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Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. For those looking to travel in Africa, Zimbabwe is a great starting place. It is rich in fauna (being home to the big five) and flora and has numerous ancient stone cities including the largest in Africa south of the Sahara, Great Zimbabwe. Its border with Zambia is formed by the Zambezi River which when in full flood drops as the world's largest curtain of falling water at the mighty Victoria Falls which is a major tourist attraction.

Cities
Zimbabwe has 4 large cities and several smaller ones.

 * — the capital and the largest city in Zimbabwe, Harare is a vibrant city in a larger metropolitan province
 * — the second largest city with historic Victorian, Edwardian and midcentury architecture. It is the second city, both by population and economic activity
 * - Gateway to the Eastern Highlands
 * - Located in the centre of the country close to the Danangombe ruins. Also the capital of the Midlands Province
 * — a lakeshore holiday resort on border with Zambia
 * — named (meaning "ruins") after the nearby Great Zimbabwe National Monument
 * - the major city closest to the scenic Eastern Highlands and the Mozambique coast.

Other destinations

 * is a popular tourist destination located in the western corner of the country. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the spray from waterfall waters a rainforest.
 * - Tucked in an isolated corner of Zimbabwe, much of the park remains pristine wilderness
 * - The archaeological remains of an ancient city built of stone (the largest in Southern Africa), that was the capital of a vast empire known as the Munhumutapa Empire (also called Monomotapa Empire) covering the modern states of Zimbabwe (which took its name from this city) and Mozambique. The word 'Zimbabwe' means 'house of stone.'
 * The Eastern Highlands include some of Zimbabwe's most beautiful views. The lush, cloud-hung mountains form the border with Mozambique. The regional capital is Mutare, and Chimanimani is a village popular with tourists and walkers.
 * - The formidable Lake Kariba on the northern border of Zimbabwe is the result of a large damming project along the Zambezi River. Kariba is a popular tourist destination and affords visitors the opportunity to watch African wildlife in its almost natural environment. It is the biggest source of hydro-electric power for Zimbabwe.  If you are travelling with friends or family consider hiring a houseboat for a few days to really experience everything the lake and the wildlife have to offer.
 * (formerly Matopos) - This area southwest of Bulawayo in Matabeleland boasts exquisite rock formations, as if nature had been playing marbles. Rocks are found balancing in ways that defy logic, a situation created by the eroding winds blowing out the sand between. There are also ancient San cave paintings across the park (Bambata, Inanke, Nswatugi, Pomongwe caves).
 * The rocks are home to the dassie, a small rodent-type animal known more formally as Rock Hyrax, the skins of which are used to make a blanket treasured amongst the local populace. Also present in great numbers are the brightly coloured lizards common to Zimbabwe. The area has two large dams and many smaller ones that become the scene of family picnics, and angling competitions on weekends. A game park is home to herds of sable antelope, an animal not seen further south. The National Park boasts self catering chalets with amazing views as well as camping sights.
 * Matobo is also the sight of Cecil John Rhodes' grave and some exquisite cave paintings.

History
Stone cities were built in many locations in present-day Zimbabwe. The most impressive structures and the best known of these, Great Zimbabwe, were built in the 15th century, but people had been living on the site from about 400 AD. The Khami Ruins just outside Bulawayo are also a wonderful example.

The population was overwhelmingly made up of Shona speakers until the 19th century when the Nguni tribe (in 1839-40) of the Ndebele settled in what is now Matabeleland, and then in 1890, the territory came under the control of the British South Africa Company under charter from the British Government.

The United Kingdom annexed the land, then called Southern Rhodesia, from the British South Africa Company in 1923, when the country got its own government and Prime Minister. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favoured whites in power. In 1965, this white supremacist government unilaterally declared independence as Rhodesia, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded voting rights for the black majority. UN sanctions and a guerrilla struggle finally led to free elections and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980.

Robert Mugabe became the first democratic leader of Zimbabwe. While initially lauded for his talk of reconciliation and his government's investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure, he slowly consolidated power from 1980-1987 as prime minister, and 1987-2017 as president. Starting in 2000, the government expropriated some very productive farms, which were in the hands of white Zimbabweans, as punishment for their support of the main opposition party, the MDC and handed them over to members of corrupt members of Mugabe's ZANU party, many of whom had no interest in farming, resulting in a drastic falloff in local food production. In 2005, he started a program which cleared slums, forcing hundreds of thousands of people onto the street.

Rigged elections and human rights abuses led to widespread emigration and international sanctions. Eventually, misrule and sanctions triggered massive, runaway inflation and a third of the population to choose to migrate. Elections were routinely marred by violence, directed by the ruling ZANU-PF party against opposition supporters. Following widespread protests, a power-sharing agreement was signed between President Mugabe and the leader of the main opposition party, Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2008. This briefly stabilized the political situation, but continued inflation led to the withdrawal of the Zimbabwe dollar from circulation in 2009; at the end, 100 trillion Zimbabwe dollars would not buy a loaf of bread. The defunct Zimbabwe dollar was replaced by a basket of currencies and ultimately adoption of the US dollar. The coalition government ended with Tsvangirai's 2013 electoral defeat in what was widely held to be a rigged election. By 2016 currency shortages were common, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe directing banks to limit withdrawals to US$20-50/day or US$150/week. In November 2016 another toy currency ("bond notes") was introduced at par with the US dollar. US cash is king, however, and the bond notes often trade at a discount if they're accepted at all. Usability of credit cards is sporadic as businesses have trouble accessing hard currency to pay for imports.

Mr. Mugabe remained President until November 2017 when, at the age of 93 with serious questions about his health, he failed in a brazen attempt to continue the family stranglehold on power by sacking the country's vice president as a first step toward installing his wife Grace as a presidential candidate for the 2018 election cycle. This led to an enraged military deposing him; most of the original veterans of the 1980 uprising against Rhodesia turned against Mugabe, with his own ZANU-PF party forcing his resignation by calling a vote in the legislature to impeach him. Mugabe was subsequently replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president who he had sacked.

Mnangagwa remained President when he was elected in the 2018 general elections which like the 2013 elections were widely criticized for irregularities domestically and internationally. The current government has rolled back some of the excesses of Mugabe, and declared the country "open for business", as well as a proposal to re-join the Commonwealth, but his time in office has not been free of strife: in 2019, widespread protests that were held after the government announced a 130% rise in fuel prices were met by violence from the police and military. However, it is not all gloomy: the government has led the continent in its vaccine programme, besting its larger and wealthier peers.

Climate
Zimbabwe has an excellent subtropical highland climate that is moderated by altitude. The rainy season is in summer from November to March. Although there are recurring droughts, floods and severe storms are rare. Winter temperatures can drop below 5° Celsius whilst summers can be very hot, they rarely go over 32°C (90°F), with the exception of lower regions of the country such as the Zambezi valley.

Terrain
Mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld). There is a mountain range in east including the scenic Chimanimani mountains. The Lowveld is found in south eastern corner.

Elevation extremes : lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 meters highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

Culture
Owing to Zimbabwe’s ethnic diversity, varied geography, history and history of immigration, the country’s culture is rich and diverse. It has several regional variations, and despite being mostly unified by language and culture, some regions have distinct practices.

Music plays an important part in Zimbabwean identity. Styles like sungura, jazz, gospel, urban grooves and Zimdancehall are considered genuinely Zimbabwean. Sungura music is the national equivalent of roots music. Zimdancehall, which mixes several national styles with Jamaican dancehall and reggae and has become popular with the youth nationwide. New urban styles include dance music inspired by house music. Additionally, most Zimbabweans are familiar with and fans of Western popular music.

ZBC is the country's public broadcaster and somewhat analogous to the BBC in the UK. In addition, Zimbabweans increasingly have access to many other cable or satellite TV channels. Half of households have satellite TV, which is the most important source of information and entertainment for most Zimbabweans, however this trails the internet largely accessed via cell phone and accessible to most of the population, universally so in cities and among young people.

People
Zimbabwe is a mix of different cultures with their own beliefs and ceremonies, including the Shona, Zimbabwe's largest ethnic group. The Shona people have many sculptures and carvings which are made with the finest materials available. Shona music is also deservedly famous. Probably the best-known Shona instrument is the mbira dzavadzimu, sometimes misleadingly called the "thumb piano" by non-Africans but actually meaning "voice of the ancestors". Mbira music contains harmony and can be a kind of shifting kaleidoscope of counterpoint and lively polyrhythms. It is very tuneful, and the mbiras are often accompanied by a rattle called a hosho. Mbira music is central to Shona culture and identity and is traditionally considered a form of worship of the ancestors.

The second largest group in the country are the Ndebele people, who are distantly related to the Zulu of South Africa, whose language is mostly intelligible with Zulu and partially so with the Xhosa language of South Africa. Although their numbers have fallen since the end of white minority rule, Zimbabwe still retains a substantial white population (mostly in and around Harare), largely of British descent, with notable minorities of Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish and Greek extraction. Other groups include Asians, coloureds (mixed race people) and immigrants from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, the Congo and their descendants, the majority of whom have assimilated into Zimbabwean society.

Zimbabwe also has a large diaspora mostly in South Africa, the UK, Australia, Canada, the US, Ireland and New Zealand, so don't be surprised if you run into a 'diasporan' with a Western accent and outlook during your visit, as they have become significant investors and visitors within the country's tourism and real estate sectors.

In general, Zimbabweans are a warm, easy going, open minded people. Friendship, family and hospitality are highly prized among Zimbos, and both family connections and social interactions are valued highly. To people they have met, or at least know by name, Zimbabweans are usually polite, friendly and sometimes quite generous. Zimbabweans are reputedly one of the most hospitable people in the world and foreigners are usually treated with respect and hospitality.

