Tuesday, October 31, 2006
10/2006 Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park
The country’s largest national park, equal to the size of Belgium, is approximately 65 miles from Victoria Falls. Home to 107 mammals and over 400 bird species, it boasts the Big Five – lions, black and white rhinos, leopards, buffalo and elephants – along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, impala, kudu, hippos, crocodiles and the elusive wild dog. A variety of accommodation is available from basic self-catering chalets to exclusive all-inclusive safari lodges. It is possible to drive around in your own car, but a better bet for spotting animals is a game drive with professional guides who know the terrain and wildlife habits.
The country’s largest national park, equal to the size of Belgium, is approximately 65 miles from Victoria Falls. Home to 107 mammals and over 400 bird species, it boasts the Big Five – lions, black and white rhinos, leopards, buffalo and elephants – along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, impala, kudu, hippos, crocodiles and the elusive wild dog. A variety of accommodation is available from basic self-catering chalets to exclusive all-inclusive safari lodges. It is possible to drive around in your own car, but a better bet for spotting animals is a game drive with professional guides who know the terrain and wildlife habits.
10/2006: Zimbabwe: 'Victoria Falls'
Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, known locally as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ (The Smoke That Thunders). Millions of gallons of water plunge over cliff nearly 2 miles high into a narrow gorge below. Adjoining the Victoria Falls National Park, it is surrounded by lush rainforest and reaches its high water peak in April, with the lowest water-flow in November.
Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, known locally as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ (The Smoke That Thunders). Millions of gallons of water plunge over cliff nearly 2 miles high into a narrow gorge below. Adjoining the Victoria Falls National Park, it is surrounded by lush rainforest and reaches its high water peak in April, with the lowest water-flow in November.
Zimbabwe: 'currency exchange...'
An overvalued exchange rate makes it a very expensive destination for tourists. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at an official bank and you must keep the receipt to show as proof of exchange when spending Zimbabwean dollars. Hotels, by law, can only accept payment for accommodation in foreign exchange but will accept Z$ in restaurants and bars, provided that you show the exchange receipt. Black market rates vary significantly and can be as much as 5 times more than the official rate, but it is dangerous and illegal to change money on the street. US dollars, preferably in small notes, are advisable. Don’t rely on credit cards. Although they are accepted in major hotels (check the exchange rate first), there may be difficulties in getting through. ATMs are few and far between and rarely work.
An overvalued exchange rate makes it a very expensive destination for tourists. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at an official bank and you must keep the receipt to show as proof of exchange when spending Zimbabwean dollars. Hotels, by law, can only accept payment for accommodation in foreign exchange but will accept Z$ in restaurants and bars, provided that you show the exchange receipt. Black market rates vary significantly and can be as much as 5 times more than the official rate, but it is dangerous and illegal to change money on the street. US dollars, preferably in small notes, are advisable. Don’t rely on credit cards. Although they are accepted in major hotels (check the exchange rate first), there may be difficulties in getting through. ATMs are few and far between and rarely work.
