VISA REQUIREMENTS

For Zambia, you need is a passport and a Visa. Up until the start of 2008, Visas could be arranged with the hotel or accommodation you're staying at in Zambia. But starting in 2008 (we got screwed from this), the Visa fee for US Citizens was $135 USD per person in cash only for a multi-entry! You need multi-entry Visas if at any time during your stay in Zambia (or for the life of the Visa typically 30 days but can be extended twice for a grand total of three months), you leave the country and wish to come back. I understand for people coming from the UK, it's even worse (around 200 GBP - ouch!). Now this is hurting many local business as fewer people (especially from the US and UK) are coming here so it's conceivable that this could change if it continues to adversely impact the Zambian economy here. Finally, it's worth noting that if you're coming from other countries like Canada or France, your Visa entry fee is significantly less. I believe the Visa policies reflect how difficult it would be for Zambians to visit the country in question (i.e. the US and UK made it real expensive and tough for Zambians to visit).

For Zimbabwe, you also need a passport and a Visa. At least the Visa fees are more reasonable than in Zambia (about $30 USD per person for single-entry as of when we were there in 2008). This is pretty straight forward if you're visiting from Zambia as all you have to do is to walk across the bridge (or taxi the short distance if you're so inclined) from border to border and walk up to the immigration post to fill out the immigration card, pay the Visa, and be on your way. The converse is true if you're coming from Zimbabwe and wish to walk to Zambia.

• Comfortable Shoes - it's probably wise to wear closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes in the event you're on a safari. There is the possibility of snakes and parasite-riddled mosquitoes so boots will help protect the feet the most in those circumstances. However, if you're only exploring the immediate falls area (especially the places you're going to get drenched), then perhaps shoes that can handle water (like Keens or other forms of water shoes) might be the way to go. It is possible to wear sandals or Chacos, but keep in mind there are risks involved with that.
• Hat - given the intense sub-tropical heat and sun, this will at least keep your scalp from getting severely burned. If you're wearing a broad-rimmed hiking hat, it could also help protect your neck, ears, and face.
• Sunscreen - again, given the intense sun, it's a good idea to protect other exposed parts of your skin from sunburn.
• Insect Repellant (preferably with DEET) - since mosquitoes are present here (many of which carry diseases), this will help prevent them from biting you and passing their diseases to you. Malaria and Yellow Fever are very real threats here.
• Poncho or Raincoat - very useful for shielding yourself and/or your equipment (namely camera) from getting drenched, especially if the falls are particularly flowing strongly. But don't fret if you forgot to bring this because (at least in Zambia) they do hire out ponchos.
• Quick-drying Clothing - chances are, you're going to get wet from either sweat or spray from the falls or both! These clothes will at least help keep you relatively comfortable and even re-usable later on in the trip after initial use. Long sleeve and long pants also serve as an additional protection against both sunburn and mosquito bites.
• Sunglasses - prevents cataracts or other harmful effects of prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays on your eyes

Some other things worth bringing to enhance your experience include...

• Lots of Memory or Film or Portable Hard Drive - the first and third items are for digital photographers. In any case, you'll be taking heaps of photos and you'll want to make sure you can bring all your photos home. But keep this away from the water or spray as much as possible to prevent damage and/or malfunctions from shorts.
• Wide Angle Lens - useful for expansive landscape photos, especially for a waterfall as wide as Victoria Falls
• Telephoto Lens - if you're a wildlife buff, you'll want these to take photos of wild animals (big game, monkeys, baboons, and even snakes) without getting dangerously close to them. However, this isn't particularly useful for shooting the falls per se.

It's no secret that there is some serious poverty in African countries and both Zimbabwe and Zambia are no exception. As a result of the big gaps between rich and poor, it's conceivable that muggings and/or petty theft can occur here. Especially given the problems in Zimbabwe, this is especially amplified at the falls though even in Zambia crime has occurred. That's not to say Zambians and Zimbabweans are criminals (in fact, they're by and large nice and peaceful people), but as a traveler, it's your job to be vigilant about keeping your money and your valuables out of sight (both as a courtesy and as a common sense measure; flaunting your bling bling is asking for it). You can accomplish this by concealing your money in a body pouch beneath your clothes.

In addition to crime, here are some other things to consider regarding your safety...

• Bottled Water - If your stomach isn't used to it, you're going to get sick drinking or even brushing your teeth with their tap water. So load up on bottled water and watch out for uncooked foods, vegetables, and fruits that might be washed in bad water. Also, watch out for ice as well.
• Stay on the walkways and away from the water - this is pretty self-explanatory, but getting swept away into the Zambezi River is a death sentence. So stay away from the edges and keep to the well-developed walkways. Do be careful if they're wet (they usually are) as they can be slippery.

Even though Zambia is getting more expensive as Zimbabwe continues to fall apart, the prices for things like food and accommodation (outside the real resorty Royal Livingstone or Zambezi Sun) are quite reasonable. But remember, outside of tourist excursions, restaurants, and services, you can barter for curios, taxis, and other petty expenses.

I'd say give yourself at least 4 days and 3 nights (not including the travel days) to allow enough time to see the falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia side on your own with time for an excursion or two.