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Country Guide > Africa > Zimbabwe | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Zimbabwe is a cosmopolitan society and enjoys both local and international cuisine. Eating out is popular and comparatively cheap. A traditional dish is sadza (a stiff maize meal) eaten with meat and/or gravy and a relish. Table service is the norm in restaurants. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Imported wines, spirits and liqueurs are available in hotels. Traditional maize beer, whawha, is made in large quantities on special occasions. Public bars are almost always part of a hotel. Licensing hours in Zimbabwe are 1030-1500 and 1630-2300. Major hotels have 24-hour bars and room service. Nightlife Rather limited outside the cities with emphasis on eating and discos, but larger cities have nightclubs, cinemas and repertory theatres. The three main tourist areas have casinos. Shopping A sales tax of 10 to 22 per cent is added to all purchases, the higher rate being on luxury items, except those which are to be exported. Special purchases are copper, wooden and soapstone carvings, gameskin and leather products, pottery and basketwork. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300. Special Events For a complete list of special events taking place in Zimbabwe, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses). The following are a selection of special events occurring in Zimbabwe in 2005: Apr 18 Independence Day Celebrations. May Africa Day. Aug Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Show, Harare. Aug-Sep Harare Summer Jazz Festival. Dec Great Zimbabwe Live, Masvingo. Social Conventions Urban culture in Zimbabwe is greatly influenced by Western culture and education but, in rural areas, traditional values and crafts continue. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. European courtesies and codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s home. Return invitations are appreciated. Giving a token of appreciation is optional. Homosexuality is, effectively, illegal. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and that a friendly wave may therefore be interpreted as a provocative political gesture. Casual wear is suitable for daytime and men are only expected to wear suits and ties for business meetings. Smart restaurants or hotel bars require male guests to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking is common, although it is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings. Photography: The local authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government office. Tipping: A 10 to 15 per cent tip is usual. |