Hello,

BBC, those nasty conspirators against Mugabe as well as all the other western powers, are giving out reports the place will be gone within 6 months-economy and government wise.
Unfortunately the masses will still be there to endure the results of a despotic regieme. Inflation by years end now being projected at over 500,000%!! People/civil servants/police/etc. being paid in food and commercial contracts/agreements only good for a day or even hours. Nope, just "aint gonna work..." and can't imagine living there much less trying to rear a family, conduct a business or whatever. Hopefully those engaged in sport hunting/ safaris will escape the brunt of the turmoil that faces the nation. I would say hunt while you can and then "boogy on down the road..." We could always hold out and say the United Nations is swooping in to save the place. Right!!!

Would you please share with us where/ how you have found this information.
TKS
G

Hello,
Glad to do so. Go to Yahoo search engine, type in Zimbabwe and you will find almost an hourly description of most any nation on earth and it's various problems, events, etc. This particular "doom and gloom" of Zimbabwe was posted by the BBC. Check it out once in a while on wherever you may wish and quite a bit of info to be had. By the way, just brouht it up again and the article by the BBC is still current and was posted at 2:32AM on June 14. About current as you can get these days. You of course realize the defenders of "BoB" swear this is all propoganda by the West and their previous British Masters.

Hey Woodmnctry,
Did you find it yet??

You can find it on Allafrica.Com here.

Not to say I agree with it.

Hello Charles-Helm,
Do you think the reports are false or just what do you not agree with????

There is no real "News" in this article. Its opinion that may become fact but this article is not reporting anything.

Actually it was not BBC but SW Africa Radio whoever they are. My friends who live in Bulawayo say it is bad and rapidly getting worse but they are surviving and hunting.

Having just returned from there - I would say that things may not be the best - certain food items are in short supply and the electrical power is periodically in question -- but -- out in the bush or in hunting camp -- all is well. One is so removed "in camp" that the so-called negative issues ---really are not an issue at all. I plan on returning to hunt again in a few months and feel comfortable doing so.

Hello,
Well, GaryL, as to whether the report is opinion, news, or not is just that , your opinion. Furthermore, Zimbabwe, it most definitely was/is BBC as well as Reuters News Service(operative word here is NEWS.) There is no gain to attempt to downplay the situation in Zimbabwe and it is quite obvious that some do indeed think that "denial" is a river in Egypt(borrowed that catchy play on words from one our fine posters here.) For those wishing to spend their money in Zimbabwe, your choice, but suggest you do it soon.

PS Just some 14 minutes ago, as reported on BBC, that is the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Zimbabwe government will soon be monitoring all e mails, phone calls, electronic communications, etc. And to "top it off..." such sophisticated equipment will be supplied by your friend and mine, The Chineese!! Who'd a thunk it!! If someone does not take out ol' Bob, the place will end up in total civil war w/ the greedy despots as neighbors just waiting to jump into the frey.

quote:

Well, GaryL, as to whether the report is opinion, news, or not is just that , your opinion. Furthermore, Zimbabwe, it most definitely was/is BBC as well as Reuters News Service(operative word here is NEWS.) There is no gain to attempt to downplay the situation in Zimbabwe and it is quite obvious that some do indeed think that "denial" is a river in Egypt(borrowed that catchy play on words from one our fine posters here.) For those wishing to spend their money in Zimbabwe, your choice, but suggest you do it soon.

PS Just some 14 minutes ago, as reported on BBC, that is the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Zimbabwe government will soon be monitoring all e mails, phone calls, electronic communications, etc. And to "top it off..." such sophisticated equipment will be supplied by your friend and mine, The Chineese!! Who'd a thunk it!! If someone does not take out ol' Bob, the place will end up in total civil war w/ the greedy despots as neighbors just waiting to jump into the frey.

Jeez, are we starting this thread again? Same song, 75th verse. Just came back from Zim less than two weeks ago and it ain't perfect but it hasn't been in the last 5 years. People are surviving and the hunting is still excellent... if you choose to stay away that's your decision but many of us continue to hunt there.

Hello bwanamrm,
You are 100% correct and should not have posted the reports coming over the news agencies. Promise to not mention it again and thanks for bringing me back to reality. May all the hunts in Zimbabwe be great ones. If the damn place ever settled down, would like to go there myself, but as it appears now, will have to settle for South Africa.

