Southern African Dancing 101

With the countdown now started Dan and I thought we would post a few of our favorite reminders of home. For those coming from abroad we hope this will give you a some insight into the rich culture of Zimbabwe and for the locals you best start practicing your dance moves :)

Leonard Tazvivinga Dembo was a Zimbabwean musician whose band, the Barura Express, became popular in Zimbabwe during the 1990s.

ZRP officer dancing at police depot from Bulawayo24News

Pre Wedding Planning Introduction

After many year of talking about getting you all to Africa, the day has finally arrived. We are looking forward to being able to share this special time in our lives with you all and thank you in advance for making the effort to join us. As we have people coming from all corners of the globe we decided to set up a blog to help with your planning of your trip. We have tried to be as comprehensive as possible but if you have any questions please feel free to email us.

This introduction will discuss how to use the blog, what things you should consider and in what order. The list on the right hand side is in the order you should follow for planning you trip. We have broken it up into three categories.

1. Pre Wedding Planning
2. Wedding Information
3. Safari Options

Below is a break down of the Pre Wedding Section. If you are coming from overseas please read this section carefully because it will outline the things you need to consider and in what order.

1. General Itinerary: Please read the itinerary first because it will discuss when to arrive, visas, getting to and from Vic Falls, transportation within Vic Falls, where to stay and some before and after options.

2. Accommodation in Victoria Falls: This is a very busy time of the year and accommodation needs to be booked with in the next month. Please refer to the accommodation page because it will go through all the options, costs and booking deadlines in detail.

3. Airfare Information: Again we advise that you book early. We have provided an estimate for costs so you have an estimate of a good price for airfare. We have recommended some websites and flights options based on your location.

4. Activities in Victoria Falls and Prices: For the group events part of this page, please tell us which events you will be participating in by the end of the month. All of the group events are optional, so please do not feel pressured to attend. The individual actives can be booked privately.

5. Vaccination and Health Information: Even though May is a low risk time for malaria, please read the health information section for other medical precautions and vaccinations and lastly please consult with your doctor (travel clinic) prior to visits.

6. Visa Information: If you are flying into Victoria Falls or Livingstone visas are issued at the border and you do not need to apply for one before hand. Under the visa section we will give you the different rates, embassy locations if you would like to do your visa before hand and a few tips.

Visa Information

Unless you are coming from the SADC region you will need a visa to enter both Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can get a multiple or single entry visa and they are issued either at the consulate/embassy of the country or when you enter the country. If you are flying through Livingstone or Victoria Falls you can definitely get a visa on the way through immigration. Below are the web links to the visa section and prices.


Zimbabwe
With a few exceptions, visas are required by nationals of all countries. They can be obtained at your point of entry. Single-entry/double-entry visas cost US$30/45 (and can be issued upon arrival) and multiple-entry visas (valid for six months) cost US$55, but are only issued at Zimbabwean diplomatic missions. British citizens pay US$55/70 for single/double entry. A good website for checking changes in requirements and other immigration news is Safe Migration Zimbabwe. www.safemigrationzimbabwe.com


Useful Websites and Information:
* Zimbabwe Embassy US - http://www.zimbabwe-embassy.us/subpage1.html
* Lonely Planet -  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/zimbabwe/practical-information/visas
* Payment at the port of entry will only be accepted in cash (US dollars or British Sterling)
* Only single and double entry visa can be purchased at the airport/border. Multiple entry visa must be purchased in advance.
*For most people a double entry visa purchased at the airport/border will be sufficient. 


Zambia 
All foreigners visiting Zambia need visas, but for most nationalities tourist visas are available at major borders, airports and sea ports. Tourist visas are issued on arrival, but cost about US$25 for a transit visa (valid for seven days), US$25/40 for a single-/double-entry visa (valid for three months) and US$100 for a multiple-entry visa (valid for three years). Brits, however, are slugged for transit/single/double/multiple-entry visas US$60/60/80/80.

