1. WHERE CAN I GET A PCR TEST?
The Palm River Hotel facilitates fast and reliable in-house PCR testing available for all in-house guests who require PCR tests for onward travel. The service includes same-day results for tests completed before 12h00. Onsite PCR testing costs US$ 70* per person. Guests may also visit Lancet Laboratories directly and pay US$60* per person.

2. CAN I TRAVEL TO VICTORIA FALLS WITHOUT A PCR TEST?
It is recommended that all international guests have Covid-19 PCR tests before arriving at a port of entry, guest arriving without proof of a valid negative PCR test could be denied entry into Zimbabwe or face long waiting periods for an onsite test. This should be applied to private charters, self-drives, overland trucks and transfer buses.

3. WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE A PCR TEST BEFORE I TRAVEL TO VICTORIA FALLS?
Zimbabwe health authorities stipulate that PCR Covid tests are valid 48 hours from issuance of certificate and must show a negative result.

4. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER ZIMBABWE VIA LAND BORDERS?
Kazungula and Livingstone Border ports are open for fully-vaccinated travellers to cross in and out of Zimbabwe. Travellers must carry their vaccination cards or proof of being fully vaccinated for land border crossing procedures.

5. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY NEGATIVE PCR TEST HAS EXPIRED UPON ARRIVAL?
If your Negative Covid-19 certificate has expired upon arrival in Victoria Falls, health officials will keep clients at the Port Health facility, and Lancet Laboratories will test clients on site. Clients will have to wait at the Port Health facility for their test results. This waiting period can be between 3 – 4 hours. If results are negative, they can proceed to Immigration. See FAQ Number 2 for information on positive PCR test results.

6. WHO DO I PRESENT MY NEGATIVE PCR TEST TO AT THE AIRPORT?
On arrival at all ports, passengers are required to go straight to the Port Health officials and present their negative PCR test as well as their completed Health Form. Once they are cleared, they will proceed to Customs and Immigration for the regular arrival procedures. You can download the ZIMBABWE PORT HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE here.

7. DO I STILL NEED A NEGATIVE PCR TEST IF I HAVE BEEN VACCINATED?
Zimbabwe authorities require all international guests to present a negative PCR test on arrival.
Clients who have had vaccines may carry proof of vaccination but will still require a negative PCR test on arrival. (Updated November 2021)

8. WHAT DO I NEED WHEN DEPARTING ZIMBABWE?
To board your airline for onward international travel, a negative PCR covid test is required and can be carried out on-site at the Palm River Hotel. Please check with respective country requirements for validity of negative PCR test certificates.

9. WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT / DURING MY STAY AT THE HOTEL
Guests who test positive may quarantine at the hotel. We will ensure all health protocols are conducted accordingly. Additional cost of accommodation will be for guest’s own account.

For more information, download our COVID-19 travel document below.

1. DO YOU OFFER AIRPORT TRANSFERS TO PALM RIVER HOTEL?
Pick up and drop off to Victoria Falls Airport – US$17 per person each way (approximately 30 minutes drive)
Pick up and drop off to Livingstone Airport (Zambia) – US$40 per person each way (approximately 1 hour)
Pick up and drop off to Kasane Airport (Botswana) – US$68 per person each way (approximately 1.5 – 2 hours). When booking airport transfers it is important to share flight details ahead of arrival.

2. HOW FAR IS PALM RIVER HOTEL FROM THE VICTORIA FALLS?
It is a gentle 8 – 10 minute drive from the hotel. We offer a complimentary shuttle bus which runs on a schedule throughout the day transporting guests between the Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls Town centre. The shuttle stops at key landmarks for guests’ convenience including the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Ilala Lodge Hotel and the various craft markets along the route.

3. DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR IN VICTORIA FALLS?
It is not necessary to rent a car in Victoria Falls. We offer a complimentary shuttle bus and can arrange airport transfers, inter-hotel transfers and activity transfers to and from the hotel at an additional fee. See FAQ number 1.

4. DO YOU HAVE WI-FI AT THE HOTEL?
Yes, we do have free Wi-Fi access.

5. DO YOU HOST WEDDINGS AT PALM RIVER HOTEL?
We do host weddings. Click here (link to wedding page) for more details or email onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com for more information.

6. DO YOU HAVE MOSQUITO NETS OVER THE BEDS?
Our accommodation options are fitted with a fan and air conditioning units to keep mosquitos at bay and our rooms are also equipped with mosquito repellents.

