Mosi-oa-Tunya, local name of "Victoria Falls," Zimbabwe — One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
PALI Annual Convocation & Immersion
Harare, Zimbabwe · 2027
Theme: Mosi-oa-Tunya — The Thunder of Innovation: Bridging African Wisdom and Executive Mastery
The Convening
Africa is rising. Its leaders are connecting.
From February 23–28, 2027, the Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) will bring together Senior Leaders, C-Suite Executives, Innovators and Changemakers from 54+ countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the global Diaspora in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The PALI Annual Convocation & Immersion is the defining moment in the PALI journey — where Executive Students are Sent Forth as PALI Convocation Fellows, transitioning into a lifelong community of the PALI Global Council led by Dr. Kofi Osei-Kusi.
Rooted in Ubuntu Leadership — I am because we are — this is a time to connect, reflect, celebrate achievement, deepen relationships and embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership.
This year, we convene in Zimbabwe — where the water thunders and leadership returns home.
Why Harare 2027
This is not a ceremony. This is a pilgrimage.
Mosi-oa-Tunya — Feel the Thunder
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: 500 million litres of power every minute. This is where our theme comes alive — the thunder of innovation rooted in African wisdom.
Great Zimbabwe — Touch Legacy
Before empires, there was Great Zimbabwe. A 900-year-old city built without mortar. Dzimba dza mabwe — Houses of Stone. Walk where kings led and learn what legacy truly means.
Pan-African Heritage — Remember Purpose
Harare holds the archives of Africa's freedom. The Pan-African Museum and Liberation Heritage sites are a living classroom for Ethical and Transformational Leadership you cannot get on Zoom.
Harare is safe, elegant, and deeply Ubuntu — the perfect city to be sashed on stage, photographed for history, and celebrated in Council.
This convening is for everyone
- Class of 2027 & Alumni — ready to be Sent Forth as Lifetime Fellows
- Guests, Delegates & Award Nominees — joining the Global Conference & Awards
- Friends of PALI — who want to witness history
Your Itinerary
Six days, Harare to the world
Arrival
Optional Immersion: Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Pan-African Museum, and a special service visit to Childline Zimbabwe by the Class of 2027 to donate and interact.
Global Conference & Awards
Convocation & Sending Forth
Departure
Harare is calling. Will you be in the room when Africa thunders?
RSVP: 31st October 2026
Venue & Schedule
The Sterling Lodge, Harare
40 Gilmour Drive, Harare, Zimbabwe
Global Conference & Awards
Friday, February 26, 2027
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM CAT (please convert to your local time)
Annual Convocation
Saturday, February 27, 2027
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CAT (please convert to your local time)
Travel Coordinator & Registrar
Mrs. Hulda Antwi — your go-to person for every travel question.
registrar@panafricanleadership.institute
Cell/WhatsApp: +233 20 366 1800
A. Visa & Travel Arrangements
Zimbabwe's three-tier visa system
Category A — Visa-Free
SADC nations and selected international territories require no visa prior to or upon arrival.
Category B — Visa on Arrival
Most European, North American, and Commonwealth passport holders can obtain an entry visa directly at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE).
Single Entry: $30–$50 USD
Double Entry: $45–$60 USD
KAZA UNIVISA: $50 USD (30 days of cross-border travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, including day trips to Botswana via Kazungula)
Category C — eVisa Prior to Travel
Certain nationalities must apply online in advance via the official portal, evisa.gov.zw. Allow 7–14 business days for processing.
Entry essentials: passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date with 2+ blank pages, return/onward flight ticket, and physical address of accommodation/invitation letter.
Citizens of the countries below do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini (Swaziland), The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Hong Kong (SAR), Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Nauru, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Alternatively, check visa requirements from your home country to Zimbabwe. Request an official invitation/visa letter from Mrs. Hulda Antwi (registrar@panafricanleadership.institute) if needed to facilitate travel.
- Print and keep a copy of the invitation letter you received from PALI before traveling.