Whereas the roots of Zimbabwean culture are African and proudly so, Zimbabwe is still a nation that is heavily influenced by the United Kingdom, and the middle class often look to London as a source of inspiration, especially given the poor and corrupt leadership in the country. Many Zimbabweans also display an ambivalent attitude to South Africa which increasingly dominates Zimbabwe's economy and whose ruling class is seen as enabling the corrupt Mnagagwa government.

Zimbabweans speak English natively and have the highest literacy rate in Africa. That said visitors will receive a very warm welcome if they try to start conversations in Shona or Ndebele. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Zimbabwe has faced an increasing wave of immigration from China, Congo, Malawi and Mozambique as well as an exodus of many residents to the UK, South Africa, Canada and Australia.

Economy
Once Africa's fastest growing economy and one of its most dynamic, with a large and confident middle class, especially by developing country standards, since 2000 Zimbabwe has undergone a dramatic economic collapse and since 2010 an uneven and sometimes volatile recovery.

There had been a few signs of improvement since the formation the Mnagagwa government in 2018, but the Zimbabwean economy remained plagued by high unemployment, deindustrialisation and a growing divide between a well connected and affluent elite and the rest of the population. The new government has claimed Zimbabwe 'is open for business' and though consumer goods are now widely available and certain industries have recovered (real estate, tourism and construction), the country lags behind its neighbors to the south, a far cry from its post independence heyday.

A rebound in mineral prices, real estate and tourism and a continent-leading vaccine programme, allowed GDP to rebound by more than 5% in the 2020 according to the World Bank, but Zimbabwe remains a lower middle income country with a corrupt and affluent elite, a stretched middle class and a large unemployed youth population. Gross domestic product is lower than it was in 2000; with subsequent recovery slow and uneven. That said, the country still has decent infrastructure, especially for tourism (though upkeep can be very inconsistent), a large diaspora that invests in and remains committed to improving their home country and recent government efforts that made it easier to invest in tourism and to make it a more friendly and accessible destination.

Holidays
In Zimbabwe, if a holiday falls on Sunday, the next day (Monday) will automatically be observed as public day. Hence, it will be a holiday.
 * 1 January: New Year's Day
 * 21 February : National Youth Day or Robert Mugabe Youth Day
 * 18 April: Independence Day
 * 1 May - Workers Day
 * 25 May - Africa Day
 * 22 December - Unity Day
 * 25 December - Christmas
 * 26 December - Boxing Day

Tourist information

 * Zimbabwe Tourism Authority website

Category A - no visa required
Passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Zimbabwe for up to 3 months (unless otherwise noted): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, DR Congo, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong (6 months), Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique (30 days), Namibia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia.

Category B - visa on arrival
Passport holders of the following are eligible to get a visa on arrival to enter Zimbabwe for up to 3 months (for purpose of tourism) or for up to 30 days (for purpose of business): Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China (PRC), Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Visa fees as of July 2019 at the port of entry for Category B nationals are as follows: US$30 (single entry), US$45 (double entry), US$55 (multiple entry). Cash only. A valid passport, travel itinerary, and return or onward journey ticket must be presented. Note that Canadian citizens are only able to obtain single entry visas on arrival at a cost of US$75, whilst British and Irish citizens pay higher fees for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival (US$55 for single entry and US$70 for double entry).

Category C - visa before arrival
Passport holders of other countries must get a visa prior to arrival to Zimbabwe.

Category C citizens may apply for a visa (for business, holiday, conferencing or transit) online through the eVisa system of the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration. Visa fee can be paid online or on arrival. It takes an average of two working days to obtain an e-Visa, however the period may vary due to a number of factors. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Visas can be obtained at Zimbabwean embassies/consulates. The fees for a visa vary between US$30 and 180 and depend on the applicant's nationality.

You might be able to apply for a Zimbabwean visa at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Zimbabwean diplomatic post. For example, the British embassy in Amman accepts Zimbabwean visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £50 to process a Zimbabwean visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Zimbabwe require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Zimbabwe can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

KAZA universal visa
Zimbabwe and Zambia introduced a universal visa on 28 November 2014 called KAZA Visa. This visa can be obtained on arrival and is valid for both countries for visits up to 30 days while remaining within Zambia and Zimbabwe (including day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana at Kazungula). The fee is US$50 and is available at the following border crossings in Zambia: Livingstone Airport, Lusaka Airport, Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana) and Victoria Falls Land Border; in Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Airport, Harare Airport, Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana) and Victoria Falls Land Border.

Eligible countries are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.

By plane
Harare International Airport has a number of international flights, mainly to other African countries.

When coming from Europe, you can fly via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa, or Cairo.

From South Africa you can fly with South African Airways, Airlink, British Airways, or Air Zimbabwe.

Emirates Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Egypt Air fly to Harare from Europe.

SAA operates to quite a few European and African airports and has flights from Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg (South Africa). Air Botswana has flights from Harare and Victoria Falls to Gaborone. Malawi Airlines has flights from Harare to Lilongwe. British Airways flies from Harare via Johannesburg to Heathrow.

Victoria Falls airport has daily service by South African Airways, South African Airlink and British Airways to and from Johannesburg.

Bulawayo also has an international airport, with flights from Johannesburg operated by SAA and Air Zimbabwe.

For domestic flights inside Zimbabwe, Harare to Victoria Falls there is Air Zimbabwe and Fly Africa. Air Zimbabwe also fly from Harare to Bulawayo and Harare to Kariba.

 * Low-cost airline Fastjet Zimbabwe has one-way domestic fares from US$20, and international fares from US$50. Fastjet fly from Harare to Victoria Falls, Bulawayo. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lusaka, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam.

There is also low-cost airline Fly Africa which goes from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, Harare to Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls to Harare.

By car
Zimbabwe is accessible by road from the countries that surround it. Contrary to past scenarios, the fuel situation has improved with prices now being quoted in US dollars. As fuel has to be imported from either Mozambique or South Africa, you can expect to pay more per litre than you would in most other Southern African countries.

Roads in Zimbabwe vary significantly, from newly tarred and refurbished to completely dilapidated or untarred, and due caution should be taken when driving, especially at night, and in particular, during the holiday season when there are more vehicles on the road. In general major thoroughfares and affluent areas have better roads than poorer or rural regions. Potholes are a common occurrence so always drive with caution. When in doubt always ask for local advice.

By bus
Regular deluxe bus services operate from Johannesburg to Harare. A number of buses also travel from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. Greyhound drives to both destinations. Tickets can be obtained directly from Greyhound or through the Computicket website.

Several bus companies also operate direct buses from Harare to Blantyre, Malawi and Pretoria and Johannesburg

No public transport exists from Victoria Falls directly to Botswana - a taxi to the border will cost around USD40, or some hotels in Vic Falls can arrange transfers.

By train
As of 2018, National Railways of Zimbabwe runs one international passenger service, a twice-weekly overnight train from Francistown, Botswana to Bulawayo, and offers services to Harare and Mutare. Shosholoza Meyl runs a passenger service from Johannesburg to the border city Musina, from where it's possible to cross into Zimbabwe.

Additionally, the private company Rovos Rail runs a luxurious excursion train from Pretoria, South Africa to Victoria Falls several times per month. Matching the luxury, prices are extravagant with journeys costing thousand of dollars.

By bus
Between cities, you travel using luxury coaches like Pathfinder and Citilink. You can also get decent buses from RoadPort in Harare to other major cities including those in neighbouring countries like Johannesburg, Lusaka, Lilongwe.

Minibus taxis are available for intra-city transport, and are relatively inexpensive by European standards. They provide a cheap, though a not necessarily comfortable way of seeing the true Zimbabwe.

By taxi
The taxi app in Zimbabwe is called Vaya, but you will need a Zimbabwean phone number to use it. Its exchange rate is fixed at Z$1 to US$1, so you will want to pay in Zimbabwean dollars (RTGS).

By train
The more adventurous tourists could travel by train around Zimbabwe. National Railways of Zimbabwe runs services between most major cities at least three times per week. Many popular routes have been revived such as the Harare-Mutare route; however, stock is mostly from the post war era, so don't expect to get to your destination quickly. That said trains are very safe and (in first or business class) a comfortable and relaxing way to see much of the country. The most popular route is the daily overnight train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. This train passes through Hwange National Park, one of the biggest national parks in Africa, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wild animals along the route. There is a tri-weekly overnight service between Bulawayo and the capital Harare as well.

By car
Traffic is the biggest danger because of the poor condition of cars and the driving culture. Driving after dark is not recommended, especially outside cities.

Car hijackings are possible. At traffic lights, when refuelling and otherwise when stopping your car, be alert for anyone approaching. When driving, always keep doors locked and windows closed. Be prepared for occasional fuel supply problems. Motorists should be prepared by buying an extra can of fuel.

The condition of the roads in Zimbabwe seems to have improved considerably since the stabilization of the economy. Roads between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, Bulawayo and Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe) and Masvingo and Mutare are all in relatively good condition. The highway between Plumtree and Mutare (passing through Bulawayo and Harare in between) is being resurfaced.

Almost no fuel station in Zimbabwe takes credit cards. Also road blocks are common but usually police just want to see your driver's licence and your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). Police can fine you if you do not have reflective reflectors on your car, red hazard triangles in your boot, a spare tire, or a fire extinguisher, so be sure to carry those items if you want to avoid a fine.

By hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is also a viable option, but tourists need to take care with whom they accept lifts from; hijackings and robberies of hitchhikers, especially within Harare, have been on the increase in the last few years. Be sure to bring some money along, as drivers very often expect some sort of fee to be paid up front.

Talk
Zimbabwe has 16 official languages though in practice English, Shona and Sindebele/Ndebele are by far the most spoken. English, besides being traditionally used for official business, serves as a lingua franca between Zimbabweans of different ethnicities and will be the most useful for travelling throughout the country, though any attempts to speak the local language will greatly endear you to the locals or at the very least earn you a few laughs.

