Your guide to visiting Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwean Dollar was the official currency of Zimbabwe from 1980 to April 12, 2009. The Zimbabwean Dollar was abandoned early 2009, but was reintroduced in 2019. Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD; symbol Z$) = 100 cents. Notes in denominations of Z$200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Z$5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Zimbabwe has adopted a multi-currency scheme; the US Dollar and South African Rand is accepted and can be used for domestic transactions, be it at an agreed exchange rate.

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. 

Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January,February and March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe’s higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the ‘peak season’– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.

Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe’s lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you’ll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe’s wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season’s first rainfalls – and in this respect it’s a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

Zimbabwe’s native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns. There are a number of South African shopping chains operating in Zimbabwe which will generally have all that you will need.

Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zimbabwe are Type G (BS-1363) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546).  If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency.  If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

• Crime: Victoria Falls is a very safe tourist destination and there have been no serious security issues for many years. The small population is almost exclusively reliant on tourism in one form or another for  income. However, Zimbabwe is a poor country and we recommend that guests be vigilant and avoid creating temptation. Keep your valuables and excess cash in a lock up safe as petty theft can occur.
• The Victoria Falls Tourism Police: Guests security is taken very seriously in Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Tourism Police circulate in town between 9 am and 7 pm. They are a friendly presence who are there to assist visitors in any way – whether to ask for directions, or ward off persistent curio sellers.
• Street sellers: Do not buy activities via a random street vendor. Rather pre purchase your activities, use the activity centre at the resort or use one of the larger reputable companies to make your bookings.
• Wildlife: Victoria Falls lies within a National Park and you may come across a variety of free roaming wildlife whilst walking the streets, particularly warthogs and baboons. It is not uncommon for elephant to roam the streets so avoid walking the residential streets at night, rather arrange a transfer or catch a cab. They may even occur in the bush on the routes from The Victoria Falls Hotel to the entrance of the rainforest. Please do not ever approach them. If you come across them back off quietly and move out of their direct path.

• Malaria: Victoria Falls lies within a malaria area and we highly recommend you consult with a doctor prior to your arrival to get a malaria prophylactic. In addition, cover up at night, sleep under mosquito nets and spray yourself with insect repellent.
• The African sun: The heat here may be underestimated by those coming from colder countries. Please take suitable precautions by wearing a good sun hat, using high factor sun screen and keeping hydrated.
• Water: Locals drink the water from the tap and brush their teeth with it but to be safe drink only bottled water.

Entrance fees (Zimbabwe)* Note entrance fees to change 1 April 2023

International visitors: US50 (Adult)
Regional ( SADC countries ) visitors: US$ 30 (Adult) 

Please note these costs are for a single entry only but you can stay within the rainforest for as long as you like within a single day.
You can use cash (USD is best, but ZAR and other major currencies are accepted) or credit card to enter the Falls from the Zimbabwe side. Please take your passport with you if you are a local or regional visitor otherwise you will be charged the international rate.
*Entrance fees are subject to change.

When the Falls are high you will get VERY WET! Take measures to protect your camera and other valuable items and dress accordingly. If you are on a guided tour a poncho will be provided, but if there is lots of water going over the Falls, you can expect to get wet right through this. Ponchos and umbrellas can be hired if you are a walk-in visitor.

Getting there:

A shuttle bus runs from The Elephant Hills hotel to Victoria Falls town and rainforest entrance runs every hour on the hour from 09:00 to 21:00

Category A: Countries who do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe
Category B: Countries who require visas to enter Zimbabwe and who can obtain them on arrival.
Category C: Countries who require visas to enter Zimbabwe and who must obtain them before arrival.
Please go to the  Zimbabwe evisa page for thorough and updated information

Passports: Please make sure that you have at least two blank pages in your passport and that it is valid for at least 6 months.