Not to be confused with Victoria Falls, ''the attraction'', Victoria Falls, ''the town'', is located in the western portion of Zimbabwe, across the border from Livingstone, Zambia, and near Botswana. This popular tourist destination offers both adventure seekers and sightseers plenty of opportunities.
Getting in and out
'''British Airways''' and '''South African Airways''' all offer daily flights between Johannesburg (JNB) and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). Air Zim also offers flights between Victoria Falls Airport and other destinations within Zimbabwe.
The '''roads''' within Zimbabwe are relatively good. The most direct way to Victoria Falls overland is from Bulawayo.
It's possible to '''drive''' in through Livingstone. Crossing an international border with a vehicle, however, will incur extra costs like carbon tax and insurance. Very annoying is the time consuming and disorganised procedure of obtaining a 'temporary import permit' for the car at the Zambian boarder posts. Once at the Zimbabwe boarder post the whole procedure is to be repeated, though a bit faster but also expensive,
If travelling from Namibia or Botswana the best road is from Kasane in Botswana using the Kazungula border post. Distance to Vic Falls is 70 kilometers.
There is a direct train route, running every night [Note: fuel shortages puportedly have reduced runs], between Vic Falls and Bulawayo. The cost for a first class ticket is negligible -- about US$ 6.00; but don't expect first class first world standards. (Second-class tickets are available, as well, but why bother?) This is a memorable way to travel -- the cars were built in the '50's in England -- although sleeping on the train does not lend itself to a deep, restful sleep. On the other hand, arriving in Bulawayo or Victoria Falls in the morning, with the day ahead of you, is a real treat. (A tip to make the ride more pleasant: buy a bottle of wine in the local grocery store and enjoy it as you view the countryside.)
Get around
If you stay in the swanky hotels downtown -- or even some of the budget accommodation options just outside the downtown area -- walking is manageable. Most of places are between one to three kilometers away from the Victoria Falls.
Some of the hotels in Vic Falls are not really ''in'' Vic Falls. For these places, you will need to have private transportation or to call a cab. Cabs are plentiful, and should not cost more than US$ 6.00 for a ride; you should bargain. Most accommodation have their own transfer services.
Like anywhere else in this world: Be careful walking around at night, however, especially if you've been drinking.
See
You come here to see Victoria Falls.
Perhaps you have seen postcards, holiday snaps, or film footage of the seventh wonder of the world, Victoria Falls. But have you actually been fortunate enough to stand beside the _esmoke that thunders_f? Watching and listening as the roar of 546 million cubic meters of water, minute by minute, plunge down into a 100-metre deep gorge below.
Also, do not miss the Zambezi River, which is beautiful above the falls. Best seen on a cruise, especially at sunset.
For a memorable afternoon tea pop in to the Victoria Falls Hotel for a 3 tiered sandwich platter and cup of tea - expect to pay US$ 30 for the experience. A first class hotel still seemingly untouched by the country's woes though having lost the shine.
White-water rafting day trips sell for about $110. The price includes a full day of shooting some of the best rapids in the world (including some Class V rapids!); lunch, eaten ''on the water and all the beer you can chug after the climb out.
Visit the grand Victoria Falls Hotel for '''high tea'''. For about $30, you get tea, scones, and a magnificent view of the Falls.
From wherever you stay you can easily arrange for a '''safari''' (prices vary), a '''sunset cruise''' (around $45), or a '''helicopter ride''' (for about $115 plus $5 National Park fee, well worth the price) over the falls.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a no '''knock-out casino''' on site.
For something different try an elephant ride, or a horse-back safari offered by a variety of tour operators in town.
Buy
There is substantial opportunity to shop in Victoria Falls, and it's possible to find a good deal. The curio markets are just behind the post office and has dozens of tourist shops from which you may select wood and stone carvings, jewelry, t-shirts, curios, books, postcards, artwork, etc. (For fun, see if you can find the shop with the pictures of Senator and Chelsea Clinton, from their visit.)
