270. Victoria Falls, Zambia

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Why

If you’ve never seen the Victoria Falls, you need to do so. I’ve longed to see these for a very long time. So when the opportunity to work with Wild Dog Safaris in Namibia, I jumped at it. Most visitors only go to the Falls on the Zimbabwe side, but the Zambian side is pretty amazing as well. So make it your destination the next time you are in the area.

 

Where

Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It’s fed by the mighty Zambesi river which originates in Zambia. The walls of the Falls is on the Zambian side, but better viewed from the Zimbabwe side. Both countries share the gorges.

How To Get Here

By Train

There is the Shongolo Express train service and a luxury train service available.

By Plane

The nearest airport is the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia (LVI).

The following airlines serve the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Zambia (LVI):

British Airways (BA), Kenya Airways (KQ), Proflight Zambia (P0) and South African Airways (SA).

Then there’s the airport in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (VFA) across the border. A visa is required to cross the border for select citizens, so check on that before you choose this option.

The following airlines serve the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Airport (VFA):

Air Namibia (SW), Air Zimbabwe (UM), British Airways (BA), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), FastJet Tanzania LTD (FN), Kenya Airways (KQ), Korongo Air (ZC) and South African Airways (SA).

There is also service to the capital city of Lusaka, at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). You would then have to get local transportation to get to Livingstone.

The following airlines has service to the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN):

Air Botswana (P0), Air France (AF), Air Namibia (SW), Emirates (EK), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), FastJet Tanzania LTD (FN), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Kenya Airways (KQ), Rwandair Express (WB), South African Airways (SA), TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES (DT) and Turkish Airlines (TK).

By Bus

There is bus service to Lusaka as service to South Africa.

By Car

If you are already in the region you can take the drive. Just use a service like Google Maps for directions. I would recommend making the maps accessible while offline as you will be covering major distances and you may not have Wifi connectivity all the time.

By Safari

There are many safaris that will get you to the Falls. I chose Wild Dog Safaris based in Windhoek who sponsored my safari. They take care of everything for you except for your visas which you may need depending on your nationality. They do help you with the information though. This is good as all you have to do is show up and leave the logistics to them

Where To Stay

You may stay in Livingstone, Zambia or one of the many properties on the Zambian side of the Falls.

==>> You can find a list of hotels from TripAdvisor here and also here for hotels in Livingstone/Victoria Falls.

==>> Try Airbnb.

Where To Eat

There is a restaurant in the Park as well as one that overlooks the gorge. Take your pick. Ensure you keep well hydrated as its quite a walk through the Park and you’ll get quite hot. There’s also a little shop in the Park itself where you can get liquids and small eats.

==>> You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here.

 

What To Do

The Park is very vast with many different parts to it. You can do it on your own or you can get a Guide sanctioned by the Park. Be wary of people approaching you and offering to be your Guide.

This is a pretty intense hike with lots of Trails to follow, so be prepared with proper shoes as well as ample amounts of water. Not to worry though as they have a little shop in the Park near the entrance that has water and juices for sale. They were a lifesaver after my water ran out.

 

As we walked down the Boiling Pot Trail, we saw some school girls heading back; soaked with socks and shoes in hand. Looks like they took a splash in the river. I’m sure they would be dry before they made it back to the top as its so hot.

As you enter the Park, there are vendors with local craft. Check them out if you so desire. I did also see some of he men playing mancala which is a local board game. They seemed quite intense, but took time out to educate me on it; thanks.

One of the highlights is walking across the Bridge. It was actually assembled upside down in Britain and then shipped to its current location and reassembled to ensure it would fit properly. Pretty amazing stuff.

I was lucky enough to see a steam train which is a tour that does a sunset dinner. While the Driver and Engineer waited off the bridge, they showed us how the engine works. It is so hot in the cab, I don’t know how these guys do it. The engine is so heavy that it’s only allowed to stay on the bridge for 15 minutes at  time.

Oh, there is a pool that is formed only on the Zambian side; it’s called Devil’s Pool. When the water level is low, you can take a swim in it. There is a charge of USD 70 additional to partake of this adventure.

Here’s a photo of the Falls during the dry season. Only three major areas of the Falls has water. Imagine everything you see on the right covered with water in the wet season.

 

Go white water rafting.

You’re in for a treat when you visit. Get your cameras ready.

==>> Here is a list of things to do from Trip Advisor.

==>> Here is a list of Tour offered by Viator.

 

Additional Information

Language: English

Currency: Zambian kwacha  (ZMK). Always buy currency from an established currency exchange.

Zambia Tourism Board

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