Travel to Zimbabwe..

Go2Africa's most recent newsletter talks about travel to Zimbabwe. We traveled and stayed on the Zambian side of Vic Falls, on purpose, although I hear that the Zim side of the Falls is much more impressive than the Zam side. Just wondering what people here think about the advisability of traveling to Zimbabwe at the moment..

As an American or a Brit be ready for lots of official suspicion and hassle as Crazy Bob tends to blame most of the countries woe on clandestine involvement from both countries governmental involvement, Britain in particular.

Sad state of affairs, worthless money and repressed media along with squelched political opposition.

I think it could be pretty easily done but I'm willing to bet they'd like to squeeze whatever dollars they can from you all the while.

Lot's of disease you might want to think about taking precautions for also, petty crime in Harrar stuff like that...oh yeah and the animals too.

More here (Some is kind of old):
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Zimbabwe/Warnings_or_Dangers-Zimbabwe-BR-1.html

http://www.worldtravelwatch.com/archives/africa/zimbabwe/

~Stiv

Thanks for the links. Sad, what has happened there. We talked to a hotelier who was a native of Zimbabwe as we were leaving South Africa. She was currently working in Zambia and it was interesting to hear her views, which of course were very bitter against the old man.

As I said, we chose Zambia instead... Kind of like Cuba, folks here in the US waiting for something to happen, so we can visit again..

Agree some of the camp people in Bots and Zambia seemed to be in kind of a limbo passport status, waiting for Zim to change back so they could go Home.

I just returned from 6 days in Zimbabwe, 2 nights in Vic Falls and 4 nights in Hwange National Park. It was incredible, will go back again and explore more of Zim. The people were nice, the hotels/lodge were great and the game animals were excellent, saw 14 new species than on my trips to Zambia. The falls from the Zim side were awesome, from the Zam side, barely a trickle. Hwange National Park was the most beautiful place I've been to and full of game. I'm a Zim convert and will post a trip report when I get back home to Hawaii (I'm in California now)

Would you mind posting a trip report? I am sure a lot of people would be interested.

Great! Looking forward to the trip report! ..and some pictures?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Some pictures would be very welcome. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

angelro- my pics from Zim/Caprivi Strip are at:
www.kodakgallery.com/dennisinzambia

I never knew that Zimbabwe has so many thing to offer. Looks like a beautiful place. Nice pictures.

angelro--have you been to Africa?? Would be interested in hearing about your trip..

No I haven`t been to Africa before.Yes I would like very much to hear about your trip. Thank you.

angelro--my trip report in several sections is here in the Africa forum. Just set your date filter back to 'all dates' and it is there. P.S., you might want a liquid libation while you're reading. It's looooong.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Just a heads up on the latest for anyone who may have an interest.

Just remember folks these are wild animals, Elephants know what they are doing and a guide does not always insure complete safety.

Oh and Bob Mugabe is crazy <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Cortesy of Worldtravel watch:

March 28th, 2007

Zimbabwe: Tourists Killed by Elephant; Political Crisis throughout the Country

By Larry Habegger | Add a Comment »

A British mother and daughter were killed by an angry bull elephant when they were on a walking safari in Hwange National Park March 24. They were accompanied by an armed guide and professional hunter but the guide missed when he tried to shoot the charging elephant. The woman and 10-year-old girl were trampled, and the husband and father of the two was seriously injured. Wildlife authorities and police are investigating to see if the guides were negligent. The elephant population in Hwange has reportedly soared in recent years with no regular culling measures in place, but culling is often not the answer, either, as it has been shown to stress elephant communities to the point where they sometimes lash out at humans. On a political note, strongman ruler Robert Mugabe is under increasing pressure to resign as the country’s economy and infrastructure crumble, opposition leaders are jailed, and protests are put down with force. The situation is unstable.

Thanks for that note regarding the elephant. Everyone talks about elephants being the gentle giants. Other than the rhinos, who really spooked me, I was much more scared of elephants than anything else, especially the cats, that didn't scare me much after the first two dozen times I was within 15 feet. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" /> But I tell you, that jeep was my best buddy! I didn't travel far from it at all. I would personally no more do a walking safari than fly to the moon. But, that's just me.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

And, Mugabe?? His ouster would be a good thing for the country..

Zimbabwe at one time was regarded as the "Breadbasket" of Africa. Since Crazy Bob declared himself president for life he's destroyed the infrastructure (Mostly farming) inflation has gone to triple digits, the money is worthless, no political dissent is allowed and while the country starves he decided to throw a birthday party for himself that cost a fiw million US$.

http://thefroglady.blogspot.com/2007/02/you-too-can-help-pay-for-robert-mugabes.html

If Mugabe died or left office at least some firendly aid from the US and Britain might be allowed to make it to the people.

I'll also add that some might say it's unethical to travel/safari in Zim as the money will line Mugabe's pockets and very little will actually go to the common working person.

The same debate has been going on for years about traveling to Burma/Myanmar.