The more I read from this excellent board, the more I realize that going to Vic Falls in late October is likely to be disappointing unless we go to the Zim side, which seems to not be recommended. Would you all agree?

We were originally planning 4-5 nights in Cape Town, 1 night winelands, 2 nights in VF and 3 nights on safari in either Botswana (with the VF trip) or Kruger. I am not too keen on driving while there, so what would you add to a honeymoon itinerary?

No I do not agree. And I have read several other recent threads about this subject and I do not recall reading anyone who warns against visiting the Zim side in October. We stayed on the Zambia side 3 weeks ago, but went to Zim for a day trip, visiting the Falls and lunching at the Vic Falls Hotel. We had no problems whatsoever and did not even have to pay an entry fee to Zim (US passport). I highly recommend a visit! Next time I would book Ilala Lodge in Vic Falls if I were to travel at this time of year.

We were just there a couple of weeks ago, and while the Zim side was much better, I certainly would not call the Zambia side "disappointing." Unless you've been to some other, more impressive falls, it would be difficult for the Victoria Falls to be disappointing even in its low season.

We went to the Zim side our last morning, and then flew out of VFA to JNB on the 1pm flight - worked out very well.

The OP is correct: The falls viewed from the Zambian side in OCT are NON-Existant! To see anything you need to be in Zim at that time of the year.

Nothing wrong with that either and the Zimbabweans need your dime to boot!

In my post I meant that I did not agree that it was a bad idea to go to the Zim side in October. We had no problems whatsoever on that side a few weeks ago..

I agree with the posters above; everything I've heard is that the Zim side is safe as long as you take the normal precautions.

But I just did Capetown and the winelands and I would suggest just doing a day trip from Capetown. The winelands are so close and repacking just for one night is a royal pain. We stayed two nights in the winelands and I wish he had just done day trips as it was so close.

I'd take the extra night from the winelands and add it to your safari.

Also, we decided to stay in South Africa for our entire trip (instead of going to VF and Bots or Zam) because it meant we could afford more nights on safari and did not have to waste as much time traveling. I'm very glad we did that. I know I'll go on safari in Bots, Zim and/or Zam in the future and will see the falls then. Not trying to convince you, just something to think about.