Victoria Falls FAQs

How accessible is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and can be experienced from both countries. There are several daily flights from Johannesburg in South Africa into both Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Airport in Zambia.

One can also access these airports daily from the respective capitals of Zimbabwe and Zambia. In Zimbabwe, the drive from Victoria Falls Airport to the hotels in Victoria Falls town is about 20 minutes. In Zambia the drive from Livingstone Airport to your hotel will vary according to where your hotel is located, but most lodges and hotels are within half an hours drive from the airport.

What makes Victoria Falls unique?

Victoria Falls has the widest curtain of water in the world. It is 1708 metres wide, with an average of 550 000 litres of water plummeting over the edge every minute.

Can I go across the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia to see the Falls from both sides?

Yes, provided you have checked your visa requirements for both countries. For travellers with nationalities who are able to purchase visas on arrival, this can also be done when crossing over between the two countries.

We have heard negative things about Zimbabwe's political and economical situation. Is the Zimbabwean side of the Falls safe?

Zimbabwe is experiencing very serious political and economical difficulties, and has been for several years, however these issues have not impacted on tourism in the Victoria Falls area of the country, which remains to have a much lower crime rate than most other destinations in Africa. Zimbabwean people are incredibly friendly and they provide immaculate service which contributes to your overall experience of this wonderful destination.

Is it rude to barter or negotiate prices with vendors at the local market?

It is not rude to negotiate with vendors at the markets. They will generally be flexible on their prices and may even swap their crafts for your clothes or other items of need if you are willing.

However, many locals do suffer from severe poverty in this region and unemployment rates are extremely high - it is therefore important to stop negotiating cheaper prices when you feel you have reached an appropriate price for an item being sold. Continuing to press for cheaper prices beyond this point often means that you end up taking advantage of the local people's poverty and desperation.

What currency is best to carry with me? Can I use my credit card?

It is best to take US Dollars in small denominations with you when traveling to Zimbabwe. All tours, restaurant meals and curios can only be paid with US Dollars. Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels for hotel expenses only.

Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe has made a decision to pull out of MasterCard acquiring on the Point of Sale (POS) in Zimbabwe with effect from 01st January, 2007, due to prohibitive investments costs. Therefore, all hotels in Zimbabwe will no longer accept MasterCard transactions with effect from 01st January, 2007: Only VISA, DINERS and AMEX cards will be acceptable.

Click here for more on money in Victoria Falls

What activities can I do at Victoria Falls?

There is a huge wealth of activities on offer in and around the Victoria Falls area. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, river rafting (seasonal), cruises on the Zambezi River, bungi jumping, day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana, elephant back safaris and shopping at the local markets.

Do I need to book my activities before I go?

Most hotels or lodges will gladly arrange activities on arrival for you, however, booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability on certain activities - especially for activities such as elephant back safaris as these are often fully booked.

Can I go white water rafting throughout the year?

No. River rafting is seasonal and depends on the water levels of the Zambezi River, which in turn depend heavily on rainfall. As a rough guide though, one can usually assume there will be rafting between July and January. Similarly, one can normally assume that there will be no rafting between March and May because the water levels are usually too high at this time but this is only a rough guide - if the rains are very early or late it will impact on the water levels and on the rafting season.

For more information about climate click here

What if I book a river rafting trip with Go2Africa but it gets cancelled due to the water levels?

In this event, the tour company will offer you an alternative activity for that day, or they will refund your money for the rafting that you booked. For more on white water rafting click here.

Are the Victoria Falls always bursting with water or are they drier at certain times of the year?

The amount of water flowing over the Falls is also dependent on rainfall. As a rough guide, the water levels are usually lowest from October to January and highest from February to May.

How long does it take to get from Victoria Falls to Chobe in Botswana? This depends on traffic at the border, but usually about 1.5 - 2 hours.

How much are the park fees to enter Victoria Falls and see the waterfall?

This changes relatively frequently, however in Zimbabwe you can expect to pay $20 (USD) and in Zambia you can expect to pay approximately $10 (USD).

How can I be certain that my valuables will be safe?

Most hotels and lodges will have safes for your valuables - if not in your room then at reception.

How much should I tip?

It is customary to tip 10% of your bill at hotels and restaurants, and $1 - $2 per transfer.

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