We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding accommodation, the surrounding area, transport, health and safety. If you unable to find what you are looking for here please feel free to contact us at website@saflodge.co.zw and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe FAQs
Zimbabwe has a temperate climate, despite its location in the tropics. The summer months, from September to March, are hot and humid, often with brief thunderstorms in the afternoons, while the winter months, from May to August, are generally mild and dry. Expect wind chill on open game drive vehicles – bring beanies, gloves and fleece jackets.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a year-round destination. However, the water levels vary throughout the year, being at their highest between April and June, and their lowest from October to December. Viewing the Victoria Falls at different times of the year offers different experiences – in high flow its entire length is a thundering wall of falling water with limited visibility so it is best seen from a helicopter flight, whereas in low flow the underlying structure can be seen, and visibility is clearer.
Activities may be booked at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s Activities Desk which is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Guests staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites can add all activity charges to their room account and settle upon check out by cash or credit card. Please note that all relevant National Parks fees are paid directly to National Parks in cash. It is recommended that you have the correct amount for the park fees.
All rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites are air conditioned and they also have ceiling fans.
Babysitting services are available on request at an extra charge of $10 per hour for the first two hours and US$7 from the third hour (current rate as at April 2023). Services need to be booked by 10am if a babysitter is required for that evening.
Yes, you can withdraw cash (US$) from the ATM at selected banks, however it is advisable that you bring some cash with you. It is recommended that some of your money is in small denominations to pay for National Parks fees, souvenirs, gratuities and sundries. Meals at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate and activities may be settled by credit card.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted in Victoria Falls
The main currency in use in Zimbabwe is US Dollars, however, South African Rand, Euros, British Pounds and Australian dollars are also legal tender. We advise you to travel with smaller denominations such as US$1, US$5, US$10 and US$20.
Single and double entry visas are available at port of entry into Zimbabwe. For multiple entry visas it is necessary to apply before travel. Visa costs are indicated below:
Single Entry US$30
Double Entry US$45
Britain / UK / Ireland
Single Entry – US$55 single entry
Double Entry – US$70
Multiple Entry – US$90
Canada
Single Entry – US$75 / multiple can only be obtained from local embassy prior to departure
The KAZA Uni-Visa (US$50) allows for easy travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa permits visitors to stay for a maximum of 30 days in either or both Zambia and Zimbabwe and also includes day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Our guest relations team will be happy to assist you in re-confirming any flight arrangements you have.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate offers a complimentary shuttle service, which runs to and from the city centre and the Victoria Falls rainforest at regular intervals throughout the day. The shuttle bus timetable is available at reception. The shuttle service follows a set route and is available to guests staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites.
Yes, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available
Yes. As part of AAT’s commitment to reduce the use of plastic at its properties, and to minimise the group’s carbon footprint, the group introduced the environmentally friendly Natura water system in 2019. Water is purified onsite using a three-stage filtration system which removes any impurities to produce top quality, great tasting water, provided to guests in recyclable glass bottles. Water bottles are available for purchase from the onsite souvenir shop or from the Buffalo Bar.
It is filtered water processed through an onsite filtration plant.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has one room in the first block from reception which may be accessed via a ramp. This room has no steps, and the doors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
As Victoria Falls Safari Club rooms do not have steps, we recommend that guests with mobility challenges book here (NB: no children under 10 years)
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Only the 6 Lodge Waterhole Facing Suites have bathtubs. The other 66 rooms have walk-in rainfall showers.
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Yes, the rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Club have bathtubs
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
In the 2-bedroom Safari Suite, the downstairs bedroom has a bathtub and separate shower, and in the 3-bedroom Safari Suite one of the 2 downstairs bedrooms has a bathtub and separate shower.
Only the Victoria Falls Safari suites have TVs (in the lounge)
The shuttle operates at regular intervals – a timetable is available at the reception
Yes, we have a security fence around the property which prevents the big and dangerous animals from getting on to the property. However, to get to and from The Boma for dinner, a shuttle service is available.
Animals come at random times throughout the day, any time is a chance to see game at the waterhole.
No, this is a complimentary activity. It takes place daily at 1pm and lasts for approximately 30 minutes
No, the road goes through the national park, and one may encounter dangerous wild animals.
In and around the estate or you can go out through the boom gate at Lokuthula Lodges reception into the residential area.
