Get ready for the best things to see and do on a 3-day holiday in Zimbabwe! On my recent trip to Zambia, I couldn’t help but also head over to Zimbabwe to see the majestic Victoria Falls.
This guide will cover how to get from Zambia to Zimbabwe, the best things to do in Victoria Falls, fun Victoria Falls tours and I’ll also cover the best accommodation in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday experience in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Town should be at the top of your list. Located right by the majestic Victoria Falls, it’s here that you can see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This small town offers an exciting mix of adventure, wildlife, and culture.
Victoria Falls Town is a lively and charming place that has everything you need as a traveler. Whether you’re up for heart-pounding bungee jumping or prefer a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River – you’ll find it!
The town itself is friendly and geared toward tourists, with plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and local markets. You can pick up beautiful handcrafted items from local artisans or enjoy traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.
One of the best things about Victoria Falls Town is how close it is to the falls themselves. You can easily walk from most accommodations to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park. Here, you’ll be greeted by the thundering sound of the water and the mist rising from the gorge. It’s a sight you won’t forget!
Things To Know for Your Holiday in Zimbabwe
How to Get to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls
By Air:
The easiest and most common way to reach Zimbabwe is by air. There are two main international airports:
The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare is the largest in the country, with direct flights from major hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Dubai, and Nairobi.
Victoria Falls International Airport is the gateway to the famous falls. You can find many direct flights connecting Victoria Falls with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, and other cities. The Victoria Falls Aiport is only 20 minutes from the town center and your best bet when flying into the area.
By Road/Overland:
You can enter Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls easily from Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
From Zambia, you can cross the Victoria Falls Bridge from Livingstone directly into Victoria Falls Town. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the falls and the Zambezi River. If you’re afraid of heights, it might already get adventurous at this point but it’s so worth it! The walk over the bridge will take about 20-30 minutes and had to be one of the best border crossings I’ve done!
If you stay with Jollyboys Backpackers, you can take advantage of their free shuttle to the border! They leave at 10 AM every day and even pick you back up if you’re heading back to Zambia.
From Botswana, the Kazungula border offers access to Victoria Falls through Kasane, which is about an hour’s drive away.
Coming from Namibia, you’d cross the Caprivi Strip towards Kasane and then enter Zimbabwe through Botswana. For buses, I’d recommend checking Intercape as they have a fantastic service and modern buses.
Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what kind of experience you’re after:
February to May: If you want to see the falls in all their glory, this is the time to go. After the rainy season, the water flow is at its highest, creating an incredible mist and roar. Just be prepared to get soaked!
August to December: This is a great time because of clearer views and drier weather. Although the water flow is lower, you’ll still be able to appreciate the full scale of the falls without as much spray. It’s also the best time for wildlife viewing in the nearby national parks, as animals congregate around water sources.
When I visited in September, the Zambia side of the falls was pretty low in the water and thus, skipped it.
Currency
Zimbabwe has experienced extreme inflation in the past, leading to the abandonment of its local currency in 2009. Today, the U.S. dollar is mostly used. I recommend you bring lots of cash with you since the country is also experiencing a severe cash crisis. There are ATMs in the city, so you can still withdraw money and most restaurants accept card payments.
Visa Zimbabwe
You do need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. The typical visa fee is around USD 30 for many nationalities, allowing you to enter Zimbabwe once. If you cross by road from Zambia, the process is straightforward and speedy. You fill out the paperwork once you reach the Zimbabwe immigration post. Here you’ll pay the $30 USD in cash or card and you’ll receive your visa.
Internet & WiFi
Zimbabwe has several major mobile network providers, including Econet, NetOne, and Telecel. You can purchase SIM cards at airports, mobile shops, or kiosks in major cities. Since I was only in town for 3 days, I haven’t purchased any. and relied solely on the WiFi. In my experience, hotels and restaurants offered it for free and it worked fine!
If you want to be connected without any hassle, I’d recommend getting an eSIM card with a bundle covering the days of your stay.
Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls During Your Zimbabwe Holiday
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is the world’s largest sheet of falling and most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Located on the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for nature lovers.
The falls are around 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) wide and drop up to 108 meters (354 feet) into the gorge below. They are twice as high as Niagra Falls in North America and only rivaled by the Iguazu Falls in South America.
Most people spend between 1 hour to 1.5 hours walking the falls, visiting the various viewpoints, and taking pictures. I was at the gate by 6 AM when it opened, and there was only one other tour group already waiting. However, most tour groups came around 8 AM.
So, visiting early allows you to see the sunrise over the falls, which is spectacular! The best part? You’ll have the sites to yourself mostly. If you want to get unobstructed shots, you’d need to head first to viewpoints that a further along since most people start at viewpoint #1. Check out this map for all the viewpoints.
I’d say the morning time was amazing for sunrise photography and to see the rainbows! It got very misty though, and the sun wasn’t high enough for some more colorful shots. If you pay attention, you might even see one of the hornbill birds snacking on fruits.
Entry to the falls is 50 USD for international visitors and can be paid in cash or with card.
If you want a combined Victoria Falls tours of Zambia and Zimbabwe for your holiday, check out this guided tour to both sides!
Helicopter Flight of Victoria Falls
Getting on a thrilling heli ride is one of the best tourist attractions in Zimbabwe for your holiday. It will give you a true bird’s-eye view of Victoria Falls, often referred to as the “Flight of Angels.” The flight lasts 15 minutes and has to be the top activity in town. This gives you an unmatched perspective of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
I’d say this is a great choice for when you’re visiting in the right season at the falls. Since the Zambia side was pretty dry in September, the views wouldn’t be the same.
You can book your scenic flight over Victoria Falls here or in town with one of the local companies.
Devil’s Pool – Victoria Falls (Zambia Side)
During the dry season, you can swim at the edge of the falls in the famous Devil’s Pool – Victoria Falls. It’s an exhilarating experience, as the pool is right at the brink of a 100-meter drop into the gorge below.
The Devil’s Pool is one of the main highlights of people visit the Zambia side of the park. You can see what’s happening from the Zimbabwean side. If you want to combine your Zimbabwe holiday with a visit to Zambia, I suggest you also do this activity.
For one of the best Victoria Falls tours, book here your combined tour of the Devil’s Pool – Victoria Falls and Livingstone Island.
Zambezi River Activities
The Zambezi River offers plenty of water-based adventures such as white-water rafting. The rafting on the rapids below the falls is some of the best in the world! Another popular activity is sunset cruises. This is a more relaxing way to enjoy the river, with great chances to spot wildlife like hippos and elephants. For an authentic dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, have a look here.
Local Markets and Craft Shopping
Victoria Falls has bustling craft markets where local artisans sell handcrafted souvenirs, sculptures, and artwork. The women are super friendly and didn’t push for a buy. It’s one of the many pleasant experiences I had in town. The Victoria Falls Craft Market is the best-known spot if you want to best prices! It is filled with items made from local materials like stone carvings, beaded jewelry, and wooden crafts.
Bargaining is quite common here, and you can often get beautiful, unique pieces while supporting local artisans.
Shopping in Victoria Falls Town
Aside from markets, Victoria Falls town has various shops selling traditional souvenirs, art, and clothing. There’s a mix of higher-end stores, like Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village, where you can purchase fine art and jewelry, alongside stalls offering more budget-friendly items.
Here you’ll also find the town’s brewery, a cute coffee shop, and a theater with regular performances! This was my fave place to stroll, look at artwork and bring a few small pieces as keepsakes.
Cultural Township Experience
The Dusty Road Township Experience offers an authentic glimpse into the life and culture of the people living in the nearby townships of Victoria Falls. This Victoria Falls tour allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant community and gain insights into the day-to-day realities of the residents. Here you can sample traditional food as a highlight of the Dusty Road experience. Local meals often feature dishes like sadza, chicken, or beef stew, giving you a taste of authentic Zimbabwean flavors. A traditional tour has to be part of every Zimbabwe holiday on one or more occasions!
Accommodation at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
Luxury: 5 Star Hotels in Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of the city’s best 5-star hotels, being in proximity to the falls. Being in Zimbabwe for over 110 years, this is a truly iconic hotel and staying here allows you to visit the park as many times as you wish.
Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls By Mantis is another prime 5 star hotel in Zimbabwe, focusing on sustainability. It’s situated near an ancient teak forest, and is family-owned and features 18 luxury suites and a villa. Also, having a pool is a must-have feature in the summer!
Check Here for All 5 Star Hotels in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls
Midrange: 3 & 4 Star Hotels in Zimbabwe
Bayete Collection is a wonderful family-owned and sustainable brand of lodges and guesthouses in Victoria Falls. I had the pleasure to experience Bayete Guest Lodge and PheZulu Guest Lodge, both just walking distance away from each other and from a supermarket. You’ll be greeted by the most welcoming staff, have breakfast included, can unwind by the pools and even have dinner on-site. What I loved most was the tranquil garden, relaxed atmosphere and breakfast options that were all delicious and innovative.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a 4-star hotel situated near the Victoria Falls Bridge. It offers comfortable rooms with balconies and private bathrooms, as well as amenities like a garden, terrace, and bar. You can enjoy a continental breakfast and it’s conveniently located near attractions such as Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village and the Zambezi Nature Sanctuary.
Budget: 2 Star Hotels in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls
124 Platinum Peak is a two-bedroom apartment in Victoria Falls, just a short drive from the falls and from the national park. It offers a balcony, free parking, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen.
Mopani Lodge Victoria Falls is a relaxing bed and breakfast offering garden views, an outdoor pool, and on-site parking. Air-conditioned rooms come with a patio, desk, TV, and private bathroom. Guests can enjoy African cuisine at the restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Your Zimbabwe Holiday – Best Places to Eat in Victoria Falls:
The Brewery right by Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village has often live music and makes a wonderful stop during the day.
The Lookout Cafe is right by the falls and offers stunning views of the bridge and gorge.
Three Monkeys is a very popular place, featuring a gin bar next door and some nice vibes at all times.
Loretta’s Cafe and Smoothie Caravan is THE best place for your daily coffee and banana smoothie fix! Loretta is wonderful, and the outdoor seating just invites you to unveil for a bit longer.
I hope this guide gives you the inspiration for a Zimbabwe holiday and to visit Victoria Falls. Even if you don’t stay in Zimbabwe, a visit from Zambia to Victoria Falls is 100% worth the day trip!
Keen on more Africa travel inspo? Check out these posts!
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Ready to visit one of the biggest National Parks? Head to Tsavo and find out why its amazing!
Been to Zanzibar? Find out about the best activities & things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Explore Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and find out what makes it amazing!
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