Zimbabwe is worth a fortnight of one's life if only to see its entire marvel and follow the history. Evidence of a distinctive culture within the borders of modern Zimbabwe can be traced as far back as 30 000 years. The country's ancient rock art enjoys a world-wide reputation and illustrates a close relationship which pre historic Africans established with the animal kingdom. The pre colonial period, the arrival of the colonial settlers, the first, second and third Chimurenga shape modern day Zimbabwe and its heritage.

The Eastern Highlands are a mountain range found in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. It is one of the four most magnificent physiographic divisions on the African continent. This enormous mountain range includes the Nyanga Mountain in the north, the Bvumba Mountain in the centre of Zimbabwe and the Chimanimani Mountain in the south.

Warm, friendly smiling faces, welcoming attitude, helping hands is the Zimbabwe’s hallmark. Hospitality is second nature to us all - the Shona in the northern regions and the Ndebele in the western parts of the country. Hospitality is inherent complemented by Zimbabwe’s beacon in literacy of the highest standard in the whole of Africa.

The Great Zimbabwe, or "stone buildings", is the name given to the twelfth to fifteenth century stone ruins spread out over a 722 hectare(1,784 acre) area within the modern-day country of Zimbabwe, which itself is named after the ruins. It is near the town of Masvingo, which before majority rule was called Fort Victoria. The word "Great" distinguishes the site from the many hundred small ruins, known as Zimbabwes, spread across the Zimbabwe highveld. There are 200 such sites in southern Africa, with monumental, mortarless walls and Great Zimbabwe is the largest.

Harare (before 1982 known as Salisbury) is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,606,000 (2009), with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area (2006). Administratively, Harare is an independent city equivalent to a province. It is Zimbabwe's largest city and its administrative, commercial, and communications centre. The city is a trade centre for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits. Manufactures include textiles, steel, and chemicals, and gold is mined in the area. Harare is situated at an elevation of 1483 metres (4865 feet) and its climate falls into the warm temperate category.

By volume, Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world. It is located on the Zambezi river, about halfway between the river's source and mouth, about 1300 kilometers upstream from the Indian Ocean, and lies along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba was filled between 1958 and 1963 following the completion of the Kariba Dam at its northeastern end, flooding the Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River, also displacing large numbers of the local Tonga people.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall around making it one of the world’s “Seven Natural Wonders”! Victoria Falls is one of the highest, widest and most powerful waterfall, especially in the winter months when the river is full! In the 1800’s Victoria Falls was described by the nearby Kololo as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya'which means "the Smoke that Thunders"- illustrating the powerful forces of Victoria Falls!

THE SEVEN WONDERS
Zimbabwe is the only country where one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Victoria Falls is super - ceded by other Wonders of “Our World” We take you through a journey of the seven wonders of “our world”. Zimbabwe is indeed a World of Wonders!

Our Wonderful People and Culture
Zimbabwe offers you a unique and diverse culture to explore friendly people and rich culture. No matter where you go, you will be constantly surrounded by warm and hospitable people, always wearing a smile and willing to lend a helping hand.

Rich History and Heritage
Travel around the country and see pieces of history few have seen or heard such as hundreds-year old rock art created by long forgotten San artists: altogether evidence of rich history and proud Heritage.

The Majestic Victoria Falls, Mosi – oa – Tunya
Victoria Falls, one of the natural Wonders of the World, is the definitive example of breathtaking power and splendid beauty wrapped up in one package – a place which everyone should see at least once in their life time.

Great Zimbabwe, the Grand Medieval Palace
The Great Zimbabwe, now a world heritage site, it is an awe-inspiring experience to stand at the base of the Hill overlooking the sprawling granite stonework of this Medieval Palace, Great Zimbabwe, the stone work that is a testament to the ingenuity, resilience and strength of the people who lived centuries ago..

Pristine wildlife and nature
Zimbabwe is the home of the renowned big seven – buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, hippo and crocodile. Our National Parks have created viewing platforms near popular waterholes, giving visitors excellent opportunities to see wild game close up.

 The Mystique of the Eastern Highlands
It is extremely relaxing to watch the morning sunlight gently filter through foliage, glinting off emerald green leaves and over dew dripping grass. Just sitting and listening to the sound of a nearby river coursing through the forest and then crushing over a waterfall a few kilometers further on, or watching as the veil of morning mist slowly clears from the mountain sides with the rise of the sun, fills one with incredible peace and joy. This is the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe’s Garden of Eden.

The Mythical Kariba and Mighty Zambezi
Built along the Zambezi River, this massive water body is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the entire world. Measuring 280km long and 40km at its widest, Kariba Dam is home to around 40 different species of fish, as well as crocodiles and hippos. The Lake Kariba and Zambezi River areas are home to a large variety of bird and animal life, a prize destination for the birdlife enthusiast and wildlife- cameraman.

ZIMBABWE VISA REGIME 

CATEGORY A (Countries whose nationals do not  require a Visa to enter  Zimbabwe)

CATEGORY B (Countries whose nationals are granted visas at the port of entry on payment of the requisite Visa fee)

            CATEGORY C (Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Visa prior to travelling to Zimbabwe)

Note Well (N.B)

 Since not all countries on the globe could be included on the Visa regime schedules, countries not appearing on any of the 3 tables above  

 are automatically considered to fall in Visa Category C ( i.e  - Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to

 travelling to Zimbabwe)                         

VISA APPLICATION FEES  (1)

The following table applies to Angola, Britain, Canada and China only and are basedon reciprocity

VISA APPLICATION FEES  (2)

The following table applies to all other countries

ZIMBABWE VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are the documentary requirements for a Zimbabwe Visa application :

1. Valid Passport ( valid for at least 6 months
   

2. Passport size Photos X 2

3. Copy of Passport (Bio Data page)

4. Copy of any previous Zimbabwe Visa

5. Completed Visa Application

6. Invitation Letter from Host (bill)

7. Proof of accommodation and proof of residence from host  - i.e utility bills e.g water/rates bill, electricity bill, phone bill

8. Proof of residential status in country of residence

1. Supporting letter from host (on company letterhead)

2. Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) certificate

3. CR14 Form (List of company directors in accordance with Sections 187 & 330 of Zimbabwe Company’s Act Chapter 224:03, Section 27 of Regulations)

4. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) returns

5. Current Bank Statement

6. Requirements 1-5, & 8 of Holiday Visitors (as stated above)

VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Category B

Visitor arrives at Port of Entry (i.e Border Post or Airport), presents valid travel document, return ticket and/or proof of means (money to sustain him/herself and be able to leave Zimbabwe), pays the requisite Visa fee and is issued with a Visa on the spot.                                  

Category C

Prospective visitors who fall in this category may obtain a Visa using any of the 2 methods outlined below.

1.          Prospective visitor applies to nearest Zimbabwean Embassy, presenting the following :

·      valid travel document

·      photocopies of passport (bio data pages)

·      2 passport size photos

·      Invitation/supporting letter from host company/organization where applicable

·      Application fee

(Cost of external application is inclusive of processing and handling fees, which vary from Embassy to Embassy and from Mission to Mission) 

2.          Where there is no Zimbabwean Embassy or Embassy is too far away, or prospective visitor   cannot visit Embassy for one reason or another, the following applies :

2.1       Holiday Visit

·         Prospective visitor sends same set of documents as outlined in (1) above, to host/contact/friend/relative in Zimbabwe.

·         Host makes application to Department of Immigration Control on behalf of prospective visitor, presenting  the same documents as outlined in (1) above.

·         Host must present proof of accommodation, i.e his/her lease agreement or utility bills OR hotel/lodge booking in the name of prospective visitor.

·         Department of Immigration Control then issues the relevant application form to host who then completes the form and submits it and pays the requisite Visa Fees on behalf of the prospective visitor.

·         Processing of Visa then begins. After Visa is approved, issued and affixed in travel document, host collects travel document from Immigration and sends back to prospective visitor, who must then travel to Zimbabwe within the specified period of validity of the Visa.

