

Some things you might want to know in the way of
backpacking, budget travel country advice, info and
summaries for: Southern Africa
- Botswana,
Lesotho,
Mozambique,
Namibia, South
Africa,
Swaziland,
Zambia and
Zimbabwe.
You can also see West, East and North Africa in other sections.
» It is worth looking, if you have not already, at the example layout to see the guidelines each section of information is based on - or for other travel advice and site home head for wwww.travelindependent.info
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region
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Intro:
One of Africa's few economic successes (in large part due to
what the British didn't find under the soil), Botswana
(despite featuring high on wish lists) is visited by few budget independent travellers who if anything transit
and is pretty much the realm of overland trucks and
expensive 'safe' African package tours. In a nutshell
transport to anywhere of interest is a major problem and
quite expensive. Accommodation also is nowhere near
widespread or affordable as in South Africa. What has happened in Botswana is
quite simply the promotion of high cost, low impact tourism
(we like the second bit), which means that backpackers are
all but priced out (unless on a camping tour) of trips out
of the heart of the
Okavango delta (though less expensive trips can be
arranged out of Maun). Perhaps for all it has to offer the
only compelling reason to visit Botswana over neighbouring
countries is if you have your own car (or on an overland
truck) plus tent and are transiting between Vic Falls and
Namibia (as most tours do).
Highlights: Chobe National Park - elephant filled, really need a 4x4 or take a tour from Vic Falls. Okavango Swamp, unique inland delta - fast becoming out priced for backpackers. It is recommended that you head for the western delta (aka. the panhandle), Sepuna for cheap mokoro trips. Our opinion is we don't rate the delta that highly considering cost and would much prefer to take the same type of river trip in Brazil or Bolivia.
Lowlights: Costs and distances - the fact that if you go independently without your own car or tent you will get to Francistown, Gaborone and that's about it - both of no real interest.
Visa strategy: 30 day free on border for USA, Commonwealth and EU.
Typical tourist trail: Overland truck from Vic Falls to Chobe to Okavango to Namibia.
Dangers: Crime is rare for Africa, but make sure you keep your petrol tank full and take sensible precautions.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Hot although cold at night, desert on the whole. Delta and falls areas subject to humidity and rain for a few months every year.
Costs: About US$30-40 per day, with your own/rented car and tent. Consider spending much more for mokoro trips in the delta, the sky is the limit when it comes to costs in this region and if you are heading elsewhere in the region and on a budget consider waiting till Uganda/Zimbabwe/Kenya, etc.
Money: ATMs - SA rand easily changed
Getting around: There's a fairly efficient network of buses and minibuses running along the main tar road through the eastern corridor. Hitching on this road is possible. Useful public transport elsewhere only really takes you between Nata and Maun. There is a train between Gaborone and Francistown. There is also a good connection between Maun and Windhoek in Namibia. Your best bet is to bring a hire car from South Africa.
Guide book: Not really required for normal rush through tour trips - otherwise Lonely planet
Tourist factor: 7/10 on main circuit
Accommodation: At least one campsite in most places of interest. Other budget accommodation is virtually non-existent.
Average cost: Without a tent, expect to pay something like US$30-60 a night if not in a remote area and on the budget circuit.
Health: Hygiene comparable to Namibia. Malaria is rife in the Okavango and Chobe, but limited at most elsewhere (except after rain).
Food: Supermarkets, many BBQ sites
Vegetarians: Fine
Hassle and annoyance factor: None
Women alone: Fine
Rating: 5.5/10

Intro:
Lesotho is small land locked mountainous kingdom. The lowest
point of Lesotho is the highest [lowest point] of any nation
in the world. Barren wild mountainous scenery, fenceless,
bare, sometimes bitterly cold, friendly people with a
cultural visibility uncommon in South Africa, perfect for
hiking, horse riding or just to get off the track and feel
remoteness. Considerably less visited compared to Swaziland
and some what impregnable to backpackers with one way routes
taking you to one of only a few lodges (normally at the end
of a long dirt road) where you can stay for a few nights
walking or riding by day, huddled around a fire at night.
Well worth a visit (not just the common trip of over the
Sani pass from South Africa for a day). A hidden gem of
South Africa.
