Home

 

Is it best to stay on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?

We are a party of 4 adults who will be flying from South Africa to see Victoria Falls in early June 2015. Should we stay on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?


How easy is it to get around without hiring a car? We don't mind doing a bit of walking. Not planning on doing any adventurous water activities or bungee jumping. Our main aim is to see Victoria Falls and maybe some animals at a national park if time permits. We have 2 nights before we leave for Australia.

Comments for Is it best to stay on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 08, 2014
Zimbabwe is overall the best choice
by: Tony

Hi Elaine

I have written a page about the pros and cons of Zimbabwe and Zambia, which should help you decide on which side suits you best. You can see that page here Zimbabwe vs Zambia. In my view tho there is no discussion, Zimbabwe is a much better choice.

On the Zimbabwe side getting around is very easy, nothing is very far from each other, there are plenty of taxis and any activities that you book and do will include pick up and drop off from the hotel you are staying in. There is really no need to hire a car. In Zambia this is not the case, it is much more spread out and Livingstone town itself is over 10kms from the Falls so everything you do involves a costly taxi fare or a transfer.
The national park on the Zimbabwean side is much better than the one in Zambia.

Here's the link to the activities that are available Victoria Falls activities Please don't hestate to contact us if you need any help in arranging your accommodation or activities....thats what we do.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Tours from Johannesburg to Victoria falls?

by Gretchen
(Texas, USA)

We're flying into Johannesburg, and want to visit Kruger, and would love a safari tour. We already have accommodations at lokuthula next May, so we don't need that included. We only have 16 days. Do you have any suggestions?

Comments for Tours from Johannesburg to Victoria falls?

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 01, 2014
Tour suggestions
by: Tony

Hi Gretchen

If you are coming up to Victoria Falls my honest suggestion would be to skip the Kruger and do your safaris in this part of the world. By going to Kruger you are only adding expense and using up valuable time. Your game experience in this part of the world will match that of Kruger easily and from my experience surpass it.
You could split your time between Hwange national park which has great game viewing and is a real Africa experience with very few tourists and the Chobe national park, which is world renowned for it's vast numbers of animals but this has quite a few more tourists aswell.
If time and budget allowed you could then go to the Okvanago delta, Lake Kariba or Mana Pools all of which are outstanding destinations and would nice contrasts for a completley unique holiday.
Then there are lots of other options and places available depending on your wants and desires. If you would like to send us through an enquiry form we will gladly assist you in putting an itinerary together that suits your exacts requirements and budget

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Booking Hwange & Mana Pools September 2015

by Ron Macdonald
(Scotland)

Hi Tony

Do you offer a service to book with Zimparks for national park bookings?

I hope to travel to Zimbabwe in September 2015 in a Hilux camper hired from Bushlore. I'm keen to book campsites in Whange and Mana Pools NPs. Please let me know if you can help; we're prepared to pay you a fee to administrate the bookings. Dealing direct with Zimparks has proven difficult as all I get in response is that bookings for 2015 are not yet open. iIf you are able to assist can you please let me know your fee. I'm contactable on ronpon22@icloud.com

Thanks

Ron Macdonald

Comments for Booking Hwange & Mana Pools September 2015

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 23, 2014
Bookings for Zimbabwe National Parks
by: Tony

Hello Ron

Thank you for writing to us. I have often thought that we should offer this service for national parks bookings as I know how much of a nightmare it can be dealing with them. We would be able to take online paymnet through our normal booking sytem and then go down to national parks and pay them in cash.

So in essence I am happy to assist with bookings if you need them to be made, we would probably add on a 10% handling fee for all the running around etc.

Bookings for September next year do only open on August first this year, I can't do anything about that but if you have any problems and would like us to assist when the bookings do open please email us on info@victoriafalls-guide.net

Regards
Tony




Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Victoria Falls Plans realistic?

by Gerda
(Netherlands)


Hi!
We know you are concentrating your efforts more on Zimbabwe and not on Zambia. Still we hope you can help us out.
Coming August we will be staying in Livingstone in the Maramba Lodge for two nights. We have some ideas about what we want to do, but are not certain everything is realistic. Do we want to cram too much in twee days?


