12 Tips on Victoria Falls Warnings or Dangers

Victoria Falls is one of the 7 wonders of the world that is worth a visit at least once for travelers. It is located in the western portion of Zimbabwe. The ideal time to experience the grandeur and beauty of the rocky gorge and the Falls is in November.

The activities available for tourists are white water rafting, canoeing and going on sunset cruises. The best views are available when you take a helicopter ride. The noise levels can be high and the next option is the more expensive microlight flights that will take you over the gorge.

Though Zimbabwe is comparatively a safe place to visit, here are a few tips on warnings and dangers that may be encountered by tourists. This is because the livelihood mainly depends on tourism and the street vendors go all out to harass the tourists in order to earn an income. Their situation has crippled their earnings and there is a great longing for returning to normalcy.

1. Over the years Zimbabwe has become very corrupt at all levels. Right from alighting at the airport to when you are leaving, you are beset with nothing but problems. As a tourist you will end up paying more for a hotel room. The people disregard even the International Laws and the last thing you should try to do is try to fight the law.
2. It is a good idea to be good to the military and police to avoid getting regular parking fines or speeding tickets.
3. The Victoria Falls is very scenic and you pay an entry fee to be able to enjoy the view. However the approach is not very user friendly and the footpaths are slippery. The fences that are meant to protect people are precariously placed with most of the parts missing.
4. Beware of vendors when you are out shopping. Maintain a safe distance and preferably move in a crowd. They sell you goods and charge you four times the price. Bargain and make sure you carry single US dollar bills as you can never expect to receive any change.
5. Never feel sorry for the people who mob you for food or money especially if they cannot speak English. You make the mistake of feeding one and twenty more will appear out of nowhere demanding more.
6. The Tourist Police are unable to control the mobs as there are too many of them. The beggars as well as hawkers will ply you with sob stories so try not to get lured into a conversation with them.
7. Avoid white river rafting or canoeing as there are crocodiles in the water.
8. The Victoria Falls National Park is home to many wild animals. Since these animals can be dangerous, it is advisable to steer clear of the area after the prescribed hours.
9.  Apply repellent on your body and cover yourself when you are in Zimbabwe. The area is infested with mosquitoes and it is important to protect oneself against contracting malaria.
10. Make sure to carry your own dry provisions. The stores are practically bare and the meat sold there is not something that you can eat safely. You may be able to get a few vegetables.
11. When you are out walking on your own, make sure to carry a stick that can be used to protect yourself.
12. Do not try to change money in the bank but carry the amount you require. The government controls the bank rate as they are eager to get foreign currency at any length. You get more Zimbabwe dollars for your money though you can get fined by the police if you are found exchanging money in the open.