Although the political situation in Zimbabwe is regularly featured negatively on the international news – We can honestly say that Victoria Falls Town is like a different country. Victoria Falls is at this time of writing a perfectly safe tourist destination. Victoria Falls has always been its own entity and should be viewed separately from the rest of Zimbabwe with regards to crime and safety. In Victoria Falls petty crime of course does exist as with anywhere in the world, but it is at a very low level and certainly should not deter anyone from visiting this amazing place.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA SIDE OF THE FALLS?
Zimbabwe enjoys about 80% of the view of the Falls (16 view points). Zambia has only a small section - the eastern cataract (1 view point). If you only see the Falls from Zambia you have not really experienced Victoria Falls at all.
In the dry season from September through to December the Zambian portion of the Falls (eastern cataract) dries up almost completely. If you arrive during this time and only see the Falls from Zambia you will feel cheated. Zambian government levies and taxes are high and therefore the cost of Accommodation and Activities in Zambia is considerably higher than in Zimbabwe.
ARE
THERE ATM MACHINES IN VICTORIA FALLS WHERE I CAN WITHDRAW CASH?
Yes, Barclays Bank and several of the
other banks now have ATM cash withdrawal facilities accepting Visa and Master
Cards and dispensing US$ cash. The limit is the same as your limit back home.
Charges are $1.25 per transaction plus the charge from your local bank which
can be 2 to 3 %. It is still best to get your currency before you go. Travellers Cheques
Are NOT accepted by most places and I would NOT recommend using them.
It is still advisable to:
**
TAKE CASH WITH YOU **
** DON’T RELY COMPLETELY ON CREDIT CARDS **
** DO NOT USE TRAVELLERS CHEQUES**
** PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES BEFORE YOU GO **
WHAT
CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING?** DON’T RELY COMPLETELY ON CREDIT CARDS **
** DO NOT USE TRAVELLERS CHEQUES**
** PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES BEFORE YOU GO **
- The most popular foreign currencies to use in Victoria Falls are American Dollars and South African Rand, with Euros and British Pounds also acceptable. Always travel with some smaller value notes for ease of transaction, e.g. (US$1/US$5/US$20) etc.
- You do need foreign currency for accommodation and activities as noted above, for entrance into the Victoria Falls National and also airport departure tax if not already included in your ticket.
IS
THERE MALARIA IN VICTORIA FALLS?
Yes.
Malaria does occur in Victoria Falls and travellers would be advised to take an
appropriate prophylactic. Please ask your travel agent or doctor for advice
before you travel.Before you leave for Victoria Falls - Ideally 2-6 weeks before travelling - Visit your Doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic - if you are past this still get advice - as something is better than nothing. Tell them that you are travelling to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia.
People often contract malaria because they forget to take their prescribed prophylactic, and also become complacent about the prevention measures that must be taken.
Mosquitoes
feed from Dusk till Dawn. So at dusk the mosquito attack - this is the
most dangerous time and generally lasts for about an hour and a half. You must
use Insect repellent - Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are the two that work. It is also
recommended you put on protective clothing - long sleeve shirts, trousers and
socks.
Apply
the repellent to any part of the body that is not covered by clothing, making
special note of the juicy ankles. Use repellent under thin clothing as they
can bite through these as well. On Returning home - Please do not forget to finish the course of tablets. It is easy to think that because you are away from the zone that you don’t need to, this is definitely not the case, malaria parasites can remain in your body and continue to reproduce rapidly.
If
you return home and start feeling unwell with any flu like symptoms, headache
,fever, nausea, seek medical advice immediately and please make sure that you
tell them you have been in a malaria zone and ensure that a malaria test is
done - this will be in a form of a blood test. This will enable a speedy
diagnosis and could potentially save your life.
WHAT
IS THERE TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS?
Apart
from viewing the magnificent Victoria Falls, there is an activity to suit just
about everyone’s needs. Including White water rafting, bungee jumping, river
boarding, kayaking and canoeing, gorge swing, zip wire, flying fox, sunset and
dinner cruises on the Zambezi, game viewing activities, walking safaris,
horseback safaris, fishing, golf, helicopter and micro light flights, elephant
back safaris, walking with lions, cultural experiences and lots of local
crafts, to name just a few. You can choose any of these activities if they are
not included in your package at an extra cost which must be paid direct to the
service provider.
HOW
DO I GET TO VICTORIA FALLS?
Victoria
Falls is accessible by Air, Rail and Road. Victoria falls has its own
airport 22kms from the town centre. Transfers and taxis from the airport are
readily available and are included in any package booked with Wildfrontier
Africa Travel. Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone Town (Zambia)
both have international airports. These are serviced by several flights a day
from various destinations. We will deal individually with the major routes below:
Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria
Falls
There
are two choices, you can either fly into Victoria Falls airport (Zimbabwe) or
Livingstone airport (Zambia). This is an important initial decision to make as
it affects many things.
