Anyone know much about Zimbabwe?

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

I feel a bit of a fraud posting here. Hope it's ok.

A very good friend is planning to work in Zimbabwe for a month at the beginning of next year. She spent time there 40 years ago, still knows a family out there, and would be working, travelling around schools and educational establishments.

I don't know how much time she would be spending alone, I would hope there would be arrangements for constant guides. She is in her late 50s.

Can anyone tell me realistically how safe/unsafe a middle aged, white, British woman will be? She is planning on mainly going to more rural areas, but there's no set itinerary.

I'm just hoping the MN-hivemind might have some practical safety advice. In all honesty I think she's mad.

I stand to be corrected, but I think she's safer there than in South Africa, for example. I would say that violence is far more party politically orientated than SA - opposition supporters being attacked by the ruling party's thugs, that sort of thing. Going about by herself in the daytime shouldn't be a problem. People are incredibly friendly and helpful over there.

Would be interested to hear other people's opinions - I was born there but haven't been back for a number of years, so am a bit out of touch...

I wouldn't say she's mad - she'd probably have a great experience.

Bunny, that's good to hear. As long as she's safe I know she'll have the most incredible time. I just want to know there's no obvious risk. And possibly get a bit of on-the-ground info about how things are.

I'm South African so naturally think sa is safer :) I think all the usual advice stands, no ostensible displays of wealth, no ridiculous poverty tours, travel and visit during daylight hours unless accompanied etc.

Most of my Zimm relatives are desperate to leave but I think that's mainly because of the living situation rather than violence. I think its on par with most of that region.

Thanks more, :) she'll definitely be sensible.

Understand your concerns, but she will likely be fine and greeted with great enthusiasm and respect. It is a troubled area, yes so she should obv take necessary precautions. It is the most wonderful country.

These were the answers I was hoping for :)

I was there for two months in 2011 (I'm white with a black child who was 18m at the time and we are not from the region), we had a great experience. I join in saying she should be fine.

Thanks akua :)

I'm glad I started this thread. I shall go and encourage her to have a great time.

What they all said, but with the addition that I don't know how good medical supplies and services are at the moment. A lot of professional staff emigrated during the worst times a few years ago.

So if she has any ongoing medical conditions, she might need to take medication, etc, with. The family she knows should be able to advise.

Heh, Moreisnnogedag, I used to hitch in Zim in the 90s - and then come down to SA where people were terrified to even drive through parts of town. They thought their mates who drove from Jo'burg through Zim to Zam were incredibly daring; I just took the bus...

Agree that violence is likely to be targetted - but there can be pretty nasty burglaries.

Thanks Feynman, I'd noticed that was something mentioned in the travel advice. She'll be having a full medical before going, and currently has no health issues. I do worry what would happen in an emergency, but that's true of many places.