Zim may very well go down the shitter in the next week or month ,but.....when I made my first trip there 10 years ago I was cautioned by a truly concerned booking agent that I might wnat to consider going some place else as things were touch and go in Zimbabwe.

Bob will go down one day and when he does there will be some unrest involved.The last ome to predict that it will happen soon will be able to gloat a bit I suppose.

In the mean time there are going to be quite a few hunters having the trip of their life in good old Zim.I know cause I have had two of them so far.

You know, these items about zimbabwe remind me a lot of bidding jobs for the government of the Virgin Islands: there is such a wide variance between bids that often I ask if we are all bidding on the same job. the same is true, apparently, with Zim: we have never experienced any unrest or discomfort while there, either in the field, or, Harare. The major discomfort, to us anyway, is the power and water outtages. we are accustomed, as a result of our antiquated, power grid, to regular power disruptions; so, even that did not unduly disturb us. So, when I read these messages I have to ask: "were we in the same country?'

...quit dinkin' with BBC (liberal a-holes) pull up ZWNEWS.com You'll more up to speed.

Zim has been in trouble for many years and will be for some time, sad to say. I'm just glad I got in at least one hunt there. Go while you can and while they will let you. Best hunt of my life was in Makuti 2 weeks ago.

Besides all the 'truth' or 'propaganda' we all have our challenges in life. Some are more sugar coated then others. Zim is still a great country with some of the best natured people in Africa.For those of you who still come and hunt with us and still support our hunting industry, we salute you. For those of you who are unsure, this is understandable with all the negative press out there. Best bet is to talk to a reputable Operator or their agents about your safety on a safari. Up till now Zim is as safe a destination as any other in Southern Africa. Again we thank you ladies and gentlemen who come and enjoy what we have to offer.

I have to agree with Shangaan, Zim is still a great country with some very good natured people, both black and white. My parents still live and operate in Bulawayo and have no major problems.
Besides the powercuts and fuel shortages life goes on. Food and fuel is bought in Botswana once a week, only a 2hr drive... all sorted

If you like to keep up with the politics and other general news have a look at http://www.zimbabwesituation.com its updated daily, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day

Thanks for the link AWM

I've been hearing about that website but didn't have the link. Thanks.

Hello,
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Zimbabwe while in London just hours ago urged that Britain invade Zim and remove "ol' Bob" from power. The Archbishop has been an outspoken critic of the matters in Zim for sometime and went on to say that he would be willng to lead the fight with guns, etc. but the people were afraid to do anything. Rather harsh position for an Archbishop to take, but if he can convince the Brits to "drop in..." so to speak, people will not have to make so desperate of a move. Would suggest "eye on the horizon and ear to the ground." Can't imagine Britain making such a move for why in the world would anyone want to inherit the woes of Zimbabwe?? I would seriously doubt that the general population of the British Empire could give a whit about the hunting sports in Zimbabwe. I would say the United Nations will move right in there and make everything just hunky dory. Right!!

England left once...why would they come back? It will never happen.

Hello yukon delta,
I do not think the good Archbishop is advocating that the Brits come and stay for a while and like I mentioned, who in the hell would want to be there for any length of time with the situations at hand. They could well drop in a few folks to deal with the Pres. and then let nature take it's course. Might want to note that any form of communication out of Zim by those living there is being monitored by the "feds" and probably not a good thing for those living there to voice a lot of opposition. Reportedly e mails, internet, etc. closely scrutinized. Would imagine the very best place to be in Zimbabwe would be the hunting camps or safaris in the bush.

Hello,
How in the world does the outfiter/safari outfit maintain any cost/price controls with the situation in Zimbabwe at this very moment??
No one wants to discuss the matter, but check it out, the place is an absolute quagmire in all respects and just how does the hunter/outfitter remain isolated from the issues that are so dire at this time and getting worse by the moment?? The pay offs and corruption factor must me unbelievable at this time and getting worse by the day. Anyone out there have first hand just how the outfitters are surviving in these ridiculous times.??

quote:

Originally posted by Woodmnctry:
Would you please share with us where/ how you have found this information.
TKS
G

Fox News quoted (on TV) an inflation rate of 15,000%

I wouldn't go anywhere near that country without being accompanied by complete Marine brigade

AD

There has been bad news coming out of Zim since 1965, so let's not get all puckered about it.