Flights
into Zambia are generally cheaper than the flights into Zimbabwe, however there
are a few things to consider and it is worth reading our comments on “Zimbabwe or Zambia?” below. Things
like yellow fever vaccinations, extra visa fees and higher prices for activities,
can balance the sums.
If
you opt to stay in Zimbabwe, then of course if you fly into Zimbabwe direct
there is no problem, you might need a visa (check our post on the blog “Visa Entry
Requirements to Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively) which is given to you at the
airport and then catch your transfer into town (22kms). Wildfrontier Africa
Travel includes transfer costs in the packages that are booked. The time this
process takes all depends on how full the flight is, so at peak times of the year
with full aircraft it can take a couple of hours to clear customs, in quieter
times this can be done in under an hour, so just bear this in mind when booking
any optional activities that you would like to do that are not included in your
package with Wildfrontier Africa Travel on the afternoon you arrive.
If
you want to stay on the Zimbabwe side but take advantage of the cheaper flights
into Zambia consider these points:
1. This works
well for nationalities like South Africans who don't need to buy visas for
Zimbabwe or Zambia, but for nationals who do need to purchase entry visas you
need to weigh up the costs of this extra double entry visa into Zambia.
See the “Visa Entry Requirements” on this travel blog for information on visas
and fees.
2. Yellow
fever vaccination required by all nationalities, the cost of this varies, in
South Africa it costs about ZAR450 from a travel clinic.
3. The cost
of a transfer to get from Livingstone across the border into Zimbabwe. Remember
that these costs are included in the packages booked with Wildfrontier Africa
Travel.
4. The extra
time it will take you to get from Livingstone to your hotel in Zimbabwe.
Although the distance is about the same you have to clear customs and
immigration again as you exit Zambia and enter Zimbabwe. Depending on how busy
it is this can take up the whole of your first afternoon.
Airlines
that fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia
Itime
airlines, Kulula air, South African Airways
Airlines
that fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
British
Airways, South Africa Airways
It
is interesting to note that flight prices are very erratic across all
the airlines. Highly expensive one day and then quite cheap the next. You can
search all the major airlines and get the best prices available by using the Travel Start search engine. It’s really good.
Zimbabwe: International and regional
airline access
Zimbabwe's primary international airports are Harare (HRE) and
Victoria Falls (VFA).
Best direct international links are via Gatwick or Zurich.
Best regional access is fromJohannesburg, Cape Town and Lusaka.
Aside from AirZimbabwe, consider the following airlines:
FromUSA: Delta, Continental, VirginAtlantic, Northwest
FromCanada: AirCanada, Canadian Airlines
FromEurope: British Airways, Lufthansa
Zambia: International and regional
airline access
Zambia's primary international airports are in Lusaka (LUN),
Livingstone (LVI) and Mfuwe (MFU).
Best direct international links are via Gatwick into Lusaka.
Livingstone is likely to develop into a major international hub in Zambia over
the next few years.
Best regional access is from Johannesburg, Harare, Lilongwe(Malawi),
Nairobi(Kenya) and Dar es Salaam(Tanzania).
If
you are unsure as to which country to stay in, Zimbabwe or Zambia, please see
the following, it should help you to make a decision.
ZAMBIA OR
ZIMBABWE?
The first big question that confronts
many people when considering a visit to Victoria Falls is “which country should
I go to, Zambia or Zimbabwe?”
For
those of you who are not familiar with the geography, the Zambezi River which
creates the magnificent Victoria Falls is the border between these two
countries. It is therefore possible to see the Falls from either country but deciding
on which one can hugely impact your experience and your wallet.
Historically,
Zimbabwe was considered the best country to view The Victoria Falls, its
infrastructure and the town’s locality to the Falls made it more suitable.
However in the last decade due to the political turmoil in Zimbabwe, Zambia has
established itself firmly as a tourist destination. They have injected a lot of money into their infrastructure and new hotels and tour operators have sprung up everywhere. Today it enjoys a large slice of the market share. However we would just like to highlight a few fundamental differences between the two so you can make your own decision...
Zimbabwe Pros and Cons
➢ 75% of the Falls are seen from the
Zimbabwean side, with a variety of 16 viewpoints bisecting the rainforest. A
network of paths allows you to thoroughly see the Falls from every angle.
➢ A true rainforest, where it rains
24hrs, 365 days of the year, from the falling spray created by these powerful
Falls.
