A fantastic time in Victoria Falls

by Joanne
(Canada)

I just want to say that Victoria Falls is a lovely place to visit, and I'd recommend anyone to go. It felt safe, (maybe a little more sketchy after dark), but during the day, it was a fine place to walk around alone.

I noticed they have 'tourism police' walking around, and their main duty I'm sure it to keep the souvenir sellers on the street at bay. In any case, Vic Falls appears to be making a great effort to encourage people to enjoy their time.

I stayed at the Victoria Falls Rest Camp, and I highly recommend it. It's ideally located in walking distance to the falls and to the shops downtown as well as being across the street from a big shopping arcade with a supermarket, bakery, Internet cafe, etc. The camp has a fantastic pool and bar (with good food), far nicer than I expected for a rest camp. I both camped and stayed in a double hut, and despite the hut being a little old, it was clean and comfortable. The ablutions were always very clean and not very busy as there are a few scattered around the camp.

Make sure to wait until Victoria Falls to buy your souvenirs, as there is an overwhelming variety of stone and wood pieces and other types of gifts. You will be expected to bargain. The prices in the shops are sometimes the same prices you'd get at the market, so do not hesitate to buy from the shops too.

Victoria Falls is the first place I've visited where street sellers and other locals would rather trade in articles of clothing or items, than receive money for souvenirs. Clothes and goods are still in short supply, making them more valuable than money. If you are ending your trip in Vic Falls, consider giving away any old clothes--they always requested shoes--or other things you have no interest in keeping, as they will be greatly appreciated.

I found the locals friendly and seemed to really appreciate the business from tourists while they wait for the Zim. tourism industry to regain its momentum.

Finally, I flew out of the Zambia side and therefore, had to cross the border from Zim to Zambia the morning of my flight. Here is the process: Taxi to the Zim border($2). Go through immigration Catch a taxi (or walk) across the bridge between the countries ($4). Go through Zambia immigration (Warning! $50USD transit visa that must be paid even if you are just going to catch a flight out a few hours later!) Catch a taxi to the airport ($10). All taxi prices where bargained and so they might differ. Incidentally, after a quick view of Livingstone, I thought Vic Falls was much more picturesque and pleasant.

Incidentally, I was quoted $10 from the Vic Falls Rest Camp to the Zimbabwe side airport, so it is more economical to fly out on the same side. Unfortunately for me, the flights were sold out.

I hope this information proves useful. Enjoy your time in Vic Falls!