Zimbabwe

TRAVEL TIPS FOR ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe is a beautiful and safe country to visit. It boasts the majestic Victoria Falls, magnificent wildlife preserves and the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe, as well as the bustling city of Harare.

MAIN ATTRACTION and MINIMUM DAYS TO SPEND

Victoria Falls (VF) – the most spectacular falls on Earth.

Zambezi River cruise.

One recommends a 2 nights 3 days package here. If there is paucity of time then a 1 nt 2 days itinerary can be worked out too.

GETTING THERE

There are ideally 3 gateways by which visitors can arrive and depart from VF. Via Livingstone Airport located in Zambia. VF Airport in Zimbabwe or via Kasane Airport in Botswana ( 1.5 hrs road transfer from the falls).

VISA : The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country

CLIMATE

Sep to Oct is hot and dry. Nov to March is hot and wet. The best time to visit is April to May and Aug to September, when the weather is mild with little rain. Low water season runs from Aug to Jan each year and this is the time when the Zambezi is at its wildest. High water is from Feb to July with a short “closed season” around April / May depending on the season’s rain.

CURRENCY:

The local Currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar. You'll have no trouble with the major travelers' cheques and credit cards.  The Bank is the best place to convert the currency however there are several unofficial money changers especially around the market areas who will give you a much better rate for the USD than the Banks. The USD is the most sought after currency here.

TIME – Zimbabwe is 3 hrs 30 mins behind us.

SHOPPING – There are several open markets here that are well worth a visit. The best buys from here are the authentic animal carvings of wood or stone. Granite and malachite ( green stone ) are v popular.  One can also shop for tribal masks and beaded items. The prices here are much cheaper than anywhere else. One needs to bargain as well. 

MUST SEES

VICTORIA FALLS

This is the most spectacular sight. It is important that one is fit enough to walk.  The excursion takes half the day and is normally done in the mornings. The entrance of the Falls has the statue of David Livingston. Following this one can walk along to the various view points to get a glimpse of the same. Some 50 steps down one can get closer to the Falls and this is also the point where one can see the spectacular rainbow that seems to be there all through the year. It is the point where one gets sprayed by the mist from the falls. It is called the Devil’s Cataract. The route along the Falls is stony and uneven. Hence comfortable walking shoes are a must.

At the final lap towards the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe one can see the best views of the Falls.

The falls are also better from the Zimbabwe side than the Zambia side.

A better way of getting a bird’s eyeview of the falls is to opt for the “Flight of the Angels” where a small plane flies you right over the falls.

There is a bridge that connects the 2 countries and that is also the point from where one can bungy jump. Care to be taken that u have a single entry Zambia visa and a double entry Zimbabwe Visa for the same.

ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE

This is the largest river in Zimbabwe and touches 3 countries : Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A relaxed cruise down the river is a perfect way of unwinding and enjoying the balmy breeze. The river is rather muddy due to the rich silt around the banks of the river that keeps getting into the waters. The river is also the home of several crocodiles.

 This cruise can be opted for in the morning or in the evening. The evening sunset cruise (sundowners) is highly recommended however. It is also the highlight of ones trip to Vic Falls. This is a very small rustic barge which is very close to the level of the waters. The same is well stocked with snacks and soft drinks / beer that is all part of the excursion.

HOTELS RECOMMENDED TO STAY AT 

VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE

This hotel is very rustic and with a lot of character. A little far from the Falls though. However the tours are arranged by an agent and hence its okay to stay there.  This hotel falls under the 3 star category though it can pass off as a 4 star.  Pls remember that the hotels here are not categorized as stars. Its more on the lines of being budget, first class etc. from the balcony one can see an artificial salt lick created at a distance on the premise and one can see animals come by for a drink. Other options the hotel offers you are elephant back and jeep safaris.

Tip : you must try the pumpkin soup here. Its amazing !

VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL

The oldest and the first hotel in VFA. This is a very English styled hotel and enjoys the best position here. It is the only hotel from where one can actually see panoramic views of the falls. This would pass off as a deluxe hotel. Not recommended for children though. This hotel is perfect for honeymooners.

KINGDOM HOTEL

This hotel is situated adjacent to the Victoria Falls Hotel. A very child friendly hotel and again falls under the first class to deluxe category. The theme of the hotel is on the same lines as the Sun City Hotel. The complex houses an indoor theme park and several shops and food courts too.