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Latest Victoria Falls hotel reviews
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Visitors to Vic Falls in recent years have been used to very slim pickings on the grocery front - at the height of the economic crisis in 2008/09, things were so bad that most of the hotels and lodges were actually doing their grocery shopping in Botswana!
The good news is that a new TM opened in Vic Falls in March 2010. It is brand spanking new supermarket, with a good range of food, drink, toiletries and household goods and is a must for self catering travellers looking to stock up (as well as those just looking for affordable snacks or drinks).
What to buy: Sadly the stock appears to be almost exclusively sourced from South Africa, which is good for quality, but reflects the fact that many of the iconic Rhodesian/Zimbabwean brands seem to have bitten the dust (possibly due to farm seizures or the farmers simply retiring). However, I was ecstatic to find that tinned Colcom ham is still available (US$4.50 for a 1kg tin) - for anyone who has not yet experienced this delicacy, then you have a delight ahead of you!
Updated Nov 11, 2011
The increasing numbers of groceries in Jays Spar supermarket is a sign of better times to come. The situation in Zimbabwe is presumable better now than in 2008. I have red about stores in Victoria Falls without groceries, and believe the pictures here will improve the reputation.
Updated Dec 29, 2009
Address: Stand 320, Victoria Falls centre
Curio Market is the local Craft Village in Victoria Falls. The building is dilapidated with flat corrugated roof. Guided tours to the Curio Market can be booket at some hotels. But it's a waste of money to go there on a guided tour when you can go there at anytime.
Note that handcrafted items can be bought in the streets by street sellers. The prices in the Curio Market are higher than on the street. The reason for that is because they pay a rent to have a stall in the market. The choice is yours if you want the cheapest price in the street or want a safe trade in the market.
What to buy: You can buy masks handcrafted from wood or animal bones. Batik Paintings and wall hangings, tribal African jewelry like necklase, bracelets and pendants.
What to pay: Remember to bargain, and the price will be very cheap.
Updated Oct 25, 2009
The street sellers in Victoria falls are young men, mostly without any other work. They sell "flimflams" and Zimbabwe dollar as souvenirs. In some cases they fool tourists to exchange worthless money. The street sellers sponges on the markets, and sell the same handcrafted items to a cheaper price. The police try to chase them away. But they are parasitic and won't give up.
At the beginning I thought they were annoying. They didn't take no for an answer. They hassled and followed me all the way. But after I while I got better contact with one of them. They can really fix everything you ask for. Like cheap guided tours, find wild animals, snakes, give insider tips and find party places for locals.
They have nick-names. Ask for Christopher Colombus in the town. Or Mr.Jacaranda from the rainforrest and Mr.Discount in front of the market near the main entrance of Victoria Falls.
What to buy: Handcrafted items, "flimflams" and Zimbabwe dollar.
Written Oct 25, 2009
It's a small market with shopping stalls right before the main entrance of Victoria Falls. This market can offer the same handcrafts like Curio Market, but in smaller scale. The stalls are inside a rectangular African cottage.
Handcrafted items can be bought in the streets by street sellers. The street sellers sponges on the markets, and the police try to chase them away. But they are parasitic and won't give up.
What to buy: You can buy masks handcrafted from wood or animal bones. Batik Paintings and wall hangings, tribal African jewelry like necklase, bracelets and pendants. And of course "Victoria Falls this and that" ;-)
What to pay: The traders pay a rent to have their stall right outside the main entrance to the falls. And prices will be higher here. The choice is yours if you want the cheapest price in the street or want a safe trade in the market. Remember to bargain, and the price will be cheap anyway.
Written Oct 25, 2009
Victoria Falls Pharmacy is in the town centre. It's apparently a pharmacy with OK assortment to be a poor African country.
What to buy: You need prescription for medicines. I bought moisture cream and suntan lotion, and both were maybe the worst brand I have tried. I didn't see imported items in the pharmacy. I strongly recommend to bring your own.
Updated Oct 25, 2009
Street sellers
What to buy: Zimbabwe dollar is no longer the currency in Zimbabwe, so it doesn't matter if you buy it on the streets as a souvenir. It was forbidden before.... The Zimbabwe dollar are in hundred trillion notes. Most people have heard of the economic mismanagement in Zimbabwe and the inflation. The currency is now USD. I bought some notes for fun. Paid 5 USD for the notes on the picture.
Written Oct 24, 2009
A 7eleven store in the town centre was, as far as I could see, the only place in Victoria Falls where you could buy groceries in evenings and week-ends.
What to buy: Some food, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits. The assortment was not too good.
Written Oct 24, 2009
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Do try and visit this market. Although every shop owner wants you to buy from them, first take a good look around before engaging in bargaining for anything. The market here offers a very good variety of goods, like wood carved animals, masks, other wood products, some local jewellery etc.
Prices vary a lot and to bargain very hard to get to the price you are comfortable paying.
The market is located on the eastern end of the town.
What to buy: Wood Carved Animals
Traditional Masks
Soapstone sculptures
What to pay: You have to bargain very hard!
Written Apr 15, 2009
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There are many craft shops and markets all over town. The SPAR is the only supermarket. There are many empty shops which closed down.
Local craft are mainly wood carved animals and soapstone sculptures, but if you look around a bit, you will find a bigger variety of locally made crafts.
There is a CD shop in the main road, as well as a shop selling locally made clothing (leisure wear).
What to buy: Arts and Crafts
Written Apr 15, 2009
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Reviews and photos of Victoria Falls attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Victoria Falls sightseeing.
There are many craft shops and markets all over town. The SPAR is the only supermarket. There are many empty shops which closed down.Local craft are mainly wood...
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