We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding accommodation, the surrounding area, transport, health and safety. If you unable to find what you are looking for here please feel free to contact us at lokuthula@saflodge.co.zw and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe FAQs
The region is winning the war against malaria, with a very low incidence of the mosquito-borne disease in the destination. In most of the cases the disease has usually been picked up elsewhere by locals who will have gone outside of Victoria Falls and they become symptomatic when they return.
Over a decade ago the Zimbabwean Government initiated a multi-pronged approach to tackle the disease. It introduced the spraying of homes to kill mosquitoes, the distribution of mosquito nets, as well as educating the community on malaria prevention.
According to health officials there have been no deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Victoria Falls in the past three years.
However, as malaria has not yet been eradicated, visitors to Victoria Falls are advised to continue to take prophylactics.
Despite the main “malaria” months being August to February, prophylactics should be taken throughout the year. It is advisable to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the evening during this period.
We do have mosquitoes in and around the lodges, but various measures are in place to combat against them including a fortnightly fogging programme and providing mosquito nets in the bedrooms.
It is advisable to take anti-malaria medication prior to travelling to the destination. Please seek advice from your medical practitioner when you plan your trip.
Zimbabwe has a temperate climate, despite its location in the tropics. The summer months, from September to March, are hot and humid, often with brief thunderstorms in the afternoons, while the winter months, from May to August, are generally mild and dry.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a year-round destination. However, the water levels vary throughout the year, being at their highest between April and June, and their lowest from October to December. Viewing the Victoria Falls at different times of the year offers different experiences – in high flow its entire length is a thundering wall of falling water, whereas in low flow the underlying structure can be seen and visibility is clearer.
Activities may be booked at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s Activities Desk which is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Guests paying by credit card may settle for activities at the Victoria Fall Safari Lodge reception. Please note that all relevant National Parks fees are paid directly to National Parks in cash. It is recommended that you have the correct amount for the Park fees.
The bedrooms downstairs are air conditioned, while the lounge and loft have ceiling fans.
Yes, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available.
Yes, it is safe to drink water from the taps in your lodge, however bottled water may be purchased from the bars. As part of Africa Albida Tourism’s commitment to reduce the use of plastic at its properties, and to minimise the group’s carbon footprint, the group introduced the environmentally friendly Natura water system in 2019. Water is purified onsite using a three-stage filtration system which removes any impurities to produce top quality, great tasting water, provided to guests in recyclable glass bottles.
There are four restaurants on the estate; the a la carte MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Buffalo Bar at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, open from 11am to 7pm; the Boma Café, open for breakfast and light meals from 7am to 4pm and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show open for dinner from 7pm to 10pm.
The Victoria Falls Safari Spa also has a café offering healthy food and beverage options for guests booked in for spa treatments.
There is a well-equipped private clinic in Victoria Falls. There are also emergency evacuation services available should they be required. We recommend purchasing travel insurance when visiting foreign countries.
Babysitting services are available on request at an extra charge of $10 per hour for the first two hours and US$7 from the third hour (current rate). Services need to be booked by 10am, if a babysitter is required for that evening.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted in Victoria Falls. However, entrance to Victoria Falls Rainforest needs to be paid in cash.
The main currency in use in Zimbabwe is US Dollars, however, South African Rand, Euros, British Pounds and Australian dollars are also legal tender. We advise you to travel with smaller denominations such as US$1, US$5, US$10 and US$20.
Single and double entry visas are available at port of entry into Zimbabwe. For multiple entry visas it is necessary to apply before travel. Costs of visas are as below:
Single Entry US$30
Double Entry US$45
Britain / UK / Ireland
Single Entry – US$55 single entry
Double Entry – US$70
Multiple Entry – US$90
Canada
Single Entry – US$75 / multiple can only be obtained from local embassy prior to departure
The KAZA Uni-Visa (US$50) allows for easy travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa permits visitors to stay for a maximum of 30 days in either or both Zambia and Zimbabwe and includes day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Our reception team will be happy to assist you in re-confirming any flight arrangements you have.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate offers a complimentary shuttle service, which runs to and from the city centre and the Victoria Falls rainforest at regular intervals during the day. A timetable is available at reception. The shuttle service follows a set route.
It is 3km/2 miles to the city centre and 4km/2.5 miles to the Victoria Falls Rainforest
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate offers a complimentary shuttle service, which runs to and from the town centre and the Victoria Falls rainforest at regular intervals during the day. Consult the timetable available at reception for departure times and routing.
It costs US$50 per person per entry for international visitors, US$30 per person per entry for SADC residents (with proof of residence) and US$7 per person per entry for Zimbabwean residents (with proof of residence). These rates are current and subject to change.
The Zimbabwean side has two thirds of the Victoria Falls with 13 of the 16 viewing points. Time permitting, we recommend viewing the Falls from both countries as each offers a unique perspective of the Falls. However, in the dry season, particularly from October to early December, it is recommended that you see the Falls from the Zimbabwean side, as there is very little water on the Zambian side.
There is a well-equipped private clinic in Victoria Falls. There are also emergency evacuation services available should they be required. We recommend purchasing travel insurance when visiting foreign countries.
We are members of Pack for a Purpose, a global initiative that allows travellers like yourself to make an impact on the community at your destination. Save a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for local schools or medical clinics. Click here for more information on what supplies are needed. Insert link to Pack for a Purpose. Alternatively, you could make a donation to Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, which strives to conserve the wildlife and its natural environment in the region. For more information visit www.vfapu.com.
Zimbabwe has 16 official languages; however, English, Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken languages in the country. English is the language of business as well as the main medium of instruction in schools.
In Victoria Falls, Nambya, Tonga, Nyanja and Ndebele are the most widely spoken languages.