FAQ’s

Victoria Falls

When is the best time to travel to Zimbabwe?

Nature has given Zimbabwe one of the finest climates in the world, which is warm without being oppressive and with a daily average sunshine of approximately ten hours all year round. Generally, the days are bright and sunny, the nights clear and cool. November to April is summer (rainy season)while winter is from May to July, with generally dry weather. The period August to October is very hot and dry. In the latter summer temperatures can soar to over 35C compared with the Highveld’s average 25o C to 35oC. Daytime winter temperatures average 13oC to 20oC but can fall to –5oC at night.

Zimbabwe is a great year-round destination, however the best time of the year to visit will depend on what you are most interested in seeing and doing.

In April the Victoria Falls are at the most spectacular with beautiful balmy weather taking place and the amazing spectacle of the Zambezi in full flood, rushing into the gorge below. The multitude of viewing points on the Zimbabwe side makes it the best place to view the falls from.

During the winter months, the game viewing around waterholes is outstanding.

From August onwards, the months of summer provide the perfect opportunity to experience the white water rafting, river boarding and canoe trips up the Zambezi River.

Furthermore, the bird life during this time is at its most spectacular, which a huge variety of migrant birds returning south to spend the summer months in and around the Zambezi River. Photography will also be excellent during this time of the year as much of the surrounding wilderness will be in full bloom as a result of the summer rains. Blooming flowers, moody sunsets and epic thunderstorms all provide easy pickings for any photographer’s portfolio of African images.

Are there any social norms or taboos I should be aware of?

• Zimbabweans are very warm, friendly people and will typically greet you enthusiastically.

• Handshake greetings are very common in Zimbabwe, which typically comprise of three stages: a normal handshake, which is followed by a connection of hooked fingers (thumbs raised and touching) and finishing in a normal handshake – ask a local to show you how!

• Speaking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered very rude.

• When you wave hello, be sure to rotate your wrist. A simple palm-outward raised hand is a sign of opposition to the president and government. It’s an easy mistake to make that could be misinterpreted as offensive!

• Tips of 10% are customary

Zambia

What is the weather like in Zambia?

There are two main seasons, the rainy season (November to April) corresponding to summer, and the dry season (May/June to October/November), corresponding to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May/June to August), and the hot dry season (September to October/November). The modifying influence of altitude gives the country pleasant subtropical weather rather than tropical conditions during the cool season of May to August.[32] However, average monthly temperatures remain above 20 °C (68 °F) over most of the country for eight or more months of the year.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Not recommended

Are there any social norms or taboos I should be aware of?

• Zambians are very warm, friendly people and will typically greet you enthusiastically. Handshake greetings are very common in Zambia, which typically comprise of three stages: a normal handshake, which is followed by a connection of hooked fingers (thumbs raised and touching) and finishing in a normal handshake.

• Speaking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered very rude.

• Tips of 10% are customary.

What is the currency in Zambia?

The Zambian Kwacha is the currency of Zambia. Studies show that the most popular Zambia Kwacha exchange rate is the ZMK to USD rate. The currency code for Kwacha is ZMK, and the currency symbol is ZK.

Botswana

When is the best time to visit?
Botswana is a year-round tourism destination; there simply isn’t one “best time” to visit. Peak game viewing in Northern Botswana is July-October, when animals congregate around available water sources and grasses are low. December to March is a superb time to visit for birders, photography buffs, viewing animals with their young anywhere, game viewing in central Botswana, and for people traveling on a budget.
What’s the weather like?
In the winter/dry season (June-August), daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild, around 23°C/73°F; night-time lows are 5°C/41°F, sometimes lower. From June-October, rain is rare anywhere in the country. In the summer/green season (November-March), temperatures usually range 18-35°C/64-95°F. Expect hot, sunny days and frequent short, abrupt rainstorms which usually clear within hours.

What are the visa and passport requirements for travel to Southern Africa?

A current passport valid for up to 6 months after the return date of your trip is required to travel anywhere in Botswana.

It’s highly recommended to acquire your visa prior to arrival. The standard 90 day tourist visa is valid for up to one year from the date of issue and applications and directions may be found at the respective embassy website. For additional assistance or express service we recommend Generations Visa Service which is a third party visa obtaining service.
Botswana Embassy Website: http://www.botswanaembassy.org

Are there any social norms or taboos I should be aware of?

• Tipping in Botswana is discretionary, but customary and appreciated if you are satisfied with the service. Ask your travel advisor about tipping guidelines.

• It is customary to accept gifts or offerings with both hands to show appreciation.

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Telephone: +263 83 28 42279, +263 83 28 44426, +263 83 28 42001,
Mobile: +263 782 745111
Enquiries: info@wildhorizons.co.za

Lodge Enquiries: wilma@wildhorizons.co.za

Physical Address: 310 Park Way Avenue, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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