Speakers of non-native languages tend to be few and far in between and are mostly Portuguese by people with roots in Mozambique, Angola or Portugal or French largely spoken by Congolese migrants in parts of Harare and Bulawayo.

See
For many visitors, Zimbabwe as a country has the same appeal as the natural landscapes for which it's famous.

Urban life
Zim's large cities all bustle with life. The famous capital, Harare, is the one of Africa's most pleasant cities. It's a city of contrasts, there's expensive cosmopolitan boutiques, buzzing nightlife and delicious ethnic cuisine. However, it's the classic, unpolished side of the city that makes it a charming destination. The central colorful neighbourhoods where crazy traffic sounds drown out distant dance tunes, the pleasant street-cafés and garden restaurants, busy outdoor markets and historic colonial architecture. Avondale and Mount Pleasant are pleasant, older neighbourhoods of the city and a good place to indulge in the city vibe of cafés, street markets, and antique markets in a garden suburban setting. The atmosphere is perhaps Harare's biggest attraction, but some of the main sights include the National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Human Sciences.

Zimbabwe's other cities share the energetic buzz of Harare, but have a distinct character of their own. Bulawayo is a lively yet laid-back city, characterized by broad avenues and Victorian architecture. It's famous as a 'heritage city' far beyond the borders of Zimbabwe and a perfect starting point for the country's game parks to the north. In the east, Mutare, is well known for its scenic setting and is also a good base for hiking and other outdoor activities in the Eastern Highlands. The city of Gweru has shaken off its agricultural roots and is increasingly a vibrant university city. Masvingo, hosts classic Victorian architecture and serves as the gateway to exploring the Great Zimbabwe ruins

Sport
Zimbabweans love sports and are justifiably proud of their country's achievements and how they have constantly punched above their weight on the international stage. The main five sports are: Association football, Rugby Union, Cricket, tennis and Golf. All of these sports attract a widespread following, both at matches themselves and on television; and it is very common to find televised coverage of them shown in pubs, hotels and bars. There are popular grounds to all these sports around the country: Rufaro (Harare), Bourbourfields (Bulawayo), National Sports stadium (Harare) and Ascot (Gweru) for football, Harare Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) and Alexandra (Harare) for cricket, Police Grounds (Harare), Old Hararians (Harare) and Hartsfield (Bulawayo) for rugby, as well as the Royal Harare Golf Club for golf.

 * Football means association football or soccer. It is by far the most popular spectator sport, especially with the working class and is very widely played across the country at amateur and professional levels, with the highest competition being the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League and the best talent moving on to play in European leagues. Dynamos (nicknamed the Glamour Boys for their dazzling 'carpet soccer' are the toast of middle class Harare), CAPS United (has a more working class fanbase) and Highlanders ( the historic Bulawayo team) are the most supported teams in the country, with a derby between either side the highlight of the season.
 * Rugby is invariably rugby union has 15 players per team, and is popular with the middle classes. While the Zimbabwean national team has not been to the World Cup in two decades, they have produced countless world class players many who've gone on to glittering careers abroad. The country's highest domestic team, the Zimbabwe Academy team, plays in South Africa's Currie Cup. Old Georgians and Old Hararians are two of the countries most prestigious clubs, the latter noted for their exciting 'champagne rugby' inspired by the passing French style of play. That said the standard of play is high up to the high school level and high school games are popular and cheap weekend affairs
 * Cricket is played only in the summer, and tends to be most popular in the cities. Zimbabwe is a highly competitive, if often underdog side. Visiting tours by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are considered the highlight of the summer sporting season and are well worth a trip to one of the country's fine cricket ovals
 * Zimbabwe has punched above its weight in tennis, particularly in doubles and at the Davis Cup, often the only African nation in the top tier division. Tennis is often played on hard court though grass courts are present in affluent areas like Borrowdale. Davis Cup games are the most popular and attract enthusiastic crowds. In golf, Zimbabwe forms part of the Sunshine tour with its neighbors, the third most prestigious after the PGA and European tours. The country has produced numerous golfers such as Nick Price and Mark McNulty and plenty of excellent golf courses are found in or near the larger cities
 * Zimbabwe is also a respected competitor in equestrian activities, and several major events in the racing calendar are held at various venues. The most prestigious events on the horse racing calendar include the OK Grand Challenge and the Castle Tankard both held in Harare in the autumn and winter.

Do

 * Bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. An incredible experience off the Victoria Falls bridge over the mighty Zambezi - 111 metres of pure adrenaline.
 * Walk with the lions, swim with the elephants, ride a horse. and enjoy other game activities at Antelope Park near Gweru, between Harare and Bulawayo.
 * An Authentic African Safari. Walking, canoeing or on a game drive in Hwange National Park or Mana Pools with African Bush Camps.
 * Harare International Festival of Arts. (HIFA), every year in Harare (end of April) with some extension in Bulawayo. Music, Theater, and other shows sponsored by foreign embassies, it features top international and local artists,and also brings in town a great artcraft market.
 * Diving: The only site accessible to recreational divers is Mutoroshanga Ethel Mine, a flooded asbestos quarry 120 km by road from Harare. Good visibility and beautiful surroundings. You need technical cave-diving skills to venture into Chinhoyi Caves, 120 km from Harare. The caves are mostly water-filled, and are more than 120 m deep. The full cave system has not yet been explored. No diving infrastructure, this is an expedition where you take everything.
 * The excellent climate, combined with investments in the golfing infrastructure, has turned the country into a golfing haven. Fourteen of Zimbabwe's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Africa. Zimbabwe is also a great and cheap location to learn the game and perfect technique. Many resorts and clubs offer classes with rising players. Courses can satisfy the most demanding golfer, while newcomers won't be intimidated, unless they find the beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas distracting to their game. Though Zimbabwe has long punched above its weight in the golf world, the average local has mixed feelings about golf courses, namely due to the huge amounts of water required to maintain them but appreciate the revenue they generate.
 * The countryside also offers a great deal of possibilities, although you will have to incite the travel guide's advice a little more than usual, as they tend to just sell safaris and trips to Victoria Falls. Cycling through the mountainous terrain of Vumba or white-water rafting in the affluents of the Zambezi is an exhilirating experience.

Money
From June 2019 to April 2024, the legal tender in Zimbabwe was the new “Zimbabwe dollar” (Z$, ISO code ZWL), also known as the "Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar", "Zim dollar" and the "Zollar". The value of the currency was volatile. In March 2024, annual inflation was running at 55%. However, the US dollar is widely used.

On April 8, 2024, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, named "Zimbabwe Gold" (ZiG). Coins of the ZiG are issued in denominations of $1/10$, $1/4$, $1/2$, 1, 2 and 5 ZiG. Banknotes of the ZiG are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ZiG. Zimbabwe dollars can be exchanged at banks for Zimbabwe Gold until 29 April 2024.

The ZiG began to fall in value soon after it was issued, and the black market rate as of 16 April was 20 ZiG = US$1.

Most retailers and service providers are trading their products in U.S. dollars or pegging their prices in Zimbabwe currency using U.S. dollar black market rates. Some retailers and public transport operators no longer accept denominations lower than the Zimbabwe dollar coin. Wikivoyage articles generally quote prices in U.S. dollars.

There are many ATMs which take Visa and MasterCard. As of at least March 2023, you will be able to withdraw money from ATMs, so bringing cash is no longer necessary. Everyone from street vendors to taxi drivers to supermarkets, restaurants, and activity operators operate in USD so there is no need to obtain Zimbabwean dollars. ATMs usually deliver crisp US$100 notes which then require changing into smaller denominations at stores and can sometimes be a challenge. Smaller USD notes are most useful and US$1 are difficult to find but the most used. Anything larger is unlikely to be accepted. If receiving change of less than US$1, you will receive Zimbabwean dollars.

Many banks do not have enough bank notes due to a shortage of paper, so will only change U.S. dollars for Ecocash. Registering for Ecocash is recommended. You will need your ID to buy an EcoNet SIM card at EcoNet shops or other small phone shops. You can then register for EcoCash, but you will need to produce your ID again to activate your account. You can then load your account at a bank, and spend money in most shops using your PIN.

A growing number of businesses accept Visa and MasterCard in Zimbabwe, however shop workers are often resistant to use them. Be careful what currency your card is charged in.

Credit cards

Credit and debit cards are used less commonly than in the United States or Europe. Many businesses in the city accept them and you can expect any major chain — supermarkets, fast food restaurants, clothing stores, etc. — to also accept them. The standard 10% tip in restaurant is often expected to be paid in cash, even when you pay the bill by credit or debit card. Bear in mind, tipping is not expected and may only apply to an establishment that does not already add a service charge.

If you use a debit or credit card, the checkout operator in places like supermarkets will often require you to present your card and a form of identification such as a drivers' licence. Present both at checkout and with confidence. A lack of confidence will lead to a request for your passport as identification.

PIN cards have become the most common and should be accepted anywhere, as well as magnetic band cards. PINs should be accepted but if not, the shop attendant will ask you to sign the invoice. Contactless credit cards are not commonly accepted as of Nov 2020.

Traveller's checks

They are rarely used and may be difficult to exchange, but some banks and exchanges may accept them. Also, Western Union will cash them with proper identification.

Tipping

There is no obligation to tip in Zimbabwe although any tip is welcome, given the volatile economy. Some nicer restaurants will add a service charge (10 percent). In these cases tipping is not expected. Sometimes rounding up or telling them to "keep the change" is enough on small checks, deliveries, petrol attendants, etc. Leaving at least a 10% tip is considered kind and polite at restaurants, cafes, hotels, beauty parlors, barbers, ushers and car-washes. Tipping bartenders is not customary but will be greatly appreciated. Leaving no tip when feeling unsatisfied is not an uncommon gesture, and will not likely make much of an impression. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Service fees are included in most upscale hotels and restaurants, usually around 10%. By law it is mandatory that this item is represented in the same text size as the rest of the menu items.

