VISITING VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE FROM SOUTH AFRICA: TRAVEL GUIDE & ITINERARY

This year I've prioritised exploring the best of South Africa and beyond. Earlier this year I went on an exciting journey to Victoria Falls, a majestic African destination that absolutely captivated me. The main reason for my trip was actually to even a ride on the luxurious Rovos Rail, a luxury train in Southern Africa. Given the route I chose started in Victoria Falls on the Sunday, I decided to make the most of it and extend my trip to start on the Friday so that I could experience a weekend in this beautiful African destination.

I flew up to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg on the Friday with FastJet, stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on the Zimbabwe side for the weekend, explored the attractions in the area over the weekend, visited the Zambian side of Victoria Falls on the Sunday and ended off with my trip on Rovos Rail traversing through Zimbabwe until I arrived in Pretoria at the end of the journey.

VICTORIA FALLS TRAVEL TIPS

• Victoria Falls is visa-free for South Africans, you just need your passport
• In terms of currency, in Victoria Falls pretty much everywhere (Even the informal vendors) accept US dollars and South African Rands
• Victoria Falls, and specifically the Zambezi River, divides Zambia and Zimbabwe. Whether you're visiting either side, it's advisable to visit the other country too as they're so close together (about 20 minutes apart)
• In terms of transportation, you can either drive, fly or take the Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg
• You can either fly to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe or Livingston Zambia
• If you go during rainy season, you will get soaked at the Falls. They give you a raincoat at the Victoria Falls National Park. I wore swimwear underneath because I didn't want any of my clothes to get wet and definitely glad I did.
• It gets extremely hot. I went in mid-May which is close to winter and yet the temperatures were still over 30 degrees Celsius. No matter what time of the year you go I recommend packing for summer.

WHY VICTORIA FALLS?

Tucked away on the Zambezi River, straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls stands tall as the largest waterfall on the planet. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," which translates to "The Smoke that Thunders," this captivating cascade spans an impressive 1.7 kilometers and plunges down with tremendous force, creating a mesmerizing display of mist, rainbows, and sheer natural power.

JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS ON FASTJET

While there are a few airlines that fly to Victoria Falls, I flew FastJet, an affordable smaller airline. They have flights directly to Victoria Falls as well as other African destinations such as Harare, Bulawayo, Kruger Nelspruit and Maun in Botswana. Their planes seat up to 50 passengers. Our journey began with a smooth and convenient less than 2 hour FastJet flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. After the short flight, we touched down at the modern Victoria Falls Airport.

Even though it's a small airport, Victoria Falls airport is really modern and you can tell that they mainly cater to international visitors. The entry process was also really smooth and we got to skip the long immigration counters for travellers with visas as Zimbabwe is a visa-free country for South Africans.

DAY 1 AT VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, we were greeted with warm smiles and a refreshing welcome drink. Check-in was a breeze, and we had some time to unwind before our exciting afternoon activities. The lodge's serene atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape left us in awe. The marketing manager took us on a site inspection of the expansive Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Estate. The lodge's attention to detail in blending nature and luxury was truly impressive.

As the sun began to set, we headed to the renowned Buffalo Bar for sundowners. Sipping on our favorite cocktails while overlooking the vast wilderness, we felt a sense of tranquility wash over us. The experience was truly a prelude to the unforgettable days that lay ahead.

As the evening approached, we were treated to a spectacular traditional dinner and drum show at The Boma. The vibrant atmosphere, live music, and interactive drumming session made for a memorable evening of cultural immersion.

DAY 2: EXPLORING VICTORIA FALLS AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

We started our day with an early breakfast at the lodge, fueling up for a day filled with exploration and adventure. Our first stop was the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest, where we marveled at the sheer magnificence of one of the world's most majestic waterfalls. The entrance fee was US$30 per person, a small price to pay for such an awe-inspiring experience.

Back at the lodge, we joined our guide at the Buffalo Bar deck for the Vulture Culture Experience. Witnessing these magnificent birds up close was a thrilling encounter, and learning about their significance in the ecosystem was educational.

For some relaxation and pampering, we visited the Victoria Falls Safari Spa. We indulged in a rejuvenating spa treatment, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and ready for the evening's activities.

The Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River was a major highlight of our trip. Gliding along the water, with the sun setting on the horizon, we spotted hippos, and a variety of bird species. The breathtaking views and the peaceful ambiance were simply magical.

Dinner at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant was a culinary delight. The combination of local flavors and international cuisine left our taste buds dancing, and the attentive service enhanced the overall dining experience.

DAY 3: VISITING LIVINGSTON, ZAMBIA AND DEPARTING ON ROVOS RAIL

Our last day at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge began with a scrumptious breakfast, ensuring we started the day on a high note. We decided to be a bit spontaneous and take a trip to Zambia. We spoke to guest relations at the hotel and they referred us to a cab service that do day trips to Livingston. We got picked up from the hotel by our Zim driver who dropped us off at the border. After a quick in and out at the border post, we were on the Zambia side and got to add another stamps to our passports. Our Zambia driver took us to a few attractions in Zambia like the national museum, local markets and the town of Livingston. 

After about 3-4 hours in Zambia, we headed back to Zimbabwe and bid farewell to the lodge and were transferred by Victoria Falls Tourlink to Rovos Rail. The train awaited us to embark on the next leg of our journey, filled with anticipation for the experiences that awaited us on this iconic train adventure.

Our time at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was nothing short of magical. From the breathtaking sights of the falls to the warm hospitality and fantastic activities, every moment left a lasting impression on us. This remarkable destination should undoubtedly be on the bucket list of every adventurer and nature enthusiast.