Useful Websites and Information:
* Zambian.gov Visa Inforamtion - http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=116
* Lonely Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/zambia/practical-information/visas
* Payment at the port of entry will only be accepted in cash (US dollars or British Sterling)
* Only single and double entry visa can be purchased at the airport/border. Multiple entry visa must be purchased in advance.
*For most people a double entry visa purchased at the airport/border will be sufficient.
* Please refer to this websites for the additional visa information:
http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=67
http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/traveladvice/visa-immigration-info.htm

General Itinerary

April 27th

• Depart for Vic Falls
• People arrive in Livingstone and Victoria Falls by Midday. Please can you let us know your arrival time so that we can make sure you are picked up from the airport. Or you can contact the hotel directly and have them organize you transportation.
• Relaxing afternoon
• A welcome dinner will be served at Elephant hills costing approx $30/person (optional).

April 28th

• Bachelor and bachelorette party. As it stands the cost for this will be around $50/person and this will include a number of activities. The days activities will be followed by a night out on the town for those who would like to join us. More information about this day will be provided on arrival.

April 29th

• This is a day of R&R in Victoria Falls. We are hoping that it will give everyone the opportunity to partake in activities, play golf, go shopping or just wandering around the falls.
• Golf tournament for the older folks and any keen golf enthusiasts
• Wedding set up (for those involved)
• Family and friends sunset and dinner cruise (rehearsal dinner) will be about $50/person.
**Note: Please refer to the Activities in Vic Falls and Prices page under Pre Wedding Planning Section for more details

April 30th

• Early morning breakfast on Livingstone island for those who are interested.
• Wedding will start around 4pm at The Wallow, Elephant Camp
• Transportation will be provided to and from the venue 
**Note: Please refer to the Wedding Day Schedule section for details

May 1st

• Guests begin to depart

Accommodation in Victoria Falls

There are a number of places to stay in Victoria Falls and it ranges from cheap to very expensive. The cheaper end ranges from about $10-60/person/night. The mid tier accommodation ranges from about $60-100/p/n, however there are limited options in this range. The high end tier has a number of options and the costs ranges is from about $150-350/p/n.

Please note that this is a very popular time of the year so you will need to book early. Elephant Hills has given us a great deal and I have already done a block booking. I will need to know if you are going to stay at Elephant Hills by the end of July. They have also required a 75% deposit by the end of August because their rates will be going up in 2012. If you would like to stay at Elephant Hills please let me know as soon as possible. I have also added the email address for the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (see information below). They have been very helpful and will send you all the details and reserve a booking for you.

Below is a map of the location of the hotels with a link to the map with more information, there is also a brief description of the hotels and the prices. We will continue to update this map so please click on the link below for the most update version.

http://goo.gl/maps/7UFE (Interactive map link)

Budget Accommodation

1. Shoestrings Backpackers
Clean and festive backpackers located in the centre of Vic Falls. You can reserve shared rooms ($10/p/n) or private rooms ($18/p/n) there is also and option to camp. It has a pool, great bar and it is a fun young atmosphere. There is no website for this backpackers but you can reserve rooms on hostel world, hostel.com or lonely planet. Below is a write up about the place on the lonely planet website and an email address:
http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/zambia/victoria-falls-r1977634/shoestrings-backpackers-p1067862/
shoestrings@absamail.co.za


2. The Rest Camp
The Victoria Falls Rest Camp and Lodges is one of the best choices when looking to go on Safari in what is regarded by many as the most beautiful part of Africa. The "Rest Camp" as its known, offers visitors a good Victoria Falls campsite selection, where visitors can relax in comfort as they plot their next adventure. The rest camps offers great option for those on a budget, yet want to discover all of the treasures of the Victoria Falls.
http://www.vicfallsrestcamp.com/
Below is a link to the rates:
http://www.vicfallsrestcamp.com/rates.html


