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Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:01 pm
by memory man
We're off to Zimbabwe in January for a holiday and passing thru'
Doha International airport, Qatar.
Any one who has been there...........Is it easy to navigate thru' the
airport?
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:39 pm
by PaphosAL
Just to clarify a bit, MM
Are you flying from PFO or LCA with one carrier to Doha, Qatar, then transferring to a different flight/carrier to Zimbabwe from there? What sort of wait time are you expecting at Doha?
AL

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:42 pm
by Ams
I've transferred through Doha a couple of times and never had a problem navigating through it. There's no transferring terminals. It's a busy airport but seems to work well. It's only a couple of years old and rather modern. The centrepiece is a giant statue of a teddy-bear, don't ask me why...
Plenty of shopping, though a lot of it is high-end. There isn't much seating in the centre area (unless you sit in one of the cafes/restaurants) but if you just walk down a little bit you'll find plenty of seating.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 6:04 pm
by PaphosAL
Phew! Thanks for that input for MM, Ams. It's just that I've done a couple of transfers in the Middle East in the past, where we were all herded like cattle into a third world Transfer terminal area.
Boiling hot, very humid, no A/C, little in the way of food and water etc. Surrounded by hundreds of TCNs (Third Country Nationals) on their way back home to India after finishing their 3 year contract. Unpleasant experience, after 6 hours, to say the least...
AL

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 6:14 pm
by Band
memory man wrote: βWed Nov 01, 2017 5:01 pm
We're off to Zimbabwe in January for a holiday
Forgive my asking, but is that safe? With all the stories you read about the country and its delightful leader, it doesn't much sound like a holiday destination.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 6:29 pm
by PaphosAL
Band wrote: βWed Nov 01, 2017 6:14 pm
memory man wrote: βWed Nov 01, 2017 5:01 pm
We're off to Zimbabwe in January for a holiday
Forgive my asking, but is that safe? With all the stories you read about the country and its delightful leader, it doesn't much sound like a holiday destination.
Must admit, Band, I did have the same sort of doubt running around in my mind, too...
Held off from commenting, as I've been criticised for getting too 'personal' in my replies in recent months. What do you pack for a holiday in Zimbabwe? Two weeks supply of food and drinking water per person?
Curious and curiouser... AL

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 6:34 pm
by memory man
..... and also the Bubonic Plague is in nearby countries,
but I will get my jabs before I go.
I'll be safer having a " walk with the lions " @ Antelope Park.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 6:38 pm
by memory man
What do you pack for a holiday in Zimbabwe? Two weeks supply of food and drinking water per person?
Curious and curiouser... AL
You actually get food in Africa Al, and water you can also buy!
Why pack it? I'm confused at your question!!!!
* FAO Al..
This is where I'm going.............
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaOVuN-AYXU
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 7:11 pm
by trevnhil
LIKE

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 8:20 pm
by PaphosAL
Apologies, MM. From the UK press, we are led to believe that Zimbabwe, under Mugabi, is near bankrupt, no food in the shops, population dying of thirst and/or hunger, sky high inflation.
When it was once the food basket of Africa, before the white farmers were driven out... But your video does paint a totally different scenario, tourist-wise!
I wish you a very safe and enjoyable holiday there come January, when it should be around 30ΒΊc daytime, but possibly wet as well. AL

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 12:33 am
by PhotoLady
A lesson why none of us should all believe what we read in the news these days....
Have a wonderful time! Looking forward to your photos

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 5:54 am
by Ramone
Doha Intl airport as said earlier is 3 year old & has all the mod cons of any new airport.
I fly through the middle east quite a lot & the airports are very safe to travel through. ( apart Cairo which is a S*** hole).
It is very well planned out & easy to find your gates.
It is very safe so you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy your holiday.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:16 am
by Ams
I've read a few good reports about holidays in Zimbabwe recently, including someone who did a self drive, all without any problems and complimentary on their trip. I quite fancy it one day, so let us know how you get on MM.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:49 am
by JohnnyWelsh
Travelled via Doha Airport August/September this year. Very easy to navigate is the answer your question.
If you have a long wait between flights I would recommend using one of their lounges. Pick one which has storage cupboards where you can put your belongings if you feel the need to. For $56 you get as much food and drink as you wish a chance to sleep in designated area if needed and they have shower facilities which are great!
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 1:29 pm
by memory man
Thanks to Ams, Ramone and JohnnyWelsh for setting my mind
a little easier.
It really is appreciated.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:39 pm
by merchant_banker
If you have enough time you can get a visa to go and explore Doha.
There is a wonderful souk there - not touristy.
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:44 pm
by memory man
Thanks m_b, but we only have 2 hours until next flight

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 4:09 pm
by PaphosAL
How about on the return flights, MM? Still only 2 hours transit time?
Just watched your amazing video again, this time full screen on my 24" HD TV/Monitor. What a stunning place the Antelope Park is... Unbelievable how close up you can get to the wildlife there! Do they have accommodation where tourists can stay?
Cheers- AL

Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 4:24 pm
by memory man
Have a look here Al @ accommodation.
http://antelopepark.co.zw/accommodation/
My wife was there last January with her friend and says
the lodges are first class.
Also here is the price list for activities.
http://antelopepark.co.zw/all-activities/rates/
Re: Doha Intl airport
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 10:16 am
by Pafos
The new airport is fantastic, very easy to get around. A vast improvement on the old one which is literally next door.
It's actually a nice city if you ever get the chance to visit.