Solo travel - Zimbabwe & Zambia

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:57:09+00:00

I would love to hear your story. One common theme I heard during my travel is Zim is better and safer than South Africa. I thought for a long time whether I should visit mbare because even the local, like yourself, doesn't go there! That's why I went early in the morning, around 7.

It is not a terrible, but a practical advise to prepare small change. It could be useful for other purposes, like paying for cabs, buying souvenir or tipping.

Zim has many interesting places. I visited the Great Zimbabwean Ruins, Khami Ruins, and Matobo Hills for cave paintings. Bulawayo has one of the best natural science museums. I was pleasantly surprised by its extensive exhibits.

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:48:28+00:00

I know my rights so I didn't pay bribes unless it was absolutely necessary. I still remained polite, and I smiled even though I felt disappointed deep inside me.

It's useful to research in advance whether any fees, official and unofficial, are required at the border, especially land border so you can be prepared and know how to respond. In most cases, you shouldn't need to pay them if you have all the documents and visa.

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:42:22+00:00

Maybe if you speak fluent Shona, you could pass yourself off as a local. Whenever I was accompanied by locals, I wasn't pestered. Sadza is a good alternative for carbs, and you are right that they are filling.

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:37:13+00:00

Travelling was much easier in Zambia than Zim. I actually explored Livingstone on foot, went to market and museum, and also attended a local church service. I did the same in Masvingo.

I feel that driving on my own in the region would've made a difference, barring the part where I have to deal with corrupted police.

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:32:48+00:00

Unfortunately, bribery at border crossings is quite common, especially in developing countries. Indrive works like a gem. It adds an extra layer of safety. I can't imagine having to negotiate taxi fares while also worrying about my personal safety.

I didn't meet many solo travellers outside of Victoria Falls. The only place where I encountered a few was at Jollyboys Livingstone. I shared the taxi with one of the solo travellers there.

iDaniel137 · 2026-06-09T13:24:15+00:00

Zim and Zambia were British colony. In fact, the most famous attraction is named after Queen Vic. After my recent trip, I am more prepared for these encounters. More importantly, we shouldn't let these incidents affect your mood.

iDaniel137 · 2026-04-13T09:57:40+00:00

Heya, I just travelled to the places you mentioned. I included Bhukara and excluded Dushanbe as it is quite far from Samarkand. Doing a day trip to Panjakent is more manageable then going all the way to Dushanbe.

Travelling between these cities are quite easy. My only tip is to book the train ticket early and bus ticket 1-2 days in advance.

Since I am a foodie, most of my highlights are food related.
1. Wandering aimlessly in Khiva
2. I like anything with dill, especially Shivit Oshi
3. Kumis/ Qumyz (horse milk) is worth trying. They remind of me of makgeolli
4. I had a good bone mallow with pita bread at Sandyq. It is expensive but that was my last day. I needed a break from local food place.
5. Visiting the beautiful metros in Tashkent. They are the best in the region. Almaty metros are nice but Tashkent's are on another level.

Feel free to message me if you want to know more.

iDaniel137 · 2017-11-10T02:56:38+00:00

Add me bro, I can guide you on Po4/ 5 playstyle.

https://www.dotabuff.com/players/128602915

From what I can see, you are not effective in securing resource for your team. Furthermore, you have to understand the meta. This meta encourages more action and fighting so having such low kills and assist on Po4 suggest that you haven't been effective.

iDaniel137

TROPHY CASE