Zimbabwe is still in a situation of political turmoil. President Mugabe was re-elected into an unprecedented fifth term during the controversial elections of 2002. The Zanu Pf's war veterans have gone on a rampage in the land-reform program instituted by Mugabe's party, and much of the wildlife has been decimated, and the many, once productive, agricultural farms are crumbling. Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003. Zimbabwe is blessed with spectacular variety and beauty. Victoria Falls are legendary - a curtain of water 1700 meters wide that plunges into the gorge of the Zambezi below. Downstream lie the wildlife-rich and untamed Mana Pools, and Lake Kariba, a huge inland sea. To the east are the Highlands, fine walking country. In the west is the jumble of granite rocks that make up the bewitching Matobo National Park. Then there are the ruins of past civilisations, massive stone constructions of a culture whose roots have been completely lost. Harare is the capital, and the local currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar - an unstable currency (take a small amount of cash in US Dollar or Pounds Sterling). English is the official language. Major cultures include the European, Ndebele and Shona. Please consult your local embassy with regard to visa requirements. Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of GMT.

Seasons: The dry winter months (May to October) are the most pleasant, however the lush landscapes of summer are best enjoyed from November to April. Low annual rainfall - drought and semi-drought conditions regular. Game viewing is best Sep-Oct.

Precautions: Compulsory vaccine: None. Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus Malaria prophylaxis: Indicated for the whole country throughout the year. Beware of risk of Bilharzia in lakes and still waters. Medical information supplied by Medi-Travel International.