Costs
Domestically produced things are very cheap (especially labour-intensive things), and curios are especially well made. However, for a tourist drinking Coke and eating pizza, prices are not that much lower than in South Africa.

Eat

For a sample of what Zimbabweans eat (in some form, nearly every day), ask for "sadza and stew/relish." The stew part will be familiar, served over a large portion of sadza - a thick ground corn paste (vaguely like polenta and the consistency of thick mashed potatoes) that locals eat at for lunch and supper. It's inexpensive, quite tasty and very filling. There is a plethora of good Zimbabwean food- "Mbambaira" or sweet potatoes, "chibage" corn on the cob, for example. Fruits indigenous to the country like "masawu" for example. For foreigners, especially from the West, Zimbabwean meat is very tasty, especially the beef, because of animals are raised and fed on a natural diet, mostly of grass.

Food options in the cities tend to follow western conventions and British visitors in particular will find themselves right at home as numerous British staples - from pork pies, Cornish pasties and an English breakfast to tea with milk and baked beans- are a hallmark of Zimbabwean cuisine. Fast food is increasingly popular with Nando's and KFC available in most urban areas as well as local brands like Chicken Inn and Wimpy.

Specialities
Specialities worth sampling include peri-peri chicken, a Portuguese/Mozambican influence, meat pies (which make an excellent portable, inexpensive, and delicious snack or lunch and can be found easily at many supermarkets and bakeries.), samosas (Indian origin) bream, sadza nedovi (sadza with vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce), boerewors (spicy farmer sausages) and vetkoek (a delicious fried pastry), both South African in origin as the names suggest.

Zimbabwe has traditionally been a cattle rearing country, particularly in the south and west, and therefore features excellent (and affordable) beef. The braai is a typical Southern African barbeque that crosses all classes and ethnicities, consisting of a variety of grilled meats (steaks, beef short ribs, sausage, chuck and sometimes offal) and a peri peri or other sauce over wood fire grill. Drinks are served and it is a great way to socialise and meet new people. As in many countries with a similar meat culture, men tend to dominate the grilling, though women and children are always made to feel welcome. Additionally, the restaurant and coffee-shop scene in Harare and Bulawayo are great by continental standards, with a wide variety of places and cuisines to choose from.

Drink
A variety of domestic brews are made in Zimbabwe, mainly lagers with a few milk stouts. You may even want to try "Chibuku" a local brew popular among working class men that's based on a traditional beer recipe made from sorghum and/or maize (corn). It is generally sold in a 2-litre plastic bottle called a 'skud' or a more popular variety called "Chibuku Super" that comes in a disposable 1.25 litre plastic container and costs US$1. As with all alcohol, it's definitely an acquired taste! A more palatable beer is the pilsner like, Zambezi lager which is very refreshing on a hot day.

Quality wines at restaurants and liquor stores tend to be South African or European in origin, though there are a few brands worth sampling, the standout being the Western Cape produced, Kumusha Wines, as well as the more established, Mukuyu. The South African creamy liqueur, Amarula, is a common delight. A common tradition across Southern Africa, is the Sundowner, a light aperitive style cocktail consumed at sunset just before dinner. It is usually fizzy, sparkling or citrus based, similar to a spritz in Europe

Non-alcoholic drinks

Like the UK, tea is widely drunk across Zimbabwe, especially at breakfast or during work lunch breaks. Most people drink white tea (hot black tea with milk), and some with sugar or honey. Tanganda is a cheap and common brand popular with working class residents. Finer restaurants, hotels and cafés sell a range of different teas, Earl Grey and Rooibos being popular blends, but by no means the only one. Herbal teas are available in affluent parts of town, and lemon may also be offered as an alternative to milk upon request.

Coffee is historically less popular in Zimbabwe but is growing in popularity, and best experienced at the many independent cafes in Harare, Bulawayo or touristy regions like the Eastern Highlands. Alternatively South African chains like Mugg & Bean are increasingly popular with young people.

In Zimbabwe, Mazoe orange crush (pronounced "mazo-way", roughly) is highly regarded and has near legendary status. It is a condensed orange concentrate drink of a vivid orange colour, meant to be diluted with water, and is a prized by expats and Zimbabweans alike. Whilst anywhere selling drinks in Zimbabwe is highly likely to have Mazoe, it can be increasingly found at specialty and expat stores in South Africa, Canada, Auatralia and the UK.

An acquired taste, but worth it, are Schweppes lemonade, ginger beer and cream soda (not too dissimilar to US Root beer), which are locally produced and popular summertime beverages and can be obtained in large supermarkets.

Mineral waters can vary from expensive imported brands, through locally bottled waters, which are of a high standard and much more affordable. When travelling be sure to stock up on bottled water when it is available, as clean drinking water may not be available in remote parts of the country.

Sleep
Zimbabwe has a great number of tourist facilities, and offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to guest houses, lodges, backpacker hostels and safari camps for all budgets.

For nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a respite from the fast-paced world, there are many "lodges" in serene and peaceful environments, usually on the fridges of the city or near game reserves, surrounded by many species of native and migrating birds, which offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature.

If you are on a safari tour there are tented camps, chalets and camping sites in most of the safari areas.

Most places have a backpacker hostel with prices from US$10 a night.

Stay safe
Generally, Zimbabwe has a much lower crime rate than its neighbors, and Zimbabweans are well known for their unrivaled hospitality.

Most crime that does occur is opportunistic in nature and travelers should take care with their personal belongings and follow local advice. It really is just a matter of common sense, which you should exercise no matter where you are.

Shortages of fuel and water can occur in parts of the country, so keep extra supplies with you in case they are unavailable for an extended period. Water and electricity supplies are frequently disrupted, so most homes in the cities are equipped with boreholes, solar power or generators.

Whilst many locals will politely inquire about you and your country, remember, most Zimbabweans are still sensitive to foreigners' opinions of their country and its politicians, mostly due to years of negative press. In general, it is a wise idea to avoid political discussions or discussions pertaining to opinions of political leaders.

Police
Policing in Zimbabwe has improved markedly since the Mugabe era. On the whole, Zimbabwean police officers are professional and polite to tourists, but they are underpaid, which can lead to incidents of corruption or bribery. They are generally less aggressive than law enforcement agencies in many other nearby countries, particularly South Africa; however, this does not apply to political demonstrations or other politically motivated investigations, which have elicited very strong responses in the past. Tourists, expats and outsiders are strongly discouraged from attending political rallies or events. Bribery can occur at police checkpoints or border control but it is important to be firm and politely decline, as this behavior is not tolerated by senior authorities and harassment of tourists is considered a serious offence.

With local exceptions, such as airports, and national events, such as Independence Day parades, the vast majority of police officers in Zimbabwe do not carry firearms, and the only police officers allowed to carry firearms are those from specialist firearms units.

Most officers will only speak English, Shona or Ndebele, though they will attempt to find an interpreter for people who can't understand questioning in English. You have the legal right to silence when arrested and to have an interpreter at the police station.

Police officers in Zimbabwe usually wear dark blue uniforms, although some wear tan or khaki uniforms. Front-line police (in uniform) are also generally required to have shoulder numbers. Most police are also required to carry a warrant card, and should under reasonable circumstances be willing to produce it, to confirm their authority.

Private security guards do not generally have any "police-style" powers at all. There are a small number of non-police officials who have limited enforcement powers relating to specific local areas, or certain activities such as on-street parking or accessing some government buildings.

Road safety
Although jaywalking is not an offence in Zimbabwe and common in the larger cities, crossing a road other than at a designated crossing should be taken with care. A number of traffic light crossings have a push button to change the 'man' from red to green. Pedestrians have right of way on zebra crossings, that are identified by white stripes on the road and yellow flashing lights. It is advisable to make eye contact with the driver before stepping into the road. Certain roads, such as the President's residence, prohibit pedestrians (and cyclists), this is often marked with signs in clearly visible locations.

Stay healthy
Do your research about what is available. Take all medications that you need along with you. There are a number of private hospitals in the major cities that are very accessible.

HIV/AIDS infection rate in Zimbabwe is the 5th highest in the world at around 13% infected. Though rates have declined from their peak in the 2000s, you should never have unprotected sex. If you form a serious relationship, consider both getting an HIV test before taking things further.

Malaria is prevalent in lower regions of the country in the summertime, so unless you are going to stay entirely within Harare, Bulawayo or highland regions, anti-malarial drugs are advised. Drugs reduce the severity of the disease but don't prevent infection, so also consider precautions such as:
 * sleeping under a mosquito net (lightweight travel nets are comparatively cool to use)
 * using mosquito repellent on the skin or burning mosquito coils
 * wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, particularly in the evening

Bilharzia is present in some lakes. Ask locally before swimming.

Snakes are common in the bush, and most bites are on the foot or lower leg. If walking, particularly in long grass, wear proper boots and either long, loose trousers or thick, concertinaed hiking socks. Shake out boots and shoes in the morning, in case you have a guest. These precautions also reduce the chance of scorpion sting. If you do get bitten or stung, stay calm. Try to identify the exact culprit, but get to medical assistance as rapidly as you can without undue exertion. Many bites and stings can be dangerous, so it is safer to seek treatment, which is very effective these days.

Tap water, as a source of potable water, in general, should be boiled prior to consumption. Bottled water is also available.

Respect
Visitors to Zimbabwe will find Zimbabweans incredibly welcoming, friendly, and hospitable. Many will go out of their way to help you and ensure you have a good time. You can freely approach the locals for advice and you can ask them specific directions to get somewhere.

As is the case throughout Africa, respect for elders is very important and it is customary to use honorifics with people you're not well acquainted with. Try not to ignore, contradict, or publicly disagree with someone older than you or in a position of authority.

