Our recent trip to Victoria Falls was a dream come true. I’ve been postponing this holiday for years as it is relatively expensive for only a few days. To make things slightly more complicated for South Africans, Zimbabwe has adopted the US Dollar as their main currency. However they do accept all major currencies as a medium of exchange, as well as South African Rands.
Timing is everything when planning your trip to Victoria Falls. Some travel articles suggest that the best time to visit the Falls is between February and May when the water flow is at its peak. Others suggest the months of June to August, if you keen on combining the trip with a visit to Botswana for game-viewing. Based on my experience, albeit limited, I would recommend travelling to Victoria Falls in July or August due to the following:
- There is a sufficient flow of water at this time such that you can still enjoy this breathtaking site, get drenched by the sprays, view the gorge below, as well as take some amazing pics;
- If you interested in activities such as the river rafting, and swimming in Devil’s pool, they are fully and only accessible as the water flow starts declining, say mid- August;
- One can enjoy warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures towards the evening; and
- If you keen on game-viewing, it’s a great time of year to do this.
However, this time of year may be slightly more expensive due to the international school holidays. The months of June and late August may be ideal for travellers not interested in the activities mentioned above.
If you are travelling from Johannesburg, it would seem that most flights only arrive in Victoria Falls between 1.30pm – 3pm, and leave back to Johannesburg from 11.30am onwards, daily. Keep this in mind when planning your trip. Hence, I’d suggest a 3-night stay in Victoria Falls at a minimum. Based on my research, travel packages to Victoria Falls are more affordable than if you booked flights and hotel accomodation separately.
Victoria Falls Airport is impressive for a small city in Africa. As you enter the airport, you naturally proceed directly to immigration. Based on the passport you hold, you are directed to the relevant queue. There is a dedicated desk for tourists from SADC countries. And South Africans do not require a VISA.
Victoria Falls Airport is a mere 30 minutes from the town. Most hotels are located within a 5km radius from there. We pre-booked our shuttle service from the airport to the hotel with Falcon Safaris. The cost is $15 per person and payment can be made on arrival.
Unlike in SA, there are no concessions on hotel rates for South Africans travelling to Victoria Falls. Hotel rates are quoted in USD and priced for international guests. We stayed at two resorts on the Zimbabwe side of the Falls – A’Zambezi River Lodge and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. I’m glad we did as 75% of the Falls are visible from Zimbabwe as opposed to Zambia.
Approximate rates at the hotels:
- A’Zambezi River Lodge – approx. R2500 per night (2 people)
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – approx. R4500 per night (2 people)
Here is a short note on the hotels:
A’Zambezi River Lodge
The hotel is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, hence the name. The rooms are modern and clean, and ideal for budget travellers. A buffet breakfast was included, and while it was a spread, it was average. The hotel has a pool and a beauty spa. We also used the shuttle service into town, however its not as frequent as one would like.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is situated on the border of the national park. Victoria Falls Safari Club and Lokuthula Lodges are also based on the same property. The hotel and suites at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge are well-positioned as they overlook the watering hole, which is ideal for game-viewing. The room is more like a suite – so luxurious and inviting. Breakfast is included in the rate. A continental breakfast is served as a buffet and a warm meal can be ordered. The food is great here, relative to most other places. If you not keen on staying at this hotel, I do recommend a visit as it is great for sundowners. The hotel has a shuttle service into town which runs every hour.
Important points to note:
- One needs to carry USD in cash, as the banks are currently experiencing a liquidity shortage. You may require cash for tips, taxi’s, and shopping in the markets. Hotel and tour companies accept cards;
- Victoria Falls is a malaria area;
- There is a grocery store in town, but seeing that everything is priced in USD, you may want to carry snacks, etc.
Tours and activities:
You will come across a few tour companies and agents. Wild Horizons and Shearwater seem to be the largest and most popular. We shopped around for tours, and were able to negotiate a small discount. In my opinion, tour companies are generally more reliable than agents and I suggest you book your activities directly with them. Brace yourself for the cost of the activities. After much deliberation, we did the following:-
- The 15-minute helicopter ride over the falls – cost $150 per person
Although short, a heli ride is exhilarating and the views of the Falls are incredible. Whilst this is noted as a must-do in Victoria Falls, in my opinion, the best view of the Falls can be seen on the Rainforest Tour.
