Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Arrived in Victoria Falls, ZIMBABWE!

The flight from JoBurg, South Africa was short and painless. The line to get a Visa, was long and painful. If you’re planning to come for a visit, make sure you procure the ‘Kaza UniVisa’. It is $50 US (Note: ONLY US dollars are accepted- no credit cards or other currency). It allows travel for 30 days between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and back from Botswana. If you purchase just one visa for Zimbabwe, you will be paying for individual Visas for each country and that will add up to an unreasonable and unnecessary price tag. You’ll want to be able to come and go between Zimbabwe and Zambia with ease if you’re planning to go white water rafting (Grade 5 rapids!) on the Zambezi River and/or croc cage diving (yep, it’s totally a thing!) in Livingstone- as both adrenaline packed activities are located in the country of Zambia. Additionally, the view of Victoria Falls is different on both sides so to get the most of the wonder that it is- just say “Kaza UniVisa” at immigration and you’ll be all set 👌🏻

Getting from the Victoria Falls airport to the city center is generally quick, unless the wild goats, boars, and giant African elephants decide to migrate across the roadway en route. This obviously happened to me, bc..what doesn’t? These 4 particular elephants were said to be on the ‘smaller’ side. There was nothing small about these creatures. It’s quite the sight, driving along and HOLY SHIT! there are elephants just moseying on their merry way, in your way. I made it to the metal gates of my hostel (Victoria Falls Backpackers), situated about a half mile from town. I knew I was here when I could not help but notice the large metal gate and surrounding wall. I asked the gentleman checking me in about safety when walking into town by oneself. As the sun was setting, I was advised of the unwise decision. And it has nothing to do with a concern of mugging or abduction or any of the other normal reasons you would be advised against going out alone at night in a city. This is not only a city, it’s an actual nature reserve. Allegedly, there have been significantly more lion sightings recently in the area and the risk of an encounter is not worth saving $3 US on a taxi. Again, allegedly 😏 However, as it’s my first night in this country and all, I decided to err on the side of caution in this instance. So instead of heading into town and venturing solo, I stayed at the hostel and ate Braai (African BBQ) around a fire pit, watched the song/dance of the local tribe who performs 2x/week for the travelers, and made a few new friends already. One of those friends, Addy, is a local who is the cook here at the camp. He has a day off work while I’m here and has graciously demanded we go out and hit up the local joints. Looking forward to that night 🤟🏻

Everyone here is SO NICE. It’s crazy and delightfully unexpected. I’ve booked all of my adventures, and may even live to tell about them! PRO TIP: Book with the agency IN TOWN and negotiate prices. If you book numerous activities the price cut is a tremendous savings. Additionally, pay US dollars in cash for an even better discount. Do not book advance online. I nearly did, but am glad that I had not as the prices online are much higher than when booking in person.

I really wanted to visit the country of Botswana, but had crossed the possibility off of my list, for the sake of time and expense. Also Namibia. But crossed that country off due to Yellow Fever being currently present (having a regular fever is shitty enough, but turning yellow too?? Pfft…that’s where I draw the line…). HOWEVER, with the deal I got, and only a 45 minute drive to the border crossing; I’m heading to Kasane, Botswana at sunrise tomorrow to the Chobe National Park for a full day safari! If the lions don’t get me, I hope to have some great footage to share after the adventure. I mean, even if I don’t physically survive- I’m confident the footage pre-impromptu-demise would be found and shared ☺️

🙌🏻