In smaller towns and villages, especially on the road, if you walk past somebody it is customary to exchange pleasantries. They may also ask you "how are you", or another similar variation, is usually standard. A simple hello or "how are you?" or "have a nice day" will suffice. Learning similar phrases in Shona or Ndebele will go a long way with older and more rural inhabitants as well.

Unlike many other African nations, Zimbabweans tend to be punctual and on time to events, especially for business, however, given the importance of public transportation, it's not uncommon to sometimes be a few minutes late to something. A simple apology or acknowledgement of one's tardiness is generally acceptable however, extreme lateness is considered rude and a waste of the other parties' time.

Zimbabwe is a multicultural country. Do not make assumptions based on ethnicity or peoples' appearance. Outward displays of racism, discrimination or sexism, will be met with hostility or even land you in trouble with the law. Surprised comments at the presence of white or Asian Zimbabweans will be seen as incredibly ignorant.

Zimbabwean people are generally easy going and have a live and let live attitude and will respect your privacy and personal space. That said it is important to greet and acknowledge others when entering a space.

When shaking hands or handing anything valuable to someone in more rural areas, it is polite to support the right forearm with the left hand (or vice versa), to signify the "weight" of the gift or honour. In practice this often means just touching the forearm, or even gesturing towards it. Outsiders are generally not expected to know local etiquette, a firm polite handshake is good enough, though attempts at such will be well appreciated

Discussions about politics are generally avoided by locals. Opinions between individuals vary significantly, and while few Zimbabweans miss the volatility of the past few decades, few will voluntarily offer their opinions publicly and visitors are advised to do the same. Most Zimbabwean people of moderate views have grown accustomed to simply avoiding the topic in polite conversation, especially as speaking out against the government could attract harassment by the police and supporters of the government.

title: Zimbabwe


text:
Zinder

Zinder is a city in Southern Niger.

Understand
Zinder was the capital of Niger until 1927, when it moved to Niamey. It remains the second largest city by population in the country.

By plane
Finding a taxi is next to impossible unless you have someone at hand who can help you find one.

By bus
Taking a bus to Zinder is the best way and, if there are no problems, the trip from Niamey takes 12 to 13 hours. The bus makes frequent stops, about every hour and a half, and a stopover is long enough to buy street food or hit the toilet. SNTV line is the premier one -- they even have a brand new bus, with air-conditioning. It costs 12,500 francs from Niamey, and the return trip is 11,500. "Air" is another good bus line -- they even hand out snacks on the trip. "Rimbo" and the others are sometimes quicker but more dangerous because driving fast in a country with tons of livestock is pretty scary.

Get around
Cabou-cabous (motorcycles; "taxi-motos", in French) are scary, but pretty much the only hired ride available to get around. There are maybe two taxi cabs, but you see them once in a blue moon. The cost of a cabou-cabou ranges anywhere from 150 francs for a short distance to 200 francs for longer ones. They don't have helmets, and don't worry about finding one.

See
There's not much to see in the city, except maybe the 'Sultan's Palace', a pretty cool building. (Made out of mud brick, this Palace is not your typical palace of sorts.) The market looks pretty impressive for its sheer size alone. There is a small museum displaying some genuine articles which speak of an interesting past.

Do
Check out the market and the stadium for wrestling matches.
 * Check out the French Cultural Center (CCFN, in French: Le Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien) on the way down to the market. They have regular events, shows, and decent food/beer in the evenings.
 * Pass by the pool on a hot day, located at the French private Club, near the museum. Small entrance fee.

Buy
In the market you can find a lot of generic Nigerien stuff, but the clothes section is a lot of fun. Called 'Dead Man's' because Nigeriens assume that the only person who'd give away perfectly good clothing is a dead man, chances are you might see the logo of your own college or high school on a shirt. Shirts from Nigeria are also interesting, sporting Sadaam and Osama Bin Laden. Funny, but unwearable in the US, most likely.

Another great place is the Artisan Center, located in Zinder's southeast area, on the road to Maradi. There you can find leather-workers, silver-smiths, tailors and a store that sells shoes, wallets, silver, paintings, etc. If you are in Zinder, you must go to this place. Be sure to haggle though, because they usually charge close to double of what you can get them down to. If you go to the silver-smith Moumouni and say you're friends with Chewbacca, it might be easier to haggle, since I've bought a bunch from him.

Eat
Many good restaurants.

Mid-range

 * Hotel Damagaram now has pizza (some 15 different types of it), a calzone to die for, and other dishes. Drinks are priced very well, and their brochettes (shish-kabobs) are very good.
 * Le Palmier has a great butter and steak, and their cous-cous is to die for. They even have milkshakes. Good prices!
 * Mourna has great pizza and even an English speaker from Kano, who speaks fluently. The drinks are way overpriced, but the food is good. You can get also tuna or ground beef pizzas.

Splurge
Not really any place to splurge.

Drink
Alcohol is hard to find in Niger, as it is a predominantly Muslim country.

Stay safe
Zinder is an incredibly laid-back town. It's not as scary as Niamey, and the most hassle you might get is from the people asking for money or gifts. That's not saying bad things don't happen, but they are incredibly rare. When walking about at night walk with a friend, stay under the street lights or in the well-lit areas.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Zinder


text:
Zion National Park

Even among America's national parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated between the Dixie and Canyon Country regions of southern Utah, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing. In fact, Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus.

History
Mormon pioneer Issac Behunin built the first log cabin in Zion Canyon in 1863, near the location of the current Zion Lodge. Behunin Canyon, a technical slot canyon, was named after him. During the remainder of the century, small communities and homesteads in the area struggled to survive. Pioneers gave the canyon the name "Zion", a Hebrew word meaning safety, or a place of refuge. Despite the name, the canyon offered little arable land, poor soil, and catastrophic flooding, making agriculture a risky venture.

By the first decade of the 20th century, the scenic qualities of southern Utah, and Zion Canyon in particular, had been recognized as a potential destination for tourism. In 1909, a presidential executive order designated Mukuntuweap National Monument. The new monument was, however, virtually inaccessible to visitors, since the existing roads were in poor condition and the closest railhead was a hundred miles away. The monument's name was changed to Zion National Monument in 1918, and in 1919 the monument was expanded and designated a national park. Visitation to the new national park increased steadily during the 1920s, and in 1930, the newly completed Zion-Mt Carmel Highway allowed motorists to travel through the park to Mount Carmel Junction, then on to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. This highway was one of the greatest engineering feats of modern times, requiring the construction of a 5,613-foot tunnel, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, to negotiate the vertical sandstone cliffs of Zion. The switchbacks leading up to the tunnel proved to be an even greater task to accomplish. The Kolob Canyons section, near Cedar City was established as a National Monument in 1937 and added to Zion National Park in 1956.

Landscape
Zion National Park encompasses some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States. The park is characterized by high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons and striking rock towers and mesas. The North Fork of the Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the park called the Zion Narrows. The canyon walls in some places rise 2000–3000 feet above the canyon floor. The southern part of the park is a lower desert area where colorful mesas border rocky canyons and washes. The northern sections of the park are higher plateaus covered by forests. To the east is amazing slickrock country and a vast array of unpaved trails, hidden canyons and peaks to explore.

Flora and fauna

Although Zion is in an arid desert climate, the park has almost nine-hundred native species of plants, 75 species of mammals, 290 species of birds including the California Condor, 44 species of reptiles and amphibians and 8 native fish.

Mammals commonly found within the park's borders include bats, jack rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, kangaroo rats, beavers, mice, porcupines, coyotes, gray fox, ringtails, skunks, mule deer and the rarely seen mountain lions. Peregrine falcons, rattlesnakes and numerous lizards are also species that visitors may recognize.

There is a wide variety of plant life in the park, seeing that the unique geology has created diverse environments such as deserts, canyons, slickrock, hanging gardens, riparian, and high plateaus. There are many beautiful wildflowers, including the Sacrad Datura, which is common in Zion and is often found along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and on the canyon floor in Zion Canyon.

Climate
Weather in the park varies greatly with elevation, and even at the same elevation may differ by over 30 F-change between day and night. During the spring the weather is very unpredictable, with stormy, wet days common, although warm, sunny weather may occur too. Precipitation peaks in March. Summer days are hot (95 - 110 F), but overnight lows are usually comfortable (65 - 70 F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through mid-September, making flash floods (if hiking in one) in the canyons a danger. Autumn days are usually clear and mild with cool nights. Winter storms bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow to the higher elevations such as the east side of the park, Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons. Clear days may become quite warm, reaching ; nights are often in the 20s and 30s °F (around 0 °C). Winter storms can last several days and cause roads to be icy, but the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is owned by the park and the NPS keeps it in excellent condition even in the winter.

Orientation
There are sections of the park that are not connected by road; the Kolob Canyons area is in the park's northern area and offers interesting canyon views and hiking. The remote Kolob Terrace offers an uncrowded and scenic drive, spectacular slot canyons and hiking. The highly photographed "Subway" is found in this section of the park. The more popular (and more crowded) Zion Canyon area is in the southern portion of the park and contains many of the park's most famous scenic wonders such as Angels Landing and the Great White Throne. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway runs from the south entrance of the park to the east entrance featuring magnificent landmarks and hiking along the way such as East Temple, Checkerboard Mesa and the Great Arch. The Zion Narrows and Orderville Canyon, two of the parks most popular canyons begin on the east rim of the park and end in Zion Canyon.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By car
Zion Canyon, the most popular section of the park, is accessed by taking SR-9 from the east or the west.

From Salt Lake City area: I-15 south to SR-17 at Anderson Junction (exit 27). Turn left at the traffic light onto SR-9 in the town of La Verkin.

From the west: I-15 passes west of Zion and connects with SR-9 just north of St. George. From there SR-9 travels through the towns of Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, and Springdale before entering Zion Canyon. Be aware of the very frequent changes of the speed limit.

