old guy

Sorry for posting my question here as this question seems not related to SA
much.
After my 10 days trip in South Africa, I will go to Vic Falls in April.
Some Pals said that it is unsafe to go there at present moment.
Govt of UK, Aussie & US all issued travel warnings.

Since SA is Zimbabwe's neighbouring country, Pals in South Africa may know
more about the safety concerns there.
Will be very much appreciated for any advice.

moira de swardt

Things are a little unsettled there. Petrol is once again very
difficult to get. If you are flying to the Vic Falls and staying
there in a hotel you will be fine - you can hire bicycles and cycle
round the town or you can walk - I did that one holiday and coped
with the lack of transport. Public transport may also be an option
when organised by the hotel. I would happily do that as regards
safety. I wouldn't drive there at the moment (and I drove there in
December when times were marginally happier than they are now).
Declare every single last note and coin in foreign currency and
carry your stamped customs declaration with you at all times. The
police have a habit of confiscating foreign currency when they find
it.

Why not simply fly to Livingstone and stay on the Zambian side? You
can always visit the Zimbabwe side on a day trip.

Moira, the Faerie Godmother

old guy

Thanks a lot for your kind advice.
Sad thing is that I have already got the return air ticket from JNB to Vic
Falls.
Airport tax already been paid and route is not allowed to change.

Strange thing is that SA tour company is still promoting 'Weekend Escape'
package for SA people to Vic Falls at very attractive price. If SA people
knows it is unsafe there, why the tour company do this?

hayesmstw

3 million plus Zimbabweans in South Africa must say something about the
situation in Zim. Look at the falls from the Zambian side and nip into Zim for
a day.

--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/stevesig.htm
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

jordan

That should have started the warning bells ringing, no?


They will tell you that it is safer in Vic Falls than it is in Baghdad.

moira de swardt

I don't think it is unsafe there. I said things are unsettled.
There is a difference. I would be entirely happy to fly to Vic
Falls, be transported by the hotel and stay at the hotel while
visiting the tourist attractions in Vic Falls. It is not a good
idea to drive there at the moment.

Victoria Falls is a lovely place to visit. Be aware that you will
be required to pay an exhorbitant amount of money to see the falls
from the Zimbabwe side, but that you will regard this as worthwhile.
You can walk across into Zambia across the bridge and view the falls
from there. If bungee jumping is your thing, you can throw yourself
off a bridge in one of the most spectacular bungee jumps in the
world. There is a fabulous crocodile farm. There was some good
eating around the falls area, try the Boma. I expect the hotels get
their food from Zambia now. A booze cruise on the Zambezi is a
treat. You are also close enough to Hwange to arrange a tour
through Hwange - that's if the tour company are getting their petrol
in Livingstone, Zambia.

So, off you go and have a lovely time. I love the Victoria Falls
and have seen them several times. If you don't want your tickets
after what I've said to you, please contact me via the newsgroup and
offer them to me. I'll visit in your place.

Moira, the Faerie Godmother

slow eddy

What you could do is go to the Zambian side. Same waterfall, but there's
definitely no trouble in Zambia (and potential for sudden escalation just
as you're in mid-transit) at the moment. Just a thought.
--

Slow Eddy