Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel FAQ’S

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 (approx. 30 minutes drive)
Pick up and drop off to Livingstone Airport (Zambia) – US$40 per person each way (aprox. 1 hour)
Pick up and drop off to Kasane Airport (Botswana) – US$68 per person each way (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours). When booking airport transfers it is important to share flight details ahead of arrival.

We offer a complimentary shuttle bus that runs on a schedule throughout the day transporting guests between the Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls Town centre.

2. HOW FAR IS PALM RIVER HOTEL FROM THE VICTORIA FALLS?
It is a gentle 8 – 10 minute drive from the hotel. Make use of our complimentary shuttle bus that 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.

You will need to pay for entrance to the Victoria Falls Rainforest, the price depends on your nationality so please remember to take your ID card or passport with:

International: 50 USD
SADC: 30 USD
Zimbabwean: 7 USD

Please note that the entrance fee is for a single entry

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 throughout the hotel.

5. DO YOU HOST WEDDINGS AT PALM RIVER HOTEL?
We do host weddings. Email onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com for more details.

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 surroundings, 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 flourishes 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 complimentary afternoon tea, available every day between 15h30-16h30. This includes a variety of sweet treats, teas, and coffees complimented by a breathtaking view of the Zambezi River.

We also offer a unique Riverside Dining Experience at the hotel, where guests may enjoy barbecue-style dining overlooking the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River. The experience includes a welcome drink and light evening entertainment, advanced bookings are essential.

14. WHAT CURRENCIES DO YOU ACCEPT AT THE HOTEL?
The Palm River Hotel accepts a range of cash options including South African Rands, US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, Yen, Australian Dollars, as well as VISA and Mastercard payment options. Regrettably, we do not accept Amex.

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 extras such as lunch, dinners, drinks and any other activities but some smaller shops and restaurants as well as the craft markets 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 you 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 our luxurious private Villa which can sleep up to 6 guests.

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 from 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.

23. DO YOU OFFER WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Palm River Hotel offers two fully-serviced wheelchair-accessible rooms, both inter-leading Deluxe Rooms, on the ground floor closest to the Main Area. The rooms are equipped with multiple handrails, carefully positioned to assist with mobility inside the room and bathroom, and furnished with beds and chairs of optimum height for disabled access. Alarms and phones are fitted with light and sound alerts.

24. DO YOU STILL HAVE COVID RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE TO ENTER ZIMBABWE VIA LAND BORDERS OR AIR?
As of June 2023, all COVID-19 restrictions in Zimbabwe have officially been lifted. This means that guests are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination certificates upon arrival in the country. In addition, pre-departure testing for unvaccinated travellers is also no longer a requirement. This is applicable to guests entering the country via both land borders as well as international airports.

25. ARE THERE ANY FORMS THAT NEED TO BE FILLED OUT ON ARRIVAL AT VICTORIA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIPORT? 
Stay ahead of the queues by completing the Zimbabwean Visa Entry forms, click to download form here. Contact us to keep informed on Zimbabwe’s travel advice, local travel regulations, Visa Entry Requirements and more.

Explore Victoria Falls

Book Your Stay

Book your stay with us today!

Get in Touch