Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Bad idea bear: Roadtrippin' through Zimbabwe
Would you give up Christmas, New Year's, and three weeks of your winter vacation to travel to a country wracked by every malady you can think of--economic collapse, political turmoil, widespread starvation, etc?Yep, I'm talking about Zimbabwe, which has paradoxically been skyrocketing towards the top of my must-visit list. What'll be particularly jarring is that I'm flying in from a 12-hr layover in Madrid and arrival in Johannesburg. I just might not want to leave either places.
Anyways, our resident Lonely Planet writer, Matt Firestone, tells me that there's no travel guides on Zimbabwe, or at least one that has been updated in the last 7-8 years. So add that to the above list of why this whole trip will be quite an adventure. Oh, and we're planning (as of now, when we're still giddy by the novelty of the idea and not say, shaking in fear) to drive in by car or motorcycle!
Filed under: Zimbabwe
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JWilfong Oct 17th 2008 12:23PM
Here's a blogger who has family in Zimbabwe. Could be a source of information for you:
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/MemoriesOfZimbabweYouCantAffordToGoHome.aspx
Jerry Guo Oct 17th 2008 9:01PM
Thanks. I've just emailed the guy
Matt Oct 17th 2008 12:29PM
Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living, Jerry? It just seems like you have a lot of time/money to travel, and I'm a little jealous :)
Jerry Oct 17th 2008 9:03PM
Hi Matt. I'm a senior at Yale and a part-time travel writer. Doing much more of the latter than the former (studying that is).
red21feath Oct 17th 2008 2:19PM
Just got back from 3 weeks in Africa- where Zimbabwe was on the list (granted it was Victoria Falls- by far not such an 'out there' destination in the country- but there were plenty of travel warnings..) The country was beautiful, and the people were amazing!!
Enjoy!!!
JLZ Oct 19th 2008 5:49PM
Good place to visit, and you may want to drive (adds to your mobility and safety). Just carry bags of money... LEAVE POLITICS ALONE, even when prompted.. Place is safer than any part of South Africa.
Andrew Oct 9th 2009 4:03AM
Safer than South Africa? Well Cape Town was a lot safer last year. My numerous relatives have had quite a batch of violent attacks, thefts etc. in Zimbabwe and from about 20 living there 10 years ago only 6 are still living there due to the absolute terrifying conditions. Cholera? Nay, fresh water, electricity, emails that only you are reading? Only sometimes. Beware of the secret police, the "war veterans" and most important the party bosses which ignore court orders and use force. The usual police men seem to be helpful and even trying to uphold court orders against the party bigwigs. Does this help in the long run? No In the last20 years from about 10 farms only 1 has so far remained in private (farmers) hands.
And don't forget, repossessing the farms means that all the farm workers have to leave the farm as well, usually losing their house and garden plot as well => more homeless and unemployed.
I've been to Zimbabwe a number of times with an inside view, but now I wouldn't take any thing with me I would mind losing (by force), and nothing that might compromise my friends I would visit there.
On the other side it is a beautiful country but SA is more so and a lot more stable.