We are planning a trip to South Africa and Victoria Falls in September. Is it better to stay in Zambia or in Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls? Is 2 days enough for this visit? We are not keen on extreme sports (white water rafting etc.), but would love a nature tour, any recommendations?

Thanks!

Several threads on this topic, including this one:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ugust-2008.cfm


We opted to stay in Zambia on our visit to the Falls; we were quite pleased with this lodge, which offers the option of a river cruise on the Zambezi, including other activities:

http://www.siankaba.net/


I wrote a trip report about the experience.

The Zambia side will (based on historical rain patterns) be bone-dry in September. If you want to see and photograph water flowing over the Falls you will need to at least take a day trip to Zimbabwe. If you are American, it is also much cheaper to go to Zimbabwe as the visa is $30 (versus $80) and you don't need yellow fever shots to return to South Africa from Zimbabwe.

I have been to both sides of the Falls and I have been to the Falls in every season of the year. Both sides are great and you can't go wrong with a two day visit but I suggest Zimbabwe in September for the reasons stated above. Check out elephant camp if you want all inclusive around $350 pppn or Vic Falls Hotel for about $150 pppn. In Zambia, my favorit spot is River Club (about $500 pppn all inclusive with activities included as well).

By the way - if you have media induced fear of Zimbabwe I would put that aside. I am taking my wife and teenage daughters on a six day safari in Zimbabwe. We leave on July 20. Three of our female safari consultants have traveled alone to Zimbabwe in the past three years. Relative to Africa, there are no additional safety concerns.

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond

I'm in agreement with Craig. Stay on the ZIM side for all the reasons mentioned - the Falls flow will be better, lower cost Visa, inoculations (or not), overall cost of lodging. And, it's perfectly safe. Two nights is perfect if you're not interested in other activities.

I'll be staying in Zimbabwe in late Aug - was advised for the same reasons above regarding the falls and Zambia at this time of year. I'm actually only staying 1 night (then on to Bots) and I think it'll be plenty - really only want to see the falls.

Thank you all for very helpful and informative replies!
We have to decide where to stay, whether to choose a place nearer to the falls, or to find a nicer place which is further away and needs transport for the falls.
Thanks again

Ilala Lodge is a great place to stay in the town of Victoria Falls and is close enough to walk to the falls. It's also close to the crafts market and other nearby hotels if you're looking for dining options.

l believe that Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe will not only be affordable on accommodation and Visas but has a wider range of excursions to choose from, there are exciting packages to choose from in comparison with the Zambian side.

Victor - owner -Veneto Adventures- Victoria Falls

I'll be staying at Ilala - glad to hear ShayTay say it is nice, as it'll be my first time in this region. I looked at Elephant Camp (as Craig above recommends). They have resident elephants, but they allow people to ride them, which is ethically unacceptable to me. Just mention that in case it is also unacceptable to other people.

Ilala Lodge is an easy walk to the Falls. And, if you want to upgrade to the Victoria Falls Hotel, this too is an easy walk. You'll probably hear them way before you even get near.

3 Days would be enough to do 2-3hrs Victoria Falls un/guided tour, a morning or night game drive, sunset cruise, canoeing or wine route, bicycle tour, township or village tour, Drumming/Barbaque buffet dinner, Curosity shopping and time to take a break and swim. Chobe full day safari (Botswana)optional.

Victor

Well, l have been to both countries and l would highly recommend the Zimbabwean side because of the falls themselves and the affordability of accommodation, excursions, hospitality and unmatched friendliness.

You can get as many days because 2 days will feel like just a tip of an iceberg...you will be obsessed honestly. Just give it a try.

You won't be sorry with Ilala Lodge. I stayed there last October and it was very comfortable. And even in October, I could see the spray of the Falls from the dining area of the hotel. I would highly recommend that you take the sunset cruise. The Zambezi cruise was a highlight for me as well as my trip to Devils Pool in Zambia. But there are so many things to do there I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding things to do - like a bungee jump off the bridge?

I have a correction to make. Mira Prosteck, a Zambia travel specialist, emailed me personally and kindly offered some good advice. The $80 fee is only applicable to Americans that are staying in Zambia and wish to day trip into Zimbabwe. The costs of a double entry visa is $80. Single entry is only $50.

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond

I was there Last year on the Zimbabwe side early september and we did a Jet boat trip below the Victoria Falls bridge right through to the foot of the falls and this was awesome its amazing the views that you get from below. I would highly recommend this to anyone going to Vic falls. I get newsletters from them and tney advised new season is opening firt week of August. Their website is www.regaltoursandsafaris.com

We are planning a trip in a few weeks and going to the Zambian side. If you are planning to go back to South Africa after your trip to the falls, I would recommend to go to the Zimbabwe side due to the new yellow fever rules. You have to get the vaccination if you go to the Zambian side. We are spending 2 days in Zambia and we are fitting in a helicopter tour of the falls, sunset cruise, day trip to Chobe and a walking tour of both sides of the falls.