremonially granted Zimbabwe independence on April 11, 1980 in accordance with the Lancaster House Agreement. In the 1990s Zimbabwe's economy began to deteriorate due to mismanagement and corruption. Economic instability led several members of the military to try to overthrow the government in a coup d'état.

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 August 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.

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, characterized by flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture. Local sightseeing includes the modern museum and art gallery, the Robert McIlwaine Recreational Park.

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.

Zimbabwe is a cosmopolitan society and enjoys both local and international cuisine. Eating out is popular and comparatively cheap. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Imported wines, spirits and liqueurs are available in hotels.

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

Straddling the western border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, at the point where the Zambezi River drops into the Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls is justifiably called one of the Wonders of the Natural World.

Famously described in 1855 by the explorer David Livingstone as exuding such power that they must have been "gazed upon by angels in their flight," and named by him for his Queen, the falls are the world's largest, spanning almost 2km (just more than 1 mile) and dropping some 100m (328 ft.; twice the height of Niagara).

The sight of more than 9 million liters of water crashing down into the Batoka Gorge is one not easily forgotten; on a clear day the veil of roaring spray can even be seen from up to 80km (50 miles) away. It is this phenomenon that gave the falls its local name: Mosi-Oa-Tunya -- literally, "the smoke that thunders."

Medical Precautions:

Malaria tablets recommended
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Rabies