➢ In Zimbabwe the Falls never dry up
even at the height of the dry season in October and November. The Main Falls
and Devils cataract will still have impressive water flow.
➢ Prices for accommodation and
activities are lower than Zambia due to lower government taxes and levies.
➢ Most of the popular activities can be
done in either country however, Microlight flights, Devils swim and Livingstone
Island tour can only be done in Zambia. Game viewing opportunities are better
in Zimbabwe
➢ Development on the banks of the
Zambezi River upstream of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has been carefully
controlled. Almost the entire stretch of river from Victoria Falls to Kazangula
+/- 80 kms is pristine National Park filled with wildlife.
➢ The town of Victoria Falls in
Zimbabwe is situated less than one kilometre away from the Falls. This means
that many of the Hotels and Lodges are within close striking distance of the
Falls. Victoria Falls is a much smaller town than Livingstone, Zambia and
everything seems to be more convenient and accessible.
➢ Zimbabwe has had very negative
exposure in the last decade which has portrayed it as an unsafe tourist
destination. I would like to allay these fears and assure you that it is a
totally safe destination. This is corroborated by the millions of tourists who
do venture there.
➢ No yellow fever vaccination required.
➢ Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria
Falls, Zimbabwe are slightly more expensive than flying into Livingstone,
Zambia. This needs to be weighed up against visa, transfer and vaccination costs.
Zambia Pros and Cons
➢ Zambia has only a 25% view of the
Falls - the eastern cataract. There is a reasonable network of paths and
several viewpoints covering this small section. One of the advantages is that
you can look right down the length of the Falls at Sunset and yet be close
enough to the exit gate to get out quickly before they close them.
➢ No true rainforest on this side as
there are times of the year when the water flow is very low or has completely
stopped.
➢ At the height of the dry season the
Zambian Section, the eastern cataract, dries up completely leaving just a rock
face.
➢ Prices for accommodation and
activities are higher in Zambia than Zimbabwe due to higher government taxes and levies.
➢ Development on the banks of the
Zambezi River upstream of Victoria Falls over the years has had less control
than Zimbabwe and many farms and developments exist.
➢ There are only two hotels close to
the entrance of Victoria Falls, the Royal Livingstone Hotel and the Zambezi
Sun. Residents at these two hotels are entitled to Free entrance to the Zambian
section of the Falls via their own entrance gate. This is a huge advantage and
a big money saver.
➢ The town of Livingstone is situated
about 10 kms from the entrance to the Falls, if you are staying in a Lodge or
Hotel in Livingstone you will incur extra costs in getting to the various
activities or to see the Falls.
➢ Livingstone Island tours are only
available from the Zambian side, this is a highly recommended activity as you
get to see the Falls from a completely different angle, right on the edge
exactly where David Livingstone saw it for the first time.
➢ Most of the popular activities can be
done in either country, however Microlight flights, Devils swim and Livingstone
Island tour can only be done in Zambia. Game viewing opportunities are better
in Zimbabwe
➢ Flights from Johannesburg into
Livingstone are currently cheaper than flying into Zimbabwe. This needs to be
weighed up against visa, transfer and vaccination costs.
➢ Yellow fever vaccination required
when returning to South Africa, these are quite costly and a bit of a hassle.
➢ Zambia has a hydroelectric station
which draws water from the Zambezi River above Victoria Falls. At low water
levels when this is switched on the eastern cataract can suddenly dry up.
So
there you have it, a few of the major differences between the two countries. If
you have the opportunity, time and money to see Victoria Falls from both
countries, that is obviously first prize, as you get a different perspective
from each side, the different viewpoints, angle to the sun etc.
If
you are only able to visit one country I would have to recommend Zimbabwe
as it has a superior section of the Falls, better locality and wildlife
opportunities. If you end up going to Zambia at the height of the dry season
all you will see is an impressive but dry rock face and I feel you will be
slightly disappointed.
In
conclusion, if you see the Falls from Zimbabwe only you can be confident
that you have seen the best of the Falls, if you see them from Zambia only,
I am sorry but the same can’t be said.
GETTING AROUND
VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE
Getting
around Victoria Falls is actually quite easy. The town of Victoria Falls and
the Falls themselves are within walking distance of each other – as you arrive,
the ever present “smoke” from the Falls very quickly orientates you as to the
lay out of the town. The Falls are literally situated at the end of the main
road into town.Once you are in the town then the option of walking always seems like the best. This is really very safe and although at mid-day in the summer it can get very hot – certainly it is how most tourists – get around. You are also able to walk around at night – but would suggest that you do take care if you do decide to walk and that you don’t go alone where ever possible. As with any place in the world crime does exist. Please be aware of the wild life that you might encounter. Elephant frequent the town centre regularly.
