9 days, 4 countries, and umpteen experiences - many outside my comfort zone. I was enchanted by the Victoria Falls , canoed in hippo and crocodile infested waters, rode a horse in a game reserve and was almost attacked by a massive baboon. Africa is wild .. and wonderful.
What started off as a simple trip to see the Victoria Falls turned out to be much more than that. I had last been to the Victoria Falls when I was in school - long enough for the memories to have faded. Besides, my husband had been wanting to go there for a long time too. So, we decided to use our British Airways miles to book our trip. There were no British Airways rewards flights to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe available but there were flights to Livingstone (Zambia). However, the earliest return flights were 9 days later – longer than we would have planned but we booked them nonetheless.
My initial thought was "what were we going to do for 9 days" because most people go there for three days only. I then began planning an itinerary. This is what we ended up with.
2 nights at Avani Victoria Falls Hotel in Livingstone (Zambia)
2 nights at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge in the Zambezi Region, previously known as the Caprivi Strip (Namibia via Botswana)
3 nights in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
2 nights at Royal Chundu near Livingstone (Zambia)
Between the Namibia and Zimbabwe legs, we went for a game drive in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
In hindsight, the length of time we spent on this trip was perfect because we got to experience more of what the area has to offer.
1. Which side to visit?
Although two-thirds of the waterfalls lie on the Zimbabwean side, do visit both sides. Each one has viewpoints that will provide you with unique views. Both sides offer extreme adventure activities, although some – like swimming in Devil’s Pool - can only be done on the Zambian side.
2. Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for the Falls are as follows:
Zimbabwe – SADC Residents – US $20 – International visitors – US $30
Zambia – International & SADC visitors – US $20
If you are staying at the Avani Victoria Falls Hotel or the Royal Livingstone Hotel, you get free entry.
Local residents get special rates on both sides.
3. When to visit Victoria Falls
The best time of the year to see the waterfalls is between April and July. However certain activities are not available when the water levels are high so it is best to know what you want to do before you go.
4. Footwear
Do wear non-slippery shoes as the pathways are usually wet from the spray of the waterfalls. Even then, you should be careful. I slipped on some moss despite my Adidas trail shoes.
5. Raincoats
We took rain ponchos with us because it was mentioned often in the research I did. However, we didn’t end up using them. We did get wet, but because the weather was so hot, we actually enjoyed being sprayed by the falls. They do hire out rain coats but it is cheaper to take your own.
6. Eating in the park
Whatever you do, do not take snacks with you. There are wild baboons everywhere. I opened up a packet of peanut sweets without thinking and a baboon started bounding towards me. Concerned about my personal safety, I threw the packet to one side and he grabbed it and disappeared promptly. ( I do not recommend feeding the wildlife unless your personal safety is at risk).
7. Malaria
This is a malaria region, so it is advisable to take precautions. Speak to your doctor /pharmacist.
8. Getting around
We used taxis to get around as there is no Uber network. If you need a taxi or tour guide on the Zimbabwean side, contact Mthulisi on 263 77 287 1987. On the Zambian side, contact Owen on 260 97 9374937. For some reason, Zimbabwean taxis are not allowed on the Zambian side. However, Zambian taxis may drive in Zimbabwe.
9. Game-viewing
There are several wildlife reserves in the area so do some game-viewing during your visit.
10. Shopping
If you want to shop for curios, visit the town of Victoria Falls. It is rather touristy though and you can expect to get harassed by touts.
11. Currency
In Zambia, you can use Kwachas, the local currency or South African Rands. In Zimbabwe, because of hyper-inflation, US dollars are the most convenient currency to use. The old Zimbabwean notes are now sold as souvenirs on the streets. My husband bought over 70 billion dollars for R100 and gave them to my daughter, telling her that she was now a billionaire. She was amused.
We bought a coffee at The Rainforest Cafe and the price was shown in 12 different currencies! It was the first time I'd seen that.
12. The moonbow
During the full moon period, you can see a lunar rainbow over the Falls, which is caused by the refraction of the moon'slight. I was disappointed to have missed it by a day.
13. Day trips
Chobe National Park in Botswana and The Caprivi Strip in Namibia are just over an hour away from the Victoria Falls. They are accessible via an area called Kazungula where four countries meet. Try to visit them if you have time. Day trips are possible too. (Do check your visa requirements).
This area is known as the Adventure Capital of Africa and there are a multitude of activities available for the adventurous. Whatever you choose to do, ensure that you follow good principles for sustainable tourism . Here are some of the activities:
These hotels are close to the Falls.
In Zambia, stay at the Avani Victoria Falls Hotel or the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls.
In Zimbabwe, stay at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or The Victoria Falls Hotel.
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Disclosure: 17
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Ahh this has been on my bucket list for so long. Thank you so much for sharing!
Victoria Falls look breathtaking! I really want to visit! Thank you for sharing this!
This article has brought back some great memories of my visit to Victoria Falls. They are so spectacular. I also had fun white water rafting on the Zambezi River below the falls. Thanks so much for sharing!
The Victoria Falls are incredible. The white water rafting sounds like fun too. We didn't do it but we did go canoeing on the Zambezi.
Very helpful and informative!
A wonderful and informative post . Thank you !
You have a very great website. I discovered it through yahoo.
I enjoyed this post and it is very informative.
We've always been fans of chasing waterfalls around the world and when we saw this we knew right away we had to visit! I think we are planning a trip for next year so this will be helpful. Thanks
Great informative post, well done guys!
I love this post there is so much useful information for anyone who wants to visit Victoria Falls and your pictures are spectacular!
Thank you so much for this post! I've never visited Africa but it's always been on my list and I hope that one day I'll get there. Victoria Falls must be one incredible place to visit! Your photographs are absolutely stunning. This guide is fabulous with so much detail, I'll be saving it for when we do visit Victoria Falls one day! I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Alicia