Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world and also one of the 7 natural wonders of nature. That itself should be enough to convince you to visit this magical place. But if you’re looking for more reasons, then let me tell you that Victoria Falls has more to offer than just the waterfall. It has a number of adventure and leisure activities suitable for one and all; is surrounded by the bush, offering animal sightings; has good food; and has the friendliest people we’ve met.
It is located at the border of not just one but two countries—Zambia and Zimbabwe. And you can even tick off a third country from here, Botswana, or combine your Victoria Falls trip with a visit to South Africa like we did.
The only downside I see to visiting Victoria Falls is that it is a relatively expensive destination. We’ll discuss it all here in this blog post to help you plan an efficient 3 days Victoria Falls itinerary. It has day-wise things to do, restaurants, where to stay and all our best tips.
When to Visit Victoria Falls
April to July: Visit during these months; you can see the entire 1.7 km of the waterfall full of water during this period. However, there can be so much mist from the falls that it can get tough to actually see the water. First-world problems. haha. I’d love to see Victoria Falls during this period.
July to September: This is a great in-between period to combine a visit to Victoria Falls with safaris in Africa like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana or even Namibia. This is an absolutely fabulous time to visit. And from August onwards, you can even do the Devil’s Pool!
October to January: The water levels start to reduce and it becomes hot and humid in October and November. The falls dry up entirely on the Zambian side but Zimbabwe always has sections in flow that you can see quite well without the mist.
We visited in December and even though the falls did not have water for the entire 1.7 km, there were sections in full flow; it hardly rained; it wasn’t humid and we had a great time.
Mid-January-March: It can be super rainy during this time and is usually not advisable to visit. That being said, weather is so unpredictable lately that there may be very little to no rain at all.
Where to Stay: Zambia vs Zimbabwe
When visiting Victoria Falls, you have two options. You can either stay on the Zimbabwe side in the town of Victoria Falls or on the Zambia side in the town of Livingstone. No matter which you choose, you will probably have to cross the border at least once to see the falls from the other side.
While this itinerary is made for those staying in Zimbabwe (since that is what we did), it can easily be switched around as well. I will provide an alternate if you decide to stay in Zambia as well.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
We chose to use this town as our base for several reasons.
1. The town was within walking distance from the falls
2. Most of the activities and best tours we found online started in Victoria Falls
3. We had the visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabwe
4. Flights were cheaper at the moment of booking for our route
5. We weren’t getting good hotels in our budget on both sides, so we found a nice Airbnb at a reasonable price within our budget on this side.
Here are some excellent stay options
Luxury: Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls River Lodge
Premium: Insika Lodge, Shongwe Oasis
Mid-Range: Drift Inn, Self-Catering Garden Guesthouse (this is where we stayed and loved it)
Budget: Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls
Livingstone, Zambia
Choose to stay in Zambia for the following reasons:
1. If the flights are cheaper to Livingstone
2. If you want to stay in a luxury hotel by the river. Livingstone’s luxury hotels are fantastic!
3. If you’re not eligible for a Kaza visa and want to do a microlight flight ride
Here are some excellent stay options
Luxury: Anantara Royal Livingstone Hotel, Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Mid-Range: Ngoma Zanga Lodge
Budget: Gloria’s Bed and Breakfast
How to Get Around
Most activities you book will offer a pickup and drop-off service from your hotel. It can be chargeable at times but is a convenient option. Else, you can always take a taxi. Victoria Falls and Livingstone are small, so there is no Uber or such service; there are organised taxi services. We got all the details of the transport from the Airbnb hosts, which made our lives much easier.
Within the town of Victoria Falls, each taxi ride costs $5 and a private transfer from the airport costs $30. If you’re a solo traveller, you can even take a shuttle to the city.
We chose to book our taxis with Mr Tobias of Wild Horse Taxis in Zimbabwe. His number is +263-779016580. Call or WhatsApp him and he might even be able to help you with the number of taxi drivers on the Zambian side.
Tips
Sim Card: I highly recommend that you get a SIM card as soon as you arrive. If you’re not staying in town, ask your taxi driver to stop midway if possible. This is necessary because you will need to call the taxi drivers during your stay in Vic Falls. Based on the recommendation of our Airbnb host, we got one from Econet costing $1 with 10 GB of data for $13 or you can also get 5 GB for $9.
Currency: The currency used in Zimbabwe is the US dollar. Most places accept credit cards, but it is best to also carry cash to pay for your visa and SIM as well as for souvenirs and such things. Carrying small change is also ideal, as people often do not have change for big notes.
