Firstly, let me tell you that Zimbabwe is a country that must be explored; not only for the World known Victoria Falls but also, as it is a hub of rich culture and traditions that form the basis of African History.

Getting in Zimbabwe is simple. There are a great number of routes and options available. You can fly via Johannesburg, you can take the road route from Zambia, or you can take a direct flight to Zimbabwe with the flag ship carrier Air Zimbabwe. Cheap flights to Harare (the capital of Zimbabwe) from UK are largely operated by Air Zimbabwe Direct Flights, but other carriers also include KLM, Air France, Kenyan Airways and Ethiopians Airways. For more information on cheap flights to Harare see Cheap flights to Zimbabwe.

If you are going to Zimbabwe for the first time, some beforehand information is necessary. Here are some of the top most tips that one should remember while going to Zimbabwe:-

1. Never leave you luggage unattended or carry packages on other’s behalf (applies on all destinations) and put a luggage strap around your case for easy identification and extra security. Also take travel insurance specially if you are flying with a 2 – 3 star rated airline as re-scheduling / cancellation is common in peal seasons.
2. In case of legal matters or if you lose your passport, contact the embassy or consulate of your country in Zimbabwe immediate. The Consul will do everything possible to help British nationals who have been arrested or detained overseas.
3. Avoid being too friendly to strangers. You may come across well-dressed people who speak your language fluently and happen to come up to you and start chatting or make promises to show you around open flee markets or some historic attractions…don’t fall for that. Always go to a responsible agency to book your guide, make necessary verifications.
4. Do not accept food, cookies or drinks from anybody that you have just met.
5. While taking a walk along the Victoria Falls, keep an umbrella or a raincoat with you. However, avoid walking alone anywhere in Zimbabwe especially after sunset.
6. It is hard to find any authentic Zimbabwean souvenirs but consider going to the local crafts market. Don’t be shy to bargain, usually the price you are quoted is thrice the price they will eventually agree to sell it.
7. Check timetables for public transport in advance, do not hitch hike or take a lift
8. Use only metered taxis around the airport or while touring the city. Also note the cab’s number before your hop in.
9. Make sure you have enough foreign currency for your immediate arrival into a foreign country, particularly if your flight arrives at an odd hour. Use the airport or hotel services or National Banks and do not try to exchange currency as it’s unsafe and risky. Also, always make a list of the Credit / Debit Card numbers and travelers cheques you are carrying along with the suppliers contact numbers in case they get lost. Leave a photo copy of your original documents / passports at home or with a friend back home.
10. Old tips are true, especially in big multinational hotels. Usually salad and iced drinks are more likely to get you than eating fresh local street food.