Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Overview

Victoria Falls has become the complete tourist destination. There really is something for everyone here.

Safari activities include game drives and walks, river boat cruises, horse and elephant riding safaris and walking with lions. The river offers upstream canoe trips, or the adrenalin white-water rafting and body boarding downstream. From the air there are helicopter, fixed wing and ultra light flights. The more adventurous can skydive, bungee jump, abseil or do a gorge swing.

Most of the hotels have spas, great restaurants, coffee shops and craft and curio outlets. The shopping areas are all within walking distance of each other and have a mixture of local crafts, art, clothing and larger soapstone and hardwood carvings.

Highlights & Places in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls town is small and compact. The main town has 3 distinct shopping areas all within a kilometre of each other with restaurants, bars, curio shops and places to relax with a coffee. There is a big craft market on Livingstone Way behind the post office.

Six kilometres out of town is the Zambezi National Park. The park borders the river and is home to a variety of game and bird species. Elephant and buffalo often wander around the outskirts, of town.

The Batoka Gorge starts at the base of the Falls and zigzags its way west towards Lake Kariba. This is where the famous white-water rafting and body boarding takes place.

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

When to Go

The river is at its fullest in April, but there is too much spray to view the Falls. The best time for viewing is in June and July. Rafting stops in April because of the high water levels. The best time to raft is at the end of the dry season from September to October. June and July are the cooler months, October and November the hottest. The hot rainy season is from December to April.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Victoria Falls

Regional flights from Johannesburg land at Victoria Falls airport, which is 21kms out of town. There are domestic connections from Harare and Bulawayo.

There is a train service from Bulawayo into Victoria Falls as well as daily coaches. Private shuttle services run between the Kazangula border post in Botswana and town. The Falls can also be accessed by road from Zambia via Livingstone. There are always a lot of taxis on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side of the border.

Getting Around Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls town is small and easy to walk around. There are numerous taxi companies that can take you to the attractions and lodges out of town. Push bike hire is also available. If you are doing a safari or activity the operator will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

Victoria Falls Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
The banks in town have ATMs, Barclays is the better one to use with international cards.

Forex/Money:
Money can be changed at the banks or the many Bureau de Changes around town. National Park fees and curio salesmen will only accept cash.

Credit/Debit cards:
Cards are widely accepted at tourist shops, restaurants and hotels.

Internet availability:
Internet cafes and coffees shop with internet are found in town. Most hotels have their own internet.

Drinking water:
Victoria Falls municipal supply is safe to drink. Bottled water is sold throughout the resort.

Hospitals & Medical:
There is a very good government hospital as well as some private clinics. For any major emergency it may be necessary to travel to Bulawayo or Johannesburg.

Zimbabwe Visa Requirements:
Most Nationals require a single entry visa which costs $30; a double entry is $45. Britain and Irelands single entry is $55, double is $70 and a multiple $90. Canadian single entry is $75. A double or multiple needs to be obtained from your local embassy prior to departure.
 

Victoria Falls Map