Safety around Victoria Falls
 

We're planning our trip to S.A., and were originally planning on visiting Victoria Falls. In light of the recent events in Zimbabwe, would folks out there still recommend going? Should we plan on going to Livingston and staying on the Zambian side of the falls? Thanks for your suggestions & opinions.<BR><BR>David

Have you been to this area of the world before????<BR><BR>Livingston???<BR>I was there last april and could not wait to get back into Zimbawe. I understand your concern with elections.<BR>I'm sure there are safe hotels on Zambian side of the falls but the streets in downtown Livingston did not seem that great - No tourists in the main markets. That's why Vic falls was nice cause of safety in numbers - Be careful in Livingston- just my opinion<BR><BR>find a local cabbie and hang with him when you go out - good luck

Vic Falls - safety in numbers? Not any more, theres hardly anyone there now. But saying that, I still think its fairly safe - they want tourists there, and will not do anything to harm you. Those you should fear and those from outside the area - if theres any political rallies in the area at that time stay in your hotel and don't leave! There are some new luxury hotels just on the otherside of the Vic Falls bridge in Zambia. They could be an option.

David<BR><BR>I would recommend that you rather stay in the Zambian hotels. You can fly there from Johannesburg. Make no mistake, Livingstone is not a tourist town by any stretch of the imagination, but it is nice to say: "I was there."<BR><BR>We went to the Vic Falls in September last year and went to Livingstone one morning. Nothing to write home about.<BR><BR>Although I am not entirely sure, I would imagine that you would be able to move quite freely through the border between the hotels in Zambia and the Victoria Falls town. The town is geared for tourism but I think they are taking strain now with the upcoming elections.<BR><BR>Here in South Africa, people are holding their collective breath about what could happen. <BR><BR>Oh yes, while I am on this positive note, please remember that the Vic Falls is a malaria area and to make provision for this. :-(

I stayed at the River Club in Zambia in December, and the sightseeing at Victoria Falls from the Zambian side was fantastic. Livinstone was not great, but we were escorted the whole time. Everything at the River Club is included -- and I mean EVERYTHING. Peter Jones is a fantastic host. It's not cheap, but if it's safety you're concerned about, this is the way to go. Feel free to email me with questions.

My husband and I just returned (3 hours ago!!!) from Zimababwe and Victoria Falls. We stayed at the Victoria Falls Hotel. We felt perfectly safe while there...and did not see anything out of the ordinary. <BR><BR>I will have a full trip report to post next week.<BR><BR>Pam

Looking forward to reading your report, Pamela.