This year’s convening welcomes delegates travelling from across the continent and its diaspora, connected through the common mission and interest to be part of the development of philanthropy and social investment. This guide will assist delegates to make the most of their conference experience in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

About Victoria Falls

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Mosi-oa-Tunya, more popularly known as Victoria Falls, will provide the backdrop for the 5th edition of the African Philanthropy Conference. Since the mid-20th century, the city has been an increasingly important source of tourism to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, with an array of natural resources, activities, and amenities for visitors to enjoy.

The most known narratives are that Victoria Falls was first ‘discovered’ in 1855 by David Livingstone, or by William Cotton Oswell in 1851, or even by Father Goncalo da Silveira in the 1600s. These are the effects of colonisation that have diminished the existence of the Indigenous people, who have for centuries named the spectacular falls Mosi-oa-Tunya or the ‘Smoke that Thunders.’

Over the years, the town has developed into a source of life and income for locals of Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, and Livingstone in Zambia. Tourism is the leading industry, with visitors enjoying a variety of adrenaline-filled and relaxing activities. These include bungee jumping, white water rafting, sunset cruises, walking along the dramatic waterfalls, exploring the surrounding national parks, and various adventure tours and excursions*. Other industries found in the town include agriculture, with major crops being tobacco and sugarcane, and manufacturing with a focus on food processing, textiles, and construction materials.

Visa requirements

The programme will take place on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls. As such, delegates are advised to verify visa requirement to enter both countries.

Attending only the Academic presentations?

• Zimbabwe: Double entry conference visa

Attending only the practitioner sessions?

• Zimbabwe: Double entry conference visa
• Zambia: Single entry business visa for access to the site visits which are part of the practitioner sessions

Attending both academic and practitioner sessions?

• Zimbabwe: Multiple entry conference visa
• Zambia: Single entry business visa for access to the site visits which are part of the practitioner sessions

Links to apply for your visa/s

• Zimbabwe: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home
• Zambia: https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/for-visitors

Delegates remain responsible for the processing of their visas with the documentation provided by the organisers.

What are the Zimbabwe 3 Visa Categories?

• Category A: Countries whose nationals do NOT require a Visa. No action required, you will be granted easy entry at any border post.
• Category B: Countries whose nationals are granted a Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry on payment of requisite visa fees. These visas are easiest obtained on your arrival at the Airport or border post.
• Category C: Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling. You can apply for one through a Zimbabwe High Commissionin your home or neighbouring country. Another way is to apply online – click on this link Zimbabwe e-visa for details. Please note that the online system, while convenient, is not always fool proof.

Check for the Category of your country in the table below.

Local airport

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is the recommended arrival airport. It is here where you will be welcomed by local community dancers, who offer a taste of the energy and hospitality that the city offers.

Preferred accommodation

• Victoria Falls Hotel. Reservations – resoperationsmgr@victoriafallshotel.com
• A’ Zambezi River Lodge at https://rtgafrica.com/a-zambezi-river-lodge
• Insika Lodge at https://insikalodge.com

Hotel transfers

A shuttle will be available for delegates arriving for the Academic Conference, landing at Victoria Falls Airport on the 28th of July, and the 30th of July for delegates arriving for the Main conference.

A departure airport shuttle will be available on the afternoons of 2nd and 3rd of August, transporting delegates from Elephant Hills Resort to Victoria Falls Airport.

Should a delegate require a shuttle service outside of these available options, this will be for their own cost and arrangement. The hotel can assist with taxi services, which cost an average of $20 to $30 from the resort to the airport.

There is no public transport, or Uber services, but the hotel offers free shuttle services to the town centre and rainforest and back at various times of the day.