Victoria Falls sits at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Once you see it in person, you will have no doubt in your mind as to why it is on this list.
I took this trip while I was working as a visiting researcher at the University of Cape Town in 2017. Though it would be possible to travel to Victoria Falls from another continent or country directly, this post will highlight the journey beginning in South Africa. I spent one night in Livingston (Zambia), and two nights in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
Traveling to Victoria Falls
There are a few options, even from Cape Town, for getting to the falls. I chose to split my time between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and so I flew into Livingston, Zambia and out of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. I was traveling alone, so I opted to pay for airport transfers for both my accommodations.
You will need a visa for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and I highly recommend the KAZA Univisa that allows you multiple entries into both Zambia and Zimbabwe. This will allow you to explore both sides of the falls, and to re-enter Zimbabwe if you take a day trip to Botswana.
Safety
I do want to mention that the Victoria Falls area can be a little treacherous for travelers. There are many things you can do to reduce your personal risk. My top tips to stay safe are: stay in your accommodation after dark, take a guided tour of the falls, make definitive plans and arrangements for your entire visit, and travel light. It is good to bring only the valuables you absolutely need, and to not have them out in the open while walking around alone. The plans and choices I made prevented me, a solo female traveler, from feeling unsafe at any point in my journey.
Victoria Falls is also technically in a Malaria Zone. It is recommended that you take the appropriate prophylaxis. I, however, am allergic to these medications. I visited during a low-risk season, and had plenty of bug spray. Certain bug sprays are recommended (like Peaceful Sleep and Tabard). Both of my accommodations had mosquito nets over the beds (the only risk for Malaria-carrying mozzies is dusk to dawn). I don’t even think I got bit once. Talk to your doctor before you travel to Victoria Falls to make sure you take the precautions that are right for you!
The Zambian Side and Crossing the Bridge
It is a well-known adage that the most beautiful views of the falls are on the Zimbabwean side. You came all this way though, so why not make the most of it?! I stayed one night in Livingston to save a bit of money (I was on a graduate student budget). The Victoria Falls Backpackers ended up being a convenient and budget-friendly option. I never left the property, enjoyed the pool and met a bunch of great people!
The next day, a shuttle from the backpackers took me to the falls, which also happens to be the Zambia/Zimbabwe border. I wanted to walk across the border, as the bridge boasts some awesome views of the falls. It wasn’t really that challenging to navigate the border crossing. If you choose this route, you will find tons of friendly tourists. I crossed with an Irish couple about my age at the time. There will be officials directing you where to go and what do do, and soon enough you will be on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls!
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
I spent the remainder of my journey at Shearwater Explorers Village in a lovely little chalet. This was the perfect place for me, a solo traveler, because I booked tours from here and the village had everything I needed (like food). The chalet was really nice, and had air conditioning. One of the coolest things about this accommodation was that a heard of elephants passes by every day!
A note about money in Zimbabwe:
Currency in Zimbabwe is a tricky matter. I suggest you do some light reading to get an understanding of why that is the case. It never hurts to be culturally aware before you travel. I am not going to link any articles here, because this is a constantly evolving situation. That said, when I went to Zimbabwe, there was no national currency. Pricing was mostly in USD and I was able to pay with USD or any other international currency. In 2019, Zimbabwe reintroduced their own currency, the Zimbabwean dollar. As of now (July 2020), things aren’t going so well. Be sure to read up on currency current events in Zimbabwe before you go.
Falls Tour
One of the tours I booked was a guided walking tour of the falls. You can easily walk around the park yourself, but this was the safest option for me. Besides added safety, my guide was able to give me so much information about history and nature than I would never have learned otherwise. Even if you aren’t traveling alone, a guided tour is a great option! Most hotels/accommodations will have either an in-house guide or a partner agency. The falls were even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The sound of the thundering water was profound and stunning. You WILL get wet! Wear a rain jacket, or soak it all in.
Botswana Day Trip – Chobe National Park
The last excursion I chose was the Chobe National Park Safari Day Trip. It cost $127 USD and included a full day of adventure (plus lunch)! We left from the Explorers Village early in the morning and crossed the Zimbabwe/Botswana border. The first part of the day was spent on a game drive, and the second part on a river cruise. Lunch was served at a beautiful riverside hotel.
Botswana is home to a third of the world’s savannah elephant population. Because of Botswana’s history of conservation, the elephants are known to be less fearful of humans than elephants found in the surrounding countries. This is exactly why I wanted to do this day trip! We saw lions, giraffe, and plenty of other animals – but we saw HERDS of elephants. It was an incredible experience.
This Should Be On Your Bucket List
Seriously, if you have never considered going to Victoria Falls, it is a must. I am equally happy that I took the day trip to Botswana. This is such a wonderful memory, and some day soon, Ray and I will go back here together!