The hawkers sell everything from carvings to fabrics to pottery to jewelry to . . . "Looking is free," as you will learn, and that's a good thing -- there's lots to see. The salespeople can be aggressive; don't be afraid to say no.
Traders in the sculpture markets are prepared to barter trade - hats, your shoes, t-shirts, pens, batteries are in demand. But think twice before you reduce people to the level of beggars! Just negotiate what you think is a fair price.
Eat
The downtown area features a few coffee shops, sandwich shops, and fast food options. For a few US Dollars, you can feed an entire family.
All of the hotels have restaurants, and it is common to sample a new one each night. One place not to miss for a sundowner: '''The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge''' offers a la carte dinner, The Boma offers a buffet 'eat as much as you can' buffet dinner with authentic African dancing. The ''Ilala Lodge'' has a nice a la carte restaurant (a bit overpriced for the portions served; and the ''In-da-Belly'' Restaurant located in the camp site is a nice place to have simple meal and hang out at the pool and meet overland travellers from around the world.
There is a Spar and Seven-Eleven'''grocery store''' in town, too. Drinks and Food, snacks, camping supplies, have just started trickling in again at almost acceptable prices now that businesses are allowed to charge in US Dollars.
Drink
Vic Falls is not known anymore for its tremendous night-life. There are a few small bars near the downtown area, but they are not well-lit. It might be fun to stop in, but be careful.
Alternatively, all the hotels feature huge, well-stocked bars. However, the prices will be higher, and you might not feel like you're in Africa anymore.
Sleep
Amadeus Garden. 38 Reynard Road Victoria Falls. ww.amadeusgarden.com. Owner managed B&B just two kilometers from the Falls. Clean, un-cluttered en-suite rooms, pool and nice garden.
'''Note that price ranges quoted are in US dollar. '''
There are many types of accommodation in Victoria Falls. You can certainly find what you are looking for. Some of the accommodation options are not really ''in'' Vic Falls -- they're a few kilometers out -- so be careful, if booking in advance.
Budget
'''Victoria Falls Backpackers''' offers budget prices.
'''Reynard Cottages''', owned by a Zimbabwean, provides very simple rooms at affordable prices.
'''Lorrie's B&B'''owned by a Zimbabwean, run by single mom and her sidekick "George." Most rooms are ensuite and meals are quite affordable. Most rooms are about U$50 a night depending on season. Lovely pool and gardens with nice "sports bar" on site.74.171.28.216 14:59, 3 August 2008 (EDT)fastjhjr@bellsouth.net {{USA}}
'''Savanna Lodge''' offers dorms and private rooms for under US$30/night.
Mid-Range
'''Amadeus Garden''' owner managed lodging B&B style two kilometers from the Victoria Falls. Eleven en-suite rooms, pool and cool garden to relax. Rates per person sharing around $ 50 to 70 per night incl breakfast depending on season.
'''Teak Lodge''' located within the residential area of Vic Falls less than three kilometers to the Victoria Falls. Prices at between $30 and $50/person a night, coupled with impeccable service and completely furnished in teak wood.
'''The Sprayview Hotel''' motel like accommodation is only 2 km from the Falls for about US$100/night.
Splurge
'''Ilala Lodge''' offers quiet elegance close in to town and the Falls. Adjoins national park. Colonial veranda for dining.
'''Victoria Falls Hotel''', where the Queen Mother stayed when she visited, is one of the most romantic places in Africa.
'''Victoria Falls Safari Lodge''' [http://safarinow.com/go/VictoriaFallsSafariLodge/?a=10986], located very close to the Falls, offers safari-themed elegance, a great casino, and an excellent (and reasonably-priced) buffet dinner.
Be careful
The local currency Zim Dollar is no longer in circulation; since March 2009 a multi currency system has been officially introduced by a new unity government as it is called. No more black-market money-changers, if you meet one it's a cheat trying to rip you off. You can use CASH - US Dollars, South African Rand, Botswana Pula and Euro to pay; credit cards are still not accepted widely, but that might change soon.