Hwange
Hwange – Home to the Elephants
Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is
the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14,650 square
kilometres.
It is located in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Mighty Victoria Falls.
Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded as well as all Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange and it is the
only protected area where gemsbok and brown hyena occur in reasonable numbers.
The elephants of Hwange are world famous and is one of the largest populations in the world.
Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe
Geography
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, it holds within an extensive high inland plateau that drops northwards to the Zambezi valley, where its bordered with Zambia and slightly drops towards Limpopo valley and the boarder of South Africa.
The country has borders with Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km, Zambia 797 km and almost meets Namibia at its westernmost point.
History
Archaeologist shave found evidence of inhabitants in Zimbabwe for 100,00 thousand years ago, most probably the San people, as shown by cave paintings and tools found at the time. Since the 11th century the country has been a migration/ trading route, while under British rule.
1980-present Zimbabwe gained independence from all British rule.
Languages
Most guided safaris are usually conducted in English.
Other spoken languages: Shona or Ndebele.
Climate
There is a dry season, including a short cool season during the period May to September when the whole country has very little rain. The rainy season is typically a time of heavy rainfall from November to March. Overall, the country has pleasant warm weather throughout the year.
Electricity
The current used in Zimbabwe is 220-230 volts at 50H. Both square and round wall plugs are used use so an adaptor that can take both is useful.
Telephones and dialling codes
Zimbabwe’s International Dialling Code is +263. Calling to Zimbabwe, you need to dial 00 263, followed by an area code (e.g. 4 for Harare); calling from Zimbabwe, you need to dial the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United Kingdom, or +1 for the United States of America).
Time difference
Zimbabwe doesn’t operate daylight saving time and is two hours in the advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) during the summer months, as well as during the winter months.
Customs allowances
- Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 5 litres (of which not more than 2 litres may be spirits) per person over the age of 18.
- 400 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250gm tobacco per person over the age of 18.
- Perfume not exceeding 50ml and eau de toilette not exceeding 250ml per person.
- New or used goods to the value of US$ 200.
Prohibited Items
You are not allowed to bring into Zimbabwe prohibited goods such as narcotics, illegal drugs in any form, automatic weapons, military weapons, unnumbered weapons, poison and toxic substances.
Driving
Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure by African standards although be on the lookout for potholes. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. Keep a lookout for wild animals crossing the roads, throughout your travels.
When entering Zimbabwe by (hired) car a ‘temporary import permit’ will be issued at the border. Take note that a Carbon Tax is charged based on engine capacity.
A road toll fee is charged per car. Third party insurance covering Zimbabwe needs to be obtained at the border if no valid COMESA yellow insurance card has been provided by the car hire firm.