These are our plans for now.

Day 1
• Arrival at Livingstone Airport at 12.30
• Transport to and check in in Lodge
• Taxi to Royal Livingstone Hotel for High tea in the (say at about 15.30 or 16.00) and sundowner on the deck
• Afterwards walk to the Zambezi Sun Hotel to watch the Dancing around Zambia show that starts at 20.00 (Is the walk safe? Is the show worthwhile?)
• Transport (taxi) back to lodge

Day 2
• Helicopter flight
• See the falls from the Zambian and the Zimbabwean side (Which side should we do first?)
• After the falls trip to do the “Ultimate River Cruise Experience” with Victoria Falls River Safaris or Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool (if open). Which would be more advisable?
Or maybe just do a sunset cruise?

Please advise!

Comments for Victoria Falls Plans realistic?

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 22, 2014
Victoria Falls itinerary
by: Tony

Hi Gerda

Day one activities look fine to me.
Yes the walk to Zambesi Sun is perfectly safe and not very far, but you can also catch a free shuttle between the two hotels if you wished. Just ask at the recpetion of the Royal Livingstone. Yes I would say the show is entertaining.

Day Two: I would suggest the following:-
Helicopter flight 8 am
9am Livingstone island breezer (finishes 10.30) - island will definately be open in August and maybe the Devils swim also - but the island tour will be a highlight, I promise you.
Self tour of Falls Zambian side - 11 am till 12.30pm
Make your way to Zimbabwe (taxi across the bridge) - have lunch at either the Bridge cafe or Rainforest restaurant (Zimbabwe side)
2 pm till 4 pm tour of Falls - Zimbabwe side.
Catch taxis or transfer(much easier) back to Zamabia and if you have the energy do a sunset cruise (which is very relaxing)
I have listed them in this order because this is the best way to see them according to the light and the rainbows on both sides of the Falls - Zim and Zambia. By doing these activities at these times you will see them at their best.
It is a bit of a tight schedule but quite doable if you are reasonabley active.
Try to catch taxis between the two countries as the distances are quite long and these will exhaust you, especially in the heat, rather pay the $5 and save your energy for walking around the rainforests.

Hope that makes sense and that you have a good time

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Chobe or Zambezi??

by Brennan
(Australia)

Me and 3 friends are going to be travelling to Victoria Falls - would you recommend to safari at Chobe or Zambezi and why - are you able to put a package together for us i.e. accommodation, meals, safari's, river cruise, lion encounter, etc Our preferred accommodation would be Victoria Falls Safari Lodge - maybe 6 days - approximately the start of June - arriving Johannesburg approximately the 1st June late and stay Johannesburg and fly to Victoria Falls on the 2nd June - we will await your reply - thanks Kim Brennan

Comments for Chobe or Zambezi??

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 21, 2013
Differences between Chobe and Zambezi National Park
by: Tony

Hi Kim

Good question and one that I think is confusing for many people.
Chobe is world renowned for its phenomenal concentrations of game, especially elephant but along with this reputation comes lots of tourists. This might not worry some people but for me I prefer to find somewhere a little less crowded. So although I love Chobe for its game I don't like it because its so busy.

Also the only Lodge actually in the park is Chobe Game lodge, which is fantstic but comes with an extremely high price tag, it is super luxury and very nice. All the other Chobe lodges that you will see advertised are actually not in the park but just outside also reducing the authentic feel. Ngoma lodge is very nice at the other end of the Park and that would be a possibility.. far from the maddening crowd.
If you are into semi luxury camping safaris then there are 1, 2 and 3 night options available which stay in the Chone Nat park itself and these I am happy to recommend.

Zambezi National Park is right on the doorstep of Victoria Falls, no travelling time, no border posts, no visa fees and very few people. The game is no where near that of Chobe but there is still plenty of game around, it's just not as guaranteed or as concentrated. There are a couple of fantastic camps along the Zambezi river which I can highly recommend.

I have written more about these 2 parks here Choosing between Zambezi National Park and Chobe

If it's game you are after though and have 6 days for your trip I would recommend going to Hwange National Park for maybe 2 to 3 nights, here the game is fantastic and yet there are far fewer tourists, it is definately a more authentic African experience. It is relatively close to Victoria Falls about 150kms depending on which camp one stays at. Again no borders to cross no visa fees and less hassles.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a great choice.

If I can find out a little more about your exact expections for your holiday, I am sure that I will be able to recommend the ideal places and accommodation for you as there are so many variables.

Please either respond to this post or send me through a booking enquiry form booking enquiry form or email me on info@victoriafalls-guide.net and I will be glad to assist.

Nov 23, 2013
Hwange versus South Luangwa
by: Kim Brennan

Thank you again for your reply - can you please give me information on South Luangwa regarding "game viewing" and when is the best month to go there and also how do we get there??? I have just emailed you regarding Hwange National Park - you have given me information on this so please disregard the question on Hwange - thank you so much your help is very much appreciated - Kim Brennan and I await your reply - there are 4 in our group - thank you

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Chobe Camping Option

by Scott
(Cairns, Australia)

Hi Boo

We are a party of Ex Zimbo's returning with our family in Sep14.(party of 5 adults, 2 kids) We have a trip booked on a houseboat & then are planning to visit a national park. We are looking at hiring a 4wd/s from Vic falls to travel to Hwange for 5-6 days staying at Main Camp/Sinamatela. I understand road conditions in the park would limit we we could drive in a 2wd.

When costing this all out, I am wondering whether you are aware of any camping type trip to Chobe for 5-6 days which would be comparable in cost as we wouldn't have to hire a car & all our meals would be included. Being an entire family, perhaps an operator would cater purely for us??

PS. Great website - handy to pick up the latest gen on whats happening around the Falls!

Regards
Scott Sheppard

Comments for Chobe Camping Option

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 21, 2013
Hwange or Chobe
by: Tony

Hi Scott

Firstly let me apologise for the very late response to your question, Boo and I have been travelling through the Zambezi valley for the last 4 weeks and have had no internet connection and have therefore not been able to respond, however we are now back in Vic Falls.

Sounds like a great trip you are going to have. Most of the roads throughout Hwange are accessible in a 2WD vehicle especially at that time of year which is dry. Main camp and Sinamatella are both on the up now with National Parks having put some money into them to refurbish some of the units.

However last week we stayed at a new privately owned self catering camp, just by Masuma Pan, this is one of the best game viewing sections of the park... bucket loads of game there. I can't rate this place highly enough, luxury tents on platforms overlooking a very busy (with animals) vlei and waterhole. All the ammenties including a large central area for eating and relaxing, fridges freezers, cookers, really well done and very reasonably priced. I will be uploading a page on this place soon, if you would like me to send you more details and prices please contact me.

Main camp area was disapointing, lots of camps have opened up just oustide the park and we were swamped with landrover loads of tourists at the viewing platforms, this is not the case with Sinamatella or Masuma.

Hwange to me still knocks the spots of Chobe, but if you seriously want to go there I do know of a good outfit that does camping trips in Chobe, they stay at designated sites within the park and these are good trips. Their standard trip is a 3 days 2 night safari which costs US$385 per person includes everything except your transfers from Zimbabwe, so I will have to get a rate for you for a longer trip and post it here as soon as I can.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Victoria Fall Game Reserve or Zambezi NP

by Steve
(Australia)

Hello,
I would like to know which is better, Victoria Falls Game Reserve or Zambezi NP? I understand the difference but different tour companies have recommended either one or the other, which has left me undecided. By the way, I am happy to do both as long as I have time.
Thank-you.

Regards

Steve

Comments for Victoria Fall Game Reserve or Zambezi NP

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 21, 2012
Differences
by: Tony

Dear Steve

Good question and one I am sure a lot of people must ask.

First of all I have put links to the two parks which can give more inofrmation on each Vic Falls Private Game Reserve Zambezi National Park

I guess the fundamental difference is that the VFPGR is 4000 hectares and the ZNP is 56 000 hectares a big difference in size.

VFPGR is therefore more tightly managed and controlled, on here you will be able to see Rhino that you will not see anywhere else in the area because they are protected. There are not the large herds of wild elephant but some herds do traverse the area, as do lion. This is where Shearwater operate their Elephant back safaris so you often see these elephant when they are out feeding and you can get very close to them.

Other soft skinned animals like kudu, buffalo, giraffe, etc are always seen. The VFPGR is actually just a small cordoned off section of the larger ZNP. Game drives through this park are normally very enjoyable, plus you can do night drives.

The ZNP is a national park and not a private game reserve. It is wilder and bigger and has lots more game, big herds of elephant and buffalo.
It is also situated right along the Zambezi river which is beautiful.

If you were able to do both that would be good. I would suggest a morning walk/drive through the ZNP then a night drive and bush dinner through the VFPGR this leaves in the late afternoon, so you get a game drive a night drive and a dinner all in one, it's very good. Click on the links to find out more on each activity. I hope that helps a little.


Nov 21, 2012
Big Thanks
by: Steve

Thank you for your advice. I think we will visit both parks during our visit. Great website and keep up the good work.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

visiting both sides of victoria falls

Hello,

We will be landing and visting (and make our departure) in the Zimbabwean side of Victora Falls (in October), but we also want to visit the Zambian side.

Is it possible to stay in the Zimbabwean side (probably Shoestings Lodge) through out the whole visit and still make all the activities in the Zambian side?

In that topic... Is there a recommended place (in Zimbabwe) for pepole who want to visit both sides?

Thank you very much! This is a very helpful site!

Comments for visiting both sides of victoria falls

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 04, 2012
Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe and Zambia
by: Tony

If you are staying in Zimbabwe there really is no need to do all the activities in Zambia. Everytime you go to Zambia you will require another visa and when you re-enter Zimbabwe you will also need another visa. It will get very expensive. The activities in Zambia are generally more expensive than in Zimbabwe.

Most activities can be done on either side of the Victoria falls.
Micro light flight and the Livingstone island tour/devils swim can only be done from the Zambian side.

The view of the Falls is best from the Zimbabwe side. Zimbabwe has over 70% of the falls on its side, but the view from Zambia is also very nice, so I would recommend one day going across and seeing it from that side, the rest of your time spend in Zimbabwe.

Sep 04, 2012
Visiting the Zambian side
by: Aviad

Thank you for your reply!

I'm guessing that any lodge will be staying in could help us organize the Zimbabwean side activities so there is no problem there, but about the Zambian side... Do I simply walk right in and meet the Micro light flight and the Livingstone island tour/devils swim? or do I need to plan it ahead?

Sorry for the dumb questions. I just don't want to miss a thing:)

Sep 05, 2012
Pre Booking activities
by: Tony

I would seriously suggest pre booking. Both Micro light and Devils swim have limited spaces,you could easily find one of them is booked up and then it will mess your whole day and cost you more in getting back on another day.
Pre Book your time slots and then you know it's going to go according to schedule, including your transfer time from Zimbabwe. If you need help planning, please let us know.

Sep 05, 2012
help planning
by: Aviad

Yes, I could use some help planning the trip. Right now my plan is to arrive at the hotel and ask there.
Also I wanted to ask you if you know any ways to get lower prices on the activitis, like wild horizons.
http://www.wildhorizons.co.za

Thanks again!

Sep 06, 2012
Send us a booking enquiry form
by: Tony

If you would like us to help you plan your trip, please contact us through our booking enquiry form. That will enable us to be in easy email communication with you and advise for exactly what you need. Please just click on this link Booking enquiry form

Oct 01, 2012
Admission to Victoria Falls from Zambian Site
by: BothSidesNow

Visiting the Falls in september from the Zambian side is a waiste of money unless you are a Zambian.
The admission fee is $20,= ($1,50 if you are local) and you only get a good view of what you are missing (in the distance you see the Zimbabwean side)!

Also, despite what is said on the website, you are not given the school party fee per capita, which is only $ 5.
We came as a well documented school group (including stamps etc) but for unclear reasons the reduced fees only apply if you have permission in advance (from whom??)
Go to the Zimbabwe side in the dry season!

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

10 day safari options

we want to do a 10 night safari from victoria falls any suggestions re an itinerary and an agency?

Click here to post comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Suggested itinerary for 4 days

by Carolien
(Pretoria)

Hi Tony and Boo

We will be visiting the Falls in August.

Please can you help me with an itinerary. We would like to do the following activities:
- Game drive in Zambesi Nat Park
- Walking safari with Leon Varley
- Cultural village tour
- Tour of the falls (Should we take a guided tour or will we be able to experience the falls to the fullest if we just go with your map?)
- Town + market

With regards to Leon Varley walking safari:
In which park is it conducted?
What are the times and duration?

Thanks for your wonderfully informative site!
Carolien

Comments for Suggested itinerary for 4 days

Click here to add your own comments

May 18, 2012
Victoria Falls itinerary
by: Tony

Hi Carolien

Thank you for contacting us.
To answer a couple of your questions first.

Leon varley safaris are normally 3 to 5 day walking safaris in themselves, either conducted in Hwange or Chizarira national park. So if you only have 4 days in the area I dont think this would suit you.

Regarding the Tour of the Falls, with a guide you will obviously benefit from the guides knowledge of the falls, its history , its formation etc. so it is great in that respect.
However on your own you with our map you can easily see every aspect of the Falls and not miss anything, enjoying it at your own pace.

In an ideal world I would do both.

There is a variety of game drive options around Vic Falls in the Zambezi national park and the Victoria falls private game reserve. Some include short walking trips which I think might suit you and ofcourse there is the Chobe National park close by for some phenomenal game viewing.

There really is so much to do and see, if you want any more help or advice please don't hesitate send us an enquiry form through this link https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/booking-enquiry-form.html


Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Victoria Falls, Chobe River & Central Kalahari game reserve

by Cheryl
(Castro Valley, CA USA)

Am interested in a safari guide covering the above area all in about a weeks time. Would this be possible?

Comments for Victoria Falls, Chobe River & Central Kalahari game reserve

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 28, 2010
No Problem
by: Tony

Hi Cheryl

Did you read my previous reply on your last post, where I recommended Charles Brightman. Did you manage to contact him?
I am sure that we can organize a guide for you in a weeks time, but there are lots of items to clarify, like how many people, do you need a vehicle etc etc. I think it would be easier for us to communicate via email so please can you contact us via our contact us form on the website or send us an email at info@victoriafalls-guide.net
Thanks be in touch soon
Tony

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Botswana & Victoria Falls Tour Guide

by Cheryl
(Castro Valley, CA USA)

I would like a tour guide for the victoria falls area & botswana - 5 days worth. I will be in southern botswana & will want to see parts of botswana & victoria falls. Can you recommend a tour guide?

Comments for Botswana & Victoria Falls Tour Guide

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 25, 2010
What Kind of Guide?
by: Tony

Hi Cheryl

Thanks for making contact with us. Just to make sure that we recommend the right person for you.

Can you be a little more specific as to what you are looking for.
For example have you arranged you own route and merely want a local person to be with you to help you with directions, border posts, languages etc. Or are you looking for someone with greater knowledge of the animals and birds who would be a professional safari guide, possibly helping you to arrange your itinerary etc.
If you have a budget that also helps as it can determine the kind of guide you can get. We know some excellent professional guides but they can be quite pricey.

