ZIMBABWE
 

besides the paranoia that is usually present on the FCO website, Whats the latest with entry into zimbabwe? how safe is it, and how easy is it to get a visa? any info would be much appreciated.

I was there last September. I rode from Botswana to Mozambique with several days off the beaten track and a few more in Harare.

ace place. lovely people. petrol was readily available on the black market, but diesel was scarce. take a big tank! don't lurk near parliament. insist on getting your carnet stamped on the way out. enjoy, but only offer your political views in private!

Hi
Wife's just got back from Zim. Dollar's around 8200 to the pound (varies a bit, just depends on the weekly auctions - but it has all but killed the Black Market trade in Forex). Lots of government lackies diss'ing the BBC's Panorama programme on the "Green Bombers" (ZANU (PF) Youth League) Training camps and only indigenous Zimbabwean music on the radio!

The "chefs" are living it up and the povo are finding it hard to find anything to eat. The only ones eating are the bloody Termites eating our house and, if you're paid in the local "Zim-Kwacha", everything is still bloody expensive.

Petty theft, caused by poverty, is up so keep your hand on your wallet and stay clear of Harare's streets after dark. Talk politics in private and only with people you know - otherwise Zim's still a "lekker" place to be.

------------------
Enzo
BUNDUBASHER.com

The only reason we just bypassed Zim was the time available and the $50 entry visa. We've met countless people overlanders who've driven through it in the last few days, weeks and months. There really seem to be no problems as long as you don't say/do anything stupid, and take enough petrol.