Travelling to Harare to watch a test match

[AussieZimFan]

I'm looking to at sometime in the near future travelling to Harare and/or Bulawayo to watch Zimbabwe play a test match even if it's not against Australia (on my bucket list) and spend some time in general in Zimbabwe. I apologise for my ignorance, but how safe is it for tourists currently in Harare/Bulawayo? My understanding is that it is much better than it was a few years ago so long as you don't get involved in the local politics and just take general precautions as would in any foreign city. I'd just like some insight from the locals for peace of mind before I get too excited.

[Conant]

There were a few thousands of tourists who descended on Harare for the yearly Hifa Festival. That's how safe it is

http://www.hifa.co.zw/

And a rather controversial review:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/ma ... e-zimbabwe

Take note of the comments section

[bayhaus]

Tourists were never in danger in Zimbabwe. But if you are a snoopy journalist make sure you have accreditation.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

What is the Bulawayo to Vic Falls train journey like?

[americanzimfan]

I would love to go to Zim to watch a match in Harare too. From the people that I have talked too if you are coming in as a tourist its rather safe.

[americanzimfan]

Just curious, how much would it cost to go to a match in Harare?

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Just curious, how much would it cost to go to a match in Harare?

They said on commentary it was $3 to get into the T20 in Bulawayo, so I think tickets go pretty cheaply in Zimbabwe.
Not like Australia where you have to take out a second mortgage to see the afternoon session of a Test match

[tailender]

Zim is one of the most safe places to be in Southern Africa. As for the train journey, forget it. I once got out of a train in the middle of nowhere to find an alternative. Unless you are prepared to waste some time in a Zim train. The service is rundown.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Zim is one of the most safe places to be in Southern Africa. As for the train journey, forget it. I once got out of a train in the middle of nowhere to find an alternative. Unless you are prepared to waste some time in a Zim train. The service is rundown.

Would you please elaborate?

I have always been under the impression taking a train in Zimbabwe would be a bit of an "adventure", I just wasn't sure if it was safe.

[TheBradDevil]

Zim is one of the most safe places to be in Southern Africa. As for the train journey, forget it. I once got out of a train in the middle of nowhere to find an alternative. Unless you are prepared to waste some time in a Zim train. The service is rundown.

Would you please elaborate?

I have always been under the impression taking a train in Zimbabwe would be a bit of an "adventure", I just wasn't sure if it was safe.

The railway infrastructure is run down. Most dreaded form of transport in Zim, service-wise, they are talking of an overhaul and privatizing NRZ, maybe that will change things.