Money: New: Great news! Credit cards can now be used in Victoria Falls, most lodges and hotels will accept Visa & MasterCard. ATM’s are also available at a number of locations. Currency: The official Zimbabwean currency is $US. We recommend that you carry small denominations of dollars which you can use for drinks, tips and curios, South Africa Rand can also be used but not always at a great exchange rate, check before you spend.
DO NOT be tempted to change money with people on the street however charming or persistent. It’s against the law. Rather go to a reputable bureau de change. If you plan on buying some of the stunning curios on offer in Victoria Falls you may want take along a ‘sweetener’ to clinch your deal in the form of old clothes (T-shirts are popular), sunglasses, batteries even pens. Health: The Victoria Falls region is a malaria area. We strongly recommend that you consult a doctor and start prophylaxis before your arrival. Be smart not paranoid. Cover up with long pants and shirts after dark, sleep under a mosquito net and use mosquito repellent. Be aware that a lot of anti malaria medication and pregnancies don’t go together. If you are planning a family please discuss a medication that is suitable with your doctor. Victoria Falls is serviced by medical air rescue services (MARS) They will be able to attend to you in an emergency and, if required, airlift you to the nearest hospital facility that can treat your condition. All visitors are responsible for their own travel and medical insurance. Please ensure fully for emergency evacuation, medical, curtailment and repatriation. No Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Victoria Falls Zimbabwe unless you enter the Zimbabwe via Zambia. Any visitor from South Africa who enters into Zambia will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate available at most Travel Clinics in South Africa. How to get there: There are currently three airlines which service the Johannesburg to Victoria Falls route : BA-Comair, SAA . SAA & BA Comair fly daily SAA’s Voyager Miles which can be used to redeemed for flights to Victoria Falls. You currently require 20000 Voyage Miles on Mileage Keeper to fly to Victoria Falls in economy class. This is subject to change. To be sure visit www.flysaa.comwww.flysaa.com We offer excellent fly in packages which include accommodation, flights and transfers.
Self drive: We recommend self drive visitors from South Africa drive via Botswana. Although there are no security issues with travelling in Zimbabwe. The road via Nata to Kasane is tarred all the way. Cross over into Zimbabwe at Kasane. It’s approximately 100kms from Kasane to Victoria Falls. You will require your vehicle ownership papers (or a certified copy) and a police clearance certificate of your vehicle. We recommend you contact your nearest AA (Automobile Association) for the up to date requirements.
Border post times: (subject to change)
Beitbridge - 0600 – 2230hrs daily
Kazungula - 0600 – 1800hrs daily
Victoria Falls - 0600 – 1800hrs daily International driving permits and driving licenses issued in all SADC countries are valid in Zimbabwe. Visitors from other countries not covered by this agreement are able to drive for a period of 90 days using driving permits or licenses issued in their home countries.
Security:
We are asked all time “is it safe to go to Zimbabwe”? Absolutely. If you come from South Africa I rest my case… As in most countries the locals can see that you are a tourist so be aware and take responsibility for the security of your stuff. Don’t create temptation by leaving cash and valuables lying around. Make use of the safe facilities that most lodges offer in facilities either in the rooms or at reception. As a tourist your valuable revenue is providing jobs and a lifeline to the families of those that are employed directly, and indirectly in the tourism industry.
Passports: All visitors require valid passports to enter Zimbabwe
Passports must be valid for at least 6months and have at least 2 blank pages. See visa requirements below. Visas: Visas are only a formality for SA passport holders and passports are rubber stamped on entry to Zimbabwe. Most passport holders including UK & US need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Bar a few nationalities which require a visa prior to entering Zimbabwe, most visas can be bought on arrival in Zimbabwe. Only single and double entry visas can be obtained on arrival so if you are planning on going across to Livingstone for some activities and maybe to Chobe for the day you may want to consider getting a multiple entry visa before your arrival. These can only be obtained from a Zimbabwe Foreign office. Useful links: For more information on a the location of your nearest Zimbabwe Foreign office see http://www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw | 
