hitman23

Hi all - we're very close to booking our first trip to Africa through a reputable travel agent, and the current plan calls for 3 nights at a lodge in Hwange and 2 nights at Vic Falls (Zim side). Zimbabwe's making the news again, this time with more currency problems.

Our trip isn't for months...but can anyone advise on the current situation there and whether it's safe/smart to go? I've read many previous posts on the problems in Zimbabwe, but nothing that reflects the latest news.

Many thanks in advance!

Shumba

Zim is a safe destination to visit as a tourist if the status quo is maintained.

HOWEVER

There are elections in March, so I would poissibly avoid this period. At the moment all seems ok, though things could erupt in the aftermath, you just never know. Look at Kenya for example.

Thandi

Hi
Personal observation. I would recommend a stay on the Zambian side if you wish to see Vic Falls. Variety of hotels from mid to high range and at times is as spectacular and can walk across the bridge to the Zim side. Apart from the safety aspect, while the local people suffer, why support Mugabe's regime? So many stunning places to visit in Africa - Tanzania (Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, beach, game etc), South Africa (safari), Namibia, Zambia. Definitely not Kenya for now.

sniktawk

Thandui,

You have an interesting point of view, unfortunately it is your view. Go to Zimbabwe the view is better they mneed the money their government is slightly more corrupt.

mfleming

My daughter and I just got back from Victoria Falls. It is a beautiful place and we always felt safe. But the situation in Zim is getting worse, they are having power outages daily, it is going to get worse because I think its Nambia that supplies power to Zim and they are threatening to cut off the power to Zim because they are not paying their bill. If you go into a grocery store there is nothing on the shelves. But the hotels don't seem to have a problem getting food? The people seem to be coping, but its really tough...like the clerk in the gift shop told me, we put on a happy face, but I can hardly afford to feed my girls. All of us at our hotel felt their pain, we were giving away to the towns people socks, extra shoes, tee shirts. They need the basics!
We left feeling, what can we do to help them. If you try to mail a package they will Never get it we were told!!! It was a very humbling experience....I was there 4 years ago and I can say it has gotten worse. But like I said, except for the power outages, the hotels seem to be doing ok.

lerasp

the hotels have generators and bring their own fuel from South Africa, as well as I imagine most supplies. we had no problems there (but it was last summer), but I agree that the situation i dire.
However, we felt safe and it was a very pleasant visit

mfleming

Some of the back up generators are over heating and they cannot use them 24-7. They are coping the best they can as we were told by our hotel staff.

gfeibleman

I am jumping into this thread a little late.

We are scheduled to stay for two nights at Matatsi Water Lodge via ccafrica in September. I keep trying to decide is that wise vs. staying on the Zambian side at the Livingston? Our CCafrica agent keeps saying everything is wonderful at Matatsi but is that just a sales pitch?

jgoebel

gfeiblman- We will be staying 4 nights at Matetsi in the beginning of August. CC Africa also told us no problem, and from everything I've been able to read both here and on other forums it seems that they are telling the truth. Check out the recent reviews on trip advisor....

CheetahGirl

Last August, I spent three nights in Mana Pools on a canoeing safari and one night in Vic Falls. I had no problems and felt completely safe. I will say, Vic Falls is a bit depressing because you can tell the locals are having to do without so much. In the hotels and restaurants you can't tell much difference. But on the streets, the people look sad.

And there are little things you notice. For example, on one day, the airport kiosks have plenty of Cokes and water. The next day they are out. The minibar in my luxurious hotel had only Kit Kat bars in it - not that I cared - it was just a small example of how hard it is to keep up the standards.

Having said that, the staff at my hotel were soooo nice. I stayed at the Stanley & Livingstone and it was beautiful. And they were so dedicated to keeping the grounds and hotel immaculate. I almost felt guilty since they were working so hard and we were the only two guests there. I also felt terrible that we went out to a restaurant for dinner instead of giving our business to the hotel. But we just didn't feel like being the only two guests in the restaurant.

We did go to the "Boma" for dinner and although it is slightly cheesy touristy, the atmosphere is great and the food was really yummy. I would definitely not worry about it being too touristy and go. I'd definitely go back.

We also did a sunset river cruise -we were going to bungee, but got in too late - and it was really relaxing. I was also fun to watch the other tourists on the boat, who were clearly at the beginning of their trips, running from side to side of the boat to see one hippo or one croc. It made me remember what it was like to see a wild animal for the first time

Mana Pools was beautiful, with plenty of game,. And being on the river in a canoe is just wonderful.

So, yea, Mugabe, needs to go. Seriously needs to go, but at the same time, the people need our tourist dollars, so it's a double edged sword. Nevertheless, if you decide to go and have the right attitude, I think you'll enjoy it. It's just a bit ... sad.

matnikstym

The Zim election is next month, hopefully it will go smoothly and by August, Zimbabwe will be on the road to recovery. As said on another post (about Kenya) no one (not even CCAfrica) can guarantee what it will be like after election day-I'd watch the news, check www.allafrica.com and see what is happening then.

AK_gal

Not to be pessimistic....

First off, given Zim's history of election fraud, and Mugabe's contempt for international observers, how sure can we be that the upcoming elections are going to be free and fair?

Secondly, given the area's propensity towards corruption, how can we believe that our tourist dollars are actually trickling down to those who need it most? My believe is that we are all just lining the pockets of corrupt government officials.

My white, Zimbabwean friend recently had to return home for her brother's funeral. She was arrested at the airport for trying to re-enter the country after emigrating, and her brother's house was confiscated by the government with no compensation. Luckily they released her after a day in jail and she hotfooted it out of there.Yikes.