Mid range accommodation 

1. Elephant Hills (this is where most of the guest will be staying):

This 4 star hotel is a little bit more of a resort but it is great nonetheless. There are a number of amenities including a great golf course, tennis courts etc. The service here is excellent and the rooms are descent. We currently have a quote for $80/p/n bed with breakfast. This is a great deal for the price but a 75% deposit needs to be paid by the end August. If you are coming from overseas and would like to stay at this hotel you can deposit the money into either our US or UK accounts and we will do one payment for everyone. Please contact us by email if interested.
http://www.africansunhotels.com/Index.cfm?fuseaction=hotels.info&name=elephant_hills_resort

2. Lokathula Lodges (currently booked out but I am on the waiting list)
This is slightly more rustic option and it is self catering and the lodges have between 2 & 3 bedrooms. It is on the same property as the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (see below).
http://www.lokuthulalodges.com/

High End Accommodation
1. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

"This exclusive luxury lodge is certain to impress - everything from the rambling gardens and spray views to the dramatic thatched lobby and meticulously appointed rooms is a class act. Located on the edge of the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is superbly situated for all your game-viewing needs. While you're sipping your morning cup of coffee or indulging in a sundowner, you can watch animals savour a mouthful of precious water at the adjacent water hole. The lodge also boasts dramatic spray views of Victoria Falls, as well as dedicated viewing areas for both sunrise and sunset. The rooms themselves are uniquely decorated with African curious and locally produced furniture, and are definitely worth the splurge if you've got the cash."- Lonely Planet Review

Please note that there are different rates for Zimbabweans vs Overseas Visitors and you will be required to show ID when you arrive.

http://www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com/
http://www.facebook.com/victoriafallssafarilodge
Email address for booking accommodation
safgroups@saflodge.co.zw

2. The Victoria Falls Hotel
Although several hotels in the Victoria Falls area seek to recreate a historical ambiance, the Victoria Falls Hotel is the real deal. The oldest hotel in Zimbabwe is a colonial gem, and every speck and detail of the property has a tale to tell. The historic Victoria Falls Hotel, which is the oldest hotel in Zimbabwe, oozes elegance and sophistication, and occupies an impossibly scenic location across from the gorge and bridge. The grounds consist of several colonial-arched courtyards and intimate gardens, while the interior is adorned with framed historic prints and newspapers. In fact, guests have been known to spend hours pacing the corridors and educating themself about the history of the region. By nightfall, social gatherings centre on a collection of historic dining rooms and salons, which resonate with the sounds and sights of a long-gone era. Even if you're not staying here, be sure to drop by in the afternoon for a spot of high tea. This hotel run at about $200+/p/n

http://www.africansunhotels.com/Index.cfm?fuseaction=hotels.info&name=the_victoria_falls_hotel

3. Ilala lodge
The Ilala Lodge is a colonial relic that is adorned with mounted rifles, hunting trophies, faded oil paintings, Oriental rugs and period-piece furniture. Classically decorated rooms face out towards the manicured lawns and elaborate gardens. Rooms are decorated in the Victorian style, and exude an understated elegance. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of staying at the lodge is walking through the corridors and scanning old newspaper clippings, admiring hanging rifles and gazing across the manicured lawns. This lodge also run at about $200/p/n. Please see website for details.

http://www.ilalalodge.com/index.html

4. Elephant Camp (we will be getting married at the Wallow located on this property)
I have added this lodge for anyone who is thinking about staying a little while after the wedding and would like to experience some luxury. It is an all inclusive lodge with a high price but it comes highly recommended and it recently won an award for one of the best new lodges in Southern Africa. Please note that this camp is booked out from the 29th April-1st May (see below for details) and it costs $350/p/n all inclusive 
http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/elephantcamp/

Vaccinations and Health Information

The following links provide information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about medical issues (shots, vaccines, medicine, etc.) related to travel within the following countries:

Zambia
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.htm

Zimbabwe
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zimbabwe.htm

Botswana
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/botswana.htm

Activities in Victoria Falls and Prices

Group Activities
Victoria Falls is a resort area that has a lot of activities available including sightseeing, adrenaline, game viewing, We will be organizing a few activities but we will need to get numbers in the next couple of months so that we can book and get prices. The activities/ dinners that we will be organizing are listed below (please refer to the General Itinerary for more details):