Is Victoria Falls Safe?
Yes, quite. We never ever felt like we were in any danger. In fact, on the Zimbabwe side, we walked around a lot and everyone we met was so sweet and friendly.
With everything I’ve read and know, it is the same on the Zambia side.
However, it is not safe to walk around after dark. More so because of animals than people. Hippos, elephants, snakes, crocs, and other wildlife all live around the towns, so it’s best to take taxis at night.
3 Days in Victoria Falls: Itinerary
This is an ideal 3-day itinerary packed with activities. Remember that all these activities cost a bit and can add up but they provide a fantastic experience. If the budget is not a concern, go ahead and follow the itinerary as is. If the budget is a concern, prioritise the activities you truly want to experience. In case you plan to do very few activities, then consider reducing the itinerary to 2 days.
Note: This itinerary considers that you’re staying in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. If you’re planning to stay in Livingstone, Zambia, then check out the section after the detailed itinerary where I’ve provided details on how you can switch around the activities to make the most of your time. Most activities themselves, however, will remain the same.
Day 1
9 AM: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
There is no better way to start your trip than visiting the falls themselves. The entrance to the national park is actually within walking distance of town, or you can always take a taxi. Get your ticket at the entrance and make your way along the clearly marked path to explore the 16 viewpoints. The Zimbabwe side of the falls has water all year round, making this walk an absolute must-do!
Ticket Cost: $50 per person
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
What to wear: You’ll be walking a lot (over 3 km) so wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Also, get prepared to get drenched no matter the season you go in. You can carry or hire a long raincoat for a couple of dollars at the entrance. I recommend that you wear shorts and a T-shirt and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. I wore Crocs flip-flops, but this was in the dry season; they might be slippery in the wet season. The sunshine will dry your things out fairly quickly if you do get wet.
Tips: First, there is no need for a guide unless you wish to learn about the plants around. Secondly, during the rainy season from February to May, go to the falls later in the day when the mist has cleared up; otherwise, you might not be able to see much.
12 PM: Lunch at The Lookout Cafe
The Lookout Cafe is located just around the corner from Victoria Falls, so you can walk there right after your Falls visit. The cafe is located at the edge of the gorge and has a beautiful view of it and the river below! You can grab a meal with drinks or coffee while enjoying views of people doing adventure activities like canyon swinging, ziplining, kayaking and rafting. To get terrace seats, you’ll either have to get there early enough or have a reservation.
2 PM: Zipline or Gorge Swing
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, now is your chance to do either ziplining across the gorge or swinging in it! Super thrilling! The office of Wild Horizons is on the same premises as The Lookout Cafe. Therefore, you have the option to either book immediately and check if a slot is available or book in advance to maximise your day.
4 PM: Dinner Cruise
We considered not doing the dinner cruise a million times because of the price and only went because our Airbnb hosts insisted we do it. I’m so glad we listened to them and went on this 4-course dinner cruise with unlimited cocktails and mocktails (yes, unlimited!!!) over the Zambezi River with glorious sunset colours. We saw hippos, crocs, water buffalos, several birds and even the spray of the falls, all while enjoying delicious food and drinks!
PS: The cruise caters to vegetarians very well! And if you’re non-vegetarian, do try the ostrich! Book below!
However, if you’d like to skip the dinner, then I highly recommend at least doing a sunset cruise, from which you’ll see the same animals, but instead of a dinner, you’ll get canapés and a selection of drinks.
Day 2
6:30 AM: Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool
Photos and videos of the Devil’s Pool were the reason we actually ended up booking our trip to Victoria Falls. It looked absolutely thrilling, so we knew we had to experience it ourselves.
The Devil’s Pool is a natural infinity pool from which you can see Victoria Falls from the top—an absolutely unique way to see such an enormous waterfall. I know what you must be thinking – is it dangerous?
Well, yes and no. It’s as dangerous or safe as any adventure sport. Only one company runs the Devil’s Pool tour and they’ve been doing it for years. There have been no fatalities in all this time. The guides take your photos and videos, hold your legs when you look over the edge, and keep you safe. They’ve been doing it for ages and are excellent at it!
Do you need to know swimming well or just enough to feel comfortable in the water? I stink at swimming since I only learnt it recently, and I wasn’t really able to handle myself in the water with the current. The guides helped me all the way from start to end. I was holding onto them, a fellow tourist’s hand, a rope, or a rock to keep myself stable.
