Packing List for Victoria Falls

Visiting Victoria Falls requires packing thoughtfully to ensure you’re prepared for a range of activities and weather conditions. Preparing for a journey to Victoria Falls, nestled between Zambia and Zimbabwe, requires thoughtful packing to ensure comfort, safety, and readiness for the diverse activities and climates. Here’s a concise guide to help you pack effectively for your adventure to this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Here’s a comprehensive Packing List for Victoria Falls to help you get ready for your adventure:

Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing: For daytime activities and hot weather.
Warm layers: For cooler evenings and mornings, especially in the dry season.
Waterproof jacket/poncho: Essential during the high water season due to the mist and spray from the falls.
Comfortable walking shoes: Sturdy and suitable for hiking and walking on various terrains.
Sandals/flip-flops: For casual wear and relaxing by the pool or river.
Swimwear: For swimming in pools, visiting Devil’s Pool, and enjoying water activities.
Sunhat and sunglasses: To protect against the strong sun.
Scarf or bandana: Useful for shielding your face from dust or sun.

Accessories

Waterproof bag or dry sack: To keep your belongings dry during activities near the falls.
Daypack/backpack: For carrying essentials during day trips and excursions.
Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.
Camera: With waterproof protection if possible, or a GoPro for action shots.
Binoculars: For wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Travel guidebook and maps: For reference and navigation.

Health and Safety

Travel insurance details: Including coverage for medical evacuation.
First aid kit: With basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against sunburn.
Insect repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
Anti-malarial medication: Consult your doctor before traveling.
Hand sanitizer: For hygiene on the go.
Vaccination records: Especially if required for entry (e.g., yellow fever vaccination).

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap or body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Razor and shaving cream
Personal hygiene products

Documents

Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Visas: Check visa requirements and obtain them if necessary.
Travel itinerary: Copies of your itinerary, including accommodation and activity bookings.
Emergency contact information: Both local and home contacts.
Copies of important documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other essential documents.

Electronics

Mobile phone and charger: With an international SIM card or roaming plan if necessary.
Power bank: For charging devices on the go.
Plug adapter: Type C, D, G, or M depending on the country you’re visiting.
Portable speaker: For enjoying music or podcasts.

Miscellaneous

Travel pillow: For comfort during long flights or drives.
Books or e-reader: For entertainment and relaxation.
Snacks: Energy bars or other portable snacks for excursions.
Notebook and pen: For jotting down notes or travel memories.
Ziplock bags: Useful for storing wet or dirty items.

Tips

Pack light: Aim for versatile, lightweight clothing that can be layered.
Plan for the weather: Consider the season you’re visiting and pack accordingly.
Stay organized: Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep your suitcase neat and maximize space.

With this comprehensive packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable visit to Victoria Falls, ready to experience all the adventures and natural beauty this destination has to offer.

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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