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Nicole's
Travelogues and Budget Travel Tips..
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ZIMBABWE
I went to Zimbabwe as part of my trip to South Africa. At the time I was in Zimbabwe, the exchange rate was 5300 Zim Dollars for $1. Yikes! To compensate for such a horrendous exchange rate, Zim travel agencies, hostels/hotels, and national parks charged fees in US dollars - making my trip to Zimbabwe expensive. Due to the political situation (July '04), traveling around Zim was a bit more of a challenge. Fuel shortages made traveling by bus a "wait and see" experience and there were no longer trains running to neighboring countries (Botswana, South Africa). The train to/from Vic Falls was still running but took. We were still fairly safe traveling around - as political violence seems to still be localized around farms and rallies. Unfortunately, we did not have much time to spend in Zim, as most of our time was spent in South Africa. I hope to go back soon so I can explore more of the country - instead of just skimming through the tourist areas!
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The official language of Zimbabwe is English, with Shona and Ndebele being the most widely-used African languages. Religions: Independence:
April 18, 1980 (from UK) |
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From The World Fact Book- "The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965, the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, Mugabe rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection." 