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Traveller's Notes: Your Essential Guide to Victoria Falls 2026

Welcome, delegates, to the 2026 CORESTA Congress in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Preparing for an international congress is one thing; preparing for an adventure at the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls is another. Consider this your personal guide to blending seamless professional engagement with an unforgettable Zimbabwean experience.

Victoria Falls is a sought-after destination, and accommodation can get booked out early in the year for the rest of the season. We advise that you make your accommodation booking by 31 March 2026 to secure your space. For a property list with booking deadlines and cancellation policies, please visit the ACCOMMODATION page.

About the Host - KUTSAGA Tobacco Research Board

The Tobacco Research Board (Kutsaga) is Zimbabwe’s foremost agricultural research institution and a global leader in tobacco science and innovation. For over 75 years, Kutsaga has advanced cutting-edge research in plant breeding, biotechnology, crop protection, analytical chemistry, sustainable production systems, and technology transfer to support the national tobacco value chain.

As a Centre of Excellence, Kutsaga is committed to scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, and capacity building for growers and industry stakeholders. Its work underpins Zimbabwe's global reputation for high-quality tobacco and aligns with national development goals.

Kutsaga is honoured to host the 2026 CORESTA Congress in Victoria Falls, providing delegates with a professionally coordinated experience set against one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Pre-Congress Visit Invitation - Kutsaga Research Station (Harare)

Delegates to the 2026 CORESTA Congress are warmly invited to join an optional pre-congress visit to Kutsaga. The visit will provide a guided overview of Kutsaga’s research programmes, facilities, and field operations, with opportunities to interact with scientists and management and gain insight into Zimbabwe’s tobacco research ecosystem.

Participation is voluntary and subject to prior registration. Delegates interested in attending are kindly requested to express their interest in writing to the Congress Organising Committee. Further details will be shared with registered participants.

Preparing for Your Journey: A Guest in Victoria Falls

  1. The October Climate: "The Green Season’s Sweet Spot"

October in Victoria Falls is magnificent. It is the end of the dry season, meaning the weather is hot, sunny, and the waterfall’s spray is manageable, allowing for clear views.

Daytime temperatures are warm to hot (28 °C – 35 °C / 82 °F – 95 °F). Evenings are pleasant and mild.

What to pack:

  • Lightweight fabrics (linen, cotton)
  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  • Smart casual attire for the Congress sessions

For visits beyond the Congress venue:

  • For visits beyond the Congress venue:
  • Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe shoes for walking safaris and rainforest exploration
  • Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Binoculars, powerful camera, waterproof bag/cover for electronics
  1. Currency & Payments
  • Official Currency: US Dollar ($) is the primary currency used by tourists. Bring new, crisp bills (post-2009 series). Small denominations ($1, $5) are essential as change is often a problem.
  • Local Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar (ZiG) is also in circulation, but international visitors transact almost exclusively in USD.
  • Cards & ATMs: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. Always carry USD cash for smaller vendors and tips. American Express is not widely accepted.
  • Tipping Guidelines: 10% in restaurants if service isn’t included, $2–5 for hotel porters, $10–20 per day for safari guides.
  1. Visa Information
  • Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.
  • Some nationalities are required to apply for an e-Visa in advance via the official Zimbabwe eVisa Portal.
  • For certain countries, online application before boarding is mandatory.
  • To ensure a smooth journey, delegates are strongly encouraged to apply for an e-Visa in advance.
  • Visa payment can be made online during the e-Visa application or in cash on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.
  • Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond travel dates and contain sufficient blank pages.
  1. Health & Safety
  • Malaria: Victoria Falls is a malaria zone. Consult your doctor for prophylactics 4–6 weeks before travel.
  • Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations should be up-to-date. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.
  • Safety: Victoria Falls town is tourist-friendly. Use hotel safes, avoid walking alone at night, and beware of wild animals.
  • Cultural Respect: Zimbabweans are warm and hospitable. Always greet politely and ask permission before photographing locals.
  1. Transportation & Local Logistics
  • Airport Transfers: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) offers congress shuttles, hotel transfers, and reputable taxis. Approx. USD 20–30 to town.
  • Local Transport: Registered taxis, hotel shuttles, and InDrive (The local equivalent of Uber -cash-based mobile app taxi service). Avoid unmarked vehicles.
  • Congress Venue Transport: Scheduled shuttles will operate between designated hotels and the venue. Details will be on the registration page.
  1. Dietary & Practical Needs
  • Local cuisine is diverse. Restaurants cater to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets with advance notice.
  • Dietary requirements can be specified during Congress registration.
  1. Connectivity & Communication
  • Wi-Fi: Available; bandwidth may vary by location.
  • SIM Cards: Reliable mobile data services are available from Econet and NetOne.
  • Electricity: Zimbabwe operates on 230V / 50Hz electricity using Type G (UK-standard) three-pin plugs.
  1. Sustainability & Local Etiquette
  • Avoid single-use plastics and littering.
  • Do not remove natural materials from protected areas.
  • Photography of military sites, government buildings, and airport interiors is prohibited.
  1. Don’t Forget
  • Travel adaptor (Type G)
  • Power bank
  • Small USD bills ($1, $5, $10)
  • Basic medications, including prescribed anti-malaria medication
  • Copies of passport and visa (digital and paper)
  1. Activities & Excursions: Beyond the Congress Hall

Your downtime is an opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Pre-book through reputable tour operators and quote CORESTA2026 when booking.

  • Victoria Falls Rainforest Tour: Walk the paths opposite the falls, feeling the thunderous spray.
  • Helicopter Flight (“Flight of Angels”): A breathtaking aerial perspective of the falls and Zambezi River.
  • Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi: Sundowners, snacks, and wildlife viewing (hippos, crocodiles, elephants).
  • Adventure Activities: White-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining.

Recommended Operators:

Your Congress Journey Awaits

See you in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe!