Victoria Falls Travel Guide – Updated for 2022
Travelling to Victoria Falls 2022
It’s a new year – time for new adventures! Planning a trip to Victoria Falls in 2022? Here’s everything you need to know to make it a smooth-sailing, action-packed experience.
Victoria Falls Travel Advice & Safety
Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean. The locals often don’t bother locking their cars because of their confidence in the town’s security. Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s showpiece and is treated as such.
The street vendors in town can be a bit desperate for sales, especially as there have been fewer tourists around due to COVID-19 restrictions recently. However, there are tourism police officers on duty who can step in and help if you become uncomfortable. As is the case with most tourist destinations, it’s a good idea to leave any valuables safely stored away at your accommodation as a precaution.
Visitors should also be aware of possible encounters with wild animals while walking the streets after dark. We recommend travelling in a group or catching a taxi where possible.
It’s our priority to ensure you have a fun and safe trip to Victoria Falls. We often change our Victoria Falls tours based on the season for your safety; for example, during the wet season, we’ll explore Angel’s Pool instead of Devil’s Pool, where water levels can become unsafe. As Victoria Falls is seasonal, it rises during the wet season (mid-November to late April) and lowers during the dry season (May to the second half of October). The dry season is a good time for game safaris – the landscape thins out and animals rely on water holes to drink, so you’re more likely to spot some of the Big Five.
When visiting the Falls, we recommend to:
- Wear enclosed shoes
- Bring waterproof covers for your passport and electronics or leave them at your accommodation
- Bring warm clothing if visiting during June or July, as nights can get very cold
- Be aware that from December through to March there can be excessive rainfall
- Avoid wearing brightly coloured clothing during game drives, as this can scare off wildlife.
Anyone visiting or living in Zimbabwe must follow the WHO recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including mask-wearing in public, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and maintaining good personal hygiene.
Does Zimbabwe have high rate of Coronavirus infections?
As of 11th February 2022, cases of COVID-19 are declining in Zimbabwe, with an average of 124 new cases reported each day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, so it’s best to keep updated with case numbers before you travel.
Victoria Falls Covid Travel Restrictions
At the time of writing, quarantine is no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers visiting Zimbabwe, but PCR testing is still mandatory. Further information on restrictions for different methods of travel is below.
International Tourists Arriving by Air
Zimbabwe’s international airports are open and accept fully vaccinated overseas tourists. On arrival at Harare, Bulawayo or Victoria Falls International Airports, all travellers must present a negative PCR test certificate (obtained within 48 hours before boarding). Temperatures may be taken on arrival, and any symptomatic passengers will be required to have a further PCR test and isolate for 10 days if this test is positive. A negative PCR test is then needed to finish the isolation period. Any costs involved in the isolation and further PCR testing after arrival in Zimbabwe is at the traveller’s expense.
Local Tourists Arriving through Land Border
The land borders at Kazungala (Botswana) and Victoria Falls Bridge (Zambia) are open for fully vaccinated tourists. Travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate (obtained within 48 hours before crossing) to pass. Proof of vaccination is not required for those under the age of 18, but they must still provide a negative PCR test. All other land borders with Zimbabwe are closed except for returning residents and goods transport. Please always call us before travelling so we can give you the latest information on restrictions in Zimbabwe, as well as surrounding countries you might be travelling through.
Curfew Hours
There is a nationwide curfew between midnight and 5.30 am, and restaurants and bars are permitted to open from 8 am to 10 pm for vaccinated patrons only.
Victoria Falls Ease Travel Restrictions
With no more mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Zimbabwe, and flights now resuming to Victoria Falls after being suspended during the Omicron outbreak, it’s a great time to visit!
More flights to Victoria Falls are already being added to meet growing demand, and the new Zambezi Sands 5-star luxury safari lodge is due to open in March. Zambia has also recently reduced visa entry fees, making day trips and visits to Devil’s Pool from Botswana or Zimbabwe more affordable.
It’s been a tough few months for tourism at Victoria Falls, but as restrictions ease, we’re excited to start welcoming more visitors again in 2022.
Things to Do in Victoria Falls
With the Easter holidays fast approaching and the Falls in full flow after our summer rains, now is the time to book Victoria Falls tours and travel. The best time to see Mosi-oa-Tunya (the local name for Victoria Falls which means ‘the smoke that thunders’) is between February and May, when water levels at the Falls are at their highest. It makes for some truly spectacular viewing!
Looking for things to do in Victoria Falls? We offer dozens of family-friendly Victoria Falls activities, such as safaris, cruises, and more. Plus, when you book with Tamuka Travel, we’ll be there with you from the moment you step off the plane to ensure you have a safe and hassle-free trip. We’ll even provide a FREE tour guide for your stay.
Ready for an adventure? Book direct with Tamuka Travel and save with our price match guarantee!