1.2         Business Visit

·         Host company/organization applies to Department of Immigration Control (on official letterhead), confirming having invited prospective visitor/s.

·         Small companies/organisations may be asked to produce Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) returns, or Registration details (CR14), or Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) Certificate, and current Bank Statement, as proof of existence.

·         The letter to Department of Immigration Control should clearly state name/s of invited visitor/s and nationality, citing reasons for proposed visit.

·         Host company/organization should attach the same set of documents as outlined in (1) above, and indicating date of intended entry and the Port of Entry that the prospective visitor/s will use.

·         Department of Immigration Control issues a “Landing Visa”, forwards it to the intended Port of Entry, and informs host organisation of the fact, in writing. (The letter allows the  prospective visitor/s to proceed to travel to Zimbabwe and pay for “Landing Visa” at Point of Entry, as in Category B above).

·         Host company/organisation then sends photocopy or scanned copy of the letter to prospective visitor who, upon receipt of the letter, may proceed to travel to Zimbabwe. (The letter facilitates prospective visitor’s acceptance by airlines and transit through other countries en route to Zimbabwe)

·         Visitor arrives at intended port of entry bearing the copyof the letter from Department of Immigration Control

·         A representative of  the host company/organization must travel to intended Port of Entry on intended  date, with original letter from Department of Immigration Control (for verification purposes).

• Immigration Officer at Port of Entry, verifies the two, then issues the “Landing Visa” on the spot

• “Landing Visa” costs US$100 and is only issued on request from host company/organisation, which may opt to pay the Visa Fee on behalf of the visitor.   

Gairezi Ecotourism Project, a CAMPFIRE project, is a beautifully situated on the crystal clear Gairezi River in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It started in the early 1990s and they are in partnership with Nyanga Downs Fly Fishing Club. This project benefits 304 households from the Dazi and Nyamutsapa Communities, Nyanga.
Accommodation – self-catering set of four-bedroom lodges and a campsite that can accommodate 20 single tents.

Management of the facility: The project is run by a board of 6 individuals and a management committee of four all drawn from the local community. At the moment the management committee and staff are getting management and marketing support from Nyanga Downs’ Club. The community is in a partnership arrangement with the Nyanga Downs Flyfishers Club. A Board of Trustees drawn from the local community oversees the management of the center whilst five staff are employed one as manager, the other as resource monitor and the rest are lodge attendants.

Access – The facility is situated about 30 km on the north west side of Nyanga and about 18km from the Troutbeck resort. The 20km stretch off the Nyanga Nyamaropa road after Troutbeck is a gravel road but is well maintained by the Nyanga Rural District Council. In the rainy season, an all weather rough terrain vehicle is advisable. Amenities – A local clinic in Dazi area is accessible to visitors. The facility is also covered by two mobile networks albeit intermittently. Shops and fuels are available 20km away in Troutbeck.

Attractions – Scenic views of the Nyangani mountain range; Gairezi river; cool weather, pine plantations, unique tree ferns, chief Tangwena – (his Chimurenga history).

Activities –Fly fishing for trout, hiking, bird watching, shopping for local crafts, chief Tangwena story and village visit,

Awareness – The facility is marketed mainly by Nyanga Downs Fly Fishers Club. STEP Zimbabwe website also contains content on the website.

Main Challenges: It was noted during the interview that the project requires intensive capacity building for the employees and the board members for efficient running of the business. Although the partnership with Nyanga Downs has been good in sustaining the operations (especially visitorship) there is no apparent effort towards local community empowerment and gradual handover. In the event that Nyanga Downs draws out of the partnership, the local communities will be left wanting. They need to make their own decisions pertaining to the running of the business. It was also noted that project is operating without being registered as a community based enterprise with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Some of the issues of the project include, poor capacity of board and members, weak partnership between Nyanga Downs Club, the Board and communities that does not promote transfer of skills from the partner to the community, poor readiness to takeover project despite the years of partnership, stagnant growth in facilities, activities and market.

Future Prospects: The community plans to expand the facility by building more lodges along the river that are operated directly by communities. There are also plans for horse riding and village visits into the park and to the Tangwena community.