Hello,
You are going to have to get out more 500grains and perhaps read a bit more. This "aint '65..." and the conditions are far different than 30 plus years ago. Question is, do you or anyone else know how the safari operators are "managing" under such extreme political/economical/social, etc. conditions?? What took place in '65 is not on topic and not an answer. Got an honest answer, give it.

quote:

Originally posted by dsiteman:
Hello,
You are going to have to get out more 500grains and perhaps read a bit more. This "aint '65..." and the conditions are far different than 30 plus years ago. Question is, do you or anyone else know how the safari operators are "managing" under such extreme political/economical/social, etc. conditions?? What took place in '65 is not on topic and not an answer. Got an honest answer, give it.

What is your deal dude? You seem to be hell bent to act as some self appointed harbinger of doom and gloom. Give it a rest and get back to work digging your nuclear bomb shelter and stock piling your MREs for the impending helter skelter. Sheesh.

Interesting comment by a economist . Just because th currency collapses it doesn't mean that he country will collapse.

I keep waiting for Jimmy Carter to go over and straighten everything out since he and Andrew Young, (along w/ the British Labor Party) are in GREAT MEASURE responsible for this mess.
They virtually annointed Bob Mugab to be the leader/savior despite being told repeatedly that he was a goon of the worst sort. There's NO suprise here...just a terribly sad situation for many very fine individuals to have to survive until the return of sanity. I did my time there in the late 70's...wouldn't dare go back without a new government, or a new passport, but I still count as my BEST friends some fine people who have stayed to try and make it work.
God Bless Them All.

Hello Don Edwards,
Well said and can't imagine how the safari operators can stay afloat with all the chaos we hear and read about, but the outlying countryside may be somewhat insulated from those problems and the impact not as harsh as those in urban locations.

Hello MJines,
Been a bit busy of late and been meaning to respond to your comments. If you do not care for what I or others write, state, report, etc. about Zimbabwe, tough!!
Don't read it "dude." (What are you about 10 years old??) If you think your negative personal attacks, comments, etc. toward someone stating what is reported about Zimbabwe intimidates me or others from doing so, you are sadly mistaken.
Seems to be a bad habit for some to "jump" those with differing opinions on the internet be about Zimbabwe or the weather. Can't speak for others, but rest assured "dude" I will state whatever and whenever I like about Zimbabwe and the horrible conditions there and certainly will not seek yours or others approval to do so.
Personal attacks, name calling, sarcasm, insults, etc. seems to be of late a sure way to get your name taken off the list.

500 Grains has been to Zim quite a bit and has a good handle on the situation over there because of his time in country and his relationships with PH's who were born, raised and still work there.

Hello Yukon Delta,
Been to Palmer many times, nice Alaska town. Appreciate the experience of others and can also claim to have fair amount of time on African soil, not to hunt, and well know how quickly the place can turn sour. Don't want to be there when that happens.
I do not like Zimbabwe, would not spend one dollar there supporting the bastard in charge nor those around him or those going to take his place when he is dealt the fortune he so justly deserves. Others obviously don't share those feelings, fine, but none of us have a right to condemn others for different positions. Those currently living/working there do not dare speak up for all forms of communication are now monitored by the current government including e- mails and internet messages. Last time I checked, we are not under those rules and one can speak up if he or she desires to do so.

quote:

Originally posted by dsiteman:
Hello MJines,
Been a bit busy of late and been meaning to respond to your comments. If you do not care for what I or others write, state, report, etc. about Zimbabwe, tough!!
Don't read it "dude." (What are you about 10 years old??) If you think your negative personal attacks, comments, etc. toward someone stating what is reported about Zimbabwe intimidates me or others from doing so, you are sadly mistaken.
Seems to be a bad habit for some to "jump" those with differing opinions on the internet be about Zimbabwe or the weather. Can't speak for others, but rest assured "dude" I will state whatever and whenever I like about Zimbabwe and the horrible conditions there and certainly will not seek yours or others approval to do so.
Personal attacks, name calling, sarcasm, insults, etc. seems to be of late a sure way to get your name taken off the list.

I guess another way to characterize your comments is that you get what you pay for, which in your case is damn little-- you have not been to Zimbabwe, apparently choose not to believe those that have been there in recent weeks and want to simply be a purveyor of doom and gloom. I have this view that those that comment on matters should at least have a little first hand information regarding those matters, not just use the internet to spout off and feel important.

