Tips 'n tricks at Vic Falls?

dunkyd

dunkyd

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Taking the Good Lady for 4 days to the Kingdom Hotel. She has never been to Vic Falls and my last visit was 40 years ago ! We're on a "Special", anything we must do, take, look out for or not bother about? Take some Dollars? Yellow fever ?
Thanks all.
 
No one as cheap as me ? Have I been conned or are the Falls still there ?
Bob sold them to China ?
Surely not :eek:
 
I would suggest avoiding the Bungee jump, as the cable snapped 2 years ago and someone nearly lost their life. I jumped it about 3 months before the accident, so I felt as though I dodged a bullet. Rather go to Bloukraans, its much more professional and organised. But otherwise we had a good time there.

I would recommend a cruise on the Zambezi and a Helicopter Flip over the falls.

As far as I remember you need a Yellow fever shot before you go, not sure if it only applies to air travel (comes with a small certificate)
 
dunkyd said:
...and my last visit was 40 years ago !
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I don't know how old you are, but white water rafting is pretty fun if you can manage it. The climb out of the gorge is pretty tough unless you are at least moderately fit.

It is not technically necessary to get Yellow Fever shots for Zim, but, the border guards have been known to try their luck at soliciting a bribe with the threat that you will have to have the shiot right there and then.. they went so far as to show my friend their not-even-slightly sterile equipment. This was at the Beitbridge/Messina crossing through.

Take dollars, take as many small currency notes as you can get. The cheapest thing in zim is US$1 - and you are unlikely to get change if prices do not round to a full dollar.

Before your way out, spend ALL the dirty, old US$ notes that you will accumulate - they cannot be exchanged in this country due to their age and state.. you'll see what I mean.

A booze cruise above the falls is pretty nice for sunset, and (although I have not done this) a trip to Zambia is apparently worthwhile for a more vibrant economy, better food and a different view of the falls.
 
You can take USD with you to make things easier. Rands are accepted and whatever you purchase will be charged at the prevailing rate (or whatever the shop pleases)
 
atomcrusher said:
The Zambian side actually provides a better view of the Vic Falls that the Zim side does
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I think the Zim side is better. You can walk along the edge of the falls all the way along them to devil's gorge if I recall correctly. If you talk to the border control you might be lucky to walk into Zambia over the bridge for a few hours (but that's usually reserved for the locals).
 
Subscribed.
I'd like to take the wife there soon as well as she's from Zim originally and hasn't been back in 30 years.
 
dunkyd said:
Taking the Good Lady for 4 days to the Kingdom Hotel. She has never been to Vic Falls and my last visit was 40 years ago ! We're on a "Special", anything we must do, take, look out for or not bother about? Take some Dollars? Yellow fever ?
Thanks all.
Click to expand...

The Helicopter flip and Jet boating was the highlight for us.

If you can only do one I would say do the boating. The trip there is already quite an adventure and captain bottles is an absolute nutter. I think its about $110 a person including transport and drinks.
If you go for the jet boating take your camera with. They have some guys that stay on shore and are happy to snap some pics.
The elephant safari was a bit dull.
 
Was there in December (originally from there) with my SO and had a great time. Expect prices to be on the high side since they are using USD. The boat sunset cruise is always a winner and rather beautiful. You can walk to the Zambian side to watch the bungee jumping without needing to get your passport stamped and you don't need yellow fever injection / certificate if you stay on the Zim side. If u DO intend to cross into Zambia (get your passport stamped) then you will need the certificate.
 
Carry small bills, negotiate hard if you want brick n brack.

Remember an adaptor: SA to UK if you're on the Zim side. Be prepared for power cuts.

Hire a rain coat for close up viewing of the falls. Stay on the marked tracks, it can get quite slippery.

Make a trip out to the Boma for dinner, quite an experience. Also see if you can get to the local backpackers lodge if you want a party :P

Watch out for elephant on the road at night.
 
Last question folks......thinking of the Shearwater 195 $ deal . Sunset cruise helicopter flip guided tour of falls lunch at Rainforest Cafe.
Do you pay them in advance?
Anything else ?
Ps both of us had back ops. No rafting thanks :D:D
 
dunkyd said:
Last question folks......thinking of the Shearwater 195 $ deal . Sunset cruise helicopter flip guided tour of falls lunch at Rainforest Cafe.
Do you pay them in advance?
Anything else ?
Ps both of us had back ops. No rafting thanks :D:D
Click to expand...

You can pay them once there, they are open 7 days a week. If you are staying at à hotel then the people there can assist in the booking as well. The sunset cruise is pretty chilled but worth it.
 
If you change money with the street vendors be very careful, they are masters at ripping you off.
 
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