Highlights: Mountainous fenceless scenery - Semonkong
Lowlights: Access and roads
Visa strategy: Not required by South Africa, almost all EU15 countries, USA, Canada, Israel and Japan. Others such as Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Austria might need one and should check in Pretoria - otherwise you will normally get three days transit on the border.
Typical tourist trail: Day trips over the Sani pass or out to Malealea or Semonkong and back via the capital
Dangers: Typical African petty crime in capital
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Winter temperatures can often drop below 0 degrees C. John Jose (who lived at the mission in Semonkong for 3 yr) informs that: 'To say that winter temps can drop below zero may be insufficient warning. I saw frost in every calendar month. About 100 days of frost/yr ... frequent hard frost in winter sometimes required taps left open all night to prevent pipes bursting.'
Costs: Slightly cheaper than South Africa
Money: The Loti is pegged 1:1 with the SA rand- take enough cash from South Africa. Both Rand and Loti are accepted as legal tender within Lesotho.
Getting around: The only tar roads are in the west near Maseru, you will need a 4x4 for the Sani pass. Buses cover most, but not all routes (slowly). Best bet is with a rented car from South Africa, but check you can take your car to Lesotho with your rental agency.
People vibe:
Locals: Generally friendly, they stop asking for money when you get to know them
Other travellers: South Africa visitors and a few Peace Corps on top of the usual suspects
Tourist factor: 6/10
Accommodation: The three main lodges in the country are not backpacker lodges, but do have dorms for standard rates. Doubles will be expensive compared to South African hostels.
Average cost: Around US$10-15 for a dorm, US$25 - US$50 for a double
Communications: Most areas of interest don't even have a phone
Food: Meals at accommodation can be a little expensive. If on a super tight budget then bring food from South Africa or the capital to cook for yourself.
Vegetarians: Fine
Rating: 8/10

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Highlights: Tofo Beach and Imhambane, Fantastic
locals, Maputo's brilliant nightlife (In my experience
the best in Southern Africa), Berea, Scenery that will knock
you for six, Whale Shark and Manta Ray scuba diving that is
easily accessible and not at all expensive.
Some good
surf spots further north.
Lowlights: At times an impenetrable language barrier (Portuguese), Some foreigner pricing, Long distances sat in the back of a minibus taxi as it is often the only form of transport, Maputo during the day.
Visa strategy: Available at most, if not all border crossings and generally more expensive if bought at an embassy beforehand. Payment can be made in Mozambican Metacais, SA Rand, US dollars or Euros. Local currency is definitely the cheapest option. Not needed for South African nationals. No restrictions on any nationalities entering the country.
Typical tourist trail: Most enter through South Africa either at Komatipoort or through Swaziland and go to Maputo and up to Tofo, Berea and Vilankulo.
Dangers: Considerably safer than South Africa, violent crime is not really a problem but common sense about petty crime, mugging etc should be used. Take taxis at night for example and don't walk around at night on your own.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Hot and very humid most of the year, can flood considerably in summer October-February. North is extremely humid and can easily reach 40 degrees. South is usually typical tropical climate but can rain heavily April-September.
Costs: More expensive than South Africa but visitors from N America or Europe will still find it cheap. Nightlife can be quite expensive as are restaurants in comparison to what you actually get for your money. Accommodation is pretty cheap. Around $35-40 a day will easily cover food, reasonable basic accommodation and a fair amount of transport. Can easily double or triple this figure if eating in nice places and going out regularly as the nightlife is excellent and you have to pay to get in nearly everywhere.
Money: ATM's in major towns and cities, loads of bureau de change offering good exchange rates but there is a black market in the border where you can change money at even better rates, but this obviously presents dangers of getting ripped off or getting old currency etc. Worth carrying some SA rand around as well as people often quote two prices and you can just pay whatever is the cheapest. Best to have money in small denominations as it is notoriously difficult to get change. Travellers cheques cashed at bureaus for a small fee.
What to take: Mozzie repellent not always easy to find away from the capital and is very useful at certain times of the year.
Getting around: The real downside of Mozambique, it is a nightmare to get around sometimes. Hardly any trains or buses so mostly dependent on minibus taxis of whom the long distance ones usually depart at a stupid time like 0040; regional airports at Imhambane and Vilankulo which can be a convenient, if more expensive option. Roads are in good condition but car hire is expensive. If possible rent car in South Africa and see if it can be taken over the border, but few can.
