How do I get to/from the Airport, town, the Victoria Falls Rainforest?
The Lodge can arrange transfers to and from the airport at an additional cost. The Lodge also offers a complimentary Courtesy Shuttle Bus service, which runs to and from town/the Falls entrance throughout the day from 0745hrs-2145hrs, leaving the Lodge every quarter before the hour and returning on the hour. The Shuttle follows a set route. Guests staying at Lokuthula Lodges can also use this Shuttle Service.
Is the thatch treated for fires?
Yes it is. Additionally there are numerous fire safety precautions in place including a sprinkler system in the rooms and the Lodge has its own fully-trained resident Fire Team in case of an emergency.
Can we go down to the waterhole?
ONLY with our Professional Guide. He conducts both Guided Walks in the region around the waterhole as well as Hide Sits in the Siduli Hide located just on the edge of the waterhole. Both these activities can be booked and paid for at the Activities Desk.
Are rooms air-conditioned?
Yes, and in addition rooms also have overhead ceiling fans.
Are there any babysitting facilities?
Babysitting services are available on request, and we require at least 24hrs notice for this service.
Can I check my e-mail?
Yes, we have an Internet Café located within the main hotel complex. You may also download photos onto CD, print on CDs and print photographs. We also have wireless internet access, and guests with laptops can log onto the internet from their rooms or any of the public areas. The Buffalo Bar Terrace is a favourite spot for many laptop users as they enjoy watching the amazing African sunset as well as the elephants and buffalo drinking at the waterhole whilst they communicate with friends and family back home! Users need to get a User code and password from the Reception before they may access the Internet.
How do I pay for my accommodation and change money?
- Non-residents are required by law to pay with foreign currency for their accommodation, activities and items charged to their room account. Payment can be by cash, credit card (VISA and AMERICAN EXPRESS ONLY) or travellers cheques (in many cases accommodation is pre-paid).
- Currency conversions are determined by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and with the rules and regulations changing regularly it would be wise to check with your travel agent or service provider or with your hotel on arrival to ascertain the best method of making payments. You are strongly advised against changing money on the street, as it is illegal and there is a very good chance you will be cheated.
If I only have Mastercard, how can I access money?
You will need to go across the bridge to a Zambian bank in Livingstone, where you can get Zambian Kwacha to exchange for US$ or South African Rand.
Options for getting to Livingstone:
1) Catch the Lodge's shuttle bus to the Rainforest Entrance and walk across the bridge. Bear in mind the bridge is approximately 1,5km and the walk across can be unpleasant due to the weather.
2) Catch the Lodge's shuttle bus to the Rainforest Entrance and take a taxi across the bridge. However many of the taxis are old and not all have metres.
3) Book return transfers to and from Zambia.
SADC residents are expempt from the Day Trip Visa Fee but all other nationalities are required to pay US$10 Day Trip Visa fee into Zambia.
Where can we book activities?
At the hotel's Activities Desk open every day from 8am to 7pm. Guests are advised to bring enough foreign cash to pay for their activities, as most Operators do not accept credit cards and National Park Entry Fees have to be paid directly to the Authorities in foreign cash.
Is Victoria Falls Safe to visit?
Yes, there have been no reported incidents of civil unrest in Victoria Falls and crime exists at very low levels. The truth is that crime in Victoria Falls is a fraction of that experienced in most cities or other major destinations and is mostly petty crime.
Is it safe to walk the streets?
Yes. There are hawkers and salesmen on the streets in Victoria Falls, as there are in many tourist resorts and they can be a pest. Yellow jacketed Tourism Police have been introduced to ensure the safety of tourists. They are also trained to assist, advise, guide, and where necessary to prevent any street salesmen from becoming an irritation. Safety is a priority for us! They operate from 0700 to 2100 daily.
Is it better to see the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side or the Zambian side?
On the Zimbabwean side there are 17 viewing points, on the Zambian side there are 3. Guests who go to see the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side are advised that there is a US$10 Day Trip Visa Fee that is charged. Holders of SADC passports are exempt.
When is the next Lunar Rainbow Viewing?
08-10 August; 06-08 September; 06-08 October; 04-06 November; 04-06 December. NB the middle day is the Full Moon Day. Cost is US$30 per person and National Parks Authorities conduct the guided tour themselves. Guests are required to book in advance and to meet the National Parks Guides at the Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance at a time given when making the booking (generally between 6pm and 6.30pm).
How much does it cost to go into the Victoria Falls?
US$20 per person for International residents, US$15 for regional residents (proof of residency required).
What currency should I bring?
- The most popular foreign currencies to use in Victoria Falls are American Dollars and South African Rand, with Euros and British Pounds also acceptable. Always travel with some smaller value notes for ease of transaction, e.g. (US$1/US$5/US$20) etc.
- You do need foreign currency for accommodation and activities as noted above, for entrance into the Victoria Falls National and also airport departure tax if not already included in your ticket.
How and where do I change money?
Foreign cash can ONLY be exchanged at a Commercial Bank or the Reserve Bank located within the Kingdom Hotel. IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED TO CHANGE MONEY WITH AN UNAUTHORISED DEALER i.e. on the street. Guests are encouraged to keep all receipts of such transactions as they may be required to produce them. However, it must be noted that once guests have changed their foreign cash to local currency, they WILL NOT be able to change it back to foreign cash. It is therefore STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that guests change only a little bit of money at a time (as much as they need for a particular purchase) or use foreign cash/credit cards throughout their stay, unless they need to go to the Supermarket or Pharmacy etc, in which case the local currency will be required.
Can I use my credit card in Victoria Falls?
- Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, but not at all restaurants, shops and activities providers.
- Currently Visa and Diners cards are accepted, by not Master Card. (The situation changes from time to time and you need to check before you travel.)
- Be especially careful when using your credit card to pay for a local currency charge as the credit card companies use the official exchange rate.
Does everybody speak English?
Yes, it is the National language and tourism staff are all well trained and experienced. Many hotels and ground handlers also have multi-lingual staff speaking French, Italian, German and even Chinese.
Is the water in Vic Falls safe to drink?
Yes. Most, if not all locals, drink from municipal supplies. However, if you suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, then bottled water is recommended and is readily available.
Is there malaria in Victoria Falls?
Yes. Malaria does occur in Victoria Falls and travellers would be advised to take an appropriate prophylactic. Please ask your travel agent or doctor for advice before you travel. Take particular care between January and April.
What will happen if I get sick whilst at Victoria Falls?
Whilst it is standard practice to advise all tourists to purchase the necessary medical and evacuation cover when traveling to foreign countries, we are pleased to advise that there is an excellent private clinic in Victoria Falls manned by qualified and experienced staff. We also have a Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) base in Victoria Falls in the event that an emergency evacuation is required. Most activity operators and some hoteliers include MARS evacuation cover in their charges. Victoria Falls MARS service is also used by Livingstone operators.
Are there fuel shortages in Victoria Falls?
Hotels, tour operators and activity providers import their own fuel, so occasional shortages should have no impact on visitors. It is prudent, however, for self-drive visitors to check current availability with their hotel or operator prior to travel. Fuel is always available in neighbouring Zambia or Botswana (which many vehicles travel through) if necessary. A new fuel facility is under construction in Victoria Falls to ensure supply.
Is it true that there are food shortages in Victoria Falls?
Absolutely not. The supermarkets, wholesalers and hotels are all well stocked and you need have no concerns in this regard. There are shortages of some staple foods in certain parts of the country, but the industry in Victoria Falls has ensured that we are not affected. All the professional / quality operations in Victoria Falls can offer a wide range of internationally recognized brands and quality food and beverage products.
