
Travel tips: Water safety
Last week, we were in vacation mode, and at some point I had left my usb-c charger at home and was unable to charge my phone to do our weekly newsletter. It’s a great reminder that usb-c chargers are new and if you have a device that needs one of those, it’s important to make sure you have extra chargers on hand. Finding a usb port is not an issue as they are widely available and easier to use than having to constantly be looking for converters for your block charger. But that’s not the travel tip.
Water. September and October are high heat months, with no rain. Water levels start to decrease and in some areas water scarcity can lead to outbreaks of Cholera. When travelling, always make sure to have a bottle of water with you, if possible freeze your water overnight, so you can have cool water accessible to you at all times.
Ask, when you are drinking water, what the source is. Most people won’t react to borehole water, but in some areas borehole water may have higher levels of mineral deposits such as lime, in the Chinhoyi area. Zinwa (Zimbabwean tap water) won’t kill you, but it requires a strong stomach, as in some areas it does have a smell and or residue such as a sand. Having a portable water filter is a good idea in areas where tap water is available.
Swimming in open water sources is generally ok, as long as you take the opportunity to understand the risks of the water by speaking to locals. In Harare, Lake Chivero has public swimming areas, however there is also the risk of Crocodiles, which is no different from the risks of sharks in Florida and other areas. You need to understand the risks and talk to locals before heading into open water sources.
There is nothing more refreshing that jumping into a river, open garden well or lake to go for a swim or bath in the heat of September and October. Its a great Zimbabwean experience, but one that comes with risks.
Contact us to arrange for your family’s ground trip planning in Zimbabwe. Whether it’s a weekend away, or a weekly itinerary, we can help you find what google can’t. For more information on what we do, check out this video and subscribe to our Youtube channel

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