Like every great story, there are always two sides. In this case, the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls themselves provide the natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. In this travel guide, David Wood, Marketing & Product Development Air Holidays, shares his vast knowledge of Victoria Falls with us.
Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
This small, buzzing town is perfectly positioned on the mighty Zambezi River. This town takes its name from the magnificent Victoria Falls Waterfall and is a stone’s throw away from its most prominent feature. The Victoria Falls town is a few hundred meters from the falls and there are many hotels and lodges in and around the town. The furthest being a mere 10-minute drive away.
Enjoy tons of Fun Activities in Victoria Falls Town
Victoria Falls town caters for everyone! Choose from a multitude of activities and options available. Enjoy the tranquillity of a famous African sunset while cruising down the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise or get your adrenalin going by leaping into the gorge while doing a gorge swing or bungee jump. Take to the skies in a helicopter to see how the geology of the Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge unfolds below you. Choose to educate yourself more about Africa by doing a cultural tour or learning about and interacting with elephants during an Elephant Experience. Just remember to save time to experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls themselves! The Zambezi River is also the site of the best commercial white water rafting on Earth.
Taste The Exquisite African Cuisine
Victoria Falls has a dining experience to suit your needs. Hotels and lodges offer a mixture of fine dining and snack menus, often with an African twist. The famous Boma Restaurant offers a delectable choice of barbequed meats grilled to your taste in front of you and is accompanied by local flavours in the side dishes. Enjoy while being entertained by African dancers and drummers creating a feast for the senses. Experience the stillness of the Zambezi River in the evening during a gourmet dinner cruise. Of course, if you’re craving some familiar tastes of burgers or pizzas, there are restaurants with those on offer and don’t forget to try out the selection of craft beers brewed to perfection at the River Brewery.
Managing Your Finances
Zimbabwe’s local currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar. Unfortunately, this cash is hard to come by, so most residents rely primarily on local bank cards. We recommend that international travellers bring USD cash because Victoria Falls accepts the United States Dollar and foreign bank cards to swipe – MasterCard and Visa cards are best. American Express is not accepted.
The Inside Scoop
Recommended Accommodation
A’Zambezi River Lodge: This is geared toward the budget traveller as they offer excellent value for money. The lodge is set on the banks of the Zambezi River just 5kms from the falls.
Explorers Village: In town and a short stroll to the falls, shops, and restaurants. The village is a stunning settling with lush gardens and a beautiful open-air restaurant fronted by a welcome swimming pool to cool off after a day of exploring.
Pioneers Lodge: Located in the quiet suburb just 2 km from the falls. Pioneers has wonderful family rooms that consist of two bedrooms. Perfect for families.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: This is a long-time firm favourite. Facing west to catch the sunset and looking out over Zambezi National Park and the lodge’s private waterhole. This is a wood and thatch structure lending itself to the bush lodge feel. Excellent quality lodge and highly recommended. On the property you will also find Lokuthula Lodges (budget 2- and 3-bedroom units), Safari Suites (More upmarket 2- and 3-bedroom units), as well as Victoria Falls Safari Club which is the luxury wing of the lodge.
The Wallow Lodge:Lovely, tented style luxury rooms on the banks of the Ume River, just 10 minutes from town. All-inclusive lodge.
The Elephant Camp: On the same property as The Wallow Lodge, you will find the sister property that offers all-inclusive luxury, private decks with plunge pools and huge rooms!
Old Drift Lodge: Yet another sibling of the above