Zimbabwe

Recommended reading--Travel Africa Magazine

On a visit to Zimbabwe soon after the country's independence, Paul Murray quickly established enduring friendships with some leading players in the Victoria Falls tourism sector. He developed a keen interest in all aspects of the country but above all, his love for Zimbabwe has been driven by the locals: 'probably the friendliest people I've met anywhere in the world'. Very frequent visits to Zimbabwe followed and one last Africa ambition came to fruition 10 years ago when he and his wife bought a house in Victoria Falls which has allowed unparalleled access to the diverse riches of Zimbabwe. It was during this time that Paul completed three editions of this book. Now located back in the UK due to family circumstances, he has handed over authorship to Paul Hubbard, of whom he says 'Far better that a Zimbo rather than a Pom now writes this book! My cherished Zim guidebook, couldn't be in better hands'. Born in Bulawayo, Paul Hubbard has lived in towns and in the wild all over Zimbabwe and currently works around the country as a professional tour guide. As part of his business he travels around Zimbabwe leading tours and conducting research, both of which have given him an intimate knowledge of much of the country while integrating him with much of Zimbabwe's tourism industry - from hotels and lodges to tour operators and lodge owners. With degrees in archaeology, he combines history, nature and culture into a fascinating romp through any area. Having been involved with the previous three editions of Bradt's Zimbabwe, he continues to bring to this new edition the same verve and passion with which he conducts tours in person.

Contents Introduction Should you go to Zimbabwe? PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, History, Government and politics, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Natural History and Conservation Flora, Fauna, National parks Chapter 3 Practical information When to visit, Highlights, Planning your trip, Suggested itineraries, Wildlife activities, Tour operators and agents, Red tape, Tourist information, Maps and GPS, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Electricity, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 4 Harare History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Harare, North of Harare, Northwest of Harare, Northeast of Harare, Southeast of Harare, Southwest of Harare Chapter 5 Central Zimbabwe Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe Chapter 6 Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley Deka to Binga, Chizarira National Park, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, The Middle Zambezi, Northern Zimbabwe Chapter 7 Victoria Falls History, When to visit, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Zambezi National Park Chapter 8 Hwange Hwange town, Hwange National Park, Kazuma Pan National Park, Towards Bulawayo Chapter 9 Bulawayo History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Bulawayo, Matobo Hills, Plumtree Chapter 10 Southern Zimbabwe Beitbridge, The A6 from Beitbridge to Bulawayo, Lowveld towns, Gonarezhou National Park, Around Gonarezhou National Park Chapter 11 The Eastern Highlands Getting there and around, Southern area, Central area, Northern area, To Nyamapanda Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossary Appendix 3 Further Information Index