So gather some courage and book off your Devil’s Pool adventure. Devil’s Pool is only available in the off-season, from mid-August to mid-December/January. If you’re visiting in peak season months when the water is in full flow, you’ll be taken to Angel’s Pool to do this activity. So this activity is actually doable all year round.
Tip: Remember to book the 7:30 AM slot, as this is when you’ll be able to see the rainbow over the falls!
9:30 AM: Zambia Side of Victoria Falls
Head to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. During the dry season, the Zambian side is completely dry, so we didn’t see the point of going. However, it is definitely worth a visit from February to October when there is more water flow! This is where you can walk on a bridge over the gorge, which is so cool! Since the Zambian side is smaller than the Zimbabwean side, you should be able to complete your tour in less time.
Entrance fee: $20
Time needed: 1.5 hours
11:00 AM: Cross the border
Cross back over to Zimbabwe after completing immigration formalities. You can simply walk from the Zambian side of the falls to the Zambian immigration office, as it is literally just 350 metres away. Then walk about 1 km to Zimbabwe, complete immigration and take a taxi back to your hotel. This process should take you about 30-45 minutes.
1 PM: Vulture Culture Experience
Every day at 1 PM at Victoria Falls Lodge Hotel, the hotel feeds vultures. The Vulture Culture Experience is a conservation project that strives to protect vultures that are endangered due to human-caused issues while educating about these remarkable birds that are integral to the ecosystem, as they are cleaners of the bush.
We had no idea about this activity before we got there because it doesn’t make it to most itineraries. We only got to know about it because our Airbnb was close to the location. It turned out to be absolutely wonderful to see hundreds of vultures descend to eat. It’s absolutely free and you get to learn so much about vultures: their importance, the threats they face, and what is being done to help them.
1:30 PM: Lunch at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant
It’s time for lunch at the same hotel at which you just had your vulture culture experience. You will probably even cross it when going down for the experience.
The venue is the award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant! It has unrivalled views overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole. If you’re lucky, you can see elephants and other wildlife as you enjoy your food. The menu is slightly more expensive than you’ll find in town, but the food and views are totally worth it! You’ll find global foods made with local produce; it truly is delicious!
4 PM: Evening Helicopter Ride
Seeing the entire stretch of the falls from above is something you need to see, especially in the high-water season.
We did the helicopter ride when half the falls were dry and still loved it because we got to understand just how long and massive the falls are and how the gorge is formed.
No matter the season, you can even spot wildlife like elephants, hippos, crocs and giraffes from the helicopter, which is amazing. Not only that, you will also be able to see the dramatic Batoka gorge that winds around the area, the vast expanse of the bush, and the grandeur of the upper Zambezi River!
So book this helicopter ride. It’s a short 15-minute experience, but one that you will always remember!
7:00 PM: Boma Dinner and Drum Show OR Simunye
Enjoy traditional African music, dance, and storytelling that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is not just a show you watch; you also participate in the drumming and dancing. You also get to savour a four-course meal featuring local dishes, all the while enjoying non-stop entertainment culminating in an interactive drumming show. The Boma Dinner and Drum Show is an immersive experience all in all and absolutely worth doing if you want to learn more about the culture of the local people.
That being said, if you’re a vegetarian who can’t see meat being cooked even, it’s best to skip it and instead see the local theatre performance at Simunye – a production that combines stunning visuals, music, puppetry, and dance that delivers the powerful message of love and community. It is directed by an acclaimed puppeteer and showcases professional artists in an intimate 195-seater open-air theatre.
Day 3
For your last day in Victoria Falls, take a day trip or go rafting. Let me tell you more about the best options:
1. Day trip to Chobe National Park, Botswana: Travel from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park in Botswana on a guided day trip. It is renowned for its variety of wildlife, particularly the large herds of elephants. Is it one of the few places in Africa where you can spot wildlife as you cruise along the Chobe River (an absolutely unique experience, don’t you think?). On this day tour, you’ll cross the border into Botswana, do a game cruise along the river, savour lunch at a local lodge, and enjoy an afternoon game drive (a perfect chance to spot and search for the big 5).
