Victoria Falls - Visiting the Zimbabwe side?

Question

We are planning to visit Victoria Falls (US citizens). We are hoping to fly in, but we are concerned about the viability of visiting Zimbabwe with all the turmoil going on there. The airport is in Zimbabwe.

Questions: is it safe to visit the Zimbabwe side right now? If not how do we get there from Cape Town without flying in directly?

What are the practical considerations of visiting the Zimbabwe side?

TIA. This info changes so fast, I don't even trust our latest-edition guidebook to know how to get around there.

To clarify, I want to go to the falls and see what I can in the safest way possible. I'm not considering going to Harare, or anywhere near. I learned I can fly into Livingstone so I will probably do that, my question is whether or not is safe or advisable to cross into Zimbabwe at the falls for local sightseeing and come back to Zambia same day. Sorry if I was unclear.

Answer 1

We flew from Johannesburg to Zambia and stayed at the Royal Livingstone. Personally, I would not go into Zimbabwe. For the most part you can cross the bridge from Zambia to Zimbabwe, but the border crossing people can be unreasonable and difficult. Zambia is beautiful and the walk along the falls is spectacular. The Royal Livingstone is a lovely hotel and it is a short walk down a path to the falls. We took a flight in a micro-light over the falls and over Zimbabwe. That is as close as I would get.

Answer 2

I would strongly advise you NOT to visit Zimbabwe. You can see the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side and enter the Victoria Falls from there if you really have to, but only for a day or two. DO NOT walk around the Falls carrying your backpacks in quiet secluded areas and especially at night. Don't try to change your forex there with anyone on the streets, you will get robbed and probably arrested. Book into one of the well-known hotels like Elephant Hills, Sprayview Inn, Victoria Falls Hotel or the magnificent Kingdom Hotel. DON"T drive to Zimbabwe from SA because there is NO fuel and it IS a long journey. Fly from SA to Zambia or Victoria Falls then fly right out again! Zimbabwe is a beautiful country but it is out of your league, and I mean it! It's better to wait until things get better (IF they ever do), to see the wonders it sadly cannot share right now.
By the way, I've lived in Zimbabwe for most of my life. I have NO intention of ever going back anytime soon! Please, rethink your situation here. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Yes, you can go. It is not unsafe. Just take the normal precautions (don't flash your money, don't talk politics etc). You will be inundated by vendors all desperate to sell their curios to you which can be annoying but not dangerous. You can actually walk over the bridge from the Zambian side to the Zimbabwean side and then walk about 2 kms up to the main hotels (e.g. Vic Falls Hotel etc). It may be expensive though - remember you will need a visa for Zambia and a visa for Zimbabwe. You will need to check whether your Zambian visa allows you to leave and re-enter or if you need to get another one.

Answer 4

Oh Man im Zimbabwean and frankly I wouldnt visit Zimbabwe right now my self..But You can visit as long as you dont get involved in anythin political and you can get from Cape town to Zim by driving there you can rent a car from S.Africa and drive to Zim but I also wouldnt recommend that because of the gas problems in Zim you might not be able to get gas for your car..so mayeb flying will be a better idea

Answer 5

Very threat-free. The Elephant Hills inn and Victoria Falls Safari motel are very reliable. do no longer use charge playing cards and replace you funds on the parallel market, in the different case it is going to fee you a fortune.

Answer 6

Where are you gonna get fuel, What are you gonna eat there is no food Harare has Cholera,Typhus, Are you getting this ,Does this sound like a place you'd visit.No one in their right mind would visit Zimbabwe