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Business Travel in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers modern business facilities in key cities combined with unique opportunities to blend business with memorable leisure experiences. From international-standard conference venues to reliable connectivity, business travelers find Zimbabwe well-equipped for professional engagements while offering exceptional after-hours experiences.

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Business Hubs

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Harare - Capital & Business Center

Why Harare for Business:

• Zimbabwe’s economic and political capital
• Most corporate headquarters
• International embassies
• Best business infrastructure
• International airport
• Conference facilities

Business Hotels:

• Meikles Hotel - Historic, central, full business center ($150-250/night)
• Rainbow Towers - Modern, conference facilities ($120-180/night)
• Cresta Lodge - Business-friendly, good value ($80-120/night)
• Bronte Hotel - Boutique, business services ($100-150/night)

Conference Venues:

• Rainbow Towers Conference Center (500+ capacity)
• Meikles Hotel conference rooms
• Cresta Oasis (dedicated conference wing)
• Various business centers and hotels

Getting Around:

• Registered taxis and ride-hailing apps
• Car rental with driver available
• Business hotels arrange transfers
• Traffic can be heavy (plan extra time)

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Victoria Falls - MICE Destination

Why Victoria Falls for Business:

• Stunning incentive travel destination
• Modern conference facilities
• Team-building activities abundant
• International airport
• Memorable setting for corporate events

Business Venues:

• Victoria Falls Hotel - Colonial elegance, conference rooms
• Elephant Hills Resort - Large conference center
• Kingdom Hotel - Modern facilities, convention center
• A’Zambezi River Lodge - Intimate meetings

Perfect For:

• Incentive travel
• Team-building retreats
• Product launches (memorable setting)
• Board meetings with leisure
• Corporate celebrations

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Bulawayo - Secondary Business Hub

Business Infrastructure:

• Zimbabwe’s second city
• Industrial and mining sectors
• Good hotels and meeting facilities
• Easier to navigate than Harare
• Lower costs than Harare or Victoria Falls

Recommended:

• Bulawayo Club - Historic, professional
• Nesbitt Castle - Conference facilities
• Holiday Inn - International standard

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Combining Business & Leisure

Weekend Extensions: Most business travelers extend for safari or Victoria Falls weekend:

• +2 Days: Victoria Falls quick visit (fly from Harare, 1hr)
• +3 Days: Victoria Falls + activities
• +4-5 Days: Add Hwange safari
• +7 Days: Complete safari circuit

Team Building: Zimbabwe offers unique corporate team-building:

• White water rafting (ultimate team bonding)
• Walking safaris (leadership and trust)
• Community projects (CSR opportunities)
• Adventure activities (challenge courses)
• Safari experiences (shared wonder)

Incentive Travel: Reward top performers with:

• Luxury safari lodges
• Victoria Falls adventure packages
• Exclusive experiences
• Private game reserves
• All-inclusive packages

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Practical Business Information

Visas:

• Check requirements by nationality
• Some countries visa-on-arrival
• Others require advance application
• Business visa category available
• E-visa system operational

Currency:

• USD widely accepted and preferred
• Credit cards at major hotels
• Cash needed for smaller transactions
• ATMs available but bring cash backup

Communication:

• Good mobile coverage in cities
• 4G available
• Hotel WiFi generally reliable
• Local SIM cards available ($5-10)
• International calling expensive (use WhatsApp/data)

Power:

• 220V, UK-style plugs (3-pin)
• Bring adaptors
• Power cuts possible (hotels have generators)
• Charge devices when you can

Safety:

• Cities generally safe during day
• Use registered transport
• Don’t display valuables
• Be cautious after dark
• Hotels provide security

Business Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
• Some businesses close for lunch
• Banks: 8am-3pm weekdays, 8am-11:30am Saturday
• Government offices: 8am-4:30pm weekdays

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Sample Business Itineraries

3-Day Business Trip (Harare):

• Day 1: Arrive, meetings, business dinner
• Day 2: Full day meetings/conference
• Day 3: Morning meetings, afternoon departure

5-Day Business + Leisure:

• Days 1-3: Harare business
• Days 4-5: Victoria Falls extension (fly Friday evening, return Sunday evening)

Week-Long Incentive:

• Days 1-2: Harare arrival and orientation
• Days 3-5: Victoria Falls activities and team building
• Days 6-7: Hwange safari (reward/bonding)

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Tips for Business Travelers

• Book Hotels Early: Business hotels fill during peak conference season
• Confirm Everything: Reconfirm bookings and arrangements
• Allow Extra Time: Traffic and logistics can cause delays
• Bring Cash: USD for small transactions
• Stay Connected: Local SIM essential
• Professional Dress: Conservative business attire expected
• Respect Hierarchy: Senior people shown deference
• Be Patient: Things may move slower than expected
• Build Relationships: Personal connections matter in Zimbabwean business culture

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Additional Business Resources

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For Business Bookings: Contact Us - Corporate packages and group bookings available Essential Guides:

• Airport Guide - Lounges, facilities, transfers
• Accommodation Guide - Business hotels and lodges
• Transportation - Getting around Zimbabwe
• Emergency Contacts - Important numbers

Business Resources:

• Coworking Spaces - Remote work options
• Business Dining - Meeting-appropriate restaurants
• Embassies - Diplomatic contacts

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Last updated: January 2025