15 WAYS TO BEAT JET LAG

Before going:

1. Change your sleep routine

Going West – start going to bed a bit later a few days before your trip.
Going East – start going to bed a bit earlier a few days before your trip.

2. Wear sunglasses
Your circadian rhythm responds to your eyes detecting light. Controlling your exposure to natural and artificial light can help change it.

3. Plan a stopover if possible

It’s a good way to let the body adjust gradually to new time zones.

4. Keep calm
Try simplifying your travel plans as far as possible.

During your flight:

5. Time your activities
Try to eat and sleep according to the times of your destination.

6. Use remedies with caution

Using melatonin or other sleeping remedies is not recomended, as it won’t help your body adjust naturally.

7. Drink water
Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.

8. Get comfortable

Earplugs, eye masks, cushions, blankets – whatever it takes!

9. Keep active

Stretch your legs regularly and take walks around the cabin.

At your destination:

10. Spend the day outdoors

Exposure to daylight helps you adjust to the new time zone a little faster.

11. Going west?

Get more morning light as soon after arrival as possible.

12. Going east?

Afternoon light is your friend.

13. Get your ‘anchor sleep’

Try to get a minimum of 4 hours sleep during the local night.

14. Stay on ‘home time’ for short trips

If you’re staying for less than 4 days, and it’s possible, plan meals and sleeping according to your home country clock.

15. Recover lost sleep

Take short naps to get the same amount of sleep you would normally have in a 24-hour window.

GROUP TOURS - VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

Travelling in a group keeps the trip easy, breezy and fun!

Enquire about our Group Tours - we will accompany you on the Group Tour

prices in the quotation are per person sharing per stay

• 3 nights/4 nights or 5 Nights in Zimbabwe
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation in Double room sharing
• Return Airport Transfers included

Choose any of the following:

• 3 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, river safari, chobe day trip and tour of the Victoria Falls.
• 4 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, river safari, elephant interaction and tour of the Victoria Falls.
• 5 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, elephant interaction, two days canoeing the Zambezi rapids and tour of the Victoria Falls.
• OR choose our various packages ranging from the Ultimate Safari; Walk with Lions; Adrenaline Junkie; Adventure Pass or the Cultural Tour package.

If you need any further info, kindly send us an email directly to bookings@wildfrontierafricatravel.com or wildfrontierafrica@gmail.com , we're looking forward to hearing from you.

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the African bush, so don't delay...book today! :-) You can also view our website on www.wildfrontierafricatravel.com or our facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wildfrontier-Africa-Travel/272603672825733

PASSPORTS

A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to your country. You are strongly advised to always carry a valid passport when travelling to any foreign destination. Crossing international borders can be complicated and sometimes requires many different kinds of documents. Being prepared is the key to easing your way through this process, so make sure you know what documents you need, where to get them, and which ones will make your crossing quick and easy.

Remember to:

Carry a passport for all trips outside your country.

Be sure that your passport is still valid.

Check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry.

Scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself or carry it a separate location

Leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you.

Keep your passport safe while travelling.

Do not leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere.

Carry it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel safe.

CROSSING BORDERS ZIM/ZAMBIA/BOTSWANA – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are here to make your border crossing as simple and hassle free as possible. You can expect to have our colleagues accompanying you at all times and they will assist you in any possible way. A representative working together with Wildfrontier Africa Travel is based at each border post. Our colleagues are all very experienced at crossing these borders, however, the border posts are not under the jurisdiction of Wildfrontier Africa Travel, and as a result you may on occasion experience some of the scenarios laid out below.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FOLLOWING BORDER POSTS:
ZIMBABWE – ZAMBIA and vice versa

You will be required to present yourself at Immigration for Immigration formalities; these vary from Country to Country and can include photographs, finger print scanning and passport scanning.

