Victoria Falls

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After David Livingstone recorded the existence of the Victoria Falls in 1855, people settled around the area called Old Drift, 10 km west of the Falls, a place where it was possible to cross the Zambezi River in a canoe or pontoon. When Cecil John Rhodes became the prime minister of the Cape Colony in 1890, he had a vision of a railway line from Cape Town to Cairo, connecting all British property in Africa. This meant crossing the mighty Zambezi River and Rhodes insisted that a railway bridge be built where the spray of the falls would fall on the trains crossing the bridge. In 1900 the building of the Victoria Falls Bridge began and the inhabitants of Old Drift moved nearer to the falls where the bridge was being erected. The bridge was completed in 1905 and with easy access by train, the falls became a popular tourist attraction. Victoria Falls were declared a World Heritage Site in 1989, and is one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

When Zambia won its independence in 1964, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) declared independence as well, but this wasn’t internationally recognized. A war erupted in Rhodesia, and due to that conflict, Zambia closed the Victoria Falls border post in 1966, reopening it again when Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980. Tourism increased in the 2000s and then tourists began visiting the falls from the Zambian side in response to Zimbabwe’s political instability. During this time Livingstone has grown tremendously, and today is a tourism hub in its own right.

It has to be said that Victoria Falls remains a little island of excellence in Zimbabwe, offering world class accommodation, modern restaurants, and travel services. It also has a nearby international airport which lands a steady stream of international visitors. The town remains uniquely prosperous in Zimbabwe, probably because it’s so easy to replenish stock from nearby Kasane.

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ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel, lodges, guest house and camping is available for stay. (Feb-2019).

CAR RENTALS:
There is a Hertz Rent a Car situated at Bata Building, Parkway, open Mon-Frid from 08h00-17h00; Sat and Sun open from 09h00-15h00; Tel: +263(0)213 284 7012. There is also Zimbabwe Car Hire situated along Adam Stander Dr. (Feb-2019).

COMMUNICATION:
There are internet cafe around town. (Feb-2019).

FOOD:
There are restaurants and takeaways around Victoria Falls. (Jan-2019).

HEALTHCARE:
Hospital contact is for The Health Bridge Private Hospital situated along West Drive open 24hrs daily. There is also Chinotimba Medical Center also open 24hrs daily; Tel: +263(0)213 284 3144. Doctors tel number for Dr Nyoni (Victoria Falls Surgery). The airport accommodates international flights too. There is a clinic. Nearby Border Control point. For pharmaceutical services there is Victoria Falls Pharmacy. (Feb-2019).

POLICE:
Police contact added is for ZRP Victoria Falls Police station. (Feb-2019).

TYRE REPAIRS:
There is Tiger Wheel & Tyre Victoria Falls situated along Clarke Road open Mon-Frid between 08h00-17h00; Sat from 08h00-13h00 and Sunday Closed, Tel: +263(0)13 473 81. There is also the Fluid Tyres & Services situated along Holland Rd, Dabula Complex, Industrial Site. (Feb-2019).

“We went to Victoria Falls during October 2008. It was very hot, approximately 40 degrees celsius everyday. The evenings were a bit cooler. This town has alot of potential as being a typical little tourist town, but is very rundown. It's quite safe to walk around, but be prepared to be harassed by street vendors, trying to sell their crafts to you. It's also extremely expensive. A alcholic drink will cost you about 10US$, a light lunch about 20US$. So be sure to take enough cash with. Only South African rands and US dollars are accepted, Zimbabwean dollars are not accepted. We swopped a one US$ note for a 100 billion Zimbabwean dollar note! Also take note that the bureau exchanges there cannot exchange money for you in SA rands or US$. Credit cards (Visa) are accepted at the hotels. There are waterfalls to see at the Falls, but it is the dry season, so not all the falls are falling. We were advised that the best time to go there is during July/August, to see the falls flowing in full. You can go earlier in the year, but there is alot of spray from the falls, so you don't get to see that much.” - Janine Reyneke, 2008/10/18

“Travel medication required for tourists visiting Vic Falls for 3-4 days: this can be obtained from your pharamacy. Malanil tablets, which are taken daily, starting on the day before departure, then taken during your stay there, and then for a week after. More information on MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS (prevention of malaria) see: http://www.travelclinic.co.za/live/content.php?Category_ID=1988.” - Janine Reyneke, 2008/09/09