ELECTRICITY

Electricity is is 220 volts. Plug sockets are mostly 3-pin square (13 amp), but 2-pin round shaver/charger sockets are common and 3-pin round (15 amp) sockets can be found in older establishments. Note that the electricity grid in Zimbabwe can be erratic. Camps and lodges in remote Zambezi valley areas usually operate without electricity, or via generators which are switched on only at set times of the day.

Time is GMT +2 hours. On average, daylight is roughly 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. slightly shorter in mid-winter (June) or longer in mid-summer (December).

PHONES AND INTERNET

Zimbabwe has a landline phone system and several mobile networks.  Service can be erratic, calls are expensive and currently there is no easy access to cheap mobile lines on Zimbabwean networks.  However, international roaming does work where signal is available.  The International Dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263.  When not using this international prefix code, an extra 0 is required before area codes or mobile numbers within the country. 

Kariba and Chirundu have both landline and mobile network coverage, but it can be erratic.  In the more remote parts of the Zambezi valley, there is no mobile network coverage, however, some safari camps and operators have access via satellite phone links. 

Dial-up and wireless Internet access is available only in the main city centres.  In more remote areas, internet access is only possible in the rare cases where a satellite system is in operation. Check with your agent or operator if you need web access while on safari.

1 January - New Year's Day
Good Friday to Easter Monday
18 April - Independence Day (Zimbabwe)
1 May - Workers' Day
25 May - Africa Day
11 August - Heroes' Day (Zimbabwe)
12 August - Defence Forces Day (Zimbabwe)
22 December - National Unity Day
25/26 December - Christmas and Boxing Day

Early December - Mid January
Mid April - Mid May
Early August - Early September

DRESS

In the Kariba and Zambezi River areas, the climate is usually so hot that very comfortable and casual clothes, footwear and a wide-brimmed hat or cap are essential. Wear lightweight cotton shirts/tops, shorts or longs during the day, and something that covers up your legs and arms at night. A lightweight tracksuit is useful for cold nights and early mornings (especially in the mid-winder months of May - July). Neutral colours (not white) are good for game viewing. A very useful multi-purpose item is a cotton wrap which can act as sunscreen, shawl or towel. Keep shoes to a minimum: a pair of practical, flat sandals, "thongs" or "flip-flops" for inside and a pair of comfortable walking shoes are all you need. Don't bother with heavy boots.

Be aware that revealing tops or very short shorts or skirts are culturally provocative or even offensive to some in this part of Africa.