1. Is it safe to visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe as a whole has received a lot of bad press in recent years due to its political instability. Therefore, the question “Is it safe to visit?” It is well justified. However, Victoria Falls has always been a separate entity and should be viewed separately from the rest of Zimbabwe when it comes to crime and safety.

To understand this clearly, you need to know the tribal structure of the local Zimbabwean population. Robert Mugabe’s supporters are the Mashona people of Mashonaland province. The Victoria Falls region is located in the Matabeleland province and is the stronghold of the Matebele people, their dominance here is so strong that Mashona supporters dare not venture here. For this reason, Victoria Falls has been spared the political unrest to which the rest of Zimbabwe has been subjected.

As I write this, I would confidently say that Victoria Falls is a perfectly safe tourist destination. Reviews from all travel forums will back it up.

Petty crimes exist like anywhere in the world, but this is a tourist city and people know that their livelihood depends on the arrival of visitors. In general, they will do nothing to jeopardize this. Be aware and sensitive as you would if you travel to any destination in the world.

The United States recently removed travel advisories for all its citizens wishing to travel to Zimbabwe, showing its confidence in Zimbabwe’s recovery. Other countries have also followed suit. Japan excluded Victoria Falls from its travel advisories in April 2009.

2. Is the Zimbabwe dollar still used?

No, the Zimbabwe dollar is obsolete for the foreseeable future. Goods and services are now priced and paid for in US dollars. Although rand, pula and pounds sterling will also be accepted at the exchange rate of the day.

3. Can I use credit cards?

The banking system in Zimbabwe does not facilitate the use of credit cards. Therefore, only companies that have external bank accounts or sister companies outside the country can accept credit cards. Although the larger hotel groups have this facility, some of them collect taxes and some struggle to get authorization fast enough, so it can be a very frustrating experience. Small shops and restaurants will not accept cards and neither will most tour operators. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely on the use of your credit card within Zimbabwe. ATMs are definitely not operational and cash cannot be withdrawn. The best advice is to book early and pay for accommodation and activities as much as you can, and then carry some cash to spend money and extras.

4. How do I pay for my accommodation and activities?

Payment for your accommodation must be made before arriving in Zimbabwe, through your travel agent. Package deals that include flights and accommodation are by far the cheapest way to go and can be paid for before departure. Traveler’s checks are accepted in some hotels and not in others.

Of course, cash is accepted everywhere, but it is never advisable to carry large amounts.

All activities such as rafting and bungee jumping, etc. You can also book and pay through reputable websites before you travel, as most tour operators do not accept credit cards when you are there.

5. What type of accommodation is available at Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls, a small resort town located just one kilometer from the mighty Victoria Falls. This city has developed for one reason and one reason only: tourists.

As a result, there is a wide range of hotels and hostels, bed and breakfast, self catering and camping. From the most luxurious accommodation to backpacker hostels, whatever your budget, there is sure to be something for you.

6. What activities can I do at Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is the undisputed adventure capital of Africa. There is an incredibly wide variety of activities that will satisfy everyone’s needs. For the adrenaline junkies, there’s the world’s wildest whitewater rafting trip, the 111-meter high bungee jump, river surfing, kayaking, helicopter and microlight flights, gorge swings. , zip lines and many more.

For the more laid-back, there are river cruises, elephant rides, rich local arts, crafts and cultural experiences, fishing, golf, and game watching, the list goes on and on.

7. How do I get to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is accessible by air, train, and road.

By air – Both British Airways and South African Airways operate daily flights to Victoria Falls direct from Johannesburg. Air Namibia operates four flights a week from Windhoek via Maun to the falls and Air Zimbabwe operates daily flights from Harare, three days a week these flights pass through Bulawayo.

By highway– The roads in Zimbabwe are still in very good condition and are probably some of the best in Africa and are very quiet to travel. Fuel delivery is unpredictable, so be sure to pack enough fuel to go the entire distance. Fuel is normally available at Victoria Falls at the steep price of $ 1.50 a liter.

