Host Country Information
Practical Information about the Republic of Zimbabwe
Country Flag
Coat of Arms
National Anthem
- Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe – English
- Simudza Mureza weZimbabwe – Shona
- Kalibusisiwe Ilizwe leZimbabwe– Ndebele
1. VENUE – ELEPHANT HILLS RESORT, VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Transform Africa Summit will be held at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe from 26-28 April 2023.
Port of Entry – Victoria Falls Airport
2. ZIMBABWE – GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Zimbabwe is a land locked country in southern Africa with an estimated population of 15 million people. Zimbabwe is bordered by Botswana on the west, Zambia on the north, Mozambique on the east, and South Africa on the south and has a total area of about 390 757 square kilometers. The capital city is Harare and other major cities include Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and Masvingo.
Victoria Falls is located in Matabeleland North Province and lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River. The population in Victoria Falls is estimated at 34 000
3. TOURISM
Zimbabwe is a welcoming, unique and fascinating tourist destination and is home to the mighty Victoria Falls, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Other fascinating places include Lake Kariba, the second largest man-made lake on earth, Kariba Dam on the mighty Zambezi River, the refreshing Eastern Highlands, the exotic Matobo Hills and the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. The nation is richly endowed with pristine wildlife, a unique culture and a naturally warm and friendly people. These attributes contribute immensely to the high degree of attractiveness that position Zimbabwe as a prime tourist destination in the world.
In Victoria Falls you can take time to enjoy some of the following activities:
- Tour of the Victoria Falls Rainforest
- Boat Cruise – sunset/day
- Lion encounter
- Elephant encounter and interaction
- Horse back safari, night drive and bush dinners
- Bungee Jumping
- Bridge Swing, gorge swing, zip line, tandem zip line, highwire pass
- Crocodile farm tour and cage diving
- Rafting and river boarding
- Game drive (am or pm) and Walking Safari
- Elephant Interactive safari and Rhino Encounter
- Helicopter flight over the Zambezi River
- Boma Dinner
- Chobe trip, boat cruise, game drive, bird watching
- Visit to the Hwange National Park, 100km from Victoria Falls
4. WEATHER
In April, the weather is warm and dry in Victoria Falls. Daily maximum temperature is 30°C whilst minimum temperatures average 16°C. it is advisable to pack some light clothing and wear sun hats to walk around during the day. And remember to stay hydrated.
5. PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All visitors require valid passports to travel to Zimbabwe and visa regulations vary according to nationality and country of origin and these should be checked for at your nearest tourist office or embassy before leaving your country.
Visa applications can be done online through the Zimbabwe Immigration website www.evisa.gov.zw
Printed copies of the visas are required upon arrival.
6. HEALTH INFORMATION
COVID-19
- All travellers to Zimbabwe are required to produce a Covid-19 vaccination certificate/card with 2 or more doses of the World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines or alternatively, a Negative Covid-19 PCR Test certificate with a 24–48-hour validity.
- Those who test Covid-19 positive on arrival are required to quarantine for 10 days at their own cost.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, you must possess a Covid-19 PCR certificate of a test taken not more than 48 hours before your departure to Zimbabwe.
- On departure from Zimbabwe travellers who are required to produce Covid-19 PCR test certificates in their home countries will do so at their own cost.
- Wearing of face masks whilst in doors, public transport and regular hand sanitization are still mandatory and key preventive protocols being enforced in Zimbabwe.
MALARIA PREVENTION
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, recommends all travellers to Zimbabwe to take Malaria prophylaxis medicines to prevent Malaria. Visit your doctor or nurse in your country to understand the type of prophylactic regimen you may need before your trip. In some instances, the treatment program may require you to take the Malaria medicine a week before, and after your trip.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION
Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for travellers above 9 months old arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries, or travellers who transited in these countries for 12 hours through their airports.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste Management. Victoria Falls is a pristine community that upholds highest level of environmental cleanliness therefore, travellers are reminded to manage all generated waste using the provided refuse receptacles and if seen dropping litter unnecessarily you will be required to clean the area and dispose of your generated waste accordingly.
WILDLIFE PRECAUTIONS
Victoria Falls is a National Park with a variety of wild animals therefore, visitors are not allowed to go for night strolls in the streets as a safety measure to safeguard from possible harm from straying wildlife.
VICTORIA FALLS MEDICAL FACILITIES
PHARMACIES
NAME | ADDRESS | CONTACT |
Medmint Pharmacy | 8901, Mkhosana opposite Glow, Victoria Falls | +263776301967 |
Vine pharmacy | 4388, Chinotimba Shopping centre, Victoria Falls | +263716317317 |
Victoria Falls Pharmacy | Shop no 3, Phumula Centre, Victoria Falls | +263772845889 -Calls +263713 937122 – WhatsApp |
Trinity Pharmacy | 22, Sawanga Mall Chinotimba, Victoria Falls | +263785884964 |
CLINICS & HOSPITALS
Cimas Clinic and Retail Pharmacy | 89, Spencer Road, Victoria Falls | +26383284 0538/ +26386 77008306 Ext. 2250/2248 |
The Health Bridge (THB) Private Hospital | 95, West Drive, Victoria Falls | +263778421820 |
The Greenlight Medical Centre | 6247, Mkhosana Victoria Falls | Land: +263773213021 +263773223021; +263782222305 |
Nectacare Private Limited. Chinotimba Medical Centre | 5020, Chinotimba Township, Victoria Falls | +263832843144 |
AMBULANCE SERVICES
Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) | 36, Clark Road, Victoria falls | +263772235621 |
ACE Air and Ambulance | 273, Adam Stander, Elephants Walk Victoria Falls | Land +263832847111 Cell +263784810026 Toll free 464 Email: vicfalls@ace-ambulance.com |
Victoria Falls City Council Fire Ambulance Services | 94, West Drive, Victoria Falls | +263832844400 +263780097777 |
7. CURRENCY
The Zimbabwe Dollar ZWL is used for local transactions. However, all hotel payments and tourist activities are paid in foreign currency through cash or visa cards.