Alternative: Zambezi National Park Game Drive plus Zimbabwe Traditional Village Tour
OR
2. White-water rafting on the Zambezi River: If you’ve ever been rafting, you already know how thrilling it is. If not, you’re in for an epic ride because rafting here is considered one of the best in the world. You’ll hike down to the gorge, do 5 hours of rafting in challenging rapids surrounded by epic landscapes, and then enjoy a well-deserved picnic by the Zambezi River’s beautiful setting. It’ll be a stunning, peaceful, yet adventure-filled day in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring settings.
Victoria Falls Itinerary (for those staying in Zambia)
Day 1: Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls (Zambia side), Helicopter Ride or Microlight flight ride, Sunset Cruise in Zambia
Day 2: Victoria Falls Zimbabwe side; Lunch at The Lookout Cafe; Vulture Feeding at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge; Ziplining/Gorge Swing
Day 3: Chobe National Park Day trip to Botswana OR River Rafting
Restaurants to Try in Victoria Falls
Coffee shops: Tammy’s Fine Art Gallery, Loretta’s Coffee Caravan
Casual dining great for lunch: The Lookout Cafe, Brooks Cafe
Casual dining excellent for dinner: Marula Cafe, The Three Monkeys, and The River Brewing Co.
Semi-formal: The Eatery
Fine dining: MaKuwa-Kuwa (Victoria falls Safari Lodge), Palm Restaurant (Ilala Lodge), Livingstone Room (Victoria Falls Hotel)
Visas for Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana
If you’re from a country that needs a visa to get into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and are eligible for a KAZA UNIVISA, then you should get one. Check the eligible countries here. The visa costs USD 50 and allows you to visit these countries multiple times. The visa is valid for up to 30 days, as long as you stay within Zambia and Zimbabwe. But it also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through Kazungula Borders.
You can get this visa on arrival or even get it online. Please read the details here.
If you’re not eligible for a KAZA univisa, then read on.
Zimbabwe: Countries are divided into three categories; depending on which category your country falls into, you either do not need a visa, you can get a paid visa on arrival, or you need to apply for an e-visa. You can check the country category and requirements here. You can opt to get a single-entry visa for $30, a double-entry visa for $45, or a multiple-entry visa for $55. These can differ by country so it’s best to do your research before you go.
Since we’re from India, we opted to get a double-entry visa on arrival, which cost us $45 per person. The process was smooth and quick. The immigration officers don’t provide change and often don’t accept cards, so please carry the exact change in dollars.
Zambia: For Zambia, you can apply for an e-visa on this website. You’ll need the following documents: a scanned passport photo, a notarised copy of your passport, a cover letter, a return flight, and a hotel booking.
If you’re travelling only for a few hours from Zimbabwe to visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls or take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, you can simply apply for a transit visa. This is what we did and it all worked out just fine. For the return flight and hotel booking, add your Zimbabwe ones since you won’t be staying in Zambia or taking flights there.
Botswana: We did not end up doing a day trip to Botswana because 3 visas for a 3-day trip were a bit much. However, if you are planning to visit Cheobe National Park, you may need a visa. Please check here. If you do have to apply for a visa, then you can either get a sticker visa at the embassy/consulate in your country (link for Indians only) or an e-visa.
Victoria Falls Budget
Victoria Falls is an expensive tourist destination to visit and each activity you do adds significantly to the cost.
Here’s how much we spent in December.
Visa for Zimbabwe: USD 100 (50 per person for a double-entry visa)
Visa for Zambia: USD 50 (25 per person for transit visa)
Flights (to and fro from South Africa): USD 500
Accommodation for 3 nights + laundry: USD 300
Activities (Devil’s Pool $420, Helicopter $350, Sunset Cruise $200): USD 970
Restaurants (average $15-20 per meal per person): USD 150
Sightseeing: USD 100
Transportation: USD 130
Sim Card: USD 14
Total: USD 2314 (approximately INR 2 lakhs) for a couple for 3 days
We did not do the day trip to Chobe ($185*2), the gorge swing ($115*2), visiting the Zambia side of the falls ($20*2), nor the Boma Dinner ($55*2), as our trip was already exceeding our predetermined budget. Instead, we chose to relax and do the trip slowly over 3 days (2 full days and 2 half days).
Yes, as you can see, Victoria Falls can be an expensive destination. To save costs, you can limit the activities you do, stay in an apartment, and opt to cook some meals instead of eating out.
However, don’t let this deter you from visiting, as Victoria Falls is undoubtedly a destination that should be on your bucket list. It promises unforgettable moments, whether you’re seeking adventure or soaking in the natural beauty. With this Vic Falls itinerary, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.
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