"Zimbabwe - I cry for you" Top 5 Page for this destination Zimbabwe by Bwana_Brown

Zimbabwe Travel Guide: 1,489 reviews and 2,987 photos

Open-air market in front of Meikles, Harare (1995)

For me, Zimbabwe has been a country of lost opportunities. One of the most beautiful countries in Africa, yet I only managed two very brief visits despite living next door for three years! Unfortunately, the timing of my stay in southern Africa coincided with the apex of the wars of independence in this part of the world. While I was working in Zambia, it's southern border was closed to all traffic due to the on-going war in what was then white-ruled Rhodesia. At the same time, to the east, Mozambique was embroiled in its war of liberation from the Portugese while to the west Angola was likewise fighting for their liberation from Portugal. Far to the south, the white-ruled bastion of South Africa (which also administered Namibia in those days) fully supported these proxy wars to defend its northern borders. The result for a bloke living in Zambia was that one's travel choices were limited to Zaire (Congo), Malawi or Tanzania and points north. As a result of these geo-political events, my only two visits to Rhodesia (1975) and Zimbabwe (1995) were fleeting affairs tied in with greater trips that I was involved with at the time. Still, both these visits gave me some appreciation of the beauty of the country and its people. Despite winning that long ago war, I cannot believe what Robert Mugabe has finally chosen to do to this country and his own people - a country that could have been such a great example of cooperation for the good of all.

First Contact

Salisbury suburbs

When my wife and I finally packed up and left Zambia for Canada in 1975, we were then able to arrange a quick visit to Salisbury, Rhodesia (Harare, Zimbabwe now) via Malawi (no direct flights from Zambia due to the war). In those days, nothing was stamped in your passport in Salisbury in case you had to travel to other African countries, merely a slip of paper in the passport to show that you were 'official'. This visit was to say our good-byes to close relatives who had emigrated from Zambia to Rhodesia many years before the war broke out. We had a few very enjoyable days with them at their house in the suburbs of Salisbury. A visit to Lake McIlwaine National Park and some swimming in their backyard pool, plus some great meals! Then we flew out to Kenya, London and finally Canada. Photo of their house at 114 Gilchrist Drive. The next visit would come 20 years later.

Last visit to Zimbabwe: Nov 1995
Intro Updated Oct 1, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (7)

Balancing Rocks Things to Do (2)

On our drive from Harare out to Marondera, we passed by this area of unusual rock formations - called the Balancing... more travel advice

Bright Colours! Things to Do (2)

It must be my upbringing in the totally green forests of Canada - there is something about seeing brightly coloured... more travel advice

A Helping Hand Local Customs (1)

Whether you like it or not, it was customary in southern Africa to employ local people to help with household chores,... more travel advice

A small piece of England Shopping (1)

I was amazed at the variety of shops available in the Borrowdale shopping plaza in Harare! It was a very well... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Amazing Gardens!
Been to Zimbabwe?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (32)

lynnehamman Mar 30, 2009 at 6:41 AM Report Abuse

Intelligent & honest overview on Zimbabwe, Glenn. Its a tragedy that the beautiful country has now descended into utter despairing chaos. I liked the helping hand tip. We had same in SA- lovely lady worked for us (and became part of family) for 14 years.)
MikeBird Jan 29, 2009 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

Hi Glenn, How did you find returning to southern Africa again after a long time away? We want to take our kids to Botswana and we're worried they may not enjoy it as much as we did. Email me if you prefer. Mike
tiabunna Jul 24, 2008 at 5:58 AM Report Abuse

I'm with your feelings here, Glenn. As I read your page I found myself trying to contemplate life there just 13 years after your visit. Heard the other day they're now printing $billion notes!
robertgaz May 26, 2008 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

Many Zimbabweans now call WA home!
kokoryko Jan 21, 2008 at 1:46 PM Report Abuse

Where is Africa going to ? Remember Glenn, when Zimbabwe became independent, all the world believed it would be an example (Bob Marley with his “Zimbabwe” song-I am not at all Rastafari!), and now what Mugabe has done! The last news of Kenya are not good.
SLLiew Oct 5, 2007 at 9:53 AM Report Abuse

What an airport experience departing Zimbabwe. Hopefully, things will improve in the future for Zimbabwe soon.
jadedmuse Oct 1, 2007 at 6:08 PM Report Abuse

The story of Edward was touching. Again, what an experience to be in that part of the world and see first hand, the unrealized potential etc.
Bigs Jun 24, 2007 at 1:23 AM Report Abuse

This little Zimbabwe page takes me back into this once colourful and beautiful country. I cry with you.....
Jenniflower Jun 11, 2007 at 9:20 AM Report Abuse

Mum still thinks of it as Rhodesia... such a great country gone to waste :( Agreed re point re hiring local help, our 'help' were part of our family and I am still in contact with them and visit them when in SA. They are family to me :)
evaanna Apr 26, 2007 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Those balancing rocks look really interesting. I wonder how they came into being. Never heard of airport tax before but with all the new cheap airlines we may also be in for such surprises.