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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has been named one of the most beautiful countries on the continent and it certainly lives up to that in spectacular style. Home to one of the world’s seven natural wonders and the uncontested “adventure capital of Africa” – the magnificent Victoria Falls – and no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Zimbabwe’s diversity and splendour is indeed remarkable.
There are fantastic game-viewing and other adventurous outdoor activities to be enjoyed across Zimbabwe, an unspoilt wilderness that is a favourite for travellers looking for authentic and uncrowded experiences. Mana Pools is renowned for its walking safaris and hosts one of the biggest wild dog populations in southern Africa, while the elephants of Hwange National Park enjoy free rein through a myriad of amazing landscapes. Matusadona presents a magical water wilderness and Kariba remains one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and treats visitors to the most breathtaking sunsets. Travellers to Gonarezhou are astounded by the red sandstone cliffs and thrilling big cat sightings, whilst Malilangwe is the place to see the “Big 5”.
Then there are the Matobo Hills’ grand granite domes, an historically rich and fascinating region where black eagles soar above ancient San hunting grounds. Zimbabwe, despite many years of hardship, remains one of the warmest, friendliest places in Africa, where its people are positive, helpful and happy and its hospitality of the highest standard. With its newly-completed international airport at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is the perfect hub for regional travel, too, as it borders Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique.
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Need to know
Visa Information
Visas can be obtained at all Entry ports into Zimbabwe on arrival. Fees differ according to country of residence. Canadian passports: Single entry - US$75
British and Irish passports: Single entry - US$55 (or equivalent in SA Rands or Pounds); Double entry - US$70.
Other passports (USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand): Single entry - US$30 (or equivalent in SA Rands or Pounds); Double entry - US$45 (or equivalent). Zimbabwe immigration visa website link www.evisa.gov.zw
Airport Tax
US$15 per person payable at the airport for all private internal charters only. Commercial airline airport tax will be included in all tickets upon initial travel booking. (Subject to change without notice) Meet and Greet Service
On arrival in Zimbabwe you will need to obtain your visa and collect your baggage. You will be met in the Arrivals terminal by a Robin Pope Safaris representative and escorted through to the Domestic terminal to your charter flight. If you have any problems the Robin Pope Safari contact number is +263 772 361 712.
Medical
Malaria protection is imperative. Tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your regular doctor or travel clinic in your home country for up-to-date information. It is advisable to know your blood group type in case of emergency.
Insurance
We ask that full insurance is put in place at point of confirmation. Please give us details as to the above. We expect every guest to have insurance that covers the following as a minimum: • Cancellation and curtailment
• Medical costs (including full hospital costs if needed)
• Personal accident or death
• Emergency evacuation from the point of evacuation to the nearest best hospital and then back to the guest's home town. Family or travelling partner should also be covered for accompanying the evacuation.
• We cannot emphasize how important it is to be fully covered. Private hospitals in Africa will not accept a patient until full medical insurance has been established.
Money
USD cash is accepted. It is advisable to travel with smaller denominations (ie 1, 2, 5 and 10 dollar notes) as change can be a problem. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted but not in remote areas and should not be relied upon. John’s Camp does not have a credit card facility in camp.
Photography
Please be sensitive when photographing local people and their villages. Ask the guide or the villagers first. Be careful not to photograph public buildings and persons in uniform - again, ask first
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Seasons and Climate
April, May - chance of rain, warm days (28C), cool nights (15C)
June to August – no rain, cold mornings and evenings/nights (8C), sunny days (26C)
September, October - dry and very hot during the day (35C plus), warm nights (25C)
November to March – hot days (30C plus), warm, balmy nights (23C), high chance of rain and thunderstorms
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What to Bring
Dimensions for luggage are 25cm (10 inches) wide and 30cm (12 inches) high. No wheels / frames / rigid structures are allowed.
For safety reasons a luggage weight limit of 20kgs per person (for hand luggage, camera equipment and checked bags). Additional fees may apply to overweight luggage. Extra seats can be booked for heavier luggage.
Passengers weighing over 100kgs will need to notify Robin Pope Safaris of their actual weight so this can be taken into consideration. Additional fees may apply to passengers weighing over 100kgs. In the recent years we have had more and more guests arriving without their luggage. Unfortunately with new security at airports hand luggage is being restricted. However, where possible we recommend that you travel with anything essential (medication in particular, space glasses), and if possible a change of clothes.
List of items to bring on safari:
A hat, sunglasses, high strength sunscreen, moisturizer, lip salve, strong insect repellent, anti-histamine cream and tablets should always be carried.
Clothes - all properties have a daily laundry service so do not bring too many clothes. Here is a good guide:
• 3 sets bush coloured safari outfits (long shorts/shirts) i.e. green/brown/dark khaki (not white, cream or bright colours - especially for walking).
• A couple of sets of lighter clothes for Livingstone.
• 2 sets casual evening clothes (long trousers, shirts and socks to reduce insect bites).
• 1 lightweight sweater. Warm jacket in winter (June/July/early August).
• Light rain gear for the wet months (November - April).
• A good pair of covered shoes for walking. Wellingtons (gumboots) are also handy during the wet
season.
• Open shoes or sandal type shoesfor warmer days.
• A number of camps do have pools so bring a costume with you.
4. Binoculars – one pair per person is a must
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5. Torch
6. Glasses - if you wear prescription glasses bring a spare pair. If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses as well since dust can be a problem.
7. Camera equipment: a telephoto lens (200/300mm). Flash for night photography. Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust/water proof bag. Videos - bring spare batteries.