Victoria Falls Crime and Safety

Tourism has understandably declined dramatically in recent years, due to the political tension, but I would like to encourage you see through some of the bad press, as this really is a safe place to visit.

In Victoria Falls petty crime of course does exist as with anywhere in the world, but it is at a very low level and certainly should not deter anyone from visiting this amazing place.

As a city or town goes you are safer here than many many cities around the world. Its difficult to describe and you will have to visit to believe it but the people here understand that tourists are their livelihood and therefore they wont do anything to jeopardise that.

I read many of the reviews from people who have just been to the falls and on the whole they concur with my views.

Let me explain the Politics briefly

Victoria Falls is in the Province of Matabeleland. The local people here are of the Matabele (Ndebele) tribe. Robert Mugabe is from Mashonaland and is from the  Mashona tribe.

The Matabele's are completely dominant here. Mashona's are not welcome and therefore none of Mugabe's supporters even dare to come close and that is why politically it has always been safe here, excluded from the political battles in the rest of the country.

There are tons of street vendors in the town, and they can be a bit of a nuisance. Unfortunately for them, the dwindling amount of tourists since Zimbabwe’s collapse has meant their livelihood has been drastically reduced, they are just desperate to make a sale, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when dealing with them. These guys are harmless and desperate, and will generally be very willing to help you.

There are police officers on patrol throughout the town and they normally keep the vendors in check.

Do be aware of pick pockets and make sure that you put your cameras straps around your necks, so no-one can make a quick snatch.

“Victoria falls crime in hotels” I have read several reports recently of valuables being stolen from their hotel rooms, quite obviously by the hotel staff. The only advice here is to always lock valuables away, preferably in the hotel safes or in you own lockable suitcases - Don’t Put Temptation in Ones Way – always remember that the locals are struggling to survive under the current Zimbabwe situation.

Overall the Zimbabwean people are very friendly and appreciate the business that tourists bring. The Zimbabwe situation is crippling them and they long for a return to normality.