7. SHOULD I TAKE MALARIA MEDICATION BEFORE TRAVELLING TO VICTORIA FALLS?
Although Victoria Falls is not considered a high-risk malarial area, it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor before travelling. Antimalarials may be advisable before travel.

8. ARE THERE FRIDGES IN THE ROOMS?
All room varieties at the Palm River Hotel include a fully-stocked mini-bar. Initial stocking is complimentary.

9. DOES YOUR RESTAURANT CATER FOR VEGANS / VEGETARIANS / HALAAL?
We can cater for specific dietary requirements. Please inform the hotel of your requirements a few weeks in advance so the Chef can ensure we have the correct foods in stock for your arrival. Our general menu does offer Vegetarian options.

10. DO YOU HAVE A SPA?
Yes, the Palm River Hotel has a luxurious spa, overlooking the tranquil views of the Zambezi River. The spa offerings include a variety of aromatherapy treatments inspired by the natural surrounds, soothing massages and beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures.

11. CAN I BOOK ACTIVITIES AT THE HOTEL?
The Palm River Hotel Tours Desk offers helpful and informative advice to assist in planning your memorable stay in Victoria Falls. With a myriad of activities on offer in the vibrant town, our Tours Desk will be in contact once your accommodation has been arranged to assist with pre-booking activities ahead of your arrival to Victoria Falls. Guests may also book activities while in-house, though we do advise pre-booking to guarantee availability.

12. WHAT IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY?
The Ra-Ikane River Cruise, on board one of three luxury vessels. These unique monohull designed riverboats take you on a gentle 2-hour cruise through the calm waters of the Zambezi River, immersing you in the wildlife that flourish along the river edge. The intimate cruise boats seat a maximum of 16 passengers. The cruise departs from the Ra-Ikane jetty, located directly in front of the Palm River Hotel. Cruise options include Breakfast, Birdwatching, Lunch and Sunset Cruises. Visit our Tours Desk for more information on other activities.

13. WHAT ADDITIONAL FEATURES DOES THE HOTEL OFFER?
All in-house guests can delight in a Riverside High Tea, available every day between 15h00-16h30. The Riverside High Tea includes a variety of sweet treats, teas, coffees complimented by a breath-taking view of the Zambezi River

14. WHAT CURRENCIES DO YOU ACCEPT AT THE HOTEL?
We accept US Dollars, Zimbabwe Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling and South African Rands.

The hotel is not always able to cash money and as such we encourage guests to bring small denominations of US$ bills. This will enable you to make payments where Visa/Master cards are not accepted. Your visa card can be used to pay for extra’s like lunch, dinners, drinks and any other activities but some smaller shops and restaurants as well as the craft markets that do not have card facilities.

15. ARE THERE ATMS NEAR THE HOTEL?
ATMs can be found in Victoria Falls town, but we cannot guarantee these will be operational at all times. We recommend you bring with small denominations of USD cash to Victoria Falls to pay for entrance into the Falls, curios and other items while in Victoria Falls.

16. WHAT CREDIT CARDS DO YOU ACCEPT AT THE HOTEL?
We accept Visa and Mastercard.

17. DO YOU HAVE FAMILY ROOMS?
Our Deluxe King Rooms have interleading doors that connect to a Deluxe Twin room and our Deluxe Suites offer two Deluxe rooms interconnected with a private lounge. Ideal for families or couples travelling together. For larger groups, we recommend one of our suite varieties.

18. DO YOU OFFER BABYSITTING SERVICES?
Yes. We can arrange a babysitter on request. Please advise the hotel at least 24hrs before.

19. HOW MANY ROOMS DO YOU HAVE?
The Palm River Hotel offers 73 accommodation options made up of Deluxe rooms and Luxury Suites.

20. DO YOU HAVE HAIRDRYERS IN THE ROOMS
Yes. All rooms have hairdryers available.

21. WHAT TYPE OF PLUG POINTS DO YOU HAVE AT THE HOTEL AND SHOULD I BRING AN ADAPTOR?
Our rooms are equipped with universal plug points and USB ports. Zimbabwe uses 3 point square plugs but it is advisable to bring a universal adaptor when you visit. Please note that American electrical goods and appliances have different voltages to Zimbabwe.

22. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN VICTORIA FALLS?
The weather in Victoria Falls can be hot and humid as such, cool, comfortable clothes are essential. We recommend light, long trousers, skirts and a shirt for the evenings as well as a jacket as temperatures can drop. Long clothing also helps protect against mosquitos. We provide insect repellent and insect spray and all rooms at the Palm River Hotel have both a fan and air-conditioning.