BASIC FACTS
Victoria Falls are on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. They are one of the Great Natural Wonders of the World.
At one mile wide and 400 feet high, they form the largest vertical sheet of water in the world.
They were “discovered” by David Livingstone in 1855 and named after Queen Victoria.
Before that, they were known locally by a more romantic name: Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “Smoke that Thunders”.
The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of the main tourist attractions in southern Africa.
They are also in the UNESCO world heritage site.
HOW TO GET HERE
Fly from Johannesburg Airport to Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone Airport (Zambia).
Both flights take about an hour and a half. Both airports are about a 20-minute drive from Victoria Falls.
Most flights leave Johannesburg early in the morning, so you’ll need a hotel at the Johannesburg airport for the night before.
If you have the time and courage, you can travel overland on a “Safari” from Cape Town. This can be a fabulous way to see Africa, but the quality, safety, and price of these trips vary wildly.
WHEN TO VISIT
Victoria Falls enjoys a mild, dry season from June to August.
Then the temperature rises steadily until the rains start in mid-November. So it’s hot, wet and humid until the rainy season ends at the end of April. If you don’t like the heat and humidity, avoid the rainy season!
It also gets really hot here just before the rains start. Late October/early November is known as “suicide season” with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees!
The falls are at their strongest during the March and April floods, but the sheer amount of spray obscures the view and can make you very wet. For a smooth and pleasant visit, come between June and September.
VISAS
Visa regulations change in BOTH Zimbabwe and Zambia almost daily.
Plus, Victoria Falls is right on the border, and you’ll want to see it from both sides.
I would advise you to get multiple entry visas for both countries before embarking on your journey.
MONEY (ZIMBABWE)
The Zimbabwean dollar is unstable and exchange rates can fluctuate alarmingly from moment to moment.
By far the best currency to use in Zimbabwe is the US dollar.
Pounds sterling and euros can be used, but the exchange rate is low.
Traveler’s checks are a waste of time on the streets, but can be used to pay for excursions.
Basically, you must have US dollars (cash) to exchange for Zimbabwean dollars, preferably in smaller bills. South African Rand and Botswana Pula can be exchanged as they are strong regional currencies.
Caveat!
It is illegal to exchange money on the streets of Zimbabwe.
If you are caught, you will be arrested and prosecuted. If someone on the street offers to exchange dollars with you, stay away! It doesn’t matter how good your rate is!
As of this writing, the government has closed all bureaux de change, so the only place to legally exchange money is at a bank. The exchange rate at the banks is only a fraction of the street (black market) rate, but at least it’s legal!
Ask your tour guide or the hotel manager for the best banks to exchange money. And don’t change too much at once: the Zimbabwean dollar has no value outside of Zimbabwe.
You will need US dollars in cash for all major purchases, including admission to Victoria Falls National Park.
Finally, never use a credit card in Zimbabwe for anything!
You will be charged a fortune for this privilege, and you could end up paying several times the cash price!
MONEY (ZAMBIA)
The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, which is divided into 100 Ngwee.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of K10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100 and 50.
There is no limit to the amount of currency you can bring into Zambia, but you must declare it when you enter the country.
Most visitors will find that the exchange rate is in their favor. US dollars, pounds sterling and euros attract good rates at banks and exchange houses. Traveler’s checks (US dollars) are widely accepted.
Entrance to game reserves, etc. you can only pay in Kwacha.
Most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept credit cards.
Most of the larger banks will advance local currency against a credit card.
Standard Chartered and Barclays banks have ATMs that accept Visa cards for cash.
Tipping is not recommended in Zambia. A service charge is included in the bill.
Haggle over prices in local markets, etc. it is perfectly acceptable.
HEALTH
Take a course of malaria tablets before visiting the Victoria Falls area, just to be safe.
CRIME
Most of the people you meet here will be wonderful.
And they are keen to promote this area to tourists, so crime is usually very low.
But please don’t tempt fate by flaunting your superior wealth.
Leave your Rolex and diamond tiara at home, or at least keep them in your hotel.
Remember: this is an area of extreme poverty.
You must, you must, you must visit Victoria Falls! It is an unforgettable experience!