Wearing Camouflage in Zimbabwe

I have read that camo is not legal in Zim. Can anyone tell me if this is true, and if so is it enforced or is it like speeding, you slow down when you see a cop then speed up after he passes. We will also be doing some sight seeing so we will spend some time in the public if this makes any difference.

I wouldn't worry about it and leave the camo home but all of my hunting coats, rain coat, hunting boats, and back pack (doubles as carry on) are all camo. If it is something to stay away from I best get shopping

My understanding is that "military" camo is not allowed but sporting type is. I am off to Zim in June with Touch Africa and most of the guys in the sites pictures are wearing camo including the PH. I am taking camo, not much, just a jacket I hunt with and my boots are camo but thats about it.

Zimbabwe does have a rule, and while I can't find it immediately, my recollection is that it prohibits "military style" camo. What that is, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. In three trips to Zimbabwe, I'd say I've seen more camo in the field more recently, but I haven't seen anyone (other than soldiers) wearing it in public. I've never had my bags opend for inspection by Zimbabwe Customs, so I can't say first hand if they'd do anything if they found camo, but I have heard from others that reactions have ranged from nothing to confiscation. As for wearing camo in public - that is, outside of a hunting concession - quite frankly, I wouldn't do it, simply because it gives the local authorities a reason to harrass you, and that means hassle and potentially - even likely - a payment will be required.

In a country without a (functioning) legal system, I 'd argue that it's best to avoid dealing with what system there is unless absolutely necessary.

You may want to get shopping!

Jamie,

Camo in any pattern other than military is fine. Do not wear it on the plane or in town. As Hank said why attract attention to yourself. I have a camo backpack and two different camo coats I've dragged all over Africa including Zim.

I'm not sure that camo is particularly important to have. OD pants, a tan shirt, or vice versa seems to work fine for me. Lions do fine with a tan coat. Quiet movement, keeping the wind in your face, using available cover, avoiding shine, moving in shadows, recognizing sight lines and using terrain, etc are all more important than a camo pattern. I'd use it as a good reason to get some new clothing.

The law may say "military style" is prohibited, but unless you really want to spend your vacation in a courtroom in Zimbabwe having a judge decide if your pattern is kosher or not, it is going to be up to a guy with a kalashnikov and an itchy palm in the middle of nowhere. Not worth it to me.

Camouflage clothing is illegal in Zimbabwe and may not be worn for any reason.

Under Zimbabwe's "obscure" DEFENSE ACT, civilians whether Zimbabwean or from any other country are prohibited from wearing camouflage.


CHAPTER 9:23, CRIMINAL LAW (CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT, CHAPTER III, CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE, Unlawful possession or wearing of camouflage uniforms Section 32

32 Unlawful possession or wearing of camouflage uniforms
(1) In this section—
“authorised person” means—
(a) a member of the Defence Forces, the Police Force, the Prison Service or any other uniformed force of the State;
(b) a member of a military force of a foreign State who is—
(i) on attachment to any force referred to in paragraph (a) under an arrangement made between the Government and the government of that foreign State; or
(ii) present in Zimbabwe, with the approval of the Government, in the course of his or her official duties; “camouflage uniform” means any article of wearing apparel made of material carrying military-style camouflage markings.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), any person who unlawfully possesses or wears any camouflage uniform shall be guilty of unlawfully possessing or wearing a camouflage uniform, as the case may be, and liable—
(a) to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both, in the case of unlawful possession of a camouflage uniform; or
(b) to a fine not exceeding level six or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both, in the case of unlawful wearing of any camouflage uniform.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply in relation to—
(a) an authorised person to the extent that the person possesses or wears a camouflage uniform that has, on or after the 18th April, 1980, been supplied to him or her, or authorised for his or her use, by the force of which he or she is a member or to which he or she is attached; or
(b) the possession of a camouflage uniform as an exhibit in a museum administered by the State or in terms of the National Museums and Monuments Act [Chapter 25:11]; or
(c) any person or member of a class of persons exempted from this section by the Minister by notice in writing to that person or by notice in the Gazette, as the Minister thinks fit, to the extent that such person or member possesses or wears camouflage uniform in accordance with the terms and conditions of such exemption.


See attached pdf document called Criminal Law (Codification And Reform) Act.

I think the operative word is military. If you look at Touch Africa's website, just about everyone in the trophy pictures is wearing camo including Jon Collet the PH. I have put in an email to Terry Wagner the booking agent for his opinion. I had planned to take a jacket and boots that are camo but may not take a chance at least with the jacket. Gonna take the boots regardless, they are just boots and not a military uniform as the official papers state.

Originally Posted by sestoppelman

my boots are camo but thats about it.

Ses, You hunting on your back or sneaking up on really small stuff?

Yeah, very funny! But no really, a pair of Danner lightweight leather hunting boots that happen to have a little bit of cordura Realtree or something in them. I emailed Jon Collet as well as Terry Wagner to get their opinions and when they reply I will post their answers. You shoulda been a comedian! Ha Ha!

It is a very good question. Since the boys at the road blocks all seem to have no sense of humor. I'd make sure you are certain or have some $10 bills in your pants for the trip to make them color blind.

Agreed, though I suspect we will hear it is much ado about nothing. I will give my PH and BA replies when they do.

Just heard back from booking agent Terry Wagner who books for Touch Africa. He said hunting camo is fine and just about everyone wears it with no problems.

That should save you a few toll charges.

And just heard from Jonathan Collet at Touch Africa Safaris in Zim. He said any type of hunting camo is fine and all his hunters in camp right now are wearing it, no worries. He said the Zim paranoia over camo has subsided considerably. He does caution still that military camo may cause problems, so dont do that.

I'm always telling my clients that "It probably will be OK" is not an attitude to have when traveling internationally with guns but I think in this case as long as your not wearing camo on the plane and in town your fine. I wouldn't buy camo to take on safari as it seems a little silly considering the members of your hunting party maybe wearing every color of the rainbow.

The road blocks look intimidating but in my experience driving all over Zim, Zambia and RSA I 've never had but one negative road block experience. One obviously stoned policeman wanted to know if Sadie and I were the PH's parents. That was pretty scary and we were deeply offended.