Experiencing new cultures is one of life’s great joys! In this Blog, we explore responsible ways to enjoy Victoria Falls so that you can get the most out of your trip.
What does it mean to be a conscientious traveller in today’s terms? We are fortunate to live in a time when travelling from one side of the globe to the other is relatively easy, all things considered, but with this incredible privilege comes equal responsibility.
In our books, being a conscientious traveller comes down to one fundamental principle: Consideration. Consider the place you are visiting as a whole. Victoria Falls is more than a tourist destination; it is also a home to many, an environment deserving of protection and a socio-economic structure with its own rules and rhythms. A conscientious visitor’s place is to learn, participate and enjoy the many gifts of travel in Victoria Falls, while employing a few considerate habits.
Let’s explore where and when they will apply together!
Victoria Falls Guide: Getting Around Town
Our hotel properties are nestled right in the heart of Victoria Falls, a stone’s throw away from Victoria Falls National Park and all the other exciting attractions of town.
While our grounds are private and secluded, vibrant shops and eateries await you just outside the gates. Vic Falls locals are incredibly proud of our beautiful town, and you will discover this during your explorations. It’s perfectly safe to walk around town, with warm smiles and greetings awaiting you everywhere you go.
When visiting one of the many stores or markets nearby, being a conscientious traveller means respecting local customs and practices. While haggling might be common in the open air or craft markets, it is not always appropriate in the more formal store set-ups where prices are fixed. Cash remains king in Victoria Falls, with the U.S. dollar being the preferred currency for transactions. Ensure you carry small denominations, as change might be limited. Adhering to these guidelines helps foster positive interactions and supports the local economy.
Where safety is concerned, Victoria Falls takes pride in its status as a tourism destination and is invested in keeping its reputation as a safe, friendly town intact. As with all places, you should take care of your personal belongings, but you shouldn’t be afraid to tackle the town on foot. In fact, it’s encouraged! Inside Victoria Falls National Park itself, there are additional tourism safety guards stationed for your peace of mind. (And to ensure appropriate behaviour inside the park – like not walking too close to the edge of the gorge.)
Ethical Wildlife Encounters
Apart from the mighty Falls, Victoria Falls is a hub for day trips to the surrounding wildlife areas. In many of the parks, both in Zimbabwe and nearby Zambia, you will have the incredible opportunity to see many large African mammals like lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, wild dogs and more!
We do, however, like to draw our visitors’ attention to the difference between a well-run game reserve and exploitative animal encounters that put profit above the well-being of wild animals.
When in doubt as to whether a wildlife experience is ethical or not, consider these two rules of thumb:
1. Sometimes, the pricey experience is preferable to the money-saver. Why? You get what you pay for, and this applies to the quality of your game driver and tracker and the principles they adhere to in the park to keep you and the animals safe.
2. Avoid experiences that allow exploitative touching of a wild animal – the animal must always have a choice! Overall we’d encourage you to avoid any personal encounters with wild animals, but there are rare exceptions where the experience is well-run and to the benefit of the species’ rehabilitation. Do your research and make use of reputable operators.
Travel Tip: Our Ra-Ikane River Cruises are a wonderful way to take in the wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River in a safe and stunning setting that respects both the environment and the animals.
What About Us?
Now that we’ve given you a few pointers on exploring Victoria Falls in an ethical way, it’s only fair that we put our cards on the table, too.
Here at the Palm Hospitality Group we care deeply about our context, our town and our community.
Through the Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation, our dedicated team is deeply committed to giving back to the Victoria Falls community. Formed in 2022, the Foundation supports a range of initiatives, from environmental preservation and recycling to wildlife protection and local fundraisers. We proudly back the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and engage in community clean-ups and sustainable waste management. By collaborating with schools, hospitals and NGOs, we strive to protect and enrich our beautiful town.
Guests interested in supporting the PHG Foundation, are welcome to make a voluntary donation starting at just $5.00, which you can conveniently add to your bill at checkout at either of our properties in Victoria Falls - Ilala Lodge Hotel or The Palm River Hotel.