Falls, Chobe and Hwange in Three Itineraries

Three routes cover most visits that last longer than a weekend. Each one is built around Victoria Falls Town, because that is where the airport, the activity operators and the cross-border roads meet.

Itinerary one: a short break of two days

Start with the rainforest trail while the paths are quiet, then spend the afternoon over the gorge on a Flight of Angels helicopter ride. Close the day with a sunset cruise above the falls. On the second day, choose between a day of rafting and a jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, then eat at the Boma in the evening. Booking rafting early matters, because it only runs when the river allows.

Itinerary two: three to four days with Chobe

Keep the two days above, then add a full day in Botswana. A Chobe trip leaves early, crosses at Kazungula and gives you a boat on the river in the morning and a vehicle in the afternoon. A fourth day can cover Livingstone in Zambia, including Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with Devil’s Pool added when it is open. Devil’s Pool is on the Zambian side, and children under 10 cannot join the trip.

Itinerary three: five to seven days across the Golden Triangle

This circuit links three destinations that each give you a different kind of safari:

  1. Victoria Falls Town for two nights, covering the falls and adventure activities.
  2. The Chobe riverfront near Kasane in Botswana for two nights, with boat and vehicle safaris.
  3. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe for two or three nights, in a tented camp or lodge.

Kasane is about one to one and a half hours from town through the Kazungula border.

Entry rules

The KAZA UniVisa costs US$50 and lasts 30 days. It covers repeated crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and one same-day trip into Botswana through Kazungula. Overnight stays in Botswana void it. Some nationalities are not eligible, so confirm yours with the Zimbabwe eVisa portal or the Zambia Department of Immigration. Never assume that no visa is needed.

Money and timing

  • Prices are quoted in US dollars. Carry cash as well as cards.
  • The best rafting is from about August to late December. The flood in about March to June closes the river.
  • Devil’s Pool usually runs from mid-August to mid-January and demand for places peaks from September to November, so book ahead.
  • Rainforest entry is about US$58 per entry for international visitors.

Health and safety

Malaria is present across the region, so see a doctor about prevention. Stay off the streets after dark, since elephants and buffalo roam through town. For the latest official advice, read the UK government travel page for Zimbabwe .

Read more: Day Trips in Victoria Falls Town gives the detail for each excursion.

Booking help

Look for accommodation on Booking.com . Zimbabwe park details are at ZimParks .