Zimbabwe is a unique and beautiful country to visit, boasting the majestic Victoria Falls, magnificent wildlife preserves among the most and abundant on the continent, the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Bordered by Botswana on the west, Zambia on the north, Mozambique on the east, and South Africa on the south, it lies on a high plateau, with the north eastern border marked by the Zambezi River, along which the Victoria Falls and the magnificent Lake Kariba. This popular tourist destination's greatest asset is its friendly people, always ready to welcome visitors to their country with a smile. Zimbabwe is also a mecca for the outdoor-lover and adventure traveler, offering outstanding scenery, excellent wildlife viewing and a wide variety of water-based adventures on the Zambezi River and Kariba Dam.

General information -ZIMBABWE

AREA 390,757 km²

POPULATION 12,084,304

CAPITAL CITY Harare

CURRENCY The Zimbabwean dollar was abandoned as an official currency in 2009. Today, foreign currencies such as the South African Rand, Botswana Pula, Pound Sterling and the US Dollar, are used.

LANGUAGES English (official language), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, also called Ndebele), numerous minor tribal dialects

TIME ZONES + 02:00 (GMT/UTC)

COUNTRY PHONE CODE +263

ELECTRICITY 220 V

TIPPING A service charge is commonly included in the bill; otherwise a tip of 10% is customary.

BANK OPENING HOURS Weekdays except Wednesdays 8am to 3pm, Wednesdays 8am to 1am, and Saturdays 8am 11:30am

HEALTH Malaria is prevalent in most parts of Zimbabwe. Cholera outbreaks are still reported in various parts of the country. Other water- and food-borne and infectious diseases are also prevalent.

CLIMATE The climate is tropical, but moderated by altitude. The rainy season lasts from November to March.

NATIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day: 01.01.2012, Good Friday: 06.04.2012, Holy Saturday: 07.04.2012, Easter Monday: 09.04 2012, Independence Day: 18.04.2012, Workers’ Day: 01.05.2012, Africa Day: 25.05.2012, Heroes’ Day: 13.08.2012, Defence Forces Day: 14.08.2012, Unity Day: 22.12.2012, Christmas Day: 25.12.2012, Boxing Day: 26.12.2012

CONTACT Private Safaris E.A. Ltd., P.O. Box 350, Century City, ZA-7446 Cape Town