The 15 most frequently asked questions by travelers to Victoria Falls

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 is well justified? However, Victoria Falls has always been an entity of its own 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 population of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe’s supporters are the Mashona people of Mashonaland province. The Victoria Falls region is located in the province of Matabeleland and is the stronghold of the Matebele people, their rule 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 subject.

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

Petty crime exists 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 won’t do anything to jeopardize this. Be aware and sensitive as you would when traveling to any destination in the world.

The United States recently lifted travel advisories for all its citizens wishing to travel to Zimbabwe, showing its confidence in Zimbabwe’s recovery. Other countries have also followed follows. 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No, the Zimbabwean dollar is obsolete for the foreseeable future.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 pounds sterling 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 struggle to get clearance quickly 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. ATMs are definitely not operational and cash cannot be withdrawn. The best advice is to book early and pay for your accommodation and activities as much as you can, then bring some cash for spending money and extras.

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

Payment for your accommodation must be made before you arrive 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 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 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 just about anyone. For adrenaline junkies, there’s the world’s wildest day-long whitewater rafting trip, 350-foot bungee jumping, river surfing, kayaking, ultralight and helicopter flights, gorge swings , zip lines and much more.

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

7. How do I get to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls can be accessed by air, rail, 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 wonderfully quiet to travel on. Fuel supply is unpredictable, so make sure you have enough to go the entire 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 trip. Botswana Rail has trains running between Francistown and Bulawayo and Zimbabwe Railways has an overnight train from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, this is one option but certainly not luxurious. The trains are a bit run down and I’ve heard reports that some of the carriages don’t have lights, but it’s a unique African experience if you feel like 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 center.

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 paperwork. You will need to check if your country of origin 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 to cover your stay in Zimbabwe are 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 visas Gratis (free) 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 before travelling; however, some countries require their citizens to apply before travel so check this and all other 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 over 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, notably the Eastern Cataract in Zambia.

As water levels drop, whitewater rafting gets wilder. Birds and wild animals congregate in the river in search of the essential water for life.

There is always plenty of sunshine, 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 food shortage in Victoria Falls?

There have been food shortages in the past, but now things are getting better 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 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 at 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 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 necessary evacuation and medical coverage 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 happily drink from municipal supplies. However, if you suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is recommended and is readily available.

15. What is the difference between siding with Zimbabwe and siding with Zambia?

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 who traveled to see Mighty Falls and then only saw it 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 conservation areas are prolific. with the hunt.