For a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, Zimbabwe offers an astounding variety of natural beauty and spectacular scenery. The country holds great appeal for active adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty - from the majesty of the famous Victoria Falls, to the giant marble-like boulders of the Motopo Hills, the verdant mountains of the Eastern Highlands, the national parks teeming with wildlife and the Great Zimbabwe ancient ruins to the country's impressive capital city, Harare. It is a great tragedy that Robert Mugabe and his corrupt regime has reduced this great country to an impoverished, cholera-ridden failed state, where the neither the rule of law nor the economy functions to any meaningful degree. The Victoria Falls are Zimbabwe's most popular tourist destination and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Their mile-wide (2km) curtain of water plunges deep into the Zambezi Gorge creating a cloud of mist that can be seen up to 20 miles (32km) away. The area is renowned for being the 'adventure capital of Africa', offering a variety of high adrenaline activities, including one of the wildest days of white water rafting on earth, and a 364ft (111m) bungee jump into the Zambezi River gorge from the bridge linking Zimbabwe to Zambia. If relaxing is more to taste, there are scenic flights over the area, game viewing and tranquil sundowner cruises above the falls. Wildlife flourishes in the untamed wilderness of the Zambezi Valley, in national parks, and on the shores of Lake Kariba, where hippo, crocodiles, buffalo, rhino, elephant and lion roam freely. Remote and protected wildlife reserves line the banks of the Zambezi River and the region offers some of the finest canoe safaris in Southern Africa, particularly the World Heritage site at Mana Pools, which is renowned for its outstanding variety of game. The saltpans and grassy plains of Hwange National Park support one of the largest concentrations of animals in the world, and is the largest game reserve in the country. Lake Kariba is treasured as a source of hydro-electricity, as well as for its fishing resources. It is a beautiful stretch of water studded with islands and the sun-bleached branches of dead trees, surrounded by mountains and forests. Houseboats offer a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in the spectacular sunsets, enjoy a variety of water sports, and spot the vast quantities of game attracted to the lake, including huge Nile crocodiles and hippo. The ongoing social and political unrest in Zimbabwe, together with an economy near to total collapse, has deterred most potential travellers from visiting Zimbabwe and experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery and first-class game viewing safaris in Africa. Although visitors to the country are urged to exercise caution at all times and to remain aware of recent developments, the main tourist areas, and national parks in particular, have been largely unaffected by the political situation, being far from the cities where much of the instability exists. In a desperate attempt to attract business, many game lodges are offering extremely competitive prices to travellers.

Zimbabwe has a sub-tropical climate with a summer season of about eight months (October to April), with hot, sunny days the norm. Summer daytime temperatures range around 86ºF (30ºC) in the main centres, though the low-lying areas such as the Zambezi Valley, Kariba and Victoria Falls tend to be hotter, and there is always a possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm. The Zimbabwean winter climate is pleasant, with warm, dry days from June to August (though temperatures do drop more extremely at night) and the average temperature is around 68ºF (20ºC). Rain occurs mostly between November and March (summer), though throughout most of the year, the Eastern Highlands experiences rain with an average precipitation of about 1,020 mm (40 inches). Best Game viewing time is during the months of August, September and October: this is the dry season when animals congregate at the waterholes. The best time of the year for white water rafting on the Zambezi is September, October and November.

English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.

Local time in Zimbabwe is GMT +2.

The official currency is the US dollar (USD). The Zimbabwe dollar (ZWD) was effectively abandoned as the official curency in early 2009. Major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most of the larger hotels, restaurants and shops; Many smaller establishments still do not have credit card facilities; Diners Club and American Express are sometimes not accepted. ATM facilities, dispensing US$, are available in the cities.

All visitors require tickets and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. Visa fees, where applicable, are payable in US dollars. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.

Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Harare +263 (0)4 771 949.

United Kingdom

UK passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.

British Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 8585 5200.

Canada

Canadian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$75. Canadians cannot get a double entry visa at the point of entry.

Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 252 181.

United States

US passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa

United States Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 250 593.

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals require a passport that should be valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$30 for a single entry or US$45 for a double entry visa.

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Zimbabwe): +27 (0)12 435 9000.

South Africa

South Africans must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained free of charge.

South African High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 753 147.

Australia

Australian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa.

Australian High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 852 471.

Travellers to Zimbabwe who are coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, and rabies are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for the world's lowest life expectancy according to WHO, and a breakdown in the water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.

Safety in Zimbabwe remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, power cuts and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. Many hotels and restaurants are having difficulty finding food supplies, and fuel shortages are causing delays and cancellations for public transport and flights. There has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centres, such as Victoria Falls, and it is not advised to travel outside of those areas unaccompanied. Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe.

Electrical current in Zimbabwe is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three rectangular blade plugs are common.

Business in Zimbabwe is conducted in English, and is fairly informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the business scene. Dress is fairly conservative, but lightweight suits or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal business wear. It is customary to shake hands with men and women at the beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, although hours vary considerably depending on the establishment; some businesses close at 11am on Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.

The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)4 for Harare. Telecel, Econet and Net*One operators provide GSM 900 network mobile phone coverage in most cities, towns and tourist areas throughout the country. Internet and email facilities are available in most towns and cities Harare, but internet cafes are generally crowded.

Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$250 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, honey, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.