Getting
to the various activities
If
you have booked on one of the many activities
to do in the Falls, transport is provided for most of the activities by all the
tour operators/brokers. When you make your OPTIONAL extra activity booking you
will be asked, which hotel or lodge you want to be collected from. There is
also a central collection point in town.
WHEN
IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS?
That
depends on what you want. It is hot most of the year round although in the
winter months of June, July and August evening temperatures can drop to only a few degrees Celsius. Summer - September through to April can get exceedingly
hot with temperatures reaching 40 degrees. The Falls are at their fullest flow
rate around March, April, May and at their lowest in late October early
November. At peak flow rate there is so much spray it is sometimes difficult to
see the falls, but you can certainly feel them. So there is a different
experience all year round.
Victoria Falls
Weather
Plenty
of sunshine, an average eight hours per day, which is just what you need to
make the most of the endless activities that there are to experience in
the area.
Victoria
Falls weather is beautiful!! For anyone getting away from the long winter
months of the Northern hemisphere, you will love it. Hot summers from September
through to April, and mild winters from May through to August. The time of
year, mainly due to the rains and the Zambezi water level, does have a dramatic
effect on many factors that might influence your trip.
So
please read the information carefully below to make sure that you plan your
trip accordingly.
Here
are some factors that might be important to you…
*
Rafting season generally closes around Feb / March - due to excessive high
water level of the Zambezi River. It re opens around mid-July
*
Best Rafting is August through to December - due to the low water level of the
Zambezi River.
*
March/April- Huge volume of spray making viewing of the falls from the ground
difficult, but great for aerial viewing.
*
November/early December - Low water level of the Zambezi River means parts of
the Falls dry up on the Zambian side.
*
The Zambezi National Park can be closed after heavy rains from December through
to March.
*
Best Game Viewing is from late August to the first rains around Mid-November.
*
Migrant Birds arrive around September.
*
Mosquitoes more prevalent during rainy season December to April.
*
Extremely hot and dry October - fantastic sunsets.
Victoria
Falls Weather in Brief
Winter (May to
Mid-August) in Victoria Falls is mild and dry. Average high temperatures
ranging from 25-27°C (77-81°F) and average lows between 7-10°C (45-50°F). Not a
bad winters day!
Summer (Mid-August
to end April) in Victoria Falls is generally hot to very hot and wet during the
rainy season (Mid-November to April). Average highs between 32-34°C (90-93°F)
and average lows between 15-19°C (59-66°F).
DOES
EVERYBODY SPEAK ENGLISH?
Yes,
almost everyone, it is the National language and Tourism staff are all well trained
and experienced. The local people's mother tongue is Ndebele. Many Hotels and
activity operators also have multi-lingual staff speaking French, Italian,
German and even Chinese.
WHAT
WILL HAPPEN IF I GET SICK WHILST AT VICTORIA FALLS?
Whilst
it is standard practice to advise all tourists to purchase the necessary
medical and evacuation cover when travelling to foreign countries, we are
pleased to advise that there is an excellent private clinic in Victoria Falls
manned by qualified and experienced staff.
They
also have a Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) base in Victoria Falls in the
event that an emergency evacuation is required. Most activity operators and
some hoteliers include MARS evacuation cover in their charges.
CAN
I DRINK THE WATER IN VICTORIA FALLS?
Yes.
Most, if not all locals, drink happily from municipal supplies. However, if you
suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, then bottled water is recommended and
is readily available.
YELLOW
FEVER INOCULATION
If you are going to go through Johannesburg even for a one hour transit you MUST have a yellow fever certificate to show you had the yellow fever inoculation if you have to go into Zambia. If you only go to Zimbabwe then you don't need one.
If you are going to go through Johannesburg even for a one hour transit you MUST have a yellow fever certificate to show you had the yellow fever inoculation if you have to go into Zambia. If you only go to Zimbabwe then you don't need one.
TYPHOID AND YELLOW FEVER DIFFERENCES
For any trip to Zambia you will need a
Yellow Fever inoculation. Please be
advised that you will have to go for your Yellow Fever inoculation for which
you will receive a certificate from your Doctor BEFORE entering Zambia. They
will not allow you to board the aeroplane without the certificate.
Please
also note that Typhoid Fever and Yellow Fever are NOT the same and therefore
please make 100% sure that your Doctor is giving you the correct shot. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella
bacteria in contaminated food and water, whereas yellow fever is a viral
disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is
recommended that you have the required inoculations four to six weeks before
you travel to Southern Africa (a yellow fever inoculation certificate only
becomes valid 10 days after inoculation - after which it remains valid for 10
years). Please also note that even though you have had your yellow fever
inoculation, you MUST still take preventative measures against malaria.
