Below, at the end of this description, are some quick tips for first time visitors to the Victoria Falls. Lots can be packed in a short three-day stay at the Victoria Falls. This home video will give you an idea. I visited with my two sons for their 18th birthday. We didn't know what to expect. Our boys grew up in London and this was their first encounter with wild Africa. It was truly amazing. Filmed on Panasonic Lumix GH2, Voigtlander 25mm and 17.5mm lenses + Panasonic vario 14-140mm HD and Panasonic tele 100-300mm. Music by Tinashe (Zambezi) and The Heavy (What makes a good man) This is a home video. A special thanks to the guys from Poland's Komputronik who provided most of the dancing at the boma dinner. A VERY BIG thank you to Andrew Devis for his superb Premiere Pro online tutorials on CreativeCow. I watched more than 70 of them and they were worth every minute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBwZ3pA_YFE === The Victoria Falls are at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. On the Zambian side is the town of Livingstone. On the Zimbabwe side is the town of Victoria Falls. Both have airports, and there are regular flights from Johannesburg, South Africa. It is important that you plan your journey well. Expenses can climb up quickly if you don't. Booking through an agent may be less expensive, but if you book your accommodation directly you can bargain. Some hotels may be willing to give a nice discount. Visas can be obtained on arrival, both at Zambia and Zimbabwe point of entry. Cost is approximately between 30 and 100 US$ depending on your nationality and the type of visa you'd require. Multiple entry visas are more expensive. Bring enough US Dollars; don't expect to be able to pull money from a bank machine to pay for your visa at the airport. Do you need a multiple entry visa? It depends on what activities you want while at the Falls, and where you fly to and stay. Victoria Falls are best seen from Zimbabwe side. Standing at Zimbabwe side you will have a beautiful view at the falls, as they actually lay across the gorge in Zambia. If on Zambian side, you can walk to the edge of the falls and look down. The famous "Devil's Pool" is on Zambian side. But you cannot see the falls as well from Zambia as you can from Zimbabwe. Zambian side has some very nice hotels in and around Livingstone, and a better night life. However, you must cross over to Zimbabwe at least once if you want to see the falls. In this case, it is best to get a single visa for Zimbabwe and a multiple entry to Zambia. Accommodation on Zimbabwe side, while still very good, tends to be a tad cheaper. If you land in Zimbabwe and stay there, you can do most activities without crossing over to Zambia at all. However, you will not be able to get to the Devil's Pool. You will need a yellow fever vaccination for Zambia (only). It needs to be done at least 10 days to the day you enter Zambia. If you have been to Zambia and do not have a yellow fever vaccination you may be denied an entry back to South Africa when you return. Malaria pills are a must! Start two days before you arrive at the falls and continue for a week after you return. Mosquitoes and ticks are a serious pest. You should consider two types of bug repellent - to apply on your skin and for clothes impregnation. Best is to consult a pharmacy. Avoid natural remedies, all eco friendly ingredients and all that nonsense. They don't work!!! Choose a good repellent with permethrin or diethyltoluamide (DEET). It is important. It is believed that mosquitoes are attracted to dark and blue denim clothes. Avoid. Also avoid white. Best is to wear neutral colours. After walking in the bush check yourself for attached ticks. They are as plentiful as the mosquitoes. One of the boys was bitten. Do not leave the windows and the doors of your accommodation open or even unlocked. You will find yourself sharing a room with a gang of monkeys. There is an endless list of things you can do while at the falls. It is a well oiled industry with you in the center. The experience is unique and condensed. Most activities however can be packed in a 2-3 days stay. Beyond that you may want to look further than the falls. Activities at Victoria Falls are best organized by your hotel. A package deal will be more financially advantageous. Sunset cruise on Zambezi - good Walk with lions - good Helicopter tour of the falls - waste of time and money Night drive safari - great Boma dinner - good If we had more time we would have wanted to go white water rafting. Other available activities include an elephant ride, bungee jump from the bridge over Zambezi, jetboat, horse safaris, lunar rainbow, high wire, steam train, canoe safaris, etc, etc, etc.

• published: 02 Oct 2012
• views: 9357