Have you always dreamt of experiencing the magnificence of Victoria Falls? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of information available, fret not! I’ve been in your shoes before, drowning in the sea of details. Let me guide you through crafting the perfect 3-day or longer itinerary for your Victoria Falls adventure, lifting any uncertainties you may have.
This article aims to simplify your journey, offering insights into witnessing Victoria Falls from different perspectives. And yes, I mean that quite literally! Moreover, get ready to delve into adrenaline-pumping activities, immerse yourself in cultural experiences, and even venture on a thrilling safari. You’re in Africa after all, so encountering elephants, hippos, and perhaps even lions is a must!
Follow the itinerary in this article and let’s turn your dream visit into an unforgettable reality!
Day 0 | Arrival in Victoria Falls
Arrive at your leisure in Victoria Falls. My suggestion is to stay in the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, because in my experience it’s just more convenient in comparison to staying in Livingstone, Zambia. From the town of Victoria Falls you can walk to the waterfalls, but from Livingstone it’s a little too far to walk.
I stayed in Shearwater’s Explorers Village which has a perfect location, is affordable, offers pick-up (at a fee) from the airport and is situated on lovely grounds with a pool. The hotel is also a starting or ending point for Nomad Africa Tours overland truck tours. Check out my review for their tour from Victoria Falls to Cape Town right here.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
If you’re in time for sunset I highly recommend to start this Victoria Falls itinerary with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. On the river cruise you’ll be able to see hippos, elephants swimming or bathing, crocodiles and a lot of different bird species.
And then when the sun hits the horizon be prepared to witness the sky turn orange and maybe even pink. So, please go for a sunset on the Zambezi River cruise, because it’s a feast for the eyes and the perfect start of your Victoria Falls itinerary!
Day 1 | Experience the falls from the ground and from the sky
Morning: Visit the Falls in Zimbabwe
Start day 1 of your Victoria Falls itinerary as early as possible for best pictures (with a rainbow) and to experience the falls maybe even all by yourself. From September to April opening hours are 6am – 6pm. And from May to August 6:30am – 6pm.
Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – the Smoke that Thunders – is a majestic natural wonder that sits between Zimbabwe and Zambia. With a width of over a kilometer and a height of more than 100 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the title of being the largest waterfall in the world.
Enter Victoria Falls National Park at the Visitors Center
It’s easy to visit Victoria Falls that are situated inside Victoria Falls National Park. You can enter the National Park at the Victoria Falls Visitors Center right next to the A8 road that leads to the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Follow the paths to 16 different viewpoints
Inside the National Park you follow walking paths leading you to 16 different and numbered viewpoints. The viewpoints lead you to the statue of David Livingstone, the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls. From there you continue to Danger Point and the Victoria Falls Bridge viewpoint.
David Livingstone statue and Devil’s Cataract
Viewpoint 1 is the statue of David Livingstone. From there you continue to viewpoint 2 that gives you a beautiful view of the gorge. Continue to viewpoints 3 – 6 that offer you some great vistas of the Devil’s Cataract. During the lowest water levels this is the most impressive falls, since it gives the most water.
Continue to the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls
Onwards to see the Main Falls at viewpoint 7 – 9. At viewpoint 7 you will have pretty good views year round, but at 8 and 9 the spray might become too much when the falls are at their fullest (February to May).
Viewpoint 10 is directly opposite the Devil’s Pool that you could visit tomorrow morning if the time of year is right. Continuing to viewpoints 11 – 14 you’ll have views of Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Again the spray here can be a lot during high water season.
Finish at Danger Point and the view of Victoria Falls Bridge
At viewpoint 15 you are at Danger Point. Here you see the western Zimbabwean Falls and the Eastern Zambian Falls merge together to form a Boiling Pot. It’s a very impressive viewpoint, but can also get very slippery. So beware!
Finally at viewpoint 16 you can see the Victoria Falls Bridge that connects Zimbabwe to Zambia. From here you can walk back to the Visitors Centre and get some coffee or (early) lunch at the Lookout Cafe.
All done at the falls, head back to your hotel to chill out a little in preparation of what is to come. If you didn’t have lunch at the Lookout Cafe yet, then have lunch at your hotel. Or, alternatively check out the menu at the River Brewing Company and have a crafty beer with your lunch.