Possible queues at Immigration

You will cross over the Victoria Falls bridge – only one vehicle is allowed on this bridge at any time, which can cause occasional delays

Heavy truck congestion blocking parts of the road may also cause delays

When crossing the border you may be required to change vehicles from a Zambian vehicle to a Zimbabwean vehicle or vice-versa

You may need to walk a short way with your bags to change transfers

ZIMBABWE – BOTSWANA

You will be required to present yourself at Immigration

Possible queues at Immigration

When crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana you will change from a coach to an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle. This will be branded African Odyssey.

You may need to walk a short way with your bags to change vehicles

On the Botswana side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The officials may also request that you pass all your shoes over this mat, so would be a good idea to keep them easily accessible.

ZAMBIA – BOTSWANA

You will be required to present yourself at Immigration

Possible queues at immigration

On the Zambian side of the river you will be required to walk a short distance from the transfer vehicle to the boat.

You will cross the Zambezi river in a speed boat (approximately 5 minutes) The general public and heavy commercial traffic cross the river on state operated ferries.

On the Botswana side of the river you will be transferred in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle branded African Odyssey to the Botswana immigration and customs hall. Every passenger is required to present themselves in person to the officials. Again scanning equipment will be encountered, however you may be required to complete manual declaration forms at either border should the computer systems be off line.

On the Botswana side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The officials may also request that you place all shoes in your position on this mat, so would be a good idea to keep them easily accessible

Possible delays due to heavy truck congestion.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Have your passport and visa (or cash for visa) ready. Botswana does not process visas at the border without prior arrangement and they will only accept BWP as payment

The best currency to carry is US Dollars

Have some water and reading material nearby

Keep an eye on your belongings as this border is a busy one with a lot of foot traffic

Don't be stressed, hundreds of tourists like you cross each of these borders very safely every day!

ETIQUETTE ABROAD: HOW TO AVOID CULTURAL FAUX PAS

A guide to cultural etiquette around the world.

The China National Tourism Administration has published an etiquette guide for Chinese travellers, who are advised, among other things, not to urinate in public swimming pools, click their fingers (unless they’re summoning a dog) or pick their nose in public.

It's all too easy to cause offence to other nationalities while travelling, so here is a guide of the top cultural ‘faux pas' to avoid when abroad.

Etiquette abroad: Muslim countries
Avoid eating anything with your left hand in Muslim countries. This is because the left hand is traditionally used to remove dirt – whether it's blowing a nose or, without going into details, holding the toilet paper during calls of nature.

Etiquette abroad: China
In China, business cards and money should always be presented with both hands. 'The general consensus is that two hands indicate respect to the other person,' explains Professor Leo Ching, the chair of Duke University's Asian and Middle Eastern Studies department. 'I believe that this practice started in Japan and spread from there.'

Etiquette abroad: Philippines
If you find yourself in a Filipino market hunting for souvenirs, be careful when it comes to getting the attention of the stallholder. In the Philippines, summoning with a finger is regarded as a gesture suitable only for directing at dogs; summoning a person in such a manner is even punishable by arrest.

Etiquette abroad: Japan
In Japan, sticking both chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice will cause serious offence. Why? 'That’s what is done at a funeral,' explains Professor Haruo Shirane, an expert in Japanese culture based at New York's Columbia University.

Etiquette abroad: Arab countries
In Arab countries, the feet are seen as the lowliest and dirtiest part of the body. While it’s fine to display your designer pedicure in a pair of flip-flops, avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people.

Etiquette abroad: Russia
If you ever order takeaway in Russia, when the delivery person arrives make sure you step outside to hand over the cash. In Russia shaking hands or exchanging cash across a threshold is considered unlucky.
'It is believed that people once buried ashes of the first owner of the house under the threshold, so by doing something on the doorstep, residents risk disturbing the peace of the dead,' says Professor Evgeny Dobrenko, head of Russian and Slavonic studies at the University of Sheffield.

