Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

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Not to be confused with Victoria Falls, the attraction, Victoria Falls, the town, is located in the western portion of Zimbabwe, across the border from Livingstone, Zambia, and near Botswana. This popular tourist destination offers both adventure seekers and sightseers plenty of opportunities.

	victoria falls (zimbabwe) Travel Guide : 1 Getting in and out 2 Get around 3 See 4 Do 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 8.1 Budget 8.2 Mid-Range 8.3 Splurge 9 Be careful 10 External links

Getting in and out

• British Airways, South African Air, and Air Zimbabwe all offer flights between Johannesburg (JNB) and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). Air Zim also offers flights between Victoria Falls Airport and other destinations within Zimbabwe.
• The roads within Zimbabwe are relatively good. The most direct way to Victoria Falls overland is from Bulawayo.
• It's possible to drive in through Livingstone. Crossing an international border with a vehicle, however, will incur a tax.
• There is no direct road if you are traveling from Namibia or Botswana. You must go through Livingstone.
• There is a direct train route, running every night Note: fuel shortages puportedly have reduced runs, between Vic Falls and Bulawayo. Considering the exchange rate, the cost for a first class ticket is negligible -- about 21 cents. (Second-class tickets are available, as well, but why bother?) This is a memorable way to travel -- the cars were built in the '50's in England -- although sleeping on the train does not lend itself to a deep, restful sleep. On the other hand, arriving in Bulawayo in the morning, with the day ahead of you, is a real treat. (A tip to make the ride more pleasant: buy a bottle of wine in the local grocery store and enjoy it as you view the coutryside.)

Get around

Some of the hotels in Vic Falls are not really in Vic Falls. For these places, you will need to have private transportation or to call a cab. Cabs are plentiful, but somewhat expensive.

However, if you are in the swanky hotels downtown -- or even some of the budget accommodation options just outside the downtown area -- walking should be manageable.

• Be careful walking around at night, however, especially if you've been drinking.

See

You come here to see Victoria Falls.

Do

• Bundu Adventures offers day-long white-water rafting packages for about $100. The price includes a full day of shooting some of the best rapids in the world (including some Class V rapids!); lunch, eaten on the water; a full dinner; and all the beer you can chug after the climb out.
• Visit the grand Victoria Falls Hotel for high tea. For about $10, you get tea, scones, and a magnificent view of the Falls.
• From town, you can easily arrange for a safari (prices vary), a sunset booze cruise (around $25), or a helicopter ride (for about $100, well worth the price) over the falls.
• The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a knock-out casino on site. Take advantage of the great exchange rate, and see if you can subsidize a portion of your visit.

Buy

There is substantial opportunity to shop in Victoria Falls, and it's possible to find a good deal. The downtown area offers dozens of tourist shops from which you may select jewelry, t-shirts, curios, books, postcards, artwork, etc. Closer to the Falls, the shops become increasingly expensive. (For fun, see if you can find the shop with the pictures of Senator and Chelsea Clinton, from their visit.)

There are several curio markets set up near the entrance to the park. The hawkers sell everything from carvings to fabrics to pottery to jewelry to . . . "Looking is free," as you will learn, and that's a good thing -- there's lots to see. The salespeople can be aggressive; don't be afraid to say no.

Eat

The downtown area features dozens of coffee shops, sandwich shops, and fast food options. For a few dollars, you can feed an entire family.

All of the hotels have restaurants, and it is common to sample a new one each night. One place not to miss: The Victria Falls Safari Lodge offers a tremendous buffet dinner with authentic African dancing.

There is a Pic-n-Pay grocery store in town, too. Although it's a bit run-down, it is highly adequate, and you can get more than enough food, snacks, camping supplies, etc. there.

Drink

Vic Falls is not known for its tremendous night-life. There are a few small bars near the downtown area, but they are not well-lit. It might be fun to stop in, but be careful.

Alternatively, all the hotels feature huge, well-stocked bars. However, the prices will be higher, and you might not feel like you're in Africa anymore.

Sleep

There are many types of accommodation in Victoria Falls. You can certainly find what you are looking for. Some of the accommodation options are not really in Vic Falls -- they're a few kilometers out -- so be careful, if booking in advance.

Budget

under $10/night

• Victoria Falls Backpackers offers a view of the falls at budget prices.
• Reynard Cottages, owned by a Zimbabwean, provides simple rooms at affordable prices.
• Villa Victoria offers singles, doubles, and it is only 1 km from the Falls.

Mid-Range

between 10 and $200/night

• The Sprayview Hotel is only 2 km from the Falls for under $100/night.
• Savanna Lodge offers dorms and private rooms for under $30/night.
• Ilala Lodge offers quiet elegance close in to town and the Falls. Adjoins national park. Colonial veranda for dining.

Splurge

over $200/night

• Victoria Falls Hotel, where the Queen Mother stayed when she visited, is one of the most romantic places in Africa.
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 1 (http://safarinow.com/go/VictoriaFallsSafariLodge/?a=10986), located very close to the Falls, offers safari-themed elegance, a great casino, and an excellent (and reasonably-priced) buffet dinner.

Be careful

Due to the decline of the Zim Dollar, black-market money-changers have become ubiquitous in this tourist mecca, even offering to change money in front of police. While they often provide a better exchange rate than the state-sponsored money-changers, even savvy tourists should beware. Otherwise, you might be walking the streets with carefully-trimmed newspaper.

External links

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