Zimbabwe
GEOGRAPHY
On its northern border with Zambia the country boasts one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Further east, the Zambezi is bordered in the south by South Africa, by Mozambique on the east and north east, and by Botswana on the south west. It is part of the great plateau which is a major feature of geography of Southern Africa.
HISTORY
Around A.D 1000 Bantu speaking people - the Shona group - infiltrated Zimbabwe during a southward migration. The land was already populated with Bushman and Hottentots who had settled there 500 years prior. The Bantu easily overshadowed the indigenous subsistence farmers, introduced a stronger form of government, and are credited with building walled city states. Up until the 19th century they flourished and brought abundant wealth to the country through gold trade routes to Tanzania coast and offshore islands. Not long after this era began to crumble mainly due to raids by the Zulu people. One of these Zulu groups settled in Bulawayo and overshadowed the Shona in this area. It was not until the 19th century that European traders and missionaries made their way into the Zimbabwe interior. The British South African Company controlled the territory for many years, making a fortune from diamond and gold mining, until their charter was dissolved in 1923, and the country was named Southern Rhodesia and become a self-governing colony of England. For many decades to follow, the country was beset by internal racial conflict and disputes between white settlers who wanted their freedom, and England who was not willing to grant independence. In 1965, a coalition of white settlers declared a Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain, thus earning the status of an international “outlaw”. But internal racial problems continued to intensify, and after many years of guerrilla warfare, the white population and British Government agreed to the formation on an independent nation in 1980, which the citizens soon renamed Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe became the first president and remains in office today.
ECONOMY
The major potion of Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange comes from its extensive mining industry. Two thirds of the world’s reserves of chrome are found within its borders. Other major mineral deposits include coal, asbestos, copper, nickel, gold and iron ore.
CLIMATE
Summer is from October to April. Days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunder storms. Day temperatures reach about 30C and night temperatures drop to 14C - 16C. I can also be considerably warmer all year round in the low-lying areas such as Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Zambezi Valley. The rainy season from November to March, although the Eastern Highlands are damp for most of the year.
Winter is from May to September, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm (20C) while evening temperatures drop sharply (5C). Exceptionally cold spells can occur so it its recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just in case.
PLACES TO VISIT
HARARE
Formerly called Salisbury, Harare is the capital and largest city. Although a commercial and industrial centre, the flowering trees, colourful parks and contemporary architecture lend an air of spaciousness. Points of interest include the National Museum, National Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Houses of Parliament and the Tobacco Auction Floors. A short drive from Harare are the Lavon Bird Gardens, Ewanrig Botanical Gardens, Mazoe Citrus Estates and Lake McIlwane Game Park.
BULAWAYO
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second largest city and is a major commercial, industrial and tourist centre. The city is rich in historical associations and is home of the National museum. Nearby are the ancient Khami ruins, while to the south is the Matopos National Park with its huge granite boulders, dams with excellent fishing, caves with rock paintings, Rhodes grave and a well stocked game reserve.
LAKE KARIBA
Created by the damming of the Zambezi river, it consists of 2,000 square miles of water studded with islands and surrounded by mountains, providing a year round supply of water for abundant animal and bird life. Lake Kariba is a playground for watersports enthusiasts as well as provide excellent fresh water fishing.
MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Kariba and bounded on the east by the Sanyati Gorge and the west by the Umi river, this scenic 600 square mile park has an abundance of elephant, Kudu, impala and buffalo. Game viewing by boat near shore, fishing and walking safaris are available.