From the east: US-89 passes east of Zion and connects with SR-9 (The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) at Mount Carmel Junction. From there SR-9 travels through the park's east Entrance and into the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel before descending into Zion Canyon.

The Kolob Terrace road is accessed off SR-9 in the town of Virgin, west of Zion. The Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40, near Cedar City.

Cars can be rented in Salt Lake City, Cedar City, St. George, and Las Vegas. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas offers rental cars that usually have good rates.

Visitors driving RVs, pulling trailers, or with any vehicle that is over 7'10" wide or over 11'4" tall should be aware that due to the small size of the tunnel an escort is required to pass through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel; the fee for this escort is $15, valid for a round-trip. Most RVs, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells require an escort. Escorts are at the tunnel from 8AM-8PM during the busy season and arranged at the entrance gate in the winter. Semi-tractor trailers are not permitted in the park. See the park website for more information about permits and when they can be used.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible only by the Zion Canyon Shuttle the majority of the year, but from November until the end of March, private vehicles are allowed to drive into the canyon.

By plane
St. George is the closest city with commercial airline service, which services the area with flights from Salt Lake City on Delta Connection and from Denver on United Express. Both routes are operated by SkyWest. Flying into Cedar City (30 miles / 50 km north of Zion National Park) from Salt Lake City on SkyWest is an additional option. The nearest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, about a three-hour drive to the park on Interstate 15.

The second closest major airport is in Salt Lake City, about a five-hour drive on I-15.

By bus
There is no public transportation into the park. Tour buses can be arranged through travel agencies, and Greyhound buses visit the cities of Salt Lake City, Cedar City, St. George, plus Las Vegas in Nevada. For Utah Greyhound information call +1 435 586-9465.

Fees and permits
Entrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Private vehicles which only visit Kolob Canyons still need to pay the entrance fee (good for the whole park). Fees as of 2020 are:

 * $20 - Individual on foot/bike
 * $30 - Motorcycle
 * $35 - Private Vehicle
 * $50 - Zion Annual Pass

Get around

The length of the road through the park (Utah Hwy 9) end to end including the tunnel is 11.5 miles (18.5 km). The tunnel itself is just over a mile (close to 2 km). Going west to east, you gain 1,850 feet (564 m).

By car
The majority of the park is accessible by car, although Zion Canyon is accessible only by the free shuttle from April through the end of October. Large vehicles, (7'10" in width or 11'4" in height), (RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells) that wish to travel the length of the park, require an escort to be stationed at both ends of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Large vehicles have trouble staying in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Escort costs are $15 per vehicle, valid for two trips through the tunnel during a seven-day period. Very large vehicles, including those taller than 13'1", may be prohibited from entering the tunnel.

During the winter Zion roads are plowed and sanded, except the Kolob Terrace road, which is closed. Be prepared for winter driving conditions, including potentially icy roads, from November through March.

By shuttle
From mid-March through the end of October, Zion uses a shuttle system to eliminate congestion in the canyon. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to all private vehicles during this time (except those with a red pass that are staying at the Zion Lodge). Shuttles are fully accessible, with extra room for bikes, backpacks, and climbing gear.

Zion operates two different shuttle routes. One goes through the town of Springdale (see the Get around section on Springdale), and terminates at the Park entrance, within walking distance of the visitor center.

The other route goes through Zion Canyon and has 9 stops: the Visitor Center, the Zion Human History Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and the Temple of Sinawava.

Frequency of the Zion Canyon route depends on the time of day. In Spring and Fall the shuttle runs from 6:45AM-10PM every day, with 7-15 minute frequency. In the Summer (mid-May to early September) the shuttle runs from 5:45AM-11PM every day, with 6-15 minute frequency, and 30 minute frequency in the very early morning and late evening.

By foot

The beautiful scenery of the park makes a hike practically a mandatory event. Some of the best hikes in the National Park System are in Zion, including Angels Landing and the Zion Narrows. The park offers trails of varying difficulty and length, suitable for twenty minute strolls or multi-day backpacking trips.

By bike
Zion is one of the most bike friendly parks in the National Park System. Bicycles are an excellent option for traveling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttle buses are equipped with bike racks for those wishing to ride only part of the way. Bicycles are permitted only on established roads and the Pa'rus Trail which goes from the Watchman Campground to Canyon Junction. If you're riding from the south entrance into Zion Canyon, take the Pa'rus Trail since it's safer than the main road.

Cyclists must obey traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails (except the Pa'rus Trail) or off-trail. Ride defensively; automobile traffic can be heavy and drivers may be distracted by the scenery. Park shuttles will not pass bicycles, so use turnouts to allow them to pass. Riding through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel is prohibited; bicycles must be transported through the tunnel by motor vehicle. Usually the ranger (escort) at the tunnel will ask those driving a truck if bikers can hop in the back of their trucks. If you aren't bringing your own bike there are a few rental agencies in Springdale.

By guided tour
A number of companies provide guided tours of Zion National Park that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in Zion National Park. Some will provide just a tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike, and arrange all your meals.

Hiking

Driving through Zion is an incredible experience, but to enter Zion and not take at least a short walk would be foolish. The park is a hiker's mecca, with trails of varying difficulty and length, ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs or backcountry hikes. The park information desk provides detailed information and overview maps for the main day hikes and trails ranging from short strolls to strenuous hikes of several hours. Longer backcountry hikes with overnight camping have to be discussed with the park rangers in order to reserve spots for the limited back country camp sites in the park.

The most famous trail, and arguably the most spectacular, is the 2.5 mile (4 km) strenuous climb up to Angels Landing. Of the easy walks, Weeping Rock and the Emerald Pools Trails are classics. For those seeking a longer, full-day hike, the classic Zion hikes are along the East and West Rims. And for serious backpacking, the Trans-Zion route is the full 48 mile (77 km) hike across the entire park, from Lee's Pass in the west of the Kolob Canyons to the east entrance of the Park.

Photography

Zion offers the photographer a unique and incredible landscape with many opportunities to explore color, texture, and light. Animal life, while not as obvious as in some other parks, offers some opportunity for wildlife photography.

Horseback riding
On horseback permits are not required for day trips, but are required for overnight trips. The maximum group size for horseback trips is six animals. For overnight trips the maximum stay in any single location is one night. Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. To reduce the spread of noxious and exotic weeds all stock must be fed only certified weed-free hay one day prior to entering the backcountry, and when using park trails. When traveling by horseback on trail areas stock must remain on trails. Free-trailing or loose herding is not allowed. Animals must be kept at a slow walk when passing hikers. When standing, stock must be kept at least 100 feet from drainages.

Stock may be used in these areas:

 * Trails: La Verkin Creek, Hop Valley Wildcat Canyon, West Rim (above Cabin Springs), East Rim (above rim, includes Cable Mountain and Deertrap trails), Sand Bench (November through February only).
 * Off-trail areas: Coalpits Wash, Huber Wash, Scoggins Wash, Crater Hill.

Guided trail rides can be arranged with park concessionaires:

Rock climbing and canyoneering

Climbing in Zion or entering technical slot canyons requires appropriate hardware and skills. Individuals interested in climbing or canyoneering should check for information at the visitor center and be aware that some routes may be closed when peregrine falcons are breeding or conditions are unsafe.

Canyoneering is popular in Zion, but most canyoneers stick to easier canyons such as Orderville Canyon, Subway and even Keyhole and Pine Creek while others venture out to Behunin Canyon, Mystery Canyon, Lodge Canyon, Echo Canyon, Das Boot, Englestead Hollow, Spry Canyon, Icebox Canyon, Kolob Canyon and just outside the park Birch Hollow and Fat Man's Misery. Few attempt Imlay and Heaps, considered perhaps the most difficult technical canyons in the park.

Buy

Nearby Springdale (outside the south entrance to the park) offers a large variety of gift shops, two small grocery stores, candy and specialty shops, most within walking distance of each other. On the east side of the park, Mount Carmel Junction is more rustic, but there are some quality gift shops and a small gift and grocery store right outside the entrance to Zion.

Eat
The only food sold within the park is located at the beautiful Zion Lodge.

There are dining options at both entrances of the park. Springdale offers a nice selection of restaurants including pizza, oriental, American and Mexican food. There are also some good options on the east side of the park in and near Mount Carmel Junction. Buffalo seems to be a popular dish on the east side, and most of the food is American served with a western flair.

Drink

All water in Zion National Park should be treated by filtering or purifying before use. The Giardia parasite, which can cause a nasty and persistent gastrointestinal disturbance, is common in the water here. There is potable water available at the visitor center, museum, Grotto, and the campgrounds in the park.

Lodging
There is only one lodge within the park. The towns of Springdale and Mount Carmel Junction are located just outside of the park and have numerous places to stay, as do further afield towns such as Hurricane and Apple Valley.

Camping
As free dispersed camping is permitted on Bureau of Land Management land, it's trivial to camp for free right outside the border of Zion. For example, Kolob Terrace Road--which is about 30km from Springdale just outside the park--has plenty of spots on BLM land. Just drive down that road and pay attention to the "now entering Zion" and "now leaving Zion" signs. The bits between the "leaving" and "entering" are mostly BLM land. There are many pull-offs on BLM land on this road where you can camp for free. As this road goes in-and-out of the park, there's also many trailheads along it.

Backcountry
All backcountry camping requires a permit, which is available for a fee at the visitor center. Maximum group size for backcountry usage is twelve people.

Walk-in permits are issued the day before a canyoneering trip. Backpacking permits are issued up to three days prior to the trip date. Permits given out are limited and issued only when the backcountry desk at the visitor center is open. Express Permits allow participants to obtain a permit on-line. Sign-up every three years is required and must be in person and at the backcountry desk. Due to the popularity of the "Subway" and Mystery Canyon, a lottery has been setup to dole out permits for these two technical slot canyons.

