Megan Conn & Michael Jeans's Wedding Website

Victoria Falls

You can get to Victoria Falls by flying into either the town of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), which is the easier and recommended route, or by flying into the town of Livingstone (Zambia) which both have international airports serviced by several international flights a day. Flying into Livingstone is not advisable at the moment due to border restrictions which do not allow people to readily cross into Zimbabwe. If normal border crossings resume later in the year, we will let you know, as flights into Livingstone can be cheaper but one must bear in mind the added cost of taxi fees to get across the bridge to Zimbabwe, as well as any necessary visa fees (South African passports do not need visas but most international passports do. Please check out our "Visa" section on this site).

Airfares can vary greatly and are liable to change from day to day, depending on the airline and time of year. You can search all the major airlines and get the best deals available (in our experience) by using the Momondo search engine. It's a reliable site that usually gives you the best “bang for your buck” when it comes to finding the cheapest flights. 

Please make use of Momondo for best deals!

LONDON TO VICTORIA FALLS:
I personally like flying Virgin Airways for this route, these are usually the best direct options. Ethiopian Airways is the quickest and most affordable. However, it's a great option.

Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa = 13h 50m+
British Airways via Johannesburg = 13h 55m+
Kenya Airways via Nairobi = 14h 25m+
Virgin Atlantic via Johannesburg = 15h 30m+
Lufthansa via Frankfurt, Johannesburg = 16h 10m+
South African Airways via Johannesburg = 16h 20m+

SYDNEY TO VICTORIA FALLS:
Emirates & Kenya Airways via Dubai, Nairobi = 1d 2h+
Qantas & South African via Perth, Johannesburg = 1d 2h+
Singapore Airlines & Ethiopian via Singapore & Addis Ababa = 1d 2h+
Singapore Airlines & South African via Singapore & Johannesburg = 1d 2h+
Virgin Australia & South African via Perth & Johannesburg = 1d 2h+
Singapore Airlines & British Airways via Singapore & Johannesburg = 1d 3h+
And many more route options.

Travelling to Victoria Falls by road is certainly an option. Especially if you wish to explore more of the country during your trip. Petrol and diesel are easily available throughout Zimbabwe at the moment but we do experience occasional shortages, in which case we will try to keep you posted and we recommend driving via Botswana unless you are able to carry extra fuel in reserve. If you do aim to re-fuel along the way in Zimbabwe then be sure to bring US dollars cash (USD) with you as most petrol stations may not accept credit or debit cards. In South Africa and Botswana fuel stations accept all major credit and debit cards.

Zimbabwe has some strict requirements for vehicles entering the country, please read about cross border regulations here.

The major roads in Zimbabwe are still in fair condition and are perfectly acceptable to drive on.

If you are driving from Botswana or Zambia, it's best to fill up in Kasane before crossing the Kazungula Border, or in Livingstone before crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge Border.

BORDER POST OPTIONS

South Africa:

- Beitbridge Border Post: Between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Not the easiest border, avoid if possible.

Botswana:

- Plumtree Border Post: Between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Best to arrive early morning or late afternoon, but please note it is a still a long drive to the Falls so it is recommended to travel with fuel resources.

- Pandamatenga Border Post: Between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Usually a quick border, and closer to the Falls, but please note the road on the Zimbabwe side is tough dirt for about 80 kilometres. 4x4 necessary.

- Kazungula Border Post: Between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Sometimes very busy but efficient. Only 70km from the Falls and is an ideal place to refuel before entering Zim.

Zambia:

- Victoria Falls Bridge: Between Zambia (Livingstone) and Zimbabwe. Busy but efficient, and ideal for refuelling when required.

For traveling to Victoria Falls you need a negative COVID-19 PCR result within 48 hours of your flight departure for Zimbabwe.

PCR testing for leaving the country is available in Victoria Falls and it’s an efficient service.

It is done by Lancet Laboratory, which has a convenient drive-through testing service located at The Health Bridge Private Hospital (95 West Drive). This is located next door to the Fire Rescue service and opposite Shoe Strings Backpackers Lodge.

Lancet lab’s drive-through service collect test specimens for travelers from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The turnaround time for results is normally 6 hours (if collected at 08h00 then result by 14h00) but can be up to 24 hours if they are really busy.

The cost of a COVID-19 PCR test is USD 60 per person (about R 850 or £ 44) and you will have the option to collect a hard copy of your results or have an electronic copy emailed to you.

If in the event that you test positive, fear not, the protocol is that you will be referred to one of the resident doctors in Victoria Falls and they will guide you through the need for repeat testing (in case of a false positive) or self-isolation at your lodge if you have symptoms, as well as providing any medical care that you may require.

Any queries can be directed to Mike (the groom) or Lancet lab on +263-(0)-774700745.

VIC FALLS AIRPORT INTO TOWN / LODGES:
• Airport Transfers:
There are many companies that offer a meet and greet airport service. The rate for an airport transfer is about US$18 per person one way. We are working on special transfer rates and will advise closer to the time.

• Airport Taxis:
There are taxis around at the airport for every flight. Expect to pay about US$30 to $40 to get into town. We will be negotiating with companies leading up to the day to arrange special prices. Please try group up for this to make it more affordable. They will only take US$ cash or equivalent foreign currency cash.

LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT TO VIC FALLS TOWN:
If you have taken advantage of the cheaper flights into Livingstone but now need to get across to Zimbabwe.

• Airport Transfers:
Many companies offer a meet and greet airport service from Livingstone to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe. The rate for an airport transfer is about US$32 per person one way. We are working on special transfer rates and will advise closer to the time.

• Airport Taxi:
Unfortunately you cannot catch just a single taxi to pick you up at Livingstone and drop you in Zimbabwe, because there is a border in between and the taxis do not have the required permission to cross. Therefore you will need to catch 3 taxis, one from Livingstone airport to the Zambian border post (+/- $25). Clear Zambian customs then catch another taxi across the bridge between the two border posts this is about 1.6kms (+/-$5) clear Zimbabwe customs and then catch another taxi to your hotel (+/- $5). These prices are per taxi not per person.

Taxis are available, and all of our recommended accommodation spots will call them for you when needed. They are also easy to find around the town centre. A fare anywhere is generally $5 to $10 - USD cash, but some do accept international debit & credit cards.
We will also inform reliable companies of our event areas before and after our wedding day so that taxis are readily available and can offer fixed or special rates.

Handy taxi numbers:
Oliver Taxi = +263 71 259 0742
Emmanuel Taxis = +263 77 264 5104 / +263 71 278 9252