I am going back to Zim this year & am wondering if it is worth adding on to the cost of an expensive safari & limited time to go visit the falls,if it is? how much time does one need to spend there to enjoy the falls? what do you think? I would love to unwind after my hunt before the flight back home.

To me, this is a no-brainer. Taking a day or two, overnight is ideal, is a great way to unwind and see one of Africa's jewels. A visit to the Victoria Falls Hotel is a must do, at least for high tea and even better to stay the night.

Do it, you won't be sorry.

I hunted Zim just so I could see the Falls and catch a few Tigers. So you would not be the first nor the last to make an effort to see the falls. I spent a couple hours at the falls before and after my Ele hunt.

I was there about 12 days ago. We flew into Kasane, Botswana around noon and were met at the airport. We were at Ilala Lodge in Vic Falls by about 1:30 pm. Visited the falls from about 3pm to sunset. We flew out the next day.
It was very cool and we got our best souvenirs there where you can really bargain.

Yes worth while.

We spent 3 nights.

The white water rafting is great.
Chopper flight over them also worth the money.
Look around the vic falls hotel.

Regards mark

ABSOLUTELY.
Plan a day to enjoy the Falls, and an overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel.

Personally, I would not even consider going to Southern Africa without a trip to the falls for 3-4 days. Last time we went, we hunted Ele in Botswana. Then flew back to Joburg, left our guns and stuff, and flew back to the falls for 4-5 days. IT IS worth the $$, Do Not blow this chance. ESPECIALLY if your wife or children or grandchildren are going with you. My grandaughter traded away her old shoes at the market for some carving / trinket. I think it is the memory she likes the best!

Yes, very definitely. Was there in May & worth the trip, but probably one night would suffice. Don't think I'd want to spend two or three days there.

Bal:

I almost always spend time at Vic Falls when I'm in southern Africa.

I fish with Russell, have a meal on the veranda of the Vic Falls hotel, view the Falls (one never tires of the sight and it's different according to the water flow and season).... The river rafting is worth the climb out of the canyon (almost!) and Gorges Lodge is a wonder in itself. Supper at the Boma is a must (kind of touristy, but great fun), there are places to stay at all price levels and I'd expect to get pictures of you bungee jumping off of the bridge. The helicopter ride is absolutely amazing. And the booze cruise is quite relaxing.... I always go and then to the Boma, btw.

Go... stay at least two full days.

I'm with the Judge on this one!!
Gorges Lodge is so amazing, and fun!!
The "Boma" dinner is really a lot of fun!!
And if you can squeeze a bit more time, Hwange park is the most amazing place I've seen in Africa...
Terry Anders knows that area very well, and we had an amazing time there'd with him. You can also contact Mark, to set something up with Terry, if you would like. (Terry's wife made all our reservations, tours, set up meals, etc)

Two days and two nights would suffice. Boma Restaurant, helicopter ride, walking tour of the falls, the giant Baobab tree and Livingstone statue (both at or near the falls), shopping close to the Old Victoria Falls Hotel, high tea, and staying at the old Victoria Falls Hotel are all musts! Booze cruise is nice too! For the adventurous there's bungee jumping, zip line, river rafting, and swimming/walking out to devil's pool at the edge of the falls! The old Victoria Falls Hotel's restaurants are also excellent, especially for breakfast and lunch.

Have been there a couple of times. Stayed overnite with friends who ran a tour service. Just the week before the elephants had broken down the wall to their house to get to the pool for water. I have seen three real wonders that literally took away the breath. First was when i went to gunsmith school and was drivingup the Texas Panhandle out of Waco. I topped a rise and behold the Sangre De Christo range was visible in their snow capped beauty. Second one was the first sight of the Grand Canyon after driving miles on a perfectly flat land and all of a sudden there it was. A magnificent canyon. Third was hearing this mighty roar from many miles away and finally walking around a corner and I could literally stick my hand in it and see elephants wading at the very edge. All were absolutely breathtaking sights. A drink at the veranda of the hotel overlooking the golf course with Zebras and Kudu and Impala on the greens. Then a drive on the game drive with a view of the Huge Baobab. My PH would not let me leave Zimbabwe till I saw it and I am forever in his debt for it. Impressive is not word that even comes close to the feeling the sight these three things gave me. Whatever the extra cost in time and money it is definitely worth it.

Agreed!

Thanks gentlemen,
I am now going to make sure I see the falls & spend a couple of days there,thanks for all the suggestions.

you have not been to africa if you haven't seen the falls

Definitely take time and go. I just got back from a successful buffalo/leopard hunt in the area. Spent two days at the falls and could have easily spent more time there. by all means go.

Do it from the Zambia side at Livingston, Zim side has all gone to hell.

How long since you've been there?

I'd agree with you 4 years ago, but my last three visits showed great improvement. When Zimbabwe went to the dollar as official exchange, facilities, utilities, fuel availability, etc. became quite good, IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by dande_jack:
Do it from the Zambia side at Livingston, Zim side has all gone to hell.

I spent a week there last time, did some fishing with Russel and had a great time!

Scroll down for some pics of the falls
http://forums.accuratereloadin...043/m/9771006281/p/1

Great pics

Seeing the falls from land and from the air offers a Completely different perspective

May I suggest if funds allow Get a charter and ask the pilot to bank so you get some good footages or images

It's size just cannot be appreciated from land even from recognised vantage points like knife edge bridge

or boiling pot

You also dont have to doubt if it is more spectacular

zim or zam ...

I just got back from a hunt outside Vic Falls and spent 2 1/2 days total there. 1 1/2 before the hunt and 1 day after the hunt. Worth every minute.

Lots to do and see, and plenty of upgrades going on with them hosting the UN World Tourism Meeting. Lots of people from all over the world starting or ending their trips in Vic Falls.

I could be wrong then, I haven"t been for some time to Vic Falls but was in Zim for 6 weeks in March April this year, infrastructure is not good. The hunting is great.