Zimbabwe is still an awesome destination. Here is some
current information.
Fuel
Fuel is available in limited amounts but your foreign number plates will
ensure that the locals will assist you where they can. It makes good sense
to top up at every opportunity. This also ensures that any contaminated fuel
you may buy is diluted with the existing contents of your tank.
Fuel is also available on the black
market but this activity is illegal and therefore proceed with caution.
Prices vary greatly from town to town i.e. anything between R6 and R12 a
liter. Sometimes you will be told that fuel will be available the following
day which is not a problem if you intend to stay overnight anyway. In bigger
cities you sometimes have to travel to a number of petrol stations to find
supplies. If you have booked accommodation at some of the better
hotels and lodges they will put aside a limited quantity for you before you
arrive. It makes good sense to observe the speed limits at all times. This
not only improves consumption and keeps you out of the hands of traffic
officials with their dubious agendas.
Currency
Know what is important to you and then be prepared to pay for it. Zimbabwe
can be a very expensive tour and therefore a predetermined list of
priorities will make it easier to say yes or no when confronted with an
expensive entrance or activity fee. The official exchange rate offered by banks from
SA Rands to Zim dollars will make your tour expensive. Changing money on the
black market is much more favourable but again proceed with caution. Ensure
that you have a spread of hard currency i.e. Zim dollars, rands and USD as
many touristy activities and facilities only accept foreign currency.
Border Crossing
No problem here. Ensure that you have your motorcycle's registration papers.
The crossing will cost around R350-00 and remember to keep all receipts.
Shopping
Shortages in shops are common so you must be flexible and roll with the
punches. Take with you whatever is essential to the success of your tour and
for the rest, just make-do.
Accommodation
Hotels and lodges have continued to maintain a high standard but luxury
items like alcohol are very expensive.
Business as usual
The local infrastructure is coping with the difficult circumstances. If
you keep abreast of events on the local news you will not encounter any
incidents as you will be able to by-pass any problem areas.
Streetwise
As with any country were times are difficult you must be streetwise at all
times and take sensible precautions.
Contact details
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. 011 616 9534/6. Email
zta@telkomsa.net and
www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw
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