Reservations can be revoked in the event of adverse environmental conditions such as flash flood danger. Hikers are required to obtain a permit in person at the backcountry desk the day before or day of a hike.

Pristine Zones allow up to 12 people, and hiking/canyoneering in these zones usually requires technical gear and equipment: Mystery Canyon, Imlay Canyon, Kolob Canyon, Behunin Canyon, Heaps Canyon, Echo Canyon, Spry Canyon, Englstead Hollow, Bulloch Canyon, Ice Box, and the Upper Right Fork of North Creek.

Primitive Zones allow up to 50 visitors: Orderville Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, Keyhole Canyon, and the Subway.

Stay safe
Weather conditions are posted at the visitor center, but flash floods can occur in the park without warning. The danger is not limited to just hiking in slot canyons. People have been washed off trails to their deaths during flash floods. Although it's gorgeous when the rain pours, it's not a safe time to be on the trails. Flood waters originate upstream, so a flood may occur when the weather does not seem bad overhead. If hiking in a narrow canyon and the water begins to rise even slightly or get muddy, begin looking for higher ground. The Virgin River water contains a toxic level of cyanobacteria, so do not drink it. Be careful of steep cliffs; people have died falling when they venture too close to the edge. Some trails are more hazardous than others and should be attempted only by experienced hikers without a fear of heights. Loose sand and pebbles on stone are extremely slippery. Be extra careful near the edge when using cameras or binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks; there may be hikers below. Stay on the trail, stay away from the edge, observe posted warnings, and if you have children with you, watch them carefully!

Go next
Towns outside of the park offering amenities include:

 * Springdale - Immediately outside of the park's south entrance, this is the closest town to Zion Canyon and has lodging and services to support visitors to the park.
 * Mount Carmel Junction - 12 miles (20 km) east of the park's east entrance, this is a handy stopover on the way to other parks.
 * Hurricane - 24 miles (39 km) west of the park's south entrance, this is a moderately sized town in the shadow of some spectacular cliffs and volcanic outcroppings.
 * Kanab - 29 miles (47 km) from Zion's east entrance, this is a small town near the Arizona border and a stop on the way to the Grand Canyon or Lake Powell.
 * St. George - 45 miles (72 km) west of Zion's south entrance, this is the nearest city to the park, with a small commercial airport, some historic attractions, red rock scenery, and many golf courses.

Zion National Park lies near the Canyon Country region of Utah. Other nearby parks are:

 * Bryce Canyon National Park - 72 miles (116 km) from the east entrance, Bryce offers a colorful landscape of eroded orange and yellow pillars set among a natural amphitheater.
 * Cedar Breaks National Monument - A spectacular national monument located off Highway 14 north of Zion.
 * Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park - A fun state park on the east side of Zion, 11 miles (18 km) from Mount Carmel Junction. Views of Zion from the dunes are wonderful.
 * Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Rustic and wild, the White Cliffs of the Grand Staircase loom in the distance from many of Zion's hiking routes.
 * Arches National Park - 309 miles (497 km) from the east entrance via US Hwy 89 and I-70, then south on US Hwy 191.

In addition, other nearby destinations include:

 * Las Vegas - 150 miles (240 km) west of the south entrance of the park along Interstate 15. Sin City generally needs no introduction, but for those not interested in gambling it can make a great meal stop, especially after a week or more of backpacking in the wilderness. Also, along the northern half of I-15 in Arizona is the Virgin River Gorge, which is similar to the scenery of Zion.
 * Gooseberry - Excellent slick rock trails popular with mountain bikers, located to the southwest of Zion, east of Hurricane.

title: Zion National Park


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Zionsville

Zionsville is a wealthy suburb of Indianapolis in Central Indiana, drawing visitors mainly for its quaint main street shopping area.

By Car
Zionsville is located just off of Interstate 65 which runs north and south from Chicago through Indianapolis all the way down to Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.

By Plane
The Indianapolis International Airport is located southwest of Zionsville, and about a fifteen to twenty minute drive.

title: Zionsville


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Zipaquirá

Zipaquirá is a cute colonial town of some 70,000 people about an hour north of Bogotá in the Cundinamarca province. It is Colombia's salt mining capital and is famous for its Salt Cathedral, constructed almost entirely of salt within a defunct mine.

By Tren Turistico de la Sabana
On Sa Su and public holidays a tourist train, a few times per year equipped with a steam engine, goes to Zipaquirá. Its route is Train tickets are available from the stations only. Usually, the train is full, so it's wise to arrive some 75 minutes prior to departure.
 * in Bogotá
 * in Bogotá
 * in Bogotá
 * in Bogotá
 * in Bogotá
 * in Bogotá

On the train, food and beverages are available, plus entertainment from local music bands.

Also offered is a well-organised "Catedral Package", inclucing entrance and transport to the Catedral de Sal and back to Cajirá, where you can have a typical local lunch before boarding the train back to Bogotá.

By bus
From Bogota, take any "Transmilenio" bus bound for, the interchange between intra-city and inter-city buses. Once off the Transmilenio bus and onto the platform, look for turnstyle exit with the overhead label "Zipaquirá". Across turnstyle on other side of the same platform will be buses with signs "Zipa - Chía" on the wind shield (Chía being the mid way town). Buses depart about every 15 minutes, costing about COP$8,000 (Oct 2023); the journey takes 45 minutes without traffic, but more typically two hours. You pay the fare on the bus. The bus will drop you off just south of.

To return to Bogota, find the bus station across the street from your drop off point. The return journey can take significantly longer due to afternoon traffic jam on the National Route 45A south of Chía.

Get around
If arriving by bus, get off on Carrera 15 then turn left at. Walking up Calle 4, at first you will see a large green pasture to your right this is the Parque La Esperanza. Once past the park, you will walk through a pedestrian-only lines with tons of shops and cafes. Where the pedestrian street ends, you will see the town's main historical plaza called. Enjoy the nice views, then turn left, walking up to get to the. After the entrance, follow the painted white line as it winds up the hill.

If you mind this 20-minute uphill walk, a taxi (COP$4,000) is an alternative.

Within the Zipaquirá city, a taxi ride costs COP$5,000.

title: Zipaquirá


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Ziplining

Zip lining (also known as ziplining) is a sport in which participants “zip” between platforms on a series of cables.

Understand
Zip line courses can consist of one or many cables that are suspended between trees or man-made structures. Participants (often referred to as “zippers”) are suspended from a pulley that moves across the cable, propelled by gravity. The cables are mounted descending from a higher to lower point. The amount of incline as well as the weight of the zipper determines the speed at which the participant travels from point to point.

Zip line courses can be designed purely for speed (adrenaline rush), while others are designed to allow zippers to enjoy the natural surroundings such as forest, jungle or waterfalls (often referred to as canopy tours). Others employ elements of both.

Glossary

 * Zippers: The name given to zip line participants
 * Zipping: The action of zip lining.
 * Flying: Another term used to describe the act of zip lining
 * Guides: Professionals who accompany groups of zippers through the zip line course.

Learn
Professional zip line courses offer mandatory training sessions for participants. During the training sessions guides teach participants, proper form, how to take off from a platform, how to land on a platform and how to break/slow down. Depending on the complexity and difficulty of the course, training sessions can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour.

Do
Since courses are built to deliver varying experiences, it is a good idea to research courses to ensure you get the kind of experience that is most appealing to you. It is also important to keep in mind that courses have different age, health and weight requirements, so check with the tour provider before heading out for your adventure.

Buy
It is likely you will get all of the gear you need from the zip line operator including gloves, harnesses and helmets. However, many courses do require:

 * Closed-toe shoes

Since courses are almost always outdoors, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing.

Stay safe
Be sure you are provided with and wear a helmet, leather or suede gloves (if using your hand to break or slow down) and that the course has a good safety record. Professional US zip line courses often have double cables, ensuring that if one cable is compromised, a second will continue to carry the zipper. It is also important to adhere to all safety requirements given during the training session and to advise guides of any health issues.

With children
Courses have different age and weight requirements, so check with the course operator before heading out on your adventure.

Destinations
Zip line courses include:

South Africa

 * Eastern Cape
 * Plett Zipline - over a valley just outside Plettenberg Bay
 * Tsitsikamma Falls - over gorges across the Kruis River, near Storms River and the Tsitsikamma National Park
 * Tsitsikamma Forest - in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest, over ancient yellowood trees, near Storms River and the Tsitsikamma National Park.

 * KwaZulu-Natal
 * Drakensburg - over indigenous forest in the Drakensberg Mountains.
 * Karkloof - over mist belt forest in the Karkloof Forest Reserve near Howick.

 * Limpopo
 * Magoebaskloof - over indigenous forest and ancient mountain cliffs overlooking the spectacular Groot Letaba River gorge, near Tzaneen.

 * Western Cape
 * Cape Canopy Tour - in the Hottentots Holland Mountains near Grabouw.

United States of America

 * Alaska
 * California
 * Colorado
 * Hawaii
 * Idaho
 * Georgia
 * North Carolina
 * Pennsylvania
 * Texas
 * Georgia
 * North Carolina
 * Pennsylvania
 * Texas
 * Pennsylvania
 * Texas
 * Texas
 * Texas

Costa Rica

 * La Fortuna
 * Monteverde
 * Monteverde
 * Monteverde

Australia

 * Queensland
 * Tasmania
 * Western Australia
 * Tasmania
 * Western Australia
 * Western Australia
 * Western Australia

Eswatini (Swaziland)

 * Malolotja - over the pristine mountain wilderness of the Malolotja Nature Reserve.

United Kingdom

 * Scotland
 * Wales
 * Wales

title: Ziplining


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Zipolite

Zipolite is a growing backpacker beach destination along the south-western Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico.

