Victoria Falls

Iconic waterfalls and African safari gateway

Country: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Overview

A classic African itinerary centered on Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, combined with optional wildlife experiences in Botswana.

Unlike Iguazú, this route is structured and tour-based by nature. It works best when logistics are planned in advance and activities are bundled through reliable operators.

Region: Zimbabwe / Zambia / Botswana
Overall time: 5–7 days
Main focus: waterfalls, rivers, safari
Ranking: iconic natural wonder + safari gateway
Best season: May–October (dry season, best visibility)

Day 1 – Arrival in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) ▾


Arrive via Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA).

Best access:
• Flights from Johannesburg (most common)
• Seasonal flights from Cape Town

Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe side) is the best base:
• Compact and tourist-oriented
• Easy access to the falls and excursions

What to do:
• Light walk around town
• Relax after travel
• Prepare for excursions

This day is intentionally easy.

Day 2 – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe Side) ▾


Visit Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe side).

Why this side:
• Around 75% of the waterfall frontage
• Best panoramic viewpoints
• Easy walking paths

Highlights:
• Main Falls
• Horseshoe Falls
• Devil’s Cataract
• Rainforest mist paths

Duration:
• Half day to full day

No guide required inside the park.

Day 3 – Zambia Side + Zambezi River Cruise (Optional) ▾


Optional cross-border day to Zambia.

Morning:
• Zimbabwe → Zambia border crossing
• Visit Knife-Edge Bridge and Zambia viewpoints

Afternoon:
• Return to Zimbabwe
• Sunset Zambezi River cruise

Important notes:
• Border is crossed twice
• Passport and visas required
• Guided transport strongly recommended

This day adds contrast but is optional.

Day 4–5 – Chobe National Park (Botswana) ▾


Transfer to Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Why include Chobe:
• One of Africa’s best elephant populations
• Excellent river safaris
• Strong contrast to Victoria Falls

Activities:
• River safari by boat
• Game drives

Logistics:
• Transfer and border crossing arranged by lodge or tour
• Stay 1–2 nights

This is the wildlife core of the itinerary.

Day 6 – Return & Departure ▾


Return from Botswana to Victoria Falls.

Options:
• Relax in town
• Short souvenir shopping
• Prepare for onward flight

Departure via VFA.
Most travelers connect back through Johannesburg.

Transportation

  • Flights connect Victoria Falls primarily with Johannesburg
  • Transfers and tours handle long distances and borders
  • Independent driving is not recommended
  • Public transport is not suitable for this itinerary

Safety Notes

  • Stay within tourist areas
  • Use organized transfers and tours
  • Avoid night walking outside town
  • Border crossings are safe when arranged professionally

Notes

  • Victoria Falls works best when combined with Botswana
  • Logistics are more complex than South America waterfalls
  • Expect higher costs but richer diversity of experiences