Guide book: The LP single country guide is average at best and the multi-region Southern Africa version is poor. Rough guide is slightly better. As always much better to get advice from travellers in the country.
People vibe:
Locals: Extremely friendly but obviously most do not speak good English. If you can speak any Portuguese it is a huge advantage and very much appreciated. All very interested in where you come from etc, and extremely hospitable.
Other travellers: South Africans and Zimbabweans whom have bought property there, some "I'm a harder traveller than you" sorts, general mixed bag of Nationalities but usually adventurous people who want try somewhere a bit different. A lot doing the Cape Town to Nairobi trip and passing through.
Tourist factor: Plenty in Maputo and Beach towns, very few elsewhere. Very easy to get off beaten track if so desired. Rating 5/10
Accommodation: Hostels in Tofo, Imhambane, Maputo and Vilankulo but very few elsewhere. Some fairly cheap budget hotels scattered round of reasonable standard. Obviously top-end available which is western standard.
Average cost: Double with bathroom usually around US$25, hostel bed around US$9. Can get a little hut in beach towns which are very cheap.
Communications: Best to use cell phone with Mozambican SIM, Some public phone booths where you can pay cash for call, Painfully slow internet available in major towns but not off the beaten track.
Health: Malaria is a serious risk so sleep under a net at a very minimum. If you feel flu like symptoms go straight to a doctor and get a test. The only other risk is sunstroke as the sun is vicious.
Food: Absolutely terrific. Brilliant seafood (huge prawns, crayfish, lobsters etc) available at restaurants at reasonable prices but better is to go to local fish market and cook it yourself. Piri-Piri chicken is also very popular and is damn delicious. No problem eating well, also sample the delicious cashew nuts.
Vegetarians: No problems
Hassle and annoyance factor: Usual people selling everything under the sun, but they take no for an answer. Not really many other problems, odd beggar/ prostitute proposition etc.
Women alone: No real issues, usual precautions. wont encounter too much sexism or anything like that. Some paternalistic attitudes.
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Ciggies pretty cheap, loads of good local beer that is pretty cheap, nice local rum, drugs pretty easy to get hold of and quite widely used.
Rating: 7/10 on the whole, but Tofo is one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see

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Highlights: Etosha, given its setting, is probably is the best game reserve in Southern Africa, but is not a million miles ahead of the much more easily visited Kruger and does not match East Africa's best. Despite the long drive (which turns out to be the highlight) to see sand dunes, the Namib-Naukluf is a remarkable site. Swakopmund, especially the quad biking available is also well worth it.
Lowlights: Distances, lack of public transport and dirt roads that make driving at any speed really quite dangerous. If you have seen the Grand Canyon, the Fish River Canyon will probably disappoint.
Visa strategy: 90 days on arrival normally for neighbouring countries, American, Commonwealth and EU passport holders.
Typical tourist trail: Overland between Cape Town and Vic Falls via Fish river canyon, the Namib-Naukluf, Swakopmund/Windhoek and Etosha NP.
Dangers: If self driving the dirt covering roads especially whilst on the roads that crisscross the vast Namib-Naukluf means that speeds over 80kph (in a non-4x4) mean any braking or sudden turns easily translate to skidding. It is of course also very important to make sure you are topped up with oil/water/fuel.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Desert nights can get quite chilly, other than that it can often get very hot and since dust on the road prevents windows being down, having AC in your car is well worth the extra cost.
Costs: A little cheaper than South Africa, the main cost is fuel. Entry fees are about N$40 a day and double for Etosha and normally plus N$10-20 for a car.
Money: The Namibian dollar is 1 to 1 with the South African rand which you can spend freely. ATMs in major cities.
What to take: If you are travelling independently with your own transport, a tent bought cheaply from South Africa is a worthy investment since unless you are booking far ahead in national parks and willing to pay big money you'll have problems. If on a budget you really need a tent to visit Etosha. Camping rates are always reasonable, fixed accommodation is often not. A weeks trip will pay for a tent no problem. It also removes some of the worry about where to stay if on the road late.
Getting around: Buses cover the main B1 road which acts as the spine of the country, and side roads to Swakopmund (also a train here from Windhoek). Its about US$70 from Windhoek to Cape Town or Maun in Botswana. As mentioned there is more than a strong case for getting a group together and renting a car. These are a little more expensive in Namibia than South Africa, so you may want to bring one from there. As with South Africa, the best deals are normally found before you leave on the internet. If driving is not an option, any hostel will put you in touch with a camping tour which will cost about US$40-60 a day inclusive.
