I am traveling from South Africa to Zambia next month and have to make a very long stop in Zimbabwe in the capital Harare. Specifically the stop will be from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m the next day. I was wondering if it is really as dangerous as people say? Should I be scared to be in the airport or around the city at night? Are there any chances to get problems with immigration? Should I avoid the country all together?

Thank you!!

I fell in love with Zimbabwe during m visit last year. I am a cautious traveller and would make arrangements to not be wandering the streets in any city at night.

The road side police and immigration officers were unfailingly polite. In general the people of Zimbabwe are some of the warmest I have ever encountered. I spent time at Vic Falls, in Bulawayo, and on safari in Hwange and Matopos. I did not stop in Harare.

I would rather make use of a room for such a long period; not because it's Harare. I would do that in any capital/big city.

When we visited roughly 2 years ago we felt perfectly safe! People there are desperate and don't want to scare any tourism off by producing bad news. They are friendly and helpful.

Happy travels!

SV

I would hate to have such a long stopover and find it very unusual - surely there is a better way? But I wouldn't worry just because it is Harare.

I have no immediate plans for Zimbabwe but isn't that where the president stated he doesn't want any white people coming into the country? This would be a concern for me. Any input on that issue would be appreciated.

Thank you all for you quick responses! Any other recommendaitons regarding Harare and about the airport? Is it dangerous to stay at the airport at night while we wait for our 2am flight?

P_M: I have not heard anything about hte president detering white tourists! If anyone knows anything more about this please let me know!

Marceca, my info was just hearsay from a travel agent when I inquired about travel to Zimbabwe. I'm hoping one of our knowledgeable posters will comment.

I saw no signs of antipathy toward white people (or any other kind of people) when I was there.

At most international airports you can buy a pass to use the business class lounge. I would look into it for Harare. Yes, Harare has it's issues so I would be more comfortable staying in the airport or an adjacent airport hotel due to the late hour you have to be at the airport for your 2am flight. But if you are comfortable with it, I might look into getting a driver who can show you around the city during the day. We've done that in other cities when we got stuck with similar layovers.

I'm spending a week in Zimbabwe after a Bots safari in September, also going to Hwange and Matobo Hills. I checked out the latest reports and feel comfortable traveling there. Femi, where did you stay at those two locations? I'm scheduled for Somalisa and Ivory Lodge in Hwange (Soma was full the last night) and Amalinda in Matobo Hills.

I was on tour with the Shongololo Express, and those sites were included as stops. We slept on the train.

i went to hwange last month and also vic falls. all quiet and orderly in vic falls. i did not see any other people in hwange so i can say they are not dangerous. i am taking my wife and teenage daughters (all four of us caucasian americans) on safari to mana pools & hwange in july 2011. it is a very peaceful place.
craig beal

P_M
The info gathered at a travel agency is valuable IF the travel agent knows what he/she is talking about either by own experiences and/or verifiable information AND consults on Southern Africa and Zim in particular regularly.

I am sure IF there is such a thing like a verbalised Mugabe's antipathy towards white tourists that would have had a say in the warning by governments!

I am very much into Southern Africa and also ZIM but I haven't heart such a statement yet.

BTW - Mugabe is extremely questionable as a figure but certainly not stupid cutting the branch on which he is sitting ;-)

SV