Travel to Zimbabwe

Heathrow no longer has direct flights to the capital city Harare, but you can take a direct flight to Zimbabwe from London Gatwick using Air Zimbabwe. However, it may be cheaper to purchase an indirect flight to Zimbabwe with airlines such as BMI, Emirates and British Airways and although the journey can take over 17 hours, it can save you a great deal of money. Other indirect flights are available to different parts of the country such as Victoria Falls, so it's worth checking which airlines can take you where.

It's difficult to get around Zimbabwe due to the bad state of many of the country's roads, so bear this in mind when you're booking a hotel in Zimbabwe. Although buses run in the capital city, they may not offer a quality service that we're used to in Europe.

Zimbabwe's low season is between November and March as it often rains during this time but the weather can still can be pleasant, so it's worth looking into booking your Zimbabwe holiday then as it may be cheaper. It's possible to get a cheap hotel in Zimbabwe all year round if you book well in advance, but don't expect 5 star luxury.

If you dine out during your Zimbabwe holiday, avoid buying imported goods such as Coca Cola as these can be expensive, instead opt for local brands. Try some of the local cuisine such as Sadza and stew. Sadza is a thick ground corn paste that is a local favourite, eaten with nearly every meal. Give it a try, and don't forget to put your hands together gently twice to say thank you.

It's worth trying the local beer known as Chibuku rather than paying extra for branded drinks. However make sure you try it with an open mind - it's said to be an acquired taste!

• Victoria Falls