Guide book: Not over important. Footprint guide is good, but so are others.
People vibe:
Locals: Similar to South Africa, generally nice.
Other travellers: A large number of overlanders
Tourist factor: 7/10
Accommodation: As mentioned, if you are not on a tour and are going out to national parks, it is worth taking your own tent to cut costs. Or at least worth booking any accommodation in advance.
Hot water: Never a problem, even in national parks
Average cost: Expect about US$40 for a basic room or chalet, about US$10-20 to pitch a tent (for two) and in Swakopmund and Windhoek hostels slightly cheaper than South Africa (US$10-20).
Communications: Internet in Swakopmund and Windhoek hostels
Food: Supermarkets as in South Africa are plentiful and well stocked. If not on a tour and visiting National parks, these normally have BBQ or some facilitates for you to self cater in order to cut costs as selection can be very limited when reaching far flung national parks. Shops for emergencies in most national parks, but don't bank on getting food there (apart from Etosha).
Vegetarians: Fine
Hassle and annoyance factor: None
Women alone: Perfectly fine
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Windhoek beer, highly rated
Rating: 6.5/10

Miss
at your peril: - 'Highlight of Independent
Travel'
Intro: South Africa apart from being one of and most
under-rated backpacking destinations around, is a country of
stunning variety. Forgetting the gems and highlights easily
visited in its bordering nations, you've got everything from
the typical African acacia scrub in Kruger national park to
the typically un-African green fynbos clad slopes of Cape
Town. In between there is everything from wine lands to the
mountainous Drakensbergs to a red desert. Most importantly
among all this is one of the worlds best networks of hostels
and budget accommodation.
A trip can be as African (Zulu land hut) or un-African (Jo'burg shopping centre) as you wish. Prices do depend on the exchange rate which has spent many years strengthen against major international currencies (making travel more expensive), but for a developed country with high standards - away from overvisited tourist hot-spots - it is excellent value. Your money will go much further than in Australia, Europe, Japan or the USA, and just as well really since there are so many brilliant things to do (most quite reasonable) from the world's highest bungee jump to sand boarding to getting in the water with Great White Sharks!
So what's the down side? Well there is always crime, which in actual fact (despite its undeniable presence) few travellers come across in any measure considering the natural precautions normally taken by them and almost any one else in the country with anything worth stealing. Public transport can't be relied on completely and will normally mean you will have to venture into less-safe areas to catch. Thus to really get around and to the gems that most fleeting visitors miss, you do really need to join a hop-on-hop-off backpacker bus or better still, hire a car. The country lacks the history of somewhere like Israel or India, the exoticism of the likes of Peru and Thailand, and certainly perhaps the beauty and compactness of say New Zealand. Nevertheless, it still has all that in small measure and a lot more besides.
Highly recommended and certainly not to be missed over most other African destinations and/or the typical 'round-the-world' imagination lacking hang outs.
Highlights: Wide network of great hostels with great social scenes, good infrastructure, numerous attractions from very 'western' to very 'African' and the easy to enjoy beach/surf life. Many travellers rate Cape Town and the Garden Route as their highlight which are both interesting and pretty, however those that travel more widespread rate the less visited KwaZulu-Natal including the Drakensbergs, battle fields, St. Luscia and numerous beaches as the highlights.
Lowlights: Initial paranoia regarding crime, lack of affordable public transport and big cities.
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The down side is South Africa has
one of the highest crime rates in the world, and
Johannesburg is probably the most dangerous city covered
on this website. An increasing number of backpackers do
get robbed there and it is one of only a few places
where there is a risk of being killed for your
possessions. Nearby Pretoria is a great place and far
less dangerous. It is really quite easy to head straight
here when you arrive and if you do stay in Johannesburg,
hostels will pick you up from the bus station or airport
and transport you to safer wealthy satellites of town
where they are based. From there you need not really
stray. Still Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban still have
high levels of crime and you would be a fool not to take
care. Especially don't walk around town with your pack,
money belt or day-pack on. |
Getting around: South Africa does lack an effective public transport system or at least one that is both practical and accessible to backpackers (apart from inter-city buses). With so much to be seen and many of the country's best attractions lying far outside town centres, without a doubt the best way to get around is with your own hired car. On a long term rental (30 days) with unlimited miles, rates are (especially if sharing) are very affordable. The price does however raise the shorter the rental is. The best way to get a good deal is to book your car in advance through the internet before you leave. You will find many good offers through a simple search and can iron out all the details such as taking the car to Namibia, Botswana etc. Rental is normally arranged through an agency, however cars are generally supplied through a big international company such as Avis. One way drop-offs cost as little as US$20. Despite some toll roads, all in all, - sharing the cost - a hire car in South Africa is the difference between a great and amazing trip and a money saver in the long term.
If you can't or don't want to drive, in addition
to the few intercity buses, there is an effective backpacker bus
running. Similar to its Australian and Kiwi counter parts, the
Baz Bus (www.bazbus.com) is a hop-on and hop-off
unlimited time ticket bus that drops you and picks you up
directly at your hostel following the most popular routes around
the country (that of the coast line). The bus works well if you
really can't or won't drive, but travel times are slow as drop
offs and collections take a while and varying pick up times can
see you lose time while you hang around waiting to be collected
(the bus is notoriously late).
You also need to consider the other people on the bus you are
seemingly forced into a group with and the fact that once at
your hostel you are more or less stranded and might need to fork
out on taxis.
There is now a reasonable and affordable budget airline network, should you want to save time
making jumps between big cities. Just remember, the best of
South Africa is far away from the major urban hubs.
Guide book: The Rough Guide to South Africa is without a doubt the best guide, but others are not particularly bad.
People vibe:
Locals: The 'A' word is of course no longer applicable, but you can't help feeling some separation between whites and blacks and you'll often find yourself in a crowd made up almost entirely of one or the other. The fact is that most hostels are owned by whites and that is where you spend most of your time. The legacy of South Africa's terrible past can still be felt and takes a while for the average traveller to adjust to.
Other travellers: Independent travellers are generally a little bit older than you might find in Australia or New Zealand. These are the normal crowd of American, EU (mainly British) and a few Australian/Kiwis. Surprisingly few Israelis.
Tourist factor: 6.5/10 more in Cape Town
Accommodation: There is a large and excellent
network of backpacker hostels throughout the country that
has expanded dramatically over the past few years. There
is a hostel in any given 'tourist attraction/route' town and
they are without a doubt the cheapest and best option. With
a great social scene and loads of information on offer. Some
would say (its a close call with New Zealand) that South
Africa has the best hostel network in the world, and is a
real highlight. It is normally never a problem to get a dorm
bed, but doubles do need phoning ahead for. You can also
pitch your tent in hostel gardens, however you are going to
only save a dollar or so per night doing so.
Accommodation guides - The multitude of
cheap accommodation options can all be found in what becomes the South Africa travel bible - the great Coast to Coast accommodation guide.
This little booklet which hostel/guesthouse owners pay to be
listed in can be found for free in all hostels. The quirky
little book makes planning a trip/route a joy and inspires
getting to the best of South Africa away from major cities.
Coupled with the local information found in any hostel you
could probably leave the guidebook at home and be better
off. Testament to the huge increase in budget accommodation
(which peaked around the time of the World Cup) this guide
has literally doubled in size from when we first used it ten
years ago and a competitor called 'The Alternative Route' or
AR is now found alongside. Both do the same thing, the AR is
full colour and easier to follow, but less fun (the Coast to
Coast does now include a colour photo section). Both the
Coast to Coast and AR can be used together and are highly
recommended (even if - paid - property write-up are a little
fluffy).
Average cost: From US$10-20 for a dorm bed to US$30-40 for a nice double
Communications: International calling cards can be bought to make calls home through phone booths, but it is better if you are called back on that line. Locally bought SIM card are perfect for local incoming/calls. Internet is plentiful, but perhaps a little over priced. Some hostels have Wi-fi, but it is less widespread than you might think and rarely free, considering many restaurants and coffee shops have free Wi-fi.
Health: There are few tropical diseases to be found in South Africa apart from Bilharzia in lakes and some malaria in the wet season. Malaria is limited to low-lying parts of Zululand and Mpumanlanga (Kruger NP) and most travellers don't take or need anti-malarials.
Media:
Books: Great book shops at just under European prices
TV: DSTV (cable) in most hostels and good value cinemas
Food: All hostels have facilities to cook for yourself and most supermarkets are great with loads of cheap fresh produce. However, not all backpackers cook for themselves since eating out is a good value option and often proves too tempting. Except in the Transkei tap water is fine to drink.
Vegetarians: Great
Hassle and annoyance factor: None really
Women alone: Fine with the same commonsense that applies to everyone
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: There is normally a lot of boozing at hostels, many have a good drinking/party scene on the right night. Beer, wine plus spirits and cigarettes are excellent value. Pot is both widely smoked and available.
Rating: 8.5/10

Intro: Bordering Mozambique and in the spanner grip of South Africa, Swaziland is the most popular side trip from South Africa and often transited going to or from Mozambique. Unlike Lesotho, Swaziland is transited by good roads and much of its popularity lies in its position between Kruger NP and St. Lucia/Durban, not to mention the Baz Bus (a popular South African backpacker transport option, see South Africa summary above) runs right through. Some of the scenery is striking and there are many ways to have an 'African' experience, but you wouldn't want to miss Lesotho or Zululand over it.
Highlights: Any royal festival and Myxos place where you can get a true taste of rural life. Both the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary and white-water rafting are nice and equally popular
Visa strategy: If you got into South Africa without requiring a visa in advance, then it is just a free stamp on the border
Typical tourist trail: Manzini to Mlilwane sanctuary and then onwards to Mozambique or South Africa
Costs: A little cheaper than South Africa
Money: Rand is accepted, ATMs in big cities
Getting around: Public transport okay, but best to have own transport or Baz Bus ticket
Tourist factor: 6.5/10
Accommodation: Few hostels and a few interesting community projects
Average cost: About US$10 for a bed, up to three times this for a double
Communications: Internet is available, but expensive
Health: As with South Africa
Food: As with South Africa, hostels normally provide a meal option for sale, or you can cook
Vegetarians: Fine
Hassle and annoyance factor: None really
Women alone: Fine
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Swaziland grass is famous all over South Africa and found quite easily in country, although taking it across the border is not really a bright idea.
Rating: 6/10

» Zambia
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Visa strategy: Visas are not required by most Commonwealth countries, except for countries that don't have reciprocal agreements (most developed countries), these are notably: UK, Australia, NZ. Most others do need a visa which is best obtained on the border or an a nearby embassy. Fees vary from about US$40 to US$100. It is possible to get a free visa, if you have prior arrangements for accommodations and activities in Zambia. This must be arranged at least a week in advance, so your details will be on the border in time for your arrival. The normal methods for doing this are by arranging over the internet with Fawlty Towers in Livingstone (or another hostel - see guidebook for addresses) or by arranging a South Luangwa safari in Lilongwe. This is of course well worth doing, but don't leave it until the last minute.
Dangers: Like most other big African cities, Lusaka has a reputation for muggings at night
Costs: US$20-30 a day not including activities in Vic Falls or any safari
Money: ATMs in Lusaka and Livingstone - a Visa Plus over Cirrus card is useful. Barclays bank offers fee free cash advances. Well worth stocking up on USD for Zimbabwe in Lusaka
Getting around: Good buses connecting major points in the country. Trains, apart from the Dar es Salaam connection are perhaps not preferable.
Guide book: Lonely Planet
People vibe:
Locals: Among the most friendly and best English speaking on the continent
Other travellers: Normal crowd, a number of Peace Corp. volunteers taking breaks from work elsewhere.
Tourist factor: Considering the compact circuit taken by most 7/10, outside this 2/10
Accommodation: There is little in the way of budget accommodation in most of the country. There are now a few hostels in Lusaka, none that are very good, however worth booking in advance if arriving late. Livingstone on the other hand has many great choices, the best being Fawlty Towers.
Average cost: US$30 - US$30, much less for dorm beds when available or in government resthouses
Communications: Internet okay in both Livingstone and Lusaka
Media:
Books: International papers in Lusaka
TV: DSTV in most Livingstone hostels Lusaka is a good place to catch a movie
Food: Great food in Livingstone, average westernised fare in Lusaka and basic elsewhere
Vegetarians: Fine
Hassle and annoyance factor: None really
Women alone: Not normally a big problem
Rating: Considering you get half of Victoria Falls in Zambia and Livingstone is a great place 6/10, elsewhere 4/10

Miss
at your peril: - 'Highlight of Independent
Travel'
- However bear in mind: the economy was in shatters and you are wise to stick to what remains of the tourist trail in the current climate.
So all things considered a lot will change over the years, especially when the aging Mugabe passes on. However, its many attractions will still be there even if vast tourist numbers won't. Victoria Falls (outside the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor) was perhaps the biggest concentration of tourists on the continent. Now most view it from the Zambia side, afraid to cross the border. The same can be said for other great attractions in this amazing (and still safe - with consideration) country, such as the Mana Pools. Most would argue that Zimbabwe has now turned a corner. The official dollarization of the economy and power sharing were major events and the country is very slowly improving. Nevertheless there are huge challenges ahead.
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Highlights: Victoria Falls
,
the Zimbabwe side is both bigger and more impressive
than across the border. The Mana Pools are a great and
unique place to see wildlife, as is Lake Kariba. In
addition Great Zimbabwe ruins are among the most
impressive in Africa and
Matopos N P, while lacking in big games makes up for
with unique scenery and a sense of history.
Lowlights: Sad state of affairs within the country. Harare can easily be avoided and probably - for the mean time - should.
Health: Zim is quite a healthy country (despite research putting the average life expectancy at less than 40!) and it is normally okay to eat and drink what you like. Malaria is present in the Zambezi valley and especially in the wet season is a high risk. Elsewhere in the dry seasons malaria risk is very low.
Dangers: Although things are improving, this is obviously a period of unrest for the country and crime certainly increased. The usual rules apply, especially at night and Harare is a particular trouble spot (Bulawayo makes a much nicer base). However in places like Kariba Town, the wildlife is probably a bigger danger than crime!
Typical tourist trail: Either from Malawi, via Mozambique to Harare side trip to Mana Pools, then to Bulawayo and Vic Falls. Or (more typical) Vic Falls, Bulawayo, South Africa. Some travels head to Hwange game park which can easily be arranged as a package in Vic falls. Or to Matopos N P which is full of history just 40kms from Bulawayo. Few are now making it to Great Zimbabwe the ruins which the country takes it name from since all or almost all budget accommodation options in the area have closed.
Visa strategy: Free for most nationalities, but seemingly changing rapidly. Americans and Canadians among a few others now need visas. Up to three months stamped on entry. Reports of problems entering the country on a one-way ticket.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Vic Falls is most impressive around March after the countries rains. Summer (November-December-January) can be very hot
Getting around: Good buses connect the country on good roads and there are good train linkages, the most popular taking you from Vic Falls to Bulawayo via Hwange NP and from Bulawayo to Harare. It is also possible to hire a car, which in a group makes real sense and savings visiting Matobo NP and Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Tourist factor: Vic Falls is touristy and your money can go fast on USD priced activities, but a lot of the rest of the country seemed quite void of travellers. 4/10
Cost & Money
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Hassle and annoyance factor: A lot of hassle at Victoria Falls and then a surprisingly limited amount elsewhere apart from the odd curio sellers you meet
Accommodation: In common with the rest of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe has quite a good network of backpacker hostels - although many are now closed or closing with backpacker numbers so much reduced. A good price and a friendly owner come as standard. They are almost all white owned and some might be private homes. Elsewhere you can camp or find a small guesthouse. National parks have both reasonably priced accommodation and camping.
Average cost: About US$10-15 a bed
People vibe:
Locals: On the whole great people, both white and black (both having a hard time)
Other travellers: Few with present situation and rap
Communications: Internet is not a problem in most places backpackers end up, but often slow. International phone calls are reasonably priced from big cities
Media:
Books: Book shops in Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo. You will also find some second hand book shops in the same towns. International newspapers on sale
Guide book: Many guidebooks available, however almost all are now out of date.
TV: English language TV and DSTV in many hostels
Food: Good standard of supermarkets and restaurants, most hostels provide great food in house
Vegetarians: Fine
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Always available and cheaply
Rating: 7.5/10
Comment: January we travelled through Zimbabwe from Victoria Falls to Harare. It was a wonderful place and after spending just under three weeks there did at any point feel in any danger. In fact most hostels we found great as they had not seen many backpackers in months. The train journey from Vic falls to Bulawayo was great. The whole experience was a pleasure. Best shared however as backpackers are very few and far between. - Amanda Rivett
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Age is a very high price to pay for maturity