Afternoon: Helicopter flight over the falls
In the afternoon it’s time to prepare for another highlight – literally – on this Victoria Falls itinerary. You’re going for a helicopter flight above the falls!
Book the Flight of Angels
The flight is also dubbed the “Flight of Angels” and was supposedly coined by David Livingstone when he first saw the falls from above during his exploration in the mid-1800s.
You can book a flight of different durations, but the most common flight takes about 12 – 13 minutes. You will share the helicopter with a few people if there’s not enough people in your party to fill all the seats. The flight will follow a set route, basically flying an infinity loop (‘8’). That means that no matter what seat you’re in you’ll never be on the wrong side of the helicopter.
Pro tip: Try and get the front seat (next to the pilot) if you’re traveling solo. The transparent hull of the helicopter is just what you want on a scenic helicopter flight. The best time for this activity is during golden hour (an hour before sunset), but really any time of day you’ll have brilliant views.
Go on a souvenir shopping hunt
The town centre of Victoria Falls is quite small, but you will find loads of souvenir shops. Anything you can think of is for sale here. So if you finishing your grand tour of Africa at Victoria Falls this is the time to buy that wood carved elephant, giraffe or cheetah. Going on a shopping spree is the perfect activity before or after your helicopter flight.
Evening: Boma Dinner and Drum Show
Experience the essence of Africa at the Boma Dinner & Drum Show. Enjoy a delicious feast featuring Zimbabwean specialties like game meats and hearty stews. The adventurous eater can also dive in to some Mopani worms. While dining under the stars in a lively atmosphere, feel the rhythm of African drums beating in the air.
If you feel like it you can join in on the fun with interactive drumming sessions, where you’ll be part of the music and dance. This event blends food, music, and culture and offers you an engaging and memorable taste of African traditions and entertainment.
Day 2 | Immerse yourself into Victoria Falls’ Devil’s Pool
Yesterday you took in the falls from the ground and also from the sky. Today this Victoria Falls itinerary will take you on an adventure to experience the falls from within!
Morning: Do you dare to experience the Devil’s Pool?
The question is though: Do you dare to experience the thrill of the Devil’s Pool? This natural rock pool is perched on the very edge of Victoria Falls. During the dry season, when the water levels are lower (usually between mid-August and mid-January), you can take this heart-pounding plunge into this remarkable pool.
The Devil’s Pool is positioned right at the edge of the sheer drop, where you can peer right over the edge. You will feel the rush of the cascading waters just a few inches away.
This exhilarating experience offers a unique perspective of Victoria Falls, where you have an up-close encounter with the raw power of this amazing natural wonder. This is truly a unique and unforgettable adventure!
Walk to Devil’s Pool or take a boat trip
You can only visit Devil’s Pool on a tour with a guide, so it is forbidden to go there by yourself. There are two ways you can visit the Devil’s Pool, either by guided walk, or as part of a boat trip. You can read more about this thrilling adventure on the official website by Tongabezi Lodge. There you will also find the best price available.
The walking tour costs 90 USD and the boat tour between 120 – 190 USD. The walking tour starts at the National Park entrance in Zambia which is easy to walk to from the Victoria Falls Bridge. The boat tour however departs closer to Livingstone, so you would probably need a taxi or it would take too long to get there. Whichever tour you decide to do, you will also need to pay the National Park entrance fee of 20 USD.
Tip: Go on the walking tour. Not only is this cheaper, but it starts and finishes at the Zambian National Park entrance. When you’re finished at Devil’s Pool you can then spend the rest of the day exploring the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
Tips for visiting Devil’s Pool
- Make sure to have a valid visa to return back into Zimbabwe, because the Devil’s Pool is in Zambia.
- Walk to Devil’s Pool in shoes that can get wet and that have grip, preferably hiking shoes or water booties. Also bring a dry pair of shoes to walk back to your hotel.
- The walk is on very exposed terrain so use a lot of sunscreen, wear a hat and stay hydrated.
- On top of the price of the tour you will also need to pay 20 USD National Park entrance fee. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
- This is a once in a lifetime experience and the tour guide will take a massive amount of pictures and videos of you. That means you have to make sure that your phone’s battery is charged.
- Have a big breakfast at your hotel and bring snacks, because there aren’t many great options for food at the falls. This is especially good to do if you on the Zambian side to explore more.
Afternoon: Explore the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
When you’re done with your visit to the Devil’s Pool, the adrenalin probably makes you feel like you can take on the world. So why not explore some more of the Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) National Park in Zambia. I mean you’re here now anyway.
Cross the Knife Edge bridge
Yesterday, on day one of this Victoria Falls itinerary, on the Zimbabwean side of the falls you visited viewpoints 1 – 16. However, there’s a few more viewpoints in Zambia. You just need to cross the Knife Edge Bridge for some spectacular views of the eastern falls. Mind you though that at the end of the dry season there might not be any water flowing here. Still the views down into the gorge are incredible.
Take the path down to the Boiling Pot
Another fantastic experience is for you to hike down to the Boiling Pot. Just after the entrance turn left immediately and continue for about 200 metres. You’ll see a sign for the start of the Boiling Pot Trail. The hike will take you about 2 – 3 hours return.
Going down is not as hard as going back up, but going down might be harder on the knees, so take it easy. Also be cautious where you place your feet, because the rocks here can get very slippery
Warning: Baboon Bastards | Be prepared to find some baboons along the trail. Don’t give them any attention and keep on walking if you encounter them. It’s also best to keep your belongings and your phone packed away, so they won’t steal it from you. Furthermore, best to have all the snacks you brought in your belly rather than in your backpack, because the baboons will smell it.
Chill out at the pool the rest of the afternoon
When you’re all done exploring the Zambian side of Victoria Falls it’s time to head back to your hotel. Take some time out to chill at the pool of your hotel and have early dinner. Enjoy that cold Zambezi beer on the side if you feel like it.
Evening: ‘Simunye – We Are One’ Dance Show
For some evening entertainment check out the new dance show ‘Simunye – We Are One‘ at the Victoria Falls Theatre situated inside the Elephant’s Walk Shopping Mall. The story is beautiful, yet simple:
Follow Bomani, a chief’s son that is expelled from his tribe for a rite-of-passage misstep. He embarks on a journey through the African wilderness, accompanied by Ndlovu, a young orphaned elephant and his only companion. Together, this ‘tribe of two’ teach us the enduring power of unity.
Day 3 | Go on safari in Chobe National Park
Now you didn’t come all the way to Africa to not go on safari right? So what better way to finish your Victoria Falls itinerary than with a safari?
There are numerous possibilities all over Africa to go on safari, but Chobe National Park was one of the best places for me. Chobe National Park is in Botswana though, so make sure you have that multiple entry visa for Zimbabwe in your passport.
Alternative: If you’re out of entries on your Zimbabwe visa, then you can also opt to visit Hwange National Park which is in Zimbabwe. I haven’t been to Hwange NP myself, but I’ve heard good stories with plenty of animal sightings. In this itinerary I will focus on Chobe NP though.
Morning: Game Drive through Chobe National Park
Rise and shine… select a day tour that picks you up around 5am. Yes, that’s very early, but keep in mind that most animals, especially big cats are most active very early in the morning. When you’re at the park entrance at 6:30am, you’ll be among the first people to enter the park.
Large parts of Chobe National Park are, unlike for example Etosha National Park in Namibia, very green year round thanks to the Zambezi River. The park is well known for its many elephants, so you will undoubtedly see many of them. You also have a very good chance to see other animals that make up the Big 5: lions, leopards and buffalos. You have pretty much zero chance of ‘completing’ the Big 5 in Botswana though, because there are no black rhinos in the wild here.
The animals in Chobe National Park are living their life well. The predators look very well fed, which is testament to the abundance of animals in Chobe. Apart from the Big 5 you will see many different antelope species, birds and the cutest guinea fowls. In Chobe you also have very good chances to see many animals that make up the Ugly 5 (hyena, vulture, marabou, wildebeest and warthog).
Afternoon: Cruise Down the Chobe River for Sunset
After your morning game drive it’s time for lunch and some down time. With lunch in your belly you will head to the jetty to board a boat for a cruise down the Chobe River. You should be able to see many animals again on this afternoon. Expect hippos, crocodiles and buffalos, but also a chance to see eagles!
The Chobe River connects to the east with the Zambezi and if your cruise heads there you’ll be at a four countries point. It is there where Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia meet. And not too far away also Angola. I thought it was a pretty cool thing to know.
