Essentials
- Internet Speed
- Fiber available in hub areas; Starlink is now the preferred nomad choice (150+ Mbps). Local fiber via Liquid Home averages 20-50 Mbps.
- Currency & Banking
- Multi-currency system. Primary: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and USD. 1 USD ≈ 13.5 ZiG (official). USD is king for tourism.
- City
- Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
- Population
- Approximately 35,000
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; bottled water (e.g., ZLG or Schweppes) is approximately $1 per 1.5L.
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (British) and Type D (Old British/Indian). Frequent load shedding; backups are essential.
- SIM Card
- Econet Wireless (best coverage) or NetOne. A 10GB data bundle costs roughly $20 USD.
- Banking for Expats
- CABS and Stanbic Bank accept international cards. Wise and Revolut work for USD withdrawals at ATMs like FBC.
- Accommodation
- Options range from luxury lodges to guesthouses. Monthly rentals found via local Facebook groups or property agents like Knight Frank.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes for USD/ZiG cards at supermarkets like OK and Spar. Cash (USD) is required for small vendors and tips.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and local lodges like Shoestrings Backpackers ($40/night) or Shearwater Village ($60/night).
- Budget Accommodation
- Victoria Falls Backpackers ($15-20 for dorms/tents) located on Gibson Road.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- The 'Town' area / Low Density suburbs (walking distance to the falls and main shops).
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Mkhosana (local feel, cheaper) or Low Density (better infrastructure and quiet for calls).
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The Hub at Three Monkeys (managed workspace with reliable power/Wi-Fi, roughly $15/day).
- Best Cafe for Work
- Lookout Cafe ($5-15 for lunch) offers the best views and decent Wi-Fi; River Brewing Co. for a laptop-friendly evening vibe.
- Networking Events
- Monthly 'Business After Hours' meetups hosted by the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) at various hotels.
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday nights at Victoria Falls Boat Club or the weekly quiz nights at River Brewing Co.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Bolt. Use Hwindi (limited) or local 'Shuttle' taxis ($5 within town). Recommended: Vic Falls Taxi Association.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Wild Horizons offers bike rentals; local rentals available at Shoestrings for approx $15/day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- No ocean access. Artificial beach at A'Zambezi River Lodge or sandbanks on the Zambezi River during low season.
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Zimbabwe or Fastjet (connecting to Harare or Johannesburg).
- Top International Airline
- Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, or South African Airways.
- Highway Access
- The A8 highway connects Victoria Falls to Bulawayo; the M1 road connects across the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Victoria Falls Railway Station (near Kingdom Hotel) for the overnight train to Bulawayo.
- Public Transport Passes
- Not applicable. Commuter omnibuses (Kombis) cost $0.50 per trip but have no formal passes.
- Regional Travel
- Intercape or Pathfinder buses for long-distance luxury travel to Harare ($35-50).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Health Bridge (Private) on Adam Stander Drive or Mars Zimbabwe for emergency evacuations.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- The Palm River Hotel offers spa/yoga sessions; private instructors like 'Yoga with Sacha' are available for $10-15/class.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Body Active Gym (located near the industrial area) offers day passes for approx $5-10.
- Laundry Services
- Wash It Victoria Falls (near the town center) offers per-kg washing and drying services.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Dial-a-Delivery (Simbarashes group) via WhatsApp or phone.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Sadza with Mopane Worms (Amacimbi) or game meat (Kudu/Warthog) at The Boma.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- The Wild Horizon’s Lookout Cafe has excellent salads and vegan burgers ($12-18).
- Best Dessert Spots
- Shearwater Cafe for homemade gelato and fudge cake ($6-8).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- OK Supermarket or Spar for groceries; Curio Market at the Falls entrance for tradeable goods.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Ownai (local marketplace) or specialized ordering services from South Africa via couriers.
- Grocery Delivery
- Spar Online or Fresh in a Box (specialized vegetable deliveries).
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The area around Shoestrings Backpackers and River Brewing Co. on Livingstone Way.
- Local Brewery
- River Brewing Co. (try the 'Krystal' or 'Gorge' IPA, approx $4-6 per pint).
- Wine Bars
- The Victoria Falls Hotel’s Stanley's Terrace for high-end wine selection and sundowners.
- Street Food Stalls
- Mkhosana high-density area stalls for grilled chicken and roasted maize ($2-5).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Mama Africa Eating House (pan-African) and Nam Took (Thai) on Livingstone Way.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Victoria Falls Main Falls, Devil's Pool (Zambia side), and the Big Tree (baobab).
- Museums & Art Venues
- Prime Art Gallery at Elephant's Walk Shopping & Artist Village.
- Historical Sites
- Victoria Falls Bridge (built 1905) and the Jomo Kenyatta memorial spots.
- Religious Sites
- St. Mary’s Cathedral (Catholic) and local Pentecostal churches.
- Annual Events
- Victoria Falls Carnival (December/New Year) and the Victoria Falls Marathon (July).
- Cultural Districts
- Chinotimba Township for authentic local township tours and markets.
- Theater Venues
- Simunye Theater at the Elephant's Walk (cultural storytelling through dance).
- Local Markets
- Chinotimba Market for fresh produce; Elephant's Walk for upscale crafts.
- Music Scene
- Live Marimba bands at The Boma and local DJs at Shoestrings on weekends.
- Street Art
- Hand-painted murals in Chinotimba depicting local legends and wildlife.
- Cooking Classes
- The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show offers interactive 'sadza' making demonstrations.
- Art Galleries
- The Ndau Collection (fine jewelry and art pieces) on Parkway Drive.
- Historic Buildings
- Victoria Falls Hotel (colonial architecture dating back to 1904).
- Local Heritage
- The Batonga culture and their relationship with the Zambezi (Nyami Nyami river god).
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Zambezi National Park (just 5km from town center).
- National Parks Nearby
- Hwange National Park (2 hours away for world-class Big 5 safaris).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Elephant Walk paths and the cycle track from the town center to the Victoria Falls Hotel.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Danger Point (view into the gorge) and the Knife Edge Bridge.
- Birdwatching Locations
- The banks of the Upper Zambezi (specifically for the Pel's Fishing Owl).
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Many lodges like Victoria Falls Safari Lodge have designated evening boma fires.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- DHL Victoria Falls (located at the airport and town) and Swift.
- Tech Repair Services
- Local small shops in the industrial area; for major repairs, items are sent to Harare.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Common areas in Shoestrings Backpackers or Victoria Falls Primary School club.
- Language Classes
- Informal Shona and Ndebele lessons can be arranged via private tutors at the Hub.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Victoria Falls Public Library (Chinotimba) - quiet but basic amenities.
- Community Centers
- The Chinotimba Community Hall for local sports and meetings.
- Gaming Lounges
- None; most gamers use private setups with Starlink.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- The Casino at The Kingdom Hotel.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000 USD; rare in town center).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000 USD in Mkhosana).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,050 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $84,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000 USD).
- Corporate Tax
- 24.72% (inclusive of AIDS levy).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for listed companies, 15% for shared companies.
- Tax System
- Source-based tax system (income earned within Zimbabwe).
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 40% for income above $12,000 per month (USD equivalent).
- VAT
- 15%
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Limited; Zimbabwe focuses on source-based taxation rather than strict CFC.
- Property Tax
- Yes, handled via municipal rates (City Council of Victoria Falls).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Capital Gains Tax of 5% on property sold before 2009, 20% on the gain after.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- None formally; however, offshore income is generally not taxed due to the source-based system.