How much money should I bring to Victoria Falls?
This is a difficult question. In most of my travel experience, I always say bring little cash since credit cards are generally widely accepted. But in Zambia, U.S. Dollars seemed to be the preferred form of payment; Even over the Zambian currency, The Kwacha. I never saw the Kwacha if that tells you anything. But it’s about 5,000 Kwacha for 1 U.S. Dollar.
For sure, Visa fees for both Zambia and Zimbabwe were U.S. Dollars only. The same was true for your museum and park entrance fees. The large attractions I participated in (the helicopter ride and bungee jump), did accept credit cards, but on more than one occasion the machines were down and they either had to carbon copy the card (remember those machines) or accept cash.
So on this trip, I carried cash with me. Lots of cash. Something I prefer not to do, but it saved me time.
How much did I bring? $600 in 20′s, 10′s 5′s and 1′s. Exact change is always needed.
How much does Victoria Falls Cost?
Here’s what this trip cost me for 3 days and 2 nights:
- Airfare JNB-LVI $309 (round trip)
- Accommodation (airport transfers complimentary) $130 (2 nights plus breakfast)
- Double-Entry Visa into Zambia $80
- 15-minute Helicopter Ride of the Falls (transfers included) $130
- Taxi from Chanters Lodge to Victoria Falls $10
- Entry fee to Victoria Falls Zambia $20
- Visa into Zimbabwe $30
- Lunch at the Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe $20
- Entry fee to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe $30
- Bungee Jump $110
- Bungee Jump DVD & Photos $45
- Taxi from Victoria Falls to Chanters Lodge $10
- Two dinners at Chanters Lodge $30
- Taxi from Chanters Lodge to Livingstone Museum $5
- Livingstone Museum Entrance Fee $5
- Taxi from Livingstone Museum to Chanters Lodge $5
Total: $969.00
Have you returned from changing into a fresh pair of underpants yet?
Yes, I spent almost $1,000 on 3 Days, but it was worth every penny. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. If I could get on a plane tomorrow, I’d spend the same amount of money again. If you read my post about my itinerary in Victoria Falls, you’d learn that I would have enjoyed one more day to see some additional sites (meaning I’d need to spend more money).
Many of you probably can’t fathom spending that much money, for one person for 3 days (and really only one full day of sightseeing). But Victoria Falls is unlike any other destination on the planet. When you are looking directly at the falls, only 100 feet in front of you, soaked to the bone, you’ll understand.
My philosophy on travel is to do it right the first time. Chances are, I’ll never make it back here again. As much as I’d like to, there are other destinations I need to see first before I return to this one. So while I’m here, I’m going to make it last. I have no regrets.
But how can I save money at Victoria Falls?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to save on costs. Some of my biggest expenses were non-negotiable (Visa Fees, Park Entrance Fees and my flight). Luckily, meals are inexpensive. Chanters Lodge, the guest lodge I stayed in, offered the best rates in the city – one of the reasons I selected it. You could cut costs by eliminating the trip to Zimbabwe – but the falls are even better here. The Bungee Jump was optional as was the helicopter tour. However, you need to see the falls from the air and the bungee jump is not-to-be-missed. Got all that?
Start saving your cash and make this trip one to remember. You won’t regret it. I promise you.
But if you have any money saving advice for Victoria Falls, I’d love to know. Share it by commenting.
This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Click the photo to book your Victoria Falls accommodation.
I’ll see you out there…! Do you have any money I can borrow to get there though?
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