Etiquette abroad: South Korea
Keeping your shoes on when entering a house is considered especially rude in South Korea. This is because the ancient Koreans used an underfloor heating system to heat their homes, and family life revolved around the floor.
Another tip for anyone heading to South Korea: never write anyone's name in red ink. 'It's bad luck for the person whose name is written in red,' explains Jong Hwang, secretary of Harvard University's Korea club.
'Legend states that only the emperor was allowed to write their name in red. Anyone else using red to write their name would be accused of committing treason and sentenced to death.'

Etiquette abroad: North Korea
If you ever find yourself in North Korea photographing one of the many statues of the Kims, make sure you capture the whole statue. Cutting the feet or head off is considered highly offensive and officials will often approach individuals to check their photos.

Etiquette abroad: the OK sign
In Greece and Turkey, beware of making the “OK” symbol with your thumb and forefinger. In both countries the symbol is highly offensive – you’re basically indicating to someone that they resemble a similarly-shaped part of the human body. In some Middle Eastern countries, the OK sign is equally offensive because it represents the evil eye.

Etiquette abroad: flowers
Think twice before giving flowers while abroad. In Germany, yellow flowers are never given because they’re used for funerals, and in Mexico, yellow flowers represent grief or separation. It’s also unlucky to give an odd number of blooms in China and Indonesia.

Etiquette abroad: taking pictures
In certain countries, including Peru and Ghana, be careful when taking pictures of locals, because many people in these countries believe that by taking a picture of them, you're stealing a part of their soul.

Etiquette abroad: Buddhist temples
When visiting Buddhist temples in Japan and other Asian countries, avoid pointing at anything, and if you sit down, never point your feet in the direction of a person or image of a Buddha. When leaving a temple, back away from the Buddha before turning your back.

VICTORIA FALLS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS IT SAFE TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS?
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?
- 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.

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.

ENTRY/EXIT VISA REQUIREMENTS CHOBE/BOTSWANA

All nationals of foreign countries, except those from countries which have reached a visa abolition agreement with Botswana, require a visa for entering Botswana.
 
Nationals not requiring visas:

No visa is required for visits of up to 90 days. Most European countries, member of the Commonwealth and the USA do not require Botswana travel visas. Travellers are required to have an onward ticket and provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their visit.

Any visitor - whether visa exempted or not that wishes to stay more than 90 days should apply for prior permission for the extended period to the Chief Immigration Office in Gabarone. No visitor is allowed to work or seek employment in Botswana.

One should first however, check if there is a Botswana Consulate in your country of residence. This will make the process of applying for a visa a lot simpler.

Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this document, Wildfrontier Africa Travel, will not be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies which may inadvertently occur, or for changes made subsequent to the release of this document.

NO visa required for the Nationals of the following countries.

Antigua and Barbuda Argentina  Austria Bahamas Barbados Belgium Belize Brazil Brunei Canada Chile Costa Rica Cyprus Denmark Dominica Fiji Finland France Gambia Germany Greece Grenada Guyana Iceland Ireland Israel

Italy Jamaica Japan Kenya Kiribati Lesotho Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malawi Malaysia  Malta Mauritius Mexico  Namibia Nauru Netherlands New Zealand Norway Papau New Guinea Paraguay Peru  Portugal Republic of Ireland Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa San Marico Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Solomon Islands South Africa Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tanzania Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu United Kingdom United States of America Uganda Uruguay Vanuatu Venezuela Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

 

Commonwealth Countries whose Nationals require Visas

Ghana

India

Nigeria

Sri Lanka

Countries whose Nationals require Visas to Enter Botswana

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Costa Rica Côte D’ivoire Croatia Cuba Czech Republic Djibouti Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt

El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Gabon Georgia Guatemala Guinea Guinea Bissau Haiti Honduras Hungary Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Ivory Coast Jordan Kazakhstan Korea DPR Korea ROK Kuwait Kyrgyzstan (Kirghizia) Laos PDR Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Macedonia Madagascar Mali Marshall Islands Mauritania Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Morocco

Mozambique Myanmar (Burma) Nepal Nicaragua Niger Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Peru Philippines Poland Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Sao Tume and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Slovakia Slovenia Somalia Sudan Suriname Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen