Victoria Falls Travel Guide: Visiting from Zambia on Self Drive itinerary

On this Victoria Falls Travel guide, self drive east Africa is featuring travel information to guide you on planning Zambia safari tour to Victoria falls including the cost, background , best time to visit Victoria falls , recommended tour operators, comparing Zambia to Zimbabwe’s victorial falls visit, Zambia Victoria falls Safaris.

Victoria Falls activities suit every road tripper in Africa and its recommended to clients that have combined Tanzania Malawi self drive itinerary or Tanzania Zambia road trip itinerary for classic Africa Road Trip combined with Bush wild camping.

Victoria Falls Zambia

Victoria Falls

Facts about Victoria Falls Zambia

Victoria Falls is an icon: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe however Victoria falls is best recommended to self drive travelers who travel from Zambia on their visit to Mosi Oa Tunya national Park which is also known as “the smoke that thunders,” as named by the local people ( Tonga people).

Planning an unforgettable Victoria Falls Self drive itinerary is one of the requirement to ensure you enjoy the Zambia Safari at relaxed while on road trip to Africa with experts in off road adventures in East & southern Africa. An unforgettable visit to Victoria falls experience is guaranteed to be had at this natural beauty. Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring show of beauty that even British explorer David Livingstone.This amazing destination is shared by both Zambia and Zimbabwe and attracts many tourists from around the globe on long term road trip in Africa.

How to get to Victoria Falls in Zambia

If your planning how best to get to Victoria falls , we are detailed to getting around using road transport for classic Self Drive itinerary to Victoria falls either on Zambia Self drive Safari or South Africa Adventure holiday. Take a note that Self Drive East Africa doesn’t have operational or support offices in Zambia or Malawi consider if your considering car rental in Zambia for Victoria Falls Visit, we do offer extension cars from Tanzania to Zambia in landcruiser lx manual , 76 series , models 2018 -2019 as new models for self drive holiday in southern Africa.

Victoria Falls If your dream is to visit the Victoria falls in Zambia  and gorilla trekking or Zimbabwe, then its more ease and safe even on Self drive Safari in Africa once you select to travel with Self Drive Africa the reliable car Rental firm in Africa that offers great Safari experiences without missing wildlife watching or primate Trekking in Rwanda, Uganda or Tanzania for classic vacation. It’s easy to road trip from either side of the falls, from Zambia to Zimbabwe or vice versa. Getting to Victoria Falls is mainly by air from further destinations but can also be reached by road from the nearby areas.

Accessibility of Victoria Falls by Self Drive Travelers

There are Several bus companies that do run daily trips connecting to the Victoria falls by public transport from both  Zambia and Zimbabwe to the falls. However its a different story when it comes to self drive adventures that are exploring the Falls on their own like car rental companies offer car hire services from Lusaka to Livingstone taking takes 5-6 hours and if your not experienced traveler, consider adding on a driver on your car then go with car rental with driver even if its long term rental in Africa to ensure that you can cross borders smoothly without any deal. The Short route to Victoria falls is Zambia Road Trip itinerary as its less costly compared to the other alternatives to access the falls on an Africa Safari holiday

If your considering an extension to Victoria falls when your on Botswana Self Drive itinerary , then its ease to consider driving to the falls which is close from Kasane, a border town close to Chobe National Park, then proceed to drive for over 2 hours or 3 hours depending on the road condition to be able to arrive to Victoria Falls in Zambia.

The Unique experience of exploring Victoria Falls on Foot is classic one that you can use the Victoria Falls bridge on foot. With your KAZA visa, use  10- 15 minutes to cross along the bridge, although the bridge also handles trucks and lorries carrying cargo consider using the separate walkway for pedestrian.

Best time to Visit Victoria falls in Africa- When to Road Trip to Victoria Falls

Due to the varying water levels, the experience at Victoria Falls differs significantly depending on the season of your travel to Zambia or Zimbabwe for classic Victoria Self drive experiences after wildlife watching in Africa National Parks like Chobe in Botswana, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

Victoria Falls water flow dramatically increases during the rainy season (January to May), turning the falls into a roaring torrent and creating an incredibly captivating sight with lush flora all around. However, some views may be obscured by the dense mist..

When you visit the falls in January, the falls are seen at their fullest on the Zimbabwe side and a massive flow returns to the Zambia side. Bathing in the Devil’s pool can still be done but to limited levels. By the end of January and the beginning of February, all activities at the Devil’s Pool are suspended.

Water levels gradually drop throughout the dry season, from June to December. The Zambian side may dry up, and November usually experiences the lowest water levels, exposing rock formations and providing clearer views. Devil’s Pool is only accessible for swimming at this time, making it, this serves as the best time for pursuits like white water rafting and swimming in the Devil’s Pool.

For a balanced experience of viewing the Victoria Falls, consider  selecting the best time to travel to Zambia for visiting the falls in  summer season when the water flow and activities are just right. ( Never forget to choose the Right side to view Victoria Falls in Africa )

Comparison of Victoria Falls Visit in Zambia Vs Zimbabwe

On this section we are analyzing the best side of Victoria falls to select to view since it can be viewed from Zambia side or Zimbabwe side. There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting as Zambia side is more developed than Zimbabwe in-terms of accommodation, guides and other features.

Secure your visa and passport with a double-entry visa. The visa can be obtained at the border, but you should consider basing on one side. So, you can visit both sides of the falls on the same day.

Visiting Zambia Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Zambia Self drive Zambia adventure can start from Lusaka and then connect to Livingstone, a large town next to the falls, which is a pleasant place to spend a few days so that you have a taste of the local foods and various accommodation options before heading to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park .

Mosi Oa Tunya National Park in the Zambia side receives less visitors than the Zimbabwe side, the less crowds enable the best views of the falls and the entry cost to the park is only US$20 as its the  most popular excursion of visiting the devils pool and Livingstone Island. Both places have the most interesting activities and iconic features.

Mosi oa Tunya National Park has several clearly marked hiking routes, and you can also pay for a local guide.

All the paths  in the park give you the chance to see the Falls from different points of view, such as from the side and from the bottom.

If your planning to visit the Victoria Falls , consider using more of Zambia Currency that is stable than Zimbabwean currency.

However, When its comes to the size and view points, Zambia side, has only a quarter of the falls thus providing less points to view the falls compared to Zimbabwe hence the reason as to why you should consider crossing the Victoria falls Bridge on foot to have an experience of Zimbabwe with overnight in Zimbabwe accommodations hence recommended 2 Days Victoria Falls Visit with Primate Safari Experiences limited.

Visiting Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

When it comes to Unique viewing of the Falls on large surface then Zimbabwe is the prefect place to select compared to Zambia side. Along a rain forest path in Victoria Falls National Park, you can get to 16 official viewpoints from the Zimbabwean side. Have these views on postcards: wide shots that show the whole wall of water falling into the Batoka Gorge. Over 75% of the falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, including viewpoints like Devil’s Cataract and Horseshoe Falls. Victoria Falls town serves as an excellent home base for inexperienced travelers. Because it caters more to tourists, the accommodations, restaurants, and stores are often better than those in Livingstone.

It is also within a walkable distance to the park’s entrance, making it convenient to visit without transport arrangements.  Guides are also available to provide more information about the falls.

Cost of Victoria Falls Entrance

The park entrance fees on the Zimbabwe side $50 and Zambia is 20$.

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Video Credit to RUGGED ROADTRIPS – Anna Riedel-Jahn & Lucas T. Jahn

Bostwana Safari Guide – E book by Anna Riedel-Jahn & Lucas T. Jahn

Planning a self drive itinerary in Uganda, Visit the complete book based on practical experience during their road trip in Uganda with Self Drive Uganda. Throughout your journey, you will explore most of Uganda, from the volcanoes of Mgahinga National Park in the far southwest to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast – and everything in between. Drive over 4,000 km in 4 weeks, and experience many unforgettable adventures on this road trip.

Recommended accommodation & Safari Lodges  at the Victoria Falls.

There is a wide range of hotels and lodges that offer bed and breakfast, full board meals, self-catering, and camping to choose from. Whatever your budget,  the accommodations close to the falls have something that suits you.

Accommodations on the Zambian side are located on the banks of the Zambezi upstream from Victoria Falls and are best for romantic river chalets and opulent suites. Accommodations on the Zimbabwean side include grand colonial-style hotels and a golf resort, as well as cozy riverside lodges that offer good value for your money.

  1. Victoria Falls Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel located less than  1 km from the Victoria Falls entrance. It has 161 en suite, air-conditioned bedrooms and suites. Its a an old hotel where tourists can have a history of the colonial times, and some of its rooms provide views of the gorges and  bridge on the Victoria Falls.
  2. Palm River Hotel:  This is a 5-star hotel located 5km awy from Victoria falls entrance.  It has 73 air-conditioned bedrooms and suites, luxury and elegantly designed for tourists to have the most comfortable stay.  The rooms are well-positioned to provide views of the Zambezi river.   The Hotel also provides a shuttle to transport guests to and from town.
  3. Elephant Hills Hotel: it is a 3-star hotel located 4 km out of Zimbabwe town,  provides scenic views of the Zambezi River and the spray of the Victoria Falls. In the heart of this luxury hotel is a stunning miniature copy of the Victoria Falls, adding to the ethnic flavour of Zimbabwe’s design.

Besides  providing quick access to the falls,  this hotel has different entertainment spots like the  tennis pitch, two swimming pools, squash court. It is the only place in the area  with a golf course, and it was designed with Gary Player. So, for  golf lovers cannot leave te place without enjoying this game. Though the court is not in a good condition, its a must do activity at this hotel. It is also an impressive place for international conferences and other educative social gatherings.

The hotel provides a shuttle to transport visitors to the town center and the Victoria Falls.

Zambezi Sun Hotel:  Is a relaxed hotel  located on the eastern border of the Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is ideal for visitors looking for comfort at affordable rates. Its best for families with children and business guests. Both luxury and  budget  suites are offered, and children are given  special entertainment. Delicious meals are served  in a hospitable environment  in the restaurant and bar.

Visitors are offered complimentary access to the falls with a simple walk  because the hotel is very close to the falls.  The hotel offers activities like  engaging tourists in guided game drives in Mosi oa Tunya national park, Cultural village tours, Livingstone town tours, elephant-back safaris, Zambezi River boat trips and many others.

Victoria Falls safari lodge: This a 4 star hotel located approximately 4.6 km from Victoria Falls entrance. It is located on a  sprawling plateau the provides best vies of the falls.   It  has beautiful en suite rooms, air conditioned, ceiling fans elegancy beds   and a private balcony for each room. Dinning at the Lodge provides a memorable experience, visit the Buffalo bar to enjoy a Heineken as you relax with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness, the Makuwa Kuwa restaurant dining experience is  unforgettable.

More accommodations for your Victoria safari trip are

  • Cresta Spray view Hotel
  • Rainbow Hotel
  • Explorers Village
  • N1 Hotel
  • Mbano Manor hotel
  • Illala Lodge
  • Victoria falls safari suites
  • Victoria falls Safari Club and many others.

Other recommended National Parks to visit in Zambia while on Visit to Victoria Falls Africa

Wildlife activities that can be connected to Victoria Falls safari.

  1. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) – it is a small park but offers amazing rhino tracking and birding experiences.
  2. Lower Zambezi National Park (Zambia) – Best explored and accessed by flight; Offers luxury camps and canoe safaris.
  3. Chobe National Park (Botswana) – Just 90 minutes from the falls; its known for massive elephant herds, river safaris, and lions.
  4. Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) – Big 5 destination, approximately 2.5 hours away from the Victoria Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria Falls

Can I visit Victoria Falls on my own?

Which month is best to visit Victoria Falls?

Is Victoria Falls worth visiting for tourists?

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Do I need a visa for Victoria Falls?

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Do you need malaria pills for Victoria Falls?

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Take a helicopter flight over the Falls

Experience the ‘Flight of Angels’ over Victoria Falls and the surrounding landscape. This aerial view showcases the sheer scale of the waterfall and the dramatic gorges carved by the Zambezi River.For Updated Travel Information on Zambia Victoria Falls , Contact us