- Travelers should ensure their passports are at least 6 months valid.
- Book a flight from your city to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE).
- Executive students are responsible for making their own air travel arrangements. If you are looking for economically feasible air prices, try cheapfares.com, expedia.com, flyex.com, kayak.com/flights, orbitz.com, or missionaryairfaresearch.com. Ensure you book flexible flights.
- Travel insurance is not included in your conference/immersion fees. While not a requirement to travel to Zimbabwe, it is useful to have international travel insurance for the period you will be traveling.
Hotel Reservation
Hotels near the Conference & Convocation venue
Sterling Lodge
$75–$100 / night40 Gilmour Dr, Hogerty Hill, Harare
Tel: +263 71 937 0379
Convocation Venue
Hyatt Regency Harare
$180–$330 / nightCorner 3rd Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare
Tel: +263 24 2701234
Kingsmead Guest House
$190–$240 / night78 Kingsmead Road, Borrowdale, Harare
Tel: +263 772 185 415
Other accommodation & hotel rates in Harare
High-End & Executive (5-Star / Premier)
- Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre — adjacent to the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). Ideal for event delegates. $135–$220/night
- Amanzi Lodge / Highland Estates (Boutique) — exclusive northern-suburbs boutique properties in quiet garden settings (Belgravia / Highlands). $200–$320/night
Mid-Range & Professional Business
- Holiday Inn Harare — central, well-equipped business hotel on Samora Machel Avenue. $90–$140/night
- Cresta Lodge Harare — along Samora Machel East; scenic surroundings with full business amenities. $85–$130/night
- Bronte Garden Hotel — charming garden-style business hotel in the Avenues district, near the Harare Sports Club. $80–$120/night
Budget & Value Accommodation / B&Bs
- N1 Hotel (Rotten Row or Samora Machel) — clean, modern, minimal budget accommodation close to central venues. $50–$70/night
- New Ambassador Hotel — conveniently located downtown for quick meetings. $45–$65/night
- Northern Suburbs B&Bs / Guesthouses (Borrowdale, Avondale, Mt Pleasant) — numerous secure bed & breakfasts with executive rooms. $40–$75/night
Airport Connectivity & Local Transport
From the runway to your room
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) sits approximately 15 km (9 miles) southeast of central Harare.
| Mode | Operational Details | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttles | Pre-arranged via major hotels (Rainbow Towers, Meikles, Holiday Inn). Highly recommended for evening arrivals. | $20–$30 per seat |
| Private Transfers / Chauffeurs | Dedicated door-to-door vehicle booked in advance via local operators. | $35–$50 total |
| Airport Taxis | Registered airport taxis operate outside the arrivals hall. Negotiate the rate before entering the vehicle — meters are rarely used. | $25–$35 to CBD/Belgravia |
| Ride-Hailing Apps | Local ride-hailing services (e.g., Vaya, InDrive) are available in urban Harare. Cash (USD) is often required. | $15–$25 |
If you have any difficulty, connect to the airport Wi-Fi and call any of the emergency contact numbers at the end of this guide.
B. On the day of travel
- Ensure you have your approved Zimbabwe visa in your passport, if required.
- Have a copy of this Travel Guide with you.
- Arrive at the airport for check-in at least 3 hours prior to your flight.
C. On arrival
- Present your passport to immigration officials at the airport.
- Pick up your luggage from the designated carousel.
- Walk to the arrivals gate for a taxi or your hotel shuttle.
Practical Information
What to pack, wear and carry
D. Clothing & Weather
In February, average high temperature in Harare is 77–79°F (25–27°C) and average low is 60°F (16°C).
We recommend packing breathable clothing for comfort, and good walking shoes for city excursions.
E. Dress Code for Graduation
Traditional dress or formal attire. If feasible, please bring a miniature of your national flag.
F. Prescribed Medications
We strongly advise you bring any medications you need for the duration of your stay, with an adequate supply to cover your entire visit to Zimbabwe.
