Comprehensive Guide to Victoria Falls

Introduction

Comprehensive Guide to Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it offers a range of activities and experiences that cater to all types of travelers. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this magnificent destination.

Getting There

By Air

Zambia Side (Livingstone):
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI): Located about 12 km from the falls, with flights from major cities such as Johannesburg, Lusaka, and Nairobi.
Zimbabwe Side (Victoria Falls):
- Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA): Approximately 18 km from the falls, with flights from Johannesburg, Harare, and Cape Town.

By Road

From Zambia: The falls are accessible from Lusaka via a 6-7 hour drive on the T1 highway.
From Zimbabwe: Accessible from Bulawayo via a 5-6 hour drive on the A8 highway.

Best Time to Visit

High Water Season (February to May): The falls are at their most powerful, creating a stunning mist and thunderous sound. However, visibility can be limited due to the spray.
Low Water Season (September to December): The flow is reduced, offering better visibility and access to activities like Devil’s Pool.

Accommodation

Zambia Side (Livingstone):
- Luxury: Royal Livingstone Hotel, Tongabezi Lodge.
- Mid-Range: Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Maramba River Lodge.
- Budget: Jollyboys Backpackers, Fawlty Towers.
Zimbabwe Side (Victoria Falls Town):
- Luxury: Victoria Falls Hotel, Matetsi Victoria Falls.
- Mid-Range: Ilala Lodge, A’Zambezi River Lodge.
- Budget: Shoestrings Backpackers, Victoria Falls Rest Camp.

Top Activities

Guided Tour of the Falls: Experience both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides for different perspectives.
Helicopter Flights: Get an aerial view of the falls and surrounding areas.
Devil’s Pool: Swim at the edge of the falls during the dry season.
White-Water Rafting: Navigate the rapids of the Zambezi River.
Bungee Jumping: Jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour: Explore the historic bridge with a guided tour.
Livingstone Island Tour: Visit the island where David Livingstone first saw the falls.
Gorge Swing and Zip Line: For an adrenaline rush with spectacular views.
Wildlife Safaris: Explore nearby national parks for a chance to see the Big Five.
Cultural Tours: Engage with local communities and learn about their traditions.

Practical Information

Visa Requirements

Zambia: Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or online via the e-Visa system.
Zimbabwe: Visa requirements vary by nationality. Visas can be obtained on arrival or in advance.

Currency

Zambia: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Zimbabwe: Primarily USD, South African Rand, and Botswana Pula are accepted.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation.

Tips for Visitors

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for the day, and warmer layers for the evening. Waterproofs are essential during the high water season.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the falls and surrounding trails.
Camera: A waterproof camera or protection for your camera is recommended due to the spray from the falls.
Hydration: Carry water, especially during the hotter months.
Local Guides: Hiring local guides enhances the experience with their knowledge and insights.

Local Cuisine

Zambia: Try nshima (a maize-based staple), ifisashi (vegetables in peanut sauce), and bream fish.
Zimbabwe: Sample sadza (similar to nshima), nyama (grilled meat), and matemba (dried fish).

Souvenirs and Shopping

Zambia: Livingstone has markets with crafts, textiles, and curios.
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls town offers various markets with stone carvings, beadwork, and more.

Conclusion

Victoria Falls is a destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Whether you’re seeking thrilling activities or a peaceful retreat in nature, the falls have something for everyone. Let us plan your visit carefully to make the most of this extraordinary experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Victoria Falls must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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