By rail – The Luxury Rovos Rail service travels between Pretoria and Victoria Falls and is a trip of 2 nights and 3 days. Botswana Rail has trains running between Francistown and Bulawayo and the Zimbabwe Railways have a night train from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, this is an option but certainly not luxurious. The trains are a bit worn and I have heard reports of some of the wagons not having lights, but it is a unique African experience if you are up to it!

Victoria Falls Train Station is right next to the Victoria Falls Hotel and Kingdom Hotel and less than a kilometer from the city center.

8. Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe and how do I get it?

If you stay for less than six months, you can enter Zimbabwe with minimal paperwork. You will need to check if your home country requires you to obtain a visa. Check the Victoria Falls Travel Guide website.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, a return ticket to your country (or enough money to buy one) and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zimbabwe is required.

Visas for British passport holders cost $ 55 for a single entry and $ 70 for a double entry visa. United States passport holders pay $ 30 for a single entry and $ 45 for a double entry visa. South Africans receive free (free) visas at the port of entry.

Citizens of many countries can obtain entry visas very easily at the port of entry and therefore do not need to organize it before traveling; however, some countries do require their citizens to apply for it before traveling, so check this and all the others. Visa details on the Victoria Falls travel guide website

9. When is the best time of year to visit Victoria Falls?

There is never a better time; each season has its own magic. From December to May, the water levels are at their highest and there is a large volume of water plummeting over the falls, which is quite spectacular. As the water level drops, from May to December there is less water falling on the falls, so there is less dew and the falls become more visible. In late October and early November, before the rains come, some parts of the falls stop flowing, especially the eastern Zambian waterfall.

As the water levels drop, the rafting gets wilder. Birds and nature congregate in the river to obtain the essential water for life.

There is always plenty of sun, but the winter months of June and July are extremely cold at night. The months of December and January normally experience heavy rains.

10. Is there malaria at Victoria Falls?

Yes, malaria occurs at Victoria Falls and travelers are advised to take an appropriate prophylactic. Ask your travel agent or doctor for advice before traveling. Other precautions such as mosquito nets and insect repellent are recommended.

You can find more tips on the Victoria Falls Travel Guide website.

11. Is it true that there is a food shortage at Victoria Falls?

In the past there have been food shortages, but now things are looking up and you will find most of the things you need, although it is very expensive.

If you stay in a hotel, you will have no idea that there is a shortage, the menus are complete and exquisite.

12. Is there a fuel shortage?

All tour operators provide their own fuel, so as a visitor this will have no impact on your trip.

If you are a self-drive tourist, fuel is now normally always available at Victoria Falls, although this is not guaranteed as some weeks it is available and others not. It is always very expensive. And I would recommend filling all fuel tanks before entering Zimbabwe.

13. What will happen if I get sick while at Victoria Falls?

While it is standard practice to advise all tourists to purchase necessary evacuation and medical coverage when traveling to foreign countries, we are pleased to inform you that there is an excellent private clinic at Victoria Falls staffed by qualified and experienced staff.

They also have an Air Rescue Medical Service (MARS) base at Victoria Falls in case an emergency evacuation is required. Most activity operators and some hoteliers include MARS evacuation coverage in their rates.

14. Can I drink water at Victoria Falls?

Yes, most if not all locals happily drink from municipal supplies. However, if you suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is recommended and available.

15. What is the difference between staying on the Zimbabwean side and on the Zambian side?

The most fundamental difference between staying in these two different countries is that the geographic layout means that Zimbabwe has 85% of Victoria Falls on its side of the border. Therefore, any visitor traveling to see the Mighty Falls and then only seeing them from Zambia would have been severely deprived.

Although wildlife conservation is now much more controlled in Zambia, much of the wildlife in the past has been depleted, unlike in Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi National Park and surrounding wildlife reserves are prolific with hunting. .