Zimbabwe: The Darkside

So for the past week, we’ve been discussing Zimbabwe, and I’ve tried to make it seem like a good place to visit. But now it’s time to spit in the face of all that work and give you the rest of the story. Today, I’m going to tell you why Zimbabwe might not be the place for you.

Travel Advisory For Zimbabwe.

The Following warning comes from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/zimbabwe-travel-advisory.html

US citizens have been warned to stay cautious when visiting Zimbabwe. This is because of increased crime directed towards Americans. They advise to avoid displaying cash, only carry paper copies of passports and visas, and leave the originals in a secure spot in your hotel. For more advise click the link above.

Crime Rate

Overall the crime rate in Zimbabwe is rated as moderate with 6 violent crimes per 1,000 people in 2020, but that is a 23% increase from the year before. Like most places though, there are safer areas and dangerous areas. Harare is rated as the best city to live in in Zimbabwe. So if you do travel here, that is probably the smartest place to visit. And like most places, the crimes you are most likely to face as a tourist are petty crimes like bag snatching.

Disease

Before traveling here, there are some diseases you should be aware of. The biggest one is Malaria. Cases have fallen over the years but it is still advised that you wear long sleeves, and pants during your visit. This also helps you fit in more with the conservative nature of the community while also keeping mosquitos off of you. It is recommended you get a malaria medication prescription before traveling. When you’re on those, be prepared to have really weird dreams. It’s quite fun. Unless they’re nightmares, then it’s not.

Water Access

DO NOT drink the water here. Less than 30% of the country has access to clean water. And as a tourist, you won’t have the natural defenses in your immune system to handle the water. This is because your immune system adapts to the water available in your country. Other countries might have different germs in their water that you aren’t able to handle. Even if your hotel has clean water you’re better off sticking to bottled water, soda, or alcohol.

In Conclusion.

Thank you for joining me today as we prepare to wrap up our time in Zimbabwe. I hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter and you are better prepared to handle your next trip. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to stay up to date. And then go follow our Facebook page so you never miss a post. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078273135441