1. Dinner at Elephant Hills (Saturday 27th April)
2. Bachelor and Bachelorette party will be a day of activities (Sunday 28th April)
3. Golf Tournament (Monday 29th April)
4. Family & Friends Sunset and Dinner Cruise (Monday 29th April)
5. Breakfast on Livingstone island (Tuesday 30th April)

Individual / Independent Activities
Below is a list of the Adrenaline and Adventure Activities in and around Vic Falls. Feel free to enjoy as many of the activities as you like and the hotel will assist with booking the activities for you.

Adrenaline and Adventure Activities	Per	Park	Min	Transfers	Comments
	Person	Fee	Pax
	US$	US$
Zambezi White Water Rafting - Below Victoria Falls
Full Day White Water Rafting - Low Water	130	10	1	Included	Inc lunch
Full Day White Water Rafting - High Water	120	10	1	Included	Inc lunch
Full Day Rafting and River boarding - Low water only	165	10	1	Included	Inc lunch
Full Day Rafting and overnight	200	10	4	Included	All meals
Rafting Two and a half day	500	10	4	Included	All meals
Rafting five day	800	10	4	Included	All meals
High Wire Activities off Vic Falls Bridge
The Big Air Company - passports required
Bunji - Solo Jump	120	0	1	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
Bridge Slide - Solo	35	0	1	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
- Tandem	50	0	2	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
Bridge Swing - Solo	120	0	1	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
- Tandem	190	0	2	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
Big Air Experience -
A combo of Bridge Swing, Bridge Slide and Bunji Jump	155	0	1	Excluded	Passport required - no visa
High Wire Activities on the Zim Side- Wild Horizons
Gorge Swing - Solo	88	0	1	Included
- Tandem	127	0	2	Included
Zip Line - Solo	66	0	1	Included
- Tandem	105	0	2	Included
Flying Fox - Solo	39	0	1	Included
Half Day High Wire:-
A combo of Gorge Swing, Zip Line and Flying Fox	132	0	1	Included
Transfer to Bungee one way	6	0	1
Devils Swim & Livingstone Island Tour  - Zambia					Zambia - Passports and Visas
Livingstone Island Morning Breezer (7.30; 9.00; 10.30)	77	0	1	Excluded	Incl breakfast
Livingstone Island Lunch tour (12.30pm)	137	0	1	Excluded	Incl lunch
Livingstone Island High Tea (15.30pm)	110	0	1	Excluded	Incl high tea
Private Island (pay for 14 pax)

http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/victoria-falls-prices.html