- A luxury river cruise with Zambezi Royal – cost $75 per person
There are few operators offering river cruises, luxury or otherwise. The cruise lasts about 2 hours and if you lucky, you will see elephant, hippo, giraffe and birdlife. This luxury river cruise serves light finger snacks and unlimited drinks, including international spirits etc as well as cocktails. Whilst the food is freshly prepared on the boat, it was mediocre. You don’t necessarily need to go on a luxury cruise, but I do recommend the activity. You may want to carry a windbreaker and binoculars.
- The Rainforest Tour (guided tour of the Victoria Falls) – cost $30 – $40 per person including the entrance fee
We opted for a guided tour of the Falls. However there is no need for a guide, as there are educational displays as you enter, and the Falls are well-signboarded with a paved walking path. This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip. The Falls are a breathtaking site, even though you can only view the Main Falls for a few minutes before you are drenched with the sprays. If you lucky, you will see the most beautiful rainbows over the Falls – they make for some great photo opportunities.
Tourists from SADC pay a reduced rate to enter. Please note there are no pass-outs or multi-day passes. I was surprised to see that there are no fences at the edge of the Falls so please be mindful if travelling with children.
I am embarrassed to admit that it was only on this tour that I discovered that Victoria Falls is of the seven natural wonders of the world. *handoverface*
There’s no avoiding the sprays from Falls, so you may want to wear clothes that dry quickly as well as a windbreaker with a hoodie. And perhaps a poncho to protect your bag (or you) from getting drenched. Don’t forget your passport.
- High-tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel – $15 per person
The Victoria Falls Hotel is an iconic landmark and definitely worth a visit. The hotel has preserved its old charm and you made to feel like you going back in time. Regarding the high-tea, the sandwiches and scones were great. I can’t say the same for the cakes and dessert. But it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, with a view of the gardens and Falls in the distance.
- The Livingstone Island Tour – via Zambia – $100 per person
The daredevil in me was hoping for a swim in Devil’s Pool. Unfortunately the water flow was too high. Instead we did a tour of Livingstone Island. If you are staying on the Zimbabwe side, you will need to cross the border into Zambia. From there, you are transported to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, where the speedboat departs to the island. Tongabezi Tours conduct guided tours of the island. The tour lasts 10 minutes or so, after which you can take some photos, have a swim in the pool overlooking the Falls, enjoy a delicious meal and then return to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, for your transfer back to Zimbabwe. The highlight of the tour was seeing a double rainbow over the Falls and swimming in the Rock Pool at the edge of the Falls. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours including the transfer back to your hotel.
- The Boma Dinner and Drum Show – $40 per person
On the last night of our stay, we attended the Boma Dinner. The venue has the look and feel of an African Village and situated in the same property as the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The food is served buffet style and there is a variety of meats and side vegetables to choose from. Unfortunately most of the fresh food is cooked with gas and the food tasted of it too, which was slightly disappointing. Drinks are not included. There is a great vibe and ambience at the dinner. Our highlight of the evening was the drum show. It was loads of fun as you get to participate alongside the drummers. Book directly with the Boma or via the hotel as it seems to be more expensive if done via an agent/tour company.
- The Open Market
If you looking for curios and gifts, there are two markets behind the post office in town. Prepare to haggle and ask the stall owners to give you an opportunity to look around before you start negotiating.
There are loads of other activities, such as the bungee and river rafting, for the adrenaline junkies out there. As well as walking with the lions, and a train trip to the Falls.
This was an unforgettable experience. The Zimbabwean people are warm, and welcoming. They are hardworking, well- spoken, and trying their best to make a living considering their circumstances. We felt an immense sense of pride to be African. And couldn’t believe that this natural wonder of the world is on our doorstep!
