- Posted by: Landia Davies
- September 26, 2007, 11:02 am
Zimbabwe Safety Travel Update:
• Do not visit high density, low income, urban districts as sudden violence is likely to erupt.
• Do not travel to Zimbabwe independently or solo. Take a package tour with an experienced travel company.
• Get comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
• Be aware of the increase in violent crime and deterioration in the economy and infrastructure, along with fuel and food shortages in Zimbabwe.
• Most travellers encountering problems report minor crimes involving lost or stolen passports, so be vigilant with your travel documents.
• Make sure that all your travel documents are up to date and easy to access. Also ensure that you are registered with the Embassy in Zimbabwe.
• Avoid major cities, city centres and other high density areas, as the risk of encountering violence is high.
• Avoid political activities, especially participating in political demonstrations and rallies in major centres. Violence is highly probable at political events or activities that may be viewed as political.
• Check the news for latest developments and travel advice for travel in Zimbabwe before and during your trip.
• Be particularly wary in the Victoria Falls area where tourists have been targeted.
For the latest news about South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s attacks on the human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
Visit the BBC for the latest news update on Zimbabwe added on October 15.
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About the Author
Landia Davies has recently joined Africa Travel Guide as the new online editor. A nature lover and passionate traveler she loves exploring and is always looking for new adventures. Landia hopes to become a highly accomplished travel writer and knowledgeable vagabond. Growing up on the coast of South Africa, she enjoys the outdoors and soaking up local culture.
Colleen
2:58 pm, April 14, 2008
I would like to know how safe it is to be visiting the Vic Falls area at the end of April or will it be better to cancel our booked trip
Tania Wheeler
9:14 am, April 15, 2008
Hi Colleen,
Unfortunately that is a tough question as the situation can change on a daily basis for better or worse.
If your trip is only traveling through Vic Falls (as opposed to the rest of Zimbabwe), personally I would go. Vic Falls is quite isolated, is solely based around tourism and I have never heard of any problems there during previous elections or ‘troubles’ so far.
However, a couple of things to consider…
- Your travel insurance coverage will depend on current Foreign Office warnings so if the F/O insist that you should not travel to Zim, you may find you no longer have insurance cover.
- You may not receive a refund from your tour operator should you cancel.
- Should the tour operator cancel the trip you should receive a refund but they are more likely to divert the trip than cancel, (so you would still take part in all your activities but from Livingstone, Zambia as opposed to Vic Falls).
Firstly, I would contact your tour operator directly and discuss the alternatives they will have already organised - Plan B if you like. Once you have all the options you will be better placed to decide if you would still like to go.
Happy trails!
JEFF SANDWITH
5:36 pm, August 11, 2008
Please can you advise on travel to Gonarazou national park…solo. Which border post would be advisable if any.. Also park contact details
Regards JEFF
Tania Wheeler
9:43 am, August 12, 2008
Hey Jeff,
Tough question! The Gonarezhou National Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park that links Gonarezhou with Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.
All my sources inform me that solo travel to this area is very rare but hey - that has never stopped us before. :)
I think your best bet would be to get hold of the folks who could give you all the info such as the Zimbabwe Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Management
Good luck!