8. COMMUNICATION
The access code for Zimbabwe is 263 and it operates under the Central African Time zone. The country has one fixed landline operator and 3 mobile cellular network service providers. Internet access is also available from internet cafes in and around the major cities and hotspots at major Hotels and International Airports.
8. COMMUNICATION
The access code for Zimbabwe is 263 and it operates under the Central African Time zone. The country has one fixed landline operator and 3 mobile cellular network service providers. Internet access is also available from internet cafes in and around the major cities and hotspots at major Hotels and International Airports.
9. BANKING BUSINESS HOURS
Banks in Zimbabwe open from 8am to 3pm from Monday to Friday and up to 11am on Saturdays. All banks are closed on Sundays. Money transfer agencies are also available in Victoria Falls
10. CULTURE, RELIGION AND LANGUAGE
Zimbabwe is a multi-racial society where people of different nationalities live in harmony. People living in urban areas have a westernized lifestyle and are predominately Christian, while in the rural areas many African traditions have been preserved. English is the official language and other widely spoken languages are Chishona and Isindebele which have various dialects and other minority languages, such as Sotho, Venda, Chewa, Shangani and Tonga.
11. AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
A departure tax of US$30.00 is levied on all foreign visitors (non-residents) at all Zimbabwe airports for international flights. The revenue stamp can be bought at the Airport or pre-purchased at any commercial bank. A total of US$5.00 is payable for each domestic ticket. However, this tax is often incorporated in the ticket fare. Always verify with the issuing agent.
12. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
In main centres and main tourist resorts, all appliances run on 220 volts to 240 volts. Outlets are of the 3-pin, 13amp type.
13. TRADITIONAL FOODS
Hotels, restaurants and homes in Zimbabwe offer a wide variety of meals ranging from oriental recipes, Chinese food, sea food to takeaways but the best of all is the local traditional recipes, they offer excellent nutrition and are a healthy option. Sadza is the staple food in Zimbabwe and is made from maize meal (or millet and rapoko) which is eaten as a thick porridge. A wide range of side dishes are available such as dried meat in peanut butter, madora or macimbi, or a range of vegetables such as kale, rape, mustard leaves, broccoli, cabbage, okra and other exotic local specialities such as (pumpkin leaves), black jack, derere and (dried vegetables) such as munyemba, nyevhe, mowa with peanut butter. Pumpkins and their seeds are also a delicious option.
14. SECURITY
Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards each other and visitors alike. Although all Zimbabweans are very helpful it is always advisable to be cautious when dealing with strangers. Police officers are readily available and very helpful. They are easily identified by their uniforms. Like everywhere in the world valuables should always be safeguarded or left in the hotel safe box. Any information is accessible through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Publicity Association, Police Post or the Hotel Information Desk.
15. CUSTOMS CONCESSION
Your personal possessions which are not intended for disposal or consumption in Zimbabwe are allowed entry duty-free. For dutiable goods, a maximum value of USD250.00 is permissible duty free.
16. MOTOR VEHICLES
Private motor vehicles, caravans and trailers may be brought temporarily into Zimbabwe provided they are licensed in their home countries and bear the appropriate registration plates and a nationality plaque. The International Certificate of Motor Vehicles is recognized in Zimbabwe.
17. DRIVING IN ZIMBABWE
International driving and driving licences issued in all SADC countries are valid in Zimbabwe. Visitors from other countries not covered by this agreement are able to drive for a period of 90 days using driving licences issued in their home countries. If not printed in English, it should have a certificate of authority and validity, or a translation of the text with the bearer’s photograph attached. Renewal after expiry of this period is obtained from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Driving is on the left hand side. At all intersections a fire engine ambulance or police vehicle sounding a siren takes precedence over all other traffic, move out of its course and remain stationary until it has passed. The general speed limit in Zimbabwe is 120km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas. Toll gates are operational on all major highways and the charges vary from USD$2.00 to USD$20.00.
18. TRANSPORT
The host will provide airport shuttle services and transport in between hotels for the duration of the summit. All delegates are therefore required to provide travel itineraries and hotel preference on registration.
Travel options to Victoria Falls – The following airlines fly daily to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe:
International Flights
- Eurowing from Namibia to Victoria Falls
- Airlink from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi, Kenya
- Ethiopian Airways from Addis Ababa Ethiopia
- Air Namibia from Windhoek, Namibia
- Fastjet (budget) from Johannesburg South Africa
Domestic Flights
- Fastjet
- Air Zimbabwe
- Airlink
- Kuva Air
Car Hire – cars with or without chauffeurs can be hired in most tourist areas from international recognized firms.
Taxi Services – Taxis are available at every airport and hotel in Zimbabwe.