Wildlife and Safari Activities	Per	Park	Min	Transfers	Comments
	Person	Fee	Pax
	US$	US$
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Full Day	125	10	2	Included	Incl breakfast, Lunch
Half Day (AM) or (PM)	110	10	2	Included	Incl breakfast
Overnight and One Day	230	10	4	Included	Incl meals
Two Day and One Night	330	10	4	Included	Incl meals
Two Day and Two Night	390	10	4	Included	Incl meals
Zambezi Drift - evening wine route	60	10	1	Included	Incl drinks, snacks
Zambezi Breakfast Drift	73	10	1	Included	Incl breakfast
Zambezi National Park - Game Viewing
Morning or Afternoon Game Drive	50	15	2	Included	Incl light snacks
Morning or Afternoon Game Drive and Walking Safari	60	15	2	Included	Incl light snacks
Full Day Game Drive and Walking Safari	115	15	2	Included	Incl Lunch
Wildlife conservation and awareness safari - half day (AM)	75	15	2	Included	Incl breakfast
Game Drive - late afternoon + Night Drive	60	15	2	Included	Incl light snacks
Specialised Birding Safari	POA	15
Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve - Game Viewing
Game Drive - morning only	90	0	2	Included	Incl breakfast
Game Walk - morning only	90	0	2	Included	Incl breakfast
Game Drive - late afternoon + Night Drive and Bush Dinner	110	0	2	Included	Incl snacks, dinner
Chobe National Park - Botswana - Game Viewing					Botswana
Chobe Day Trip - full day	150	0	2	Included	Incl lunch
Chobe Day and Overnight Trip (One Day One night)	260	0	2	Included	Incl lunch, dinner, breakfast
Chobe Two Days One Night	322	0	2	Included	All meals
Chobe Two Days Two Nights	390	0	2	Included	All meals
Chobe Three Days Three Nights	422	0	2	Included	All meals
Elephant Back Safari and Lion walks
Elephant Back Safari - (AM) or (PM)	130	0	1	Included	Incl breakfast
Elephant Back Safari and Dinner	182	0	15	Included	Incl dinner
Walk with Lions - (AM) or (PM)	130	0	1	Included	Incl breakfast
Big 5 Safari - Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
Ele & Lion interaction, Rhino Tracking, Edu-tainment Center	230	0	1	Included	Incl breakfast
Ele & Lion interaction , Rhino Tracking, Night drive + Bush Dinner	260	0	1	Included	Incl dinner
Horse Back Safaris
Horse Back Safari - am or pm Ride time approx 2 to 2.5 hrs	85	0	2	Included	Novice or experienced riders
Horse Back Safari - am - Ride time approx 3.5 to 4 hrs	110	0	2	Included	Experienced riders only
Horse Back Safari - Full Day - Ride time approx 6 hrs	145	0	2	Included	Experienced riders only
Horse Back - Multi Day	POA	0	2	Included	Experienced riders only
Fishing - Upper Zambezi River
Zambezi River Fishing - Half Day per person (min 2)	125	0	2	Included	Incl snacks
Zambezi River Fishing - Full Day per person (min 2)	210	0	2	Included	Incl lunch

http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/victoria-falls-prices.html

Scenic Tours and Adventures	Per	Park	Min	Transfers	Comments
	Person	Fee	Pax
	US$	US$
Tours of the Falls
Guided Tour of Victoria Falls	20	30	1	Included
Lunar Rainbow Tour of Victoria Falls	35	35	1	Included
Helicopter Flights
Helicopter Flights - Flight of The Angels -12 to 13 mins	130	10	2	Included
Helicopter Flights - Zambezi Spectacular - 25 mins	250	10	2	Included
Zambezi River cruises
Sunset Cruise	45	10	1	Included	Incl snacks
Sunset and Dinner Cruise	70	10	2	Included	Incl snacks, dinner
Steam Train trips
Steam Train Afternoon Bridge Run	75	0	50	Excluded	Incl snacks
Steam Train Moonlight Dinner Run	165	0	50	Excluded	Incl dinner
Historical Bridge Tours					Passport required - no visa
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour	50	0	1	Excluded
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour and Lunch	65	0	1	Included	Incl lunch
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour and Bridge Slide	75	0	1	Included
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour, Bridge Slide and Lunch	85	0	1	Included	Incl lunch
Spencer Creek Crocodile Farm	25	0	1	Included
Devils Swim & Livingstone Island Tour  - Zambia					Zambia - Passports and Visas
Livingstone Island Morning Breezer (7.30; 9.00; 10.30)	77	0	1	Excluded	Incl breakfast
Livingstone Island Lunch tour (12.30pm)	137	0	1	Excluded	Incl lunch
Livingstone Island High Tea (15.30pm)	110	0	1	Excluded	Incl high tea
Private Island (pay for 14 pax)

http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/victoria-falls-prices.html

Cultural Activities	Per	Park	Min	Transfers	Comments
	Person	Fee	Pax
	US$	US$
Boma Dinner (including return transfers)	53	0	1	Included	Inc dinner
Boma Dinner (excluding transfers)	43	0	1	Excluded	Inc dinner
Meet The People Tour - Traditional Village	55	0	4	Included

http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/victoria-falls-prices.html