Despite negative portrayal within the Western media, Zimbabwe remains a very safe country to visit and considerably safer than neighbouring South Africa, like anywhere in the world the usual theft and crimes occur.

\We encourage you not to walk around at night or alone. Check out our safety tips for more information about keeping safe, as you explore all the incredible opportunities Zimbabwe has to offer.

The weather and climate in Southern Africa are reversed to the Northern Hemisphere. The weather is generally warm reaching hot most days, with evening cool to warm evenings.

However, during the winter months, May-September the climate dropped significantly, with the evening dropping to very low temperatures, although will remain warm during the days. The summer months, October- April can get very hot; with October reaching peak temperatures. Between the raining season December-February, you can expect some cloud coverage and rain to cool things down, however these are usually short and sharp. It is worthy to note that the climate in different areas of Zimbabwe can differ hugely.

The climate in Gweru (where Antelope Park is situated) is much cooler than Victoria Falls, where temperatures remain high for the majority of the year.

The official currency for international tourists in Zimbabwe is the US dollar ($). We ask you to bring plenty of USD cash with you, as you will not be able to withdraw cash in Zimbabwe, due to the national shortage of currency.

Most large retailers, restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa.

Generally, power sockets in Zimbabwe are ‘Type G’ the square three pin style, found in the UK.

• Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
• Ensure that excessive amounts of cash are left in safe boxes, not lying around in plain sight.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you
• If you are taking a taxi anywhere, make sure you book it in advance through a trusted and reliable driver.
• Avoid wandering down dark streets, even in large groups.
• Be aware and alert at bars. Do not leave you drink unattended at any time. If you drink has been left out of your sight, discard it.
• Do not enter township areas without being accompanied by one of our local staff members.
• Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast.
• Avoid leaving your personal items like bags or mobile phones unattended.
• Do not share personal information with anyone under any circumstances.
• Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.

It is very easy to get to South Africa. The largest airport is O.R Tambo International airport, in Johannesburg, which is one of the main airport hubs in the whole of Africa, with lots of routes to different countries in Africa.

Airlines that fly regularly into O.R Tambo International (Johannesburg – JNB); The main flight operator to Johannesburg is South African Airways, which offers many direct flights from different international cities.

• British Airways: London – Johannesburg
• Virgin Atlantic: London- Johannesburg
• Air France: Paris- Johannesburg
• Ethiopian Airways: Addis Ababa – Johannesburg
• Emirates: Dubai- Johannesburg
• Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi – Johannesburg
• Qatar Airways: Doha – Johannesburg

There are also many direct international flights to Cape Town International Airport (CPT.) There are also plenty of daily, regular flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

• British Airways: London- Cape Town
• South African Airways: London – Cape Town (via Johannesburg)
• Ethiopian Airways: Addis Ababa – Cape Town

Despite South Africa’s negative portrayal in the western media, South Africa is a safe country as an international tourist, as part of an organized trip. But you need to take precautions in order to stay safe.

You will have the most incredible time in one of the most incredible parts of the world. As with any area of the world, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, such as avoiding walking alone at night, petty theft, leave your valuables in a safe place – the usual.

Check out our tips on staying safe in South Africa, so you can enjoy your stay without a worry.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR or R) The notes are R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.

As the rand is weak against western currencies (GBP, USD, EUR,) things in South Africa are considered less expensive than Europe and North America. The majority of places in South Africa will only accept Rand.

Most major retailers, hotels, and restaurants accept major international credit and debit cards, such as MasterCards and Visa Cards.

You can withdraw money at ATMs as well.

The majority of power sockets found in South Africa are ‘Type D’ the three-round pin style sockets.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Ensure that excess amounts of cash are left in safe boxes, not lying around in plain sight.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you.
• If you are taking a taxi anywhere, make sure you book it in advance through a trusted and reliable driver.
• Avoid wandering down dark streets, even in large groups.
• Be aware and alert at bars. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. If you drink has been left out of your sight, discard it.
• Do not enter township areas without being accompanied by one of our local staff members.
• Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast.
• Avoid leaving your personal items like bags or mobile phones unattended.
• Do not share personal information with anyone under any circumstances.
• Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.

Zambia is generally very safe, especially when you are on an organized trip, taking part in tourist activities or safari based activities.

There are around 800,000 tourists a year who visit Zambia. Check out our safety tips for more information on keeping safe, whilst out exploring.

The weather and climate in Southern Africa are reversed to the Northern Hemisphere. The weather is generally warm reaching hot most days, with evening cool to warm evenings.

However, during the winter months, May-September the climate dropped significantly, with the evening dropping to very low temperatures, although will remain warm during the days.

The summer months, October- April can get very hot; with October reaching peak temperatures.

Between the raining season December-February, you can expect some cloud coverage and rain to cool things down, however, these are usually short and sharp.

The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (KR.) This is the only currency that can be used for domestic and internal transactions.

The Kwacha cannot be obtained outside of Zambia. USD, GBP, Euros and most other major currencies can be exchanged at airports or local banks. You can withdraw cash at ATMs and most large retailers, hotels accept major international credit cards.

MasterCard & Visa are usually accepted.

Generally, power sockets in Zambia are ‘ Type G’ the square three pin style, found in the UK.

You may also find some three round pin style sockets (Type D) found in South Africa.

The island is very safe for tourists and internationals. The local authorities take the safety of visitors extremely seriously.

We encourage you to remain anywhere of your surroundings, as with anywhere in the world and to follow our safety tips to ensure your safety at all times, such as leaving your valuable in at your accommodation and showing respect for local traditions and culture.

Zanzibar is NOT a malaria risk area. However, we cannot completely rule it out, especially if you are travelling through mainland Tanzania as well.

If you choose to be on the safe side, please make sure you bring an ample supply of anti-malarial tablets with you.

The official currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS.) You can use all major credit and debit cards in many of the resorts, bars and restaurants in Zanzibar, most of them charge a 5% transaction fee though.

Most shops, even in Stone Town, do not accept payments via debit or credit card. You can change USD into Tanzanian

Shillings at the airport, or in Stone Town. It tends to cost about $4 to withdraw money.

Generally, power sockets in Zanzibar are ‘Type G’ the square three pin style, found in the UK.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Ensure that excessive amounts of cash are left in safe boxes, not lying around in plain sight.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you
• If you are taking a taxi anywhere, make sure you book it in advance through a trusted and reliable driver.
• Avoid wandering down dark streets, even in large groups.
• Be aware and alert at bars and ATMs. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. If you drink has been left out of your sight, discard it. Be watchful at ATM’s and try not to withdraw large amounts of cash at one time.
• Do not enter township areas without being accompanied by one of our local staff members.
• Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast.
• Avoid leaving your personal items like bags or mobile phones unattended.
• Do not share personal information with anyone under any circumstances.
• Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.
• Be mindful of the culture and show respect from local customs. Zanzibar is conservative in their clothing, ensuring your shoulders and knees remain covered when you are out in the towns or public areas, especially in remote areas.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon
• Bringing bottled water is highly recommended. Avoid drinking tap water wherever you can.