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. So the question “Is it safe” to visit is well justified? However, Victoria Falls has always been its own 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 hold here is so strong that supporters of Mashona dare not venture here. For this reason, Victoria Falls has been free from 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. The reviews on all the travel forums will back this up.

Petty crime exists like anywhere in the world, but this is a tourist town and people know that their livelihood depends on the arrival of visitors. In general, they will not do anything to jeopardize this. Be aware and sensitive as you would when traveling to any destination in the world.

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

2. Is the Zimbabwean dollar still in use?

No, the Zimbabwean dollar is obsolete for the foreseeable future. Goods and services are now priced and paid for in US dollars. Although the Rand, Pula and British pounds will also be accepted at the exchange rate of the day.

3. Can I use Credit Cards?

The Zimbabwean banking system 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 charge taxes and some fight to get clearance 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 very unwise to rely on the use of your credit card within Zimbabwe. The ATMs are definitely not operational and no cash can be withdrawn. The best advice is to book early and pay for your accommodation and activities as much as you can, then take some cash with you to spend money and extras.

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

Payment for your accommodation must be made prior to arrival 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 at some hotels and not at 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 in advance and pay through reputable websites before you travel, as most tour operators don’t accept credit cards when you’re there.

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

Victoria Falls, a small tourist 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 breakfasts, self catering and camping. From the most luxurious accommodation to backpacker hostels, whatever your budget, there is sure to be something to suit you.

6. What activities can I do in Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is the undisputed adventure capital of Africa. There is an incredibly wide variety of activities that will meet the needs of almost everyone. For the adrenaline junkies, there’s the wildest day-long whitewater rafting trip in the world, 350-foot bungee jumping, river surfing, kayaking, helicopter and microlight flights, gorge swings , zip lines and much more.

For the more easy-going, there are river cruises, elephant trekking, rich local arts, crafts and cultural experiences, fishing, golf and game viewing, and the list goes on and on.

7. How do I get to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is accessible by air, rail and road.

by air – Both British Airways and South African Airways operate daily flights to Victoria Falls directly 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 go through Bulawayo.

By highway– The roads in Zimbabwe are still in very good condition and are probably some of the best in Africa and wonderfully quiet to travel on. The fuel supply is unpredictable, so make sure you have enough to go the distance. Fuel is normally available in Victoria Falls at the high price of US$1.50 per litre.

ByRail – The Luxury Rovos Rail service travels between Pretoria and Victoria Falls and is a 2 night 3 day journey. Botswana Rail have trains running between Francistown and Bulawayo and Zimbabwe Railways have an overnight train from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, this is an option but certainly not luxurious. The trains are a bit dilapidated and I’ve heard reports that some of the carriages don’t have lights, but it’s a unique African experience if you’re up for it!

The Victoria Falls train station is right next to the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Kingdom Hotel and less than a kilometer from the city centre.

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

If you are staying for less than six months, you can enter Zimbabwe with minimal formalities. You will need to check if your home country requires you to obtain a visa. Check out 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 are required to cover your stay in Zimbabwe.

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 Gratis (free) visas at the port of entry.

Citizens of many countries can obtain Entry Visas very easily at the port of entry and therefore there is no need to arrange this prior to travel; however some countries require their citizens to apply before traveling so check this and all other visa details on the Victoria Falls travel guide website

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

There is never a better time; each season has its own magic. From December through 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 spray and the falls become more visible. In late October and early November, before the rains come, parts of the falls stop flowing, particularly the eastern waterfall in Zambia.

As the water levels drop, whitewater rafting gets wilder. Birds and wild animals flock to the river in search of 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 rain.

10. Is there malaria in Victoria Falls?

Yes, malaria does occur in Victoria Falls and travelers are advised to take a suitable prophylactic. Ask your travel agent or doctor for advice before you travel. Other precautions such as mosquito nets and insect repellent are recommended.

More tips can be found on the Victoria Falls Travel Guide website.

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

There have been food shortages in the past, but now things are looking up and you will find most things you need, even though it is very expensive.

If you are staying 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-driving tourist, fuel is always available in Victoria Falls, although this is not guaranteed as some weeks it is available and others it is not. It is always very expensive. And I would recommend filling all the fuel tanks before entering Zimbabwe.

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

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

They also have a Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) base in 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 the water from Victoria Falls?

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

15. What is the difference between staying on Zimbabwe’s side and staying on Zambia’s side?

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

Although wildlife conservation is now much more controlled in Zambia, much of the wildlife has in the past been depleted, unlike in Zimbabwe where the Zambezi National Park and surrounding wildlife conservation areas are plentiful. on hunt.