293. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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Why

This is the tiny town at the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls which is fed by the Zambezi River from Zambia. It’s a great little town to explore and yes it has a huge tourist attractions next to it :-). So of course its worth checking out. I worked with Wild Dog Safaris in Namibia on this venture.

Each day the people of Zambia ride over on their bikes into Victoria Falls. They carry items to sell to the tourist. They have to be really early as there are specific times the passes are given out in the mornings. At the end of the day or when they’ve sold all, they return home to Livingstone, just across the border.

 

Where

The town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is located in the northwestern-most corner of Zimbabwe just minutes away from the Zambian border.

How To Get Here

By Train

There is the Shongolo Express train service and a luxury train service available to Livingstone/Victoria Falls, Zambia

By Plane

The nearest airport in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (VFA).

The following airlines serve the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Airport (VFA):

Air Namibia (SW), Air Zimbabwe (UM), British Airways (BA), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), FastJet Tanzania LTD (FN), Kenya Airways (KQ), Korongo Air (ZC) and South African Airways (SA).

 

Alternatively, you may fly into the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia (LVI) which is just across the border. A visa may be required to use this airport. Check with your local consulate.

The following airlines serve the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Zambia (LVI):

British Airways (BA), Kenya Airways (KQ), Proflight Zambia (P0) and South African Airways (SA).

 

There is also service in to the country’s capital of Harare, Zimbabwe.

The following airlines has service to the Harare International Airport (HRE):

Air France (AF), Air India (AI), Air Namibia (SW), Air Zimbabwe (UM), British Airways (BA), Emirates (EK), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Egyptair (MS), Etihad Airways (EY), FastJet Tanzania LTD (FN), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Kenya Airways (KQ), LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM), Royal Swazi National Airways (ZC), Rwandair Express (WB), South African Airways (SA) and TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES (DT).

 

If you wish, you may also use the airport in the capital city of Lusaka; the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). You would then have to get local transportation to get to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe across the border.

The following airlines has service to the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN):

Air Botswana (P0), Air France (AF), Air Namibia (SW), Emirates (EK), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), FastJet Tanzania LTD (FN), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Kenya Airways (KQ), Rwandair Express (WB), South African Airways (SA), TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES (DT) and Turkish Airlines (TK).

By Bus

There is bus service provided by Intercape Pathfinder to Victoria Falls from select cities in other parts of Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe. There are also minivans to neighboring towns.

 

By Car

If you are already in the region you can take the drive. Just use a service like Google Maps for directions. I would recommend making the maps accessible while offline as you will be covering major distances and you may not have Wifi connectivity all the time.

By Safari

There are many safaris that will get you to the Falls. I chose Wild Dog Safaris based in Windhoek who sponsored my safari. They take care of everything for you except for your visas which you may need depending on your nationality. They do help you with the information though. This is good as all you have to do is show up and leave the logistics to them.

Where To Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Victoria Falls including camping right in the center of the town like I did with Wild Dog Safaris. On that same property there is also a Lodge from whom you can rent tents or you may also rent a room.

One of the cool places to stay is the Victoria Falls Hotel which sits at one end of the Zambezi river and provides unprecedented views.

You may stay in Livingstone, Zambia or one of the properties on the Zambian side of the Falls.

==>> You can find a list of hotels from TripAdvisor here.

==>> Try Airbnb.

Where To Eat

This town has many places to eat. Either at a sit down restaurant or fast food. I did try Mama Africa Eating House and was well pleased.

 

 

 

 

==>> You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here.

 

What To Do

The main attraction here is the Victoria Falls. You pay to enter the Park and then pay for a Guide or explore the Park on your own. The Guide is pretty useful as they give you the history of the Park and its surroundings.

The town is buzzing with activity from locals and neighboring Zambians selling their wares to trains going by and lots of commerce happening. The local people are also going about their daily lives as well.

They do have a shopping Center where you can get supplies; The Victoria Falls Shopping Centre should be checked out as its the hub of chopping in the area. If you need a SIM card, there is a local company that will sell you them quite reasonably.

 

 

 

 

==>> Here is a list of things to do from Trip Advisor.

==>> Here is a list of Tour offered by Viator.

 

Additional Information

Language: Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. The most widely spoken are: English, Shona and Ndebele.

Currency:  Zimbabwean Dollar  (ZWE). The currency used though is the US Dollar. Always buy currency from an established currency exchange. Take cash with you as you may have issue getting money at currency exchange or at the ATMs.

Zimbabwe Tourism Board

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Wild Dog Safaris

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