Look forward to hearing back from you. Hope that helps

Jan 25, 2010
Botswana & Victoria Falls Area Tour
by: Anonymous

We are looking for a professional guide. It would be nice to have all arrangements made by that group. We would be coming from southern Botswana / South Africa - I assume via airplane, we are still working on our trip.


Jan 26, 2010
Recommended Guide
by: Tony

Thanks Cheryl

In this instance, I think Charles Brightman would be ideal for what you are looking for. He knows the area extremely well, lives in Victoria Falls and has done for many years and is a professional guide, operating trips in and around that area. His contact details are as follows.

Discover Safaris
Charles Brightman

Tel: + 236 13 45821
Email: cat@yoafrica.com

Nov 19, 2010
tour
by: Anonymous

GOOD DAY WE ARE A GROUP OF 88 PEOPLE FROM SOUTH AFRICA WHO WOULD LIKE TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS NEXT YEAR SEPTEMBER WILL LIKE TO HAVE A TOUR GUIDE WHO WILL SHOW US THE PLACE AND VICTORIA FALLS. IN THE QUOTATION PLEASE INCLUDE ENTRANCE FEES IF THERE ARE ANY.
THANK YOU

Nov 19, 2010
Victoria Falls
by: Tony

Hi - a guided tour of Victoria Falls in 2011 costs US$22 and the entrance fee for South African residents is US$20 per person therefore the total is US$42, this is a group rate.

If you would like to have a guide show you around other areas of Victoria falls this can also be arranged but we would need a few more details from you in order to put something together that suits your requirements.

There is so much to do in Victoria Falls, so if you would like to send us more information about your planned trip, please contact us through this websites contact us form or booking enquiry form and then we can help you with more comprehensive details.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Which side of falls to stay in January?

I realise you are Zimbambwean, so possibly biased but I'd really appreciate your urgent advice on which side of the falls to stay in January and the trade-0ffs for consideration.
Thanks so much

Comments for Which side of falls to stay in January?

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 17, 2015
Zimbabwe vs Zambia
by: Tony

Hi there

I am not sure if you have read our page on the pro's and cons of both countries, which can be seen here Zimbabwe vs Zambia
During January the water level is rising very quickly. The short section of falls on the Zambian side gets huge volumes of spray which can cause an almost complete white out. The same is true for some of the Zimbabwean side at that time of year but because they have more of the Falls there are more view points.
I am Zimbabwean but having spent considerable time in both countries I would still say without bias that Zimbabwe has more to offer. Better views, better choice of hotels in closer locality to the Falls cheaper prices and better game viewing. Zambia has some great attributes and these can and should be visted on a day tour, but my point is that if one is coming all the way around the world to see Victoria Falls and you only see it from Zambia, you have only seen 20% of the entire Falls.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Easiest & most cost effective option available

by Ben
(Uk)

Hey,

My partner and I (UK citizens) are visiting Victoria Falls in August this year and fly into Vic Falls International airport whereby we have already booked a hostel which is in Zambia. (It seemed like a good idea at the time to book as we took a liking to it and we didnt want to leave it late and struggle to find somewhere else we liked) We only have a 3 night stay and need to get back to the same airport to then fly out on 31st Aug. We want to potentially do a helicopter ride, bungee and visit the devils pool. Would it be best just to cancel our current hostel booking in Zambia and find alternative hostels on the Zimbabwe side in a bid to prevent us having to cross the border on 4 different occasions? What would be our best option in terms of visa etc? Also any suggestions regarding adrenaline packages would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Ben

Comments for Easiest & most cost effective option available

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 14, 2018
Yes stay on the Zimbabwe side
by: Tony

Hi Ben

I would say you would definitely be better off looking for something on the Zimbabwe side, it's not only more convenient for you, it is so much better in so many aspects. Have look at our accommodation page for whats available Victoria Falls accommodation. August is busy so don't cancel your Zambian booking until you have secured something in Zimbabwe.
You should get the Kaza visa which is your cheapest option and will cover you for your trip into Zambia to do the devils swim. As for packages we have lots of options available, please refer to this page Discount packages

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Impalila Island

by Thomas
(San Francisco)

Is it possible to do a Impalila Island overnight-trip from Kasane? If so what are the logistics? I am planning to end a Chobe camping safari on 23 Sept. in Kasane. I�d like to spend a night at Impalila Island before my return flight from LVI (Livingstone) at 1:00pm on 24 September. I am trying to figure out if I can do that, and how to make those arrangements. Thanks!

Comments for Impalila Island

Click here to add your own comments

May 02, 2019
Impalila Island
by: Anthony

Hi Thomas

An overnight on Impalila island should not be a problem at all. It is close and just involves a short boat ride. Checking in through Namibian immigration. If you would like help arranging this then please send us an email to info@victoriafalls-guide.net and we can sort that out for you easily enough

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

Overnight trip to Victoria Falls

by Frances
(Johannesburg)

My husband and I want to see Victoria Falls. We have been traveling in South Africa including a Safari in Kruger and before we return to the United States, we would just like to see the falls. We have only one night. We would plan to fly on British Airways on September 10 from Johannesburg and return to Johannesburg on the 11th. The flight arrives (if on time) at 1:05 p.m. and departs at 1:55 p.m. giving us about 24-hours. If possible, we would like to have a guide for the afternoon/evening and again for the next morning. We also need a budget priced place to stay which would be near the falls. I have been looking on Expedia and Air BNB. I do not know what is the best way to see the falls. I have visited Iguaçu Falls in Brazil and found it to be the perfect approach to walk along the falls stopping at different view points. But I don't know if this is a good approach to Victoria Falls. I have looked at some sunset cruises on the river. It seems that those are all on the Zambia side. I don't know if it is reasonable to spend time going there for the short amount of time that we have. It seems we would have to have some sort of tour that might take us from the airport to that side in the afternoon, bring us back to Zimbabwe after the tour and we would do the Zimbabwe side from sunrise until time to go back to the airport. Or we could just stay on the Zimbabwe side the whole time. I am interested in hearing your suggestions.

Comments for Overnight trip to Victoria Falls

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 09, 2019
Answer to your questions
by: Tony

Hi Frances

It's not ideal but it is possible to visit and see the Victoria Falls in one night. Some slight confusion though, the sunset cruises are not all on the Zambian side and you you definitely do not have time to cross into Zambia and there really is not much need for you to do that. There is a whole array of cruises on the Zimbabwe side, and it's important to choose the right one for you.
If you want to do a sunset cruise do that on your first afternoon and then go and see the Falls on the next morning before you fly out. Pick up time is normally around 11am, so there is plenty of time. You can do a guided tour or walk on your own which is easy enough. The paths are well sign posted, so a guide just gives you more information. There are also audio guide can you can buy at the entrance.
We recommend that people contact an agent who knows Victoria falls, like us to make your arrangements, it doesn't cost you anything, but we will book your transfers, accommodation and activities and make sure it all runs smoothly, you can contact us ( info@victoriafalls-guide.net ) at any time should you have questions or if there are any hiccups we will sort it out, straight away. We see too often people trying to do it themselves and getting the logistics all wrong because they think its cheaper to do it on ether own, when actually it is not.

Click here to add your own comments



Click here to return to FAQ's.

 

[Top of Page]



Download this 100% FREE Travel Guide with all things Victoria Falls


THE VIC FALLS BUSH TELEGRAPH
our Bi-Monthly E-Newsletter

Each issue has a destination update, loads of information about conservation and wildlife, specials offers, traveller tips, community projects, website highlights and tons more...

Find out more about our Bush Telegraph

"Your newsletter keeps me informed about new and old and is the best I've seen in a long while - informative, not commercial, just plain perfect!"  - I.Skliros

Don't worry. Your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you The Vic Falls Bush Telegraph.

 

 


Return to our home page




Download this 100% FREE Travel Guide with all things Victoria Falls




Powered by SBI!

Copyright© 2008 - Tony and Boo Peel. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.