Stay away from Zimbabwe

Tour companies specialising in Africa are steering customers away from troubled Zimbabwe in favour of South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

But packages from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, in a safe area far from the violence in rural areas and demonstrations in the capital Harare, are still available.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised all citizens planning to visit Zimbabwe to defer holiday and business trips until further notice.

The number of Australians visiting Zimbabwe has continued to fall, with many going instead to South Africa where the Australian dollar is much stronger.

The British and American Governments had not issued warnings to travellers as strong as that from Canberra.