So I am to assume by some of the posters here that Zim. is just fine, no problems at all???? I have been to Zimbabwe 12 years ago, and probably would not go again in the current climate. I have an aversion to being caught in the middle of a civil war. You know that is on the horizon in the near future, so if you want to stick your heads in the sand and pretend everything in Zim. is hunky dorey, be my guest. Just don't expect the US State Department to bail your ass out of trouble when you are stuck in the middle of a bad situation. Of course, none of this matters anyway, another year, MAX, and there won't be any game left there anyway. May fortune favor the foolish.

I have no emotional dog in this fight. Having read a little history on Africa though it appears to me Africa will be Africa. Africa has never been a safe destination and that includes the entire continent. There have been places and times when it was safer but if you look at it from the eyes of a Westerner with a cultural background of the enlightenment, age of reason, individual liberty and responsibility etc you will always be appalled . Being appalled though is not going to change anything.
In the whole going to Africa is more than just shooting animals. It is a great and grand adventure because if you are willing to stop whining about how it is "Not Fair" and open your mind you will see that you are traveling to a truly different place and time. You are traveling to a beautiful land. You are traveling to a time where tribalism is the primary form of government as is has been since the beginning of mankind. You are choosing to go to a place where life , including yours, is cheap. If that is unacceptable to you then there are certainly better destinations to travel too.
In regards to Zimbabwe, whether or not any one chooses to go there is a totally personal decision that will be made on the individuals interpretation of risk and tolerance of recognized risk. Arguing about whether or not a specific person should or should not go is a little silly.
e

els,

Most intelligent post on this thread. Certainly better than mine.

quote:

I have no emotional dog in this fight. Having read a little history on Africa though it appears to me Africa will be Africa. Africa has never been a safe destination and that includes the entire continent. There have been places and times when it was safer but if you look at it from the eyes of a Westerner with a cultural background of the enlightenment, age of reason, individual liberty and responsibility etc you will always be appalled . Being appalled though is not going to change anything.
In the whole going to Africa is more than just shooting animals. It is a great and grand adventure because if you are willing to stop whining about how it is "Not Fair" and open your mind you will see that you are traveling to a truly different place and time. You are traveling to a beautiful land. You are traveling to a time where tribalism is the primary form of government as is has been since the beginning of mankind. You are choosing to go to a place where life , including yours, is cheap. If that is unacceptable to you then there are certainly better destinations to travel too.
In regards to Zimbabwe, whether or not any one chooses to go there is a totally personal decision that will be made on the individuals interpretation of risk and tolerance of recognized risk. Arguing about whether or not a specific person should or should not go is a little silly.

Well done Ern. You sure Suzanne didn't write that for you?

To begin with MJines, you need to watch your tongue. University speech professor used to tell us to beware of our public utterances. Favorite past time for African tribal cultures is to cut the tongue out.
I never said I had not been to Zimbabwe, have never hunted there, but spent a hell of alot longer than a week or so on some safari, but rather some ten plus years travelling the entire continent and can speak with authority a lot more than most and that most certainly includes you. For those who love the African nations, people, lands, traditions, tribal societies, God Bless, enjoy it. If you ever had to work on a daily basis in that environment believe you would have a different outlook on the situation over there, Zimbabwe or otherwise.
The issue/topic of discussion is not the people, customs, habits, mores, etc. of the people of Zimbabwe, but rather is it stable, safe to visit, hunt, travel in the nation? Those that deem it safe and wish to do so, have at it, but for those thinking otherwise, reporting same, that is also just fine. It is fascinating to see responses to news reports from all over the globe that the situation in Zimbabwe is hourly/daily worsening and there are those that say, do not believe it for it is only hype and propaganda. With the lack of any economy the game population will be wiped out totally for rest assured the natives could care less for the PH and his few clients brought to Zimbabwe.
Instead of being mum about the situation and trying to discourage any reports of problems, those wishing to save the place should be the ones screaming the loudest about the terrible situation there and putting pressure on any and all groups to shut down Bob and his cronies and give the place a chance to rebuild. Oh my God, you could not hunt there for a few years!! Talk about being short sighted and not having the first idea of wildlife conservation and game management!!