Is zimbabwe dangerous
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is zimbabwe dangerous
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!!
Thank you!!
#2
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
#5
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
P_M: I have not heard anything about hte president detering white tourists! If anyone knows anything more about this please let me know!
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#12
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
craig beal
#13
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Travelling_diva
Africa & the Middle East
4
Mar 26th, 2013 07:47 AM
sandals
Africa & the Middle East
35
Jun 11th, 2009 06:56 AM