Anyone been there
is going into Zimbabwe a deterrent?

We did NOT go into Zimbabwe, as we didn't really see the need to, as we stayed at the River Club, which is in Zambia. My personal feeling is that I would not spend any money in Zim until the old man is gone, but I understand from talking to a lady in the hotel biz at the airport, that business is way down in Zim. You can probably get pretty good deals there. The tourist areas around Vic Falls are apparently fairly safe, but of course I wouldn't venture much out of that area. Folks who are familiar with the area say that the Zim side of Vic Falls is much more spectacular than the Zam side. However, you don't have to stay on the Zim side to visit that side of the Falls. You can just get a visa that allows you to walk past a certain area, to view the other side of the Falls. Can't remember what the cost was, maybe $25 a person?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thinks.gif" alt="" /> Not sure. If you decide to change your mind, and stay on the Zam side, and still want to see the other side of the falls, your hotel can arrange that visa for you.

When do you go, Edward???

We were in Zimbabwae in 1999 and satyed at Elephant Hills. The hotel was beautiful and safe. Victoria Falls is filled with dirt poor people. I mean mothers washing babies in a drainage ditch. So any time we venture out we were swarmed by beggars...who could blame them. That was 1999. Zimbabwae was at peace and across the falls, Zambia was at war. Since then both countries have seen much warring. I would not go back right now. Look for the countries with relative peace, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia...last I heard. If you're intent on seeing the falls, prepare yourself for going from European dining rooms to starving people.

Contact Julie Edwards at rhinogirl@plainsofafrica.com in Jo'burg, South Africa. She can give you the scoop and so can brian7@netfocus.co.za (Brian Schaller in Howick,SA. Julie has lived in Zim most of her life and recently finally made the decision to get out. Brian was just up in Zim a month or two ago. Tell them Dave in Omaha, NE. told you to email them. Go to Swaziland, beautiful country. Visit Natal and stay out of Zim.