About Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a town in Zimbabwe. The town is the most popular backpacking tour destination in Zimbabwe and is the access point to the Victoria Falls waterfalls.

Victoria Falls Budget Travel

Below is a list of Victoria Falls's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day, Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls, White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

View all activities in Victoria Falls

Airports

Victoria Falls airport includes:
• Victoria Falls International Airport
• Private airstrips at some camps

Birdlife

Victoria Falls birdlife is rich and diverse, with a large number of birds to be seen. There are 35 species of raptors including the Taita Falcon, Black Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Augur Buzzard. Above the falls, herons, fish eagles and numerous kinds of water birds can be found. The woodlands and forests surrounding the falls offer lush habitats for birds, making Victoria Falls one of the top birding destinations in Africa.

Conservation

Victoria Falls conservation efforts are run by government and private wildlife sectors, with two major parks within the falls are ' the Victoria Falls National Park and the Zambezi National Park. There are also a number of projects including the lion rehabilitation and breeding center situated within the area.

Culture

Victoria Falls culture includes the following:
• Arts and crafts play a key role in tradition and income for many tribes
• Legend and mythology has played a part in the falls history for centuries
• Music and dance also plays an important role in cultures
• Food and cuisine is an important social aspect of cultures

Customs

Victoria Falls allows free import of:
• Limited tobacco and tobacco articles
• USD 250 worth of goods including alcoholic beverages
• Alcohol can only be imported for persons over 18 years of age

Health

With no cholera in this region, despite major outbreaks throughout the country, Victoria Falls health risks are fairly low. Malaria can still be a problem, so be sure to consult your GP before leaving for Zimbabwe, and also make sure you bring a range of vitamins and basic supplies such as headache pills, nausea pills and diarrhea pills. Healthcare facilities are generally poor and overcrowded with very little equipment.

AIDS

Victoria Falls HIV/AIDS precautions include:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment may not be adequately sterilised, or blood may not be properly screened for HIV
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles

Vaccinations

Victoria Falls inoculations include:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Polio
• Rabies
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria

Languages

Victoria Falls languages include:
• Ndebele
• Shona
• English

Malaria

The following malaria medication can be taken when visiting Victoria Falls:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)
• Doxycycline

Money

• Zimbabwe’s economy is in crisis, and the Zimbabwe Dollar is almost worthless
• US Dollars are widely accepted at most places within Victoria Falls and are much easier to use than local currency
• There are ATMs and banks within the town however these may not always have funds due to the current crisis
• Goods are extremely expensive so be prepared to pay exorbitant prices
• Travellers cheques may be exchanged at some hotels, however mostly it is almost impossible to cash these

People

Victoria Falls people include:
• Shona
• Batswana
• Makololo
• Tonga
• Ndebele

Phrase

Victoria Falls local phrases in Shona include:
• Hello - Kanjani
• How are you? - Muri rayiti?
• Stay well - Sarai zvakanaka
• Thank you - Ndatenda
• Friend - Hamwari

Vaccinations

Victoria Falls inoculations include:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Polio
• Rabies
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria

Plants

Mopane woodland savannah is mostly found in the area, with smaller areas of Miombo and Rhodesian Teak woodland and scrubland savannah. Riverine forest with palm trees lines the banks and islands above the falls, while tropical forests containing rare plants like pod mahogany, ebony, ivory palm, wild date palm are found right along the edges of the falls.

Religion

Victoria Falls religion includes:
• Christian
• Indigenous beliefs
• Hinduism
• Islam

Safety Tips

• The current political situation in Zimbabwe makes travel outside of Victoria Falls a bit dangerous so be cautious when travelling through the country
• Always follow your guide’s instructions and follow safety precautions at all times
• Do not leave major areas alone or enter any dangerous area without a guide
• Wild animals can be dangerous, so do not try and touch or feed any game you see
• Take extra care if you are doing any adventure sports ' and be aware of the risks involved in such activities

Transport

Victoria Falls local transport options include:
• Car
• Plane
• Boat
• Train

Travel Books

Victoria Falls recommended travel books include:
• Matabeleland and the Victoria Falls by Charles G. Oates and David Saffery
• Victoria Falls: One of the World's Most Spectacular Waterfalls by Anna Rebus
• Victoria Falls: Natural Wonders of the World by Jill Kalz
• The Victoria Falls: A Visitor's Guide by Jan and Fiona Teede
• Victoria Falls and Surrounds: The Insider's Guide by Ian Michler

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Zimbabwe

What To Buy

• Victoria Falls game and bird guide plus a general Zimbabwe travel guide
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are overlanding
• Sturdy backpack plus a decent moneybag for valuables
• Plug adapter for US and UK visitors
• First aid box with basic supplies and medicine

What To Pack

• Camera, batteries, film or memory and binoculars
• Neutral safari clothing in loose, lightweight fabric plus warm jacket
• Waterproof, comfortable walking shoes
• Swimming costume and extra towels
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen

When To Go

• The rainy season runs in summer around November to January, and the falls are at their fullest and hugest during these months
• The dry season during mid-year is cooler and the falls are at their lowest
• Game viewing is better during the dry season as vegetation is thinner
• The wet season offers the most spectacular views of the falls

Wildlife

Victoria Falls wildlife ranges from an abundance of hippo and crocodile to game within the areas two national parks. Large game and predators can be found, as well as a range of antelope species. There are also a number of fish species within the Zambezi and falls, and a host of reptiles including colourful lizards can also be seen.