Victoria Falls Travel Blogs

Africa

Antarctica

Asia

Central America Caribbean

Travel Blog » Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Travel Blogs

Background: The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their brutal repression of regime opponents.

Zimbabwe

Map of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's Flag

Hostels in Zimbabwe
Latest Victoria Falls Blog Entries
Victoria Falls Photos

By LynneandAndy
May 12th 2008

Vic Falls

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Dilemas! How to get to Vic Falls has been the biggest dilema of the trip so far. We weren't sure whether to brave Zimbabwe with all the political trouble, food shortages and fuel shortages. On the other hand, it would cost us nearly $500 to get over to Zambia for the night as Brits get whacked with a visa fee 3x bigger than anyone else and then you need to pay for a ferry, third party insurance and carbon tax! We didn't realise this until we'd actually come out of Botswana and were waiting in line to get the ferry to [View Full Entry]

By AfricaBound
April 20th 2008

Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

The Devil's Cataract

Zimbabwe was probably one of the more interesting countries we've been to economically. It's really hard to describe the experience. When we arrived, the street rate for US dollars was 50,000,000 to one. However the bank rate was only 30,000 to one. So we were either forced to change on the street or use US dollars exclusively. Luckily we had a contact that could change the money for us so that we wouldn't get scammed. We changed $40 and instantly became billionaires! Although our $1 billion bar tab was a little scary... The political situation has been very damaging for the [View Full Entry]

By OlliJ
March 30th 2008

Victoria Falls

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

100,000% inflation, rigged elections but spectacular waterfalls I arrived in Zimbabwe a day late due to Air Namibia's technical difficulties but being honest, I didn't miss much. Basically there are two options for seeing the Victoria Falls - Zambia (Livingstone Town) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Town) which are separated by the Zambezi river that is crossed by a big bridge where you can do the third highest bungee jump in the World. Since my flight from Windhoek arrived on the Zimbabwe side I decided to stay here for the five nights as opposed to crossing to Zambia, which most t [View Full Entry]

By Travel Rob
February 25th 2008

A Shoestring for each foot...

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

This morning I walked over the border from Zimbabwe to Botswana, and then caught a local bus into Kasane. Over the river I can see Namibia, but it will be weeks yet before I set foot there. I flew into Johannesburg last Tuesday, and stayed overnight at my favourite local hostel; Shoestrings. It's located close to the airport, in an area safe enough to walk about in, and the owners offer free pickups to and from the airport. There are a remarkable number of private rooms and dorm beds, plus a rather nice little pool in the back garden. The owner [View Full Entry]

By Nic and John
January 18th 2008

walking safari

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Africa has been so much fun, we are into our last few days, and have mixed feelings about leaving. John is so at home here, he is really enjoying the bush life. I am too of course, but I am really aware of how much I need to see the towns and meet the people to get a feel for the place. We have just returned from Zimbabwe which is the most beautiful country I have ever seen - susie and matt also agree. We are already talking about when we will be back - definitely in the dry season and [View Full Entry]

By michaelandcaroline
December 26th 2007

Zambia & Zimbabwe

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

A tad wet

Six hours on the road and we arrive at Lilongwe - the capital of Malawi - for lunch. It had a Nando’s! More cultivation and larger villages with cone hut shaped thatched roofs as we’ve headed across Malawi and as we enter Chipata at the Zambian border we’re struck by how affluent it looks; relatively modern bungalows, planted borders along the roadside and public spaces in the town. Village houses whilst still made of wood with mud have tree trunks supporting the eaves and making a verandah - look quite colonial. Campsite just south of Chipata (Mama Rula’s) has a ni [View Full Entry]

By ColinL
December 16th 2007

On the Game

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Maun from the Air
In a tiny aircraft

We flew into the Okavango Delta in a five seater plane with Bruce, a pilot who grew up in Devon, spent years as a mining surveyor, then somehow got into flying planes in Botswana. "Right, where are we going then?" asked Bruce as we got on board. "God, these controls look ancient. Probably date from World War Two. Still, much more fun than flying a commercial airliner - much more to do." More fun from a pilot's point of view, perhaps - from a passenger's point of view I wasn't so sure. Bruce offered me the controls mid-flight, keeping up the [View Full Entry]

By packman
December 13th 2007

But, Honestly...

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

hello matetsi water lodge

We crossed the border today into Zimbabwe and arrived at our last CC Africa destination…Matetsi Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival we switched to our open 4WD and into the bush one last time to arrive at the Matetsi Water Lodge. Wow! This place was spectacular! Each lodge was located in the woods with enough privacy and situated along the great Zambezi River…with our own sun deck and pool, beautiful king sized bed that led out to the deck and a window that looked more like an area which would lead out to the open, outside and inside showers, bathtub, room service…I [View Full Entry]

By Kat27
November 11th 2007

Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

Hello to everyone, it's me AGAIN from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We arrived here on Thursday morning in a pretty crappy campsite in Victoria Falls Town. On our first afternoon, we were haunted by people who were trying to make us do all kinds of crazy stuff: climbing down the gorge, jumping off a bridge, and so forth. As i am quite cheap and a bit of a coward i said no to all of that, and spent Friday on my own in the campsite. A day off i truly deserved and needed, while everybody else was rafting down the Zambezi [View Full Entry]

By hannyroy
August 28th 2007

Adrenaline at Victoria Falls

Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls

The Bridge!!!

Hello! Lots to tell you all again and not much time! I think I promised I would let you know how the bungee jumping and rafting went at Victoria falls - AWESOME!!! Rafting down the Zambezi was such an adrenaline pumped day. We left at 8am, had to walk down the gorge to the base of Victoria falls where we started. Over the course of the day we covered about 30Km and 21 rapids. Many of which were grade 5 which basically means very scary - grade 6 is the highest and we had to walk around that one (it has [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Africa » Zimbabwe » Victoria Falls