Yes, we have vegetarian options on the menu. For more option, liaise with the chef, who will be able to cater for your needs.
No, but the shuttle bus can take you to town where you will be able to access the ATM
No, but the shuttle bus can take you to town were you will be able to access the ATM
Yes, it is part of the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group and guest staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites can sign their meals at The Boma to their room.
No, all rooms are non-smoking. Smoking is in designated areas on the estate as indicated below:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Baobab tree in front of the reception and the lower deck of the Buffalo Bar
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Garden benches around the traffic turning circle at the entrance to the Safari Club
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
Patio outside the lounge area.
Victoria Falls is in a malaria area, therefore we advise you to take precautions, particularly during the rainy season between the months of November and April. Please consult your doctor before travelling.
It costs US$50 per person for international visitors, US$30 per person for SADC residents (with proof of residence) and US$7 per person for Zimbabwean residents (with proof of residence). These rates are current and subject to change.
The Zimbabwean side has two thirds of the Victoria Falls with 13 of the 16 viewing points. Time permitting, we recommend viewing from both countries as each offers a unique perspective of the Falls. However, in the dry season, particularly from October to early December, it is recommended that you see the falls from the Zimbabwean side, as there is very little water on the Zambian side.
Yes. The Victoria Falls Tourism Police unit are available to assist, advise, guide, and where necessary to prevent any street salesmen from becoming an irritation. They can be identified by their neon vests.
There is a well-equipped private clinic in Victoria Falls. There are also emergency evacuation services available should they be required. We recommend purchasing travel insurance when visiting foreign countries.
We are members of Pack for a Purpose, a global initiative that allows travellers like yourself to make an impact on the community at your destination. Save a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for local schools or medical clinics. Click here for more information on what supplies are needed. Insert link to Pack for a Purpose. Alternatively, you could make a donation to Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, which strives to conserve the wildlife and its natural environment in the region. For more information visit www.vfapu.com.
Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, however, English, Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken languages in the country. English is the language of business as well as the main medium of instruction in schools.
In Victoria Falls, Nambya, Tonga, Nyanja and Ndebele are the most widely spoken languages.
Use your discretion when tipping as we do not have a tipping guideline in Zimbabwe.
The standard cruises are done above the Victoria Falls about 3km away from Falls, and only a view of their spray is visible from the cruise. Boats are not able to go closer as the current is strong.
The jetboat activity takes you under the Falls, allowing you to experience the sheer power of the Falls from below as you are covered in the spray from this force of nature.
Only a very small part of the Falls can be seen from the bridge, and it is not a true representation of having seen the Falls. One has to go into the rainforest to truly experience and see the Falls.
This will depend on whether one would like adventure, cultural or safari activities however the three must-do activities are:
- a) The tour of the Victoria Falls. This gives one a chance to immerse themself in the beauty and splendour of the Falls
- b) The sunset cruise. One can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the Zambezi River and the beautiful sunset. If you are lucky, you may see some animals that come to the banks of the river for an evening drink.
- c) The Helicopter flight over the Falls. This gives one a chance to see the Falls from an aerial perspective.
- d) The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show has over the years firmly established itself as a “must-do” experience in the destination.
This legendary dining and entertainment experience offers mouth-watering local cuisine, traditional dances and interactive drumming.
Yes. For each activity that you do that requires a park fee it has to be paid, regardless of how many of those activities you do in a day or during your stay. Unfortunately, there is no day ticket or multi entry ticket for park fees. Park fees can also be paid by credit card, but it is advisable to bring cash in case there are any challenges with the credit card machine.
What time does the spa open and close?
We open at 9am and close at 7pm
Are we able to have lunch at the spa?
Yes, we have a small café that offers light meals and snacks.
Are we able to use the spa pool if we do not have a treatment booked?
No, the spa pool is only for the use of those who have treatments booked with us.
Are we able to organise a full or half spa day?
Yes, we can tailor-make a spa day to suit your needs.
Can you do couples’ treatments in the same room?
Yes, we have one double treatment room
Do you offer hair and makeup for weddings and special occasions?
Yes, we have an in-house hairdresser and makeup artist.
Do we take walk-in guests?
Yes, we do if we have availability, although it is best to book 24 hours in advance.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, we do. Contact us at spa@saflodge.co.zw to make arrangements