G. Electrical Information
Zimbabwe uses Square 3-pin sockets (occasionally Round 3-pin), supporting 220V–240V. Bring a universal travel adapter.
H. Special Diets
If you have special dietary requirements (e.g., vegan), please inform us in advance so arrangements can be made.
I. Extra Spending Money
Bring extra cash and/or a debit/credit card. You can withdraw funds using Visa/Mastercard from ATMs, and currency exchange is available at the airport and around your accommodation.
J. Currency in Use — Dual-Currency Framework
US Dollars ($ USD): the primary currency across hoteliers, taxis, airlines, restaurants, and tourism entries. Carry crisp USD notes in smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) — change for $50/$100 bills can be limited in small establishments.
ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold): local official currency used mainly for domestic transactions and local retail outlets.
Card Payments: Visa and Mastercard accepted at major corporate hotels, fine dining, and national park entry gates — but cash (USD) remains essential for taxis, markets, and tipping.
ATMs: international cash withdrawals are limited; arrive with sufficient USD cash for contingent needs.
Optional Tours
Connectivity across Harare, Masvingo and Victoria Falls
A practical breakdown of logistics, flight connections, entry tariffs, and a multi-hub circuit connecting the three destinations.
A. Air — Harare ↔ Victoria Falls
Airlines: Fastjet Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe operate daily scheduled flights.
Flight duration: approx. 1 hour 5 minutes direct.
Airfare: $140–$220 one-way / $260–$380 round-trip (book 3+ weeks in advance for group rates).
B. Overland Executive Transfers
Harare → Masvingo (A4 Highway): 300 km, approx. 3.5 hours. Smooth asphalt, suitable for executive sedans, 22-seater mini-coaches, or SUVs.
Masvingo → Victoria Falls (A9/A8 via Bulawayo): 700 km, approx. 8.5–9 hours. Best broken up with an overnight stay in Bulawayo, or by private charter/flight return from Harare.
Private vehicle rental: Executive SUV with driver $220–$300/day (excl. fuel); 22-seater executive coaster with driver $350–$450/day.
Landmark entry fees & conservation tariffs
| Location / Site | International Visitor | SADC Regional Resident | Local Resident (ZIM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls — Rainforest Park | $58 USD | $30 USD | $7 USD | Includes VAT; gate payments accepted via USD cash or Visa/Mastercard. |
| Zambezi National Park (Vic Falls) | $24 USD | $18 USD | $8 USD | Conservation entry fee for game drives and river access. |
| Great Zimbabwe National Monument (Masvingo) | $15 USD | $10 USD | $5 USD | Guided local tour fee: ~$10–$15 per group. |
| Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park (Masvingo) | $15 USD | $10 USD | $4 USD | ZimParks entry for boat cruises and game viewing. |
| National Heroes Acre & Museum (Harare) | $10 USD | $7 USD | $4 USD | Includes access to the internal liberation museum. |
| Museum of African Liberation (Harare) | $10 USD | $7 USD | $3 USD | Guided heritage walks available on-site. |
| Wild Is Life & ZEN Sanctuary (Harare) | $100–$140 USD | $100 USD | $100 USD | Strictly requires pre-booking; includes afternoon tea and sanctuary tour. |
K. Travel Dos & Don'ts
Travel with confidence and respect
Do
- Carry your passport, or a clear printed copy, when traveling outside your primary accommodation.
- Dress formally or smart-casual for business meetings, conference tracks, and official graduation functions.
- Greet people politely before making requests — a warm "Ndeipi" (informal Shona) or "Mhoroi" (formal Shona) is widely appreciated.
- Pre-arrange your airport transfer, or ask your hotel concierge to call trusted taxi drivers.
Don't
- Photograph government buildings, military installations, police personnel, or official motorcades — this is strictly prohibited by law.
- Walk alone late at night in central business district areas; use registered hotel taxis.
- Wear military-style camouflage clothing — it is restricted to armed forces personnel.
- Rely solely on digital payments or credit cards for day-to-day local transportation and small vendors.
Emergency Contacts