LANGUAGE
Shona, ChiShona & English
CURRENCY
US dollar
BEST TIME TO VISIT
February to May
NEAREST RAILWAY STATION
Victoria Falls Station
NEAREST AIRPORT
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
INTERNET ACCESS
Free wi-fi access is widely available in many hotels, restaurants and cafes. It’s easy to arrange a local sim card to get data on your phone or a USB dongle for your laptop. Econet and Telecel both have branches at Harare’s airport and about town. Otherwise, there are internet centres in all the main cities and towns that charge around US$2 per hour.
VISA
The KAZA Univisa; a single visa that covers Zambia, Zimbabwe and day trips to Chobe National Park (in Botswana). The Univisa costs US$ 50 and is available to some 40 nationalities including Brits, Americans and Australians. The Kaza Uni-Visa is valid for 30 days and allows you to cross between both countries as many times as you wish. The standard tourist visas available allow visitors to stay for up to 90 days, BUT only in the designated country – therefore, making you purchase a visa for each country.
The Uni-Visa even allows for day-trips to Botswana to visit attractions like the Chobe National Park – provided you return to Zambia or Zimbabwe the same day. If it’s accommodation in Botswana that you’re looking for – you will need to obtain another visa.
HOTEL
Stanley Safari Lodge
Intimate and indulgent, Stanley is a 10km drive from the falls in a peaceful spot surrounded by mopane (woodland). Rooms scattered among the landscaped bush garden are as plush as can be expected at these prices; the standouts are the rustic open-air suites where you can soak up nature from your own private plunge pool. When you tire of that, curl up by the fire in the open-air lounge. Rates are all-inclusive.
Victoria Falls Budget Hotel
Built in 1904, this historic hotel (the oldest in Zimbabwe) oozes elegance and sophistication. It occupies an impossibly scenic location, looking across manicured lawns (with roaming warthogs) to the gorge and bridge. You can’t see the falls as such, but you do see the spray from some rooms. Taking high tea here at Stanley’s Terrace is an institution. Don’t expect five-star amenities or service, however, as it’s more about character and history. There are several restaurants to choose form, including the lavish Livingstone Room with seven-course degustation menu ($US45), and the Jungle Junction serving African dishes accompanied by cultural performances (7.30pm nightly).
Jollyboys Backpackers
The clued-in owner here knows exactly what backpackers want, making Jollyboys popular for good reason. From its friendly staff, social bar and restaurant to the sunken reading lounge and sparkling pool, it’s a great place to hang out. Dorms and bathrooms are spotless (with a flashpacker option, too), while the private rooms comprise A-frame garden cottages or very comfortable rooms with air-con and attached bathroom. It’s one of the best sources for tourist information, and a reliable spot to book your activities. Bikes are also for rent for US$5/10 per half/full day. They have a lot of eco credentials too with solar power, refillable water and recycling, while the Canadian owner, Kim, has a degree in responsible tourism.
Victoria Falls Backpackers
One of the best budget choices in town, this long-standing backpackers received a much-needed revamp when the original owners returned. The eclectic mix of rooms are scattered among the well-tended garden property full of quirky touches. Other notable features are its bar, small inviting pool, games room and TV lounge, plus self-catering kitchen, massage and fish spa.
COST OF LIVING
Victoria Falls uses cash only. ATMs are available in both Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls Town.
Bargaining is most prevalent in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, less so in Botswana and South Africa. But even here there are nuances, and most other countries lie somewhere in between.
As a general rule, bargaining is usually expected in markets and street stalls, especially those that sell handicrafts aimed at tourists. It is sometimes possible to negotiate a discount for taxis and accommodation, but this varies from one country to the next.