The ADO bus trip from Oaxaca to Zipolite via San Pedro Pochutla takes more than 11 hours as is takes a detour via Salina Cruz, almost 200km east of Pochutla.

There is a more direct bus with Linea Unidas, taking six hours.

One of the return buses from Zipolite leaves at 11pm. If you need to check out from accommodating early, for $50Mex you can leave luggage and spend time (Wifi access) and have a shower in Coworking space and cafe Maracuyá https://g.co/kgs/4nw4yG

Understand
Zipolite is between the cities of Puerto Escondido to the north, and Huatulco to the East. Neighboring villages include Mazunte, and Puerto Angel. A happy and expanding tourist town once known for its distinctive hippy vibe, Zipolite still has Mexico's only clothing-optional beach policy. You may recognize it if you have seen the Alfonso Cuarón film Y Tu Mama Tambien.

This is a great place to go to relax and have fun on almost any budget. Seafood here is cheap and great. You can while away your days relaxing on the beach watching whales and dolphins pass by off the coast.

Beware there is a lack of ATMs in Zipolite and they are reguarly out of order or out of money (or both). Private ATMs with fees are located at Playa Zipolite Hotel and Hotel Nude.

By plane
Huatulco International Airport is 45 km from Zipolite. A cab from the airport is listed as costing M$843 (pesos) or something like that. However, you can bargain at the taxi stand. For a cheaper option, leave the airport and hail a cab across the street for around M$400. Once you are outside the airport you can also take a collectivo or local bus to Puerto Angel or San Pedro Pochutla. A taxi from Puerto Angel to Zipolite is M$70 and a collectivo from Pochutla is M$12.

From Puerto Escondido airport a cab is posted as M$700, or you can take a cab from across the street from the airport to centro or the mercado for 40 pesos and then take the blue and white mini-bus to San Antonio for M$33, and then take a collectivo through Mazunte and San Augustinillo to Zipolite for M$7. It takes a while, but its a nice ride and pretty cheap and easy to travel like the locals.

By bus
If traveling by bus, you can take ADO and several other bus services to Pochutla, the regional hub for the coast, then you will need to take a taxi or collectivo.

From Pochutla you can catch a collectivo on the main street right in front of the bus station to Zipolite for M$12. One route will take you through Puerto Angel (the quick way) the other goes through Mazunte and San Augustinillo. A direct taxi will run you M$200 to 300.

Taxis run from the nearby town of Puerto Angel for M$8, or it's a fairly pleasant, although dangerously narrow, no-shoulder, 4-km walk down the road. From Puerto Angel, you can catch a camioneta up to San Pedro Pochutla, where you can catch buses to Oaxaca and the nearby coastal cities.

Get around
Zipolite in its entirety is about 2 km long, there is really no need for a motor vehicle while you are in town. Taxis and collectivos are abundant on any road. Main street is closed down to traffic around 05:30 or 06:00 when local shops, and restaurants start to open.

You can walk through the jungle to nearby towns farther west along the coast to Mazunte where you can see the famous Turtle museum. Collectivos will take you back, but be careful not to get caught out too late after they stop running (usually around 18:00).

See

 * Playa del Amor This is the cove to the extreme east side of the beach. To get there you have to climb up the steps at the end of the beach. At the top near the restaurant (which is closed as of 2015) is a great viewpoint for the entire beach. The more daring can go further up the side of the hill, on the pathway which is still being constructed. The small beach is very beautiful and the water is calm. This is where the nudists hang out when not at their hotels, there is a high concentration of gay men here too.
 * The perfect sunset A sunset in Zipolite is something not to be missed. Every night mother nature creates another masterpiece. The colors of the sky and golden brown sand couldn't be more perfect. The farther down to the east side is the best view of the sun and Roca Blanca, the guano-covered rock just off-shore

Do

 * Go surfing. This is a popular surfing area, but not too crowded to catch a wave. There are 3 places to rent boards on the west side of the beach. Sometimes you can rent boards from the lifeguards on the east side as well.
 * Boogey board. The surf here is pretty amazing, with strong waves all the time. Many boogie boarders congregate by the rocks in the water on the east side in the early evenings.
 * Sit in one of the outdoor restaurants and relax. A couple of them have free wifi too
 * Attend one of the occasional beach bonfires at night
 * Go snorkeling in Puerto Angel Ask for Byron Luna. He will take you out in his boat to search for dolphins, sea turtles and whales (in the whale-season), and then go to a nice beach for snorkeling
 * Fly up the coast. Ever 2 weeks or so a gentleman offers flights on his ultralight aircraft. He lands in front of Lyoban on the east side of the beach. A 12-minute flight will take you past San Augustinillo, and Mazunte. An amazing way to see the beautiful Oaxacan coast. US$500
 * Relax on the beach au naturale. This is the only officially nude beach in Mexico and attracts people from around the world.

Buy
There are no cash machines in town (other than one infrequently stocked one in Hotel Nude), so make sure to take out enough cash for the duration of your stay.

Eat
Along the beach is a restaurant called "Sal y Pimienta" (Salt and Pepper). They serve fantastic food right on the beach. They have awesome burgers and fresh fish right from the ocean.

 * El Alquimista not so cheap but maybe the best food in the town. The place is very nice and beautiful. From the main beach the place is behind the rocks (west).

Sleep
There are a large number of low cost rooms along the beach of varying quality.

Stay safe
The waves and currents in the sea are not to be taken lightly. The rip tides are extremely dangerous, and drownings are unfortunately common. Be cautious when entering the water for a swim. Look for the red, yellow and green flags put up by the excellent volunteer lifeguards to see where is the best place to swim.

There is no real active police force Zipolite which means it's easy to come by drugs, and has been since the 1960s. Smoking marijuana is pretty commonplace and tolerated, however, police look for people passing joints back and forth on the beach, so be careful when doing so. If you are approached by police, you can usually get out of trouble by paying M$200. In the past, a few cases of mugging and rapes have been reported. There has been no major crime here for several years. It's generally not recommended to walk on the dark beach at night time alone. The police may hassle you if they think you are shopping for drugs. Make sure the place where you put your valuables is safe and well attended.

Go next

 * Huatulco
 * Mazunte

title: Zipolite


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Zippori

Zippori (sometimes Tzippori) is an archaeological site and national park in the Lower Galilee region of Israel, near Nazareth.

Understand
In the Roman and Byzantine periods Zippori was one of the most important cities in the Galilee. Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi wrote the Mishna (the text to which the Talmud is a commentary) here in the 2nd century. Later on it was the site of a Crusader fortress, and today there is a village nearby with the same name.

Much of the city has been excavated, and you can walk down ancient streets and enter houses to look at often very beautiful mosaics.

Landscape
The city is located on a hill with views of the surrounding area. Hence its name: "zippor" is Hebrew for "bird", and it is said that the city perches on the hilltop like a bird.

Get in
Many Haifa-Nazareth buses stop at Zippori Junction, at the entrance to the modern village. From there it is a 3km walk to the archaeological site.

Zippori Junction is on Road 79, which goes from suburban Haifa to Nazareth, about 5 km west of Nazareth. To go to the national park and historic site, follow the brown signs.

Fees and permits
There is an entrance fee (around ₪20/person)

See
The Crusader/Ottoman tower sits high atop the hill, overlooking both the Roman theater, the majority of the Jewish city and the destroyed Palestinian village. It was built in the 12th century, on the foundation of an earlier Byzantine structure. The tower is built as a large square, 15m x15m, and approximately 10 m. high. The lower part of the walls are built of reused antique spolia, including a sarcophagus with decorative carvings. The upper part of the tower and the doorway were constructed by Zahir al-Umar in the 18th century. Noticeable features from the rebuilding are the rounded corners which are similar to those constructed under Daher in the fort in Shefa-'Amr. The upper part of the building was converted for use as a school during the reign of Abd al-Hamid II in the early 1900s, and used for this purpose until 1948.

The Roman villa is arguably the centerpiece of the discoveries, containing one of the most famous mosaics in all of Israel. It was built around the year 200, and destroyed in the earthquake in 363. The villa is in the traditional form of a triclinium; seats would have been arranged in a U-shape around the mosaic, Roman villa mosaic floor and people would have reclined while dining and drinking, talking and contemplating the mosaic images. The mosaic, for the most part, is devoted to Dionysus, god of wine, and of socializing. He is seen along with Pan and Hercules in several of the 15 panels.

The remains of the ancient Tzippori Synagogue have been uncovered in the lower section of the city. It was built in the late fifth or early sixth century, at a time when the town's Christian population was increasing and the strength of the Jewish population was diminishing. Measuring 20.7 meters by 8 meters wide, it was at the edge of the town. The mosaic floor is divided into seven parts. Near the entrance there is a scene showing the angels visiting Sarah. The next section shows the binding of Isaac. There is a large Zodiac with the names of the months written in Hebrew. Helios sits in the middle, in his sun chariot. The last section shows two lions flanking a wreath, their paws resting on the head of an ox. The most interesting are the central sections of the mosaic. One shows the "tamid" sacrifice, the showbread, and the basket of first fruits form the Temple in Jerusalem. Also shown are a building facade, probably representing the Temple, incense shovels, shofars, and the seven-branched menorah from the Temple. Another section shows Aaron dressed in priestly robes preparing to offer sacrifices of oil, flour, a bull and a lamb.

title: Zippori


text:
Zirahuen

Zirahuen is a town on Lake Zirahuen in the Lake Patzcuaro region of the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

By car
A short drive from Patzcuaro, the turn-off is about 18 miles W on either the cuota or libre road to Uruapan.

Get around
Park and walk.

See
The lovely lake.

Eat
Several vendors selling freshly made comida including fresh blue tortillas along the boardwalk. There is also a nice formal restaurant enjoyed by many visitors especially during weekends and holidays.

title: Zirahuen