The boat will remain on the river until sunset. And boy are African sunsets next level! The colours of the sky change all the time. And then there’s the sounds of the animals and the change in temperatures. It’s magnificent and the perfect ending to your 3 days in Victoria Falls itinerary.
Evening: Drive back to Victoria Falls
After that long day your tour guide will drive you back to the Botswana/Zimbabwe border and drop you back off at your hotel. Finish your days in Victoria Falls with a nice dinner, pack up and prepare to travel onwards tomorrow.
More time in Victoria Falls? Then check out my suggestions below to extend your stay.
Extend your time in Victoria Falls to a week
It’s easy to extend your Victoria Falls itinerary to a week. You can stay in Zimbabwe, but you can also venture into Botswana and Zambia. Pick and mix from the options below. Of course you can also use the options below as alternatives to the itinerary above.
Go Crocodile Cage Diving!!
Wait what?! Yep, you can enter a cage that will give you a close encounter with a couple of rescued Nile crocodiles. You can feed them, touch them and look them right in the eyes. And even count all their sharp teeth. Scary maybe, but if you want a truly unique experience in Victoria Falls, then this is it.
You can book the crocodile cage diving tour right here.
Participate in more thrilling adventures
Want to get that adrenalin pumping? There’s a plethora of activities that will bring your heartbeat up guaranteed. It’s very popular to get this adrenalin combo deal where you will go on a gorge swing, flying fox and ziplining adventure. Or why not bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge?
Another option is to spend a day on the Zambezi River on a white water rafting trip. The river has grade IV and V rapids (grade VI is unraftable), so it’s going to be spectacular for sure! A white water rafting trip is also a great alternative to immerse yourself in the water of the falls if the Devil’s Pool is closed. Book your trip right here.
Go back to Zambia for a cultural immersion
Going back to Zambia is certainly another option. You can explore the town of Livingstone, which is a lot bigger than the town of Victoria Falls. In Livingstone you can visit Mukuni Village, the Livingstone Museum and the Maramba Market.
You can also combine this with a morning at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, after which you continue to Livingstone for a Half Day Zambian Cultural Tour.
Stay overnight in Chobe National Park
Instead of going on a day trip to Chobe National Park on day 3 of this itinerary, why not stay the night in the nearby town of Kasane? You will have time for an extra game drive.
Go on a day trip to Hwange National Park
Do want to go on safari, but don’t feel like crossing the border (again)? Then stay in Zimbabwe and go on safari in Hwange National Park. The park is full of elephants, but you also have good chances of spotting lions and even wild (painted) dogs that are quite rare. It’s doable on a day trip, but just like in Chobe, why not stay overnight?
Where to stay in Victoria Falls
When visiting Victoria Falls, my suggestion is to stay in the town of Victoria Falls. It’s just the most convenient when you want to follow this 3 day itinerary. You will also have the falls within walking distance as opposed to staying in Livingstone, Zambia where it’s 10km to the falls.
LUXURY – Ilala Lodge Hotel
This hotel is closest to the falls. It only takes you about 10 minutes to walk to the Victoria Falls Visitors Centre where the entrance to the National Park is situated. The facilities are top notch, with a fantastic restaurant, beautiful pools and grounds. The rooms are tastefully decorated and modern.
MID-RANGE – Shearwater’s Explorers Village
Shearwater is kind of an institution in Victoria Falls. They were among the first to set up business close to the falls. Their grounds here at the Explorers Village are just beautiful. The pool area is comfortable and spacious. The hotel bar and restaurant offer great drinks and a tasty menu. There’s also a desk to help you book activities.
The rooms are beautifully decorated albeit on the small side, but include all the features you might need, including mosquito net and a/c. I stayed here myself, had a great time and recommend it wholeheartedly.
BUDGET – N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls
On a budget, but still want to stay in comfort then consider N1 Hotel & Campsite. Yes you can camp here, and they have private rooms, but you can also share a room here. So if you’re backpacking Africa this place is perfect. It has a comfortable pool and is at walking distance to town and to the falls.
Victoria Falls Practical information
How to get to Victoria Falls
This Victoria Falls itinerary is written from the perspective that you are staying in the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. My suggestion is therefore to arrive at Victoria Falls airport (VFA). Other nearby airports Livingstone (LVI) in Zambia and Kasane in Botswana. VFA however has the best international connections.
Best time to visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination. Each season has its own distinct features. You can visit Victoria Falls both in Zimbabwe and Zambia all year round. If you really want to do the Devil’s Pool, then plan your trip between mid-August to mid-January. If you want to see the falls at their fullest, then visit between March and May.
Visa information
Zimbabwe put all nationalities in one of 3 categories, each category with different visa requirements. Check here to find out what your category your nationality is. Category A doesn’t need a visa to enter Zimbabwe, but most of my readers will fall into Category B (most EU-countries, USA, Canada, UK and UAE) and do need a visa. Category B means you can get a visa on arrival. If you fall into Category C that means you need to pre-arrange a visa.
Tip: Zimbabwe issues eVisas, however if you fall into Category B don’t do it! It’s easier to get your visa on arrival.
Single, Double or Multiple entry visa
You can get a single or double entry visa, but also a multiple entry visa. The multiple entry visa is called the KAZA UniVisa and grants you multiple entries into Zimbabwe during a 30-day time period. You can use the visa to travel between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. If you want to follow the Victoria Falls itinerary in this article then my suggestion is to take the KAZA UniVisa.
Current visa prices (2023)
When you are Category B and enter Victoria Falls airport (VFA) you can choose which visa you want. You need to pay for your visa in USD cash, so make sure you have that handy. Prices: Single entry – 30 USD; Double entry – 45 USD; Multiple entry (KAZA UniVisa) – 55 USD.
British, Irish and Canadian passport holders pay 55 and 75 USD respectively for single and double entry. Multiple entry is in theory not available anymore for British, Irish and Canadian citizens, but you can try and get that.
Crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge from Zimbabwe to Zambia
It’s an easy enough walk to cross the border from Zimbabwe to Zambia. Just follow the A8 road towards the Victoria Falls Bridge. First get a stamp at the Zimbabwe checkpoint. Then cross the bridge and continue on a road until you reach the Zambia checkpoint. Get a stamp there as well and voila… you made it to Zambia. The entrance to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls is on your left just a few minutes walk away.
The whole walk from the Victoria Falls National Park Visitors Centre in Zimbabwe, to the National Park entrance in Zambia is just 25-30 minutes. Allow time for the border crossing formalities, especially in Zimbabwe, because it can turn into a zoo there. The formalities shouldn’t take more than 15-30 minutes in my experience though.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Victoria Falls are situated on the edge of the town with the same name. You can easily walk there, just follow the A8 road heading to the Victoria Falls Bridge. You can also take a taxi if the heat is too much for you, or if you’re staying a little further away. A taxi should cost between 5 – 10 USD one-way. From Shearwater’s Explorers Village where I stayed it took about 20 minutes to walk to the Victoria Falls Visitors Centre where the entrance is situated.
There are walking paths leading you to numbered viewpoints. Each has a beautiful and different view of the falls. Depending on how much you’d like to stare at this natural wonder you need between 2 – 3 hours to see it all at a leisurely pace. There are 16 different numbered viewpoints where you can see the falls in Zimbabwe.
In Zambia you need about 2 hours if you’re doing the Devil’s Pool activity. And then another 3 – 4 hours to the viewpoints on Knife’s Edge and the hike down to the Boiling Pot. Also, when staying in Zimbabwe it takes an hour to walk to the Zambian park entrance including border formalities, and then an hour back. So in total you’d need a full day to visit.
I visited the Zimbabwean side of the falls with a tour guide, but the amount of information given was very little. Also the paths are clearly marked and the viewpoints numbered, so you cannot get lost. If I make it back to Victoria Falls someday, I would definitely do it on my own.
To learn more about Victoria Falls you can read the displays just after the entrance gate. Also read up beforehand on David Livingstone and that’s all the information you need really.
That said, if you feel like you want to learn on the spot or like to meet a few other travelers, then do hire a guide. Alternatively, go on a tour that includes pick up and drop-off at your hotel to make your life easier.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading all the way to the end of this article. My aim is to make your dream to visit Victoria Falls a reality. Let me know in the comments if the itinerary in this article helped to plan your own trip to see the majestic Victoria Falls.
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