FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q Is Victoria Falls Safe to visit?
A Absolutely, you are no more at risk in Victoria Falls than you would be in your own home town. There have been no reported incidents of civil unrest in Victoria Falls and crime exists at low levels. The truth is that crime in Victoria Falls is a fraction of that experienced in most cities or other major destinations.

Q Is it safe to walk the streets?
A Yes. There are street hawkers and salesman in Victoria Falls – as there are in most tourist resorts, and they can be a pest sometimes, but our specially trained Victoria Falls Tourism Police officers have the situation well under control. You will see yellow jacketed Tourism Police in most areas and this has resulted in a huge reduction of “harassment” and petty crime against tourists. In addition, the Police also operate patrols on foot, horseback, bicycle and quad bike throughout Victoria Falls. Safety is a priority for us! The Victoria Falls Tourism Police operate from 0700 to 2100 daily.

Q How do I pay for my accommodation and change money?
A Zimbabwe recently adopted use of multiple foreign currencies, including USD, GBP, ZAR, BWP which may be used for paying for accommodation and items charged to guests’ hotel room accounts. Payment can be by cash, credit card or travellers’ cheques (this payment is frequently effected by the guests’ travel agent or tour operator prior to travel).

Q Can I use my credit card in Victoria Falls?
A Victoria Falls Safari Lodge accepts VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS and MASTERCARD. All the hotel charges are in US$ and credit card payments are processed in South African Rands at the applicable exchange rate through the hotel’s Nedbank (SA) connection. Guests may sign meals, drinks, activities to their rooms and settle on check-out by credit card. However please note that certain activities (those that go into the National Parks e.g. helicopter flight, sunset cruise) have a component of the rate that needs to be paid directly to National Parks in cash and this may not be signed to the room. Guests are therefore advised to bring cash (in small denominations) for this purpose as well as for purchases in the curio markets, tipping etc. At the market the vendors are also quite happy to trade e.g. clothes, shoes, caps etc for souvenirs. We do have digital safes in our rooms for those who may be concerned about carrying cash around. It is best to carry cash for buying activities, shopping, restaurants and hotel extras. In addition, a few larger denomination travellers’ cheques can be useful for bigger expenses.

Q What currency should I take?
A The most popular currencies to use in Victoria Falls are American Dollars, South African Rand, Euros and British Pounds. Always travel with some smaller value notes for ease of transaction. E.g. (US$5/ US$20) etc.

Q Does everybody speak English?
A Yes, it is the official language and Tourism staff are all well trained and experienced. Many hotels and ground Handlers also have multi-lingual staff speaking French, Italian, German and even Chinese.

Q Is it true that there are food shortages in Victoria Falls?
A Absolutely not. The supermarkets, wholesalers and hotels are all well stocked and you need have no concerns in this regard. Since the adoption of foreign currencies nationwide, food supplies have vastly improved. All the professional / quality operations in Victoria Falls have sought to offer a wide range of internationally recognized brands and quality food and beverage products.

Q Are there fuel shortages?
A Fuel is now generally available in Victoria Falls.

Q Is there malaria in Victoria Falls?
A Yes. Malaria does occur in Victoria Falls and travellers would be advised to take an appropriate prophylactic. Please ask your travel agent or doctor for advice before you travel.

Q What about Cholera?
A Although Cholera has affected much of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls has not been affected. Vigilance remains high throughout the district to maintain this status.

Q What will happen if I get sick whilst at Victoria Falls?
A Whilst it is standard practice to advise all tourists to purchase the necessary medical and evacuation cover when traveling to foreign countries, we are pleased to advise that there is an excellent private clinic in Victoria Falls manned by qualified and experienced staff. We also have a Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) base in Victoria Falls in the event that an emergency evacuation is required. Most activity operators and some hoteliers include MARS evacuation cover in their charges. Victoria Falls MARS service is also used by Livingstone operators!

Q Can I drink the water in Victoria Falls?
A Yes. Most, if not all locals, drink happily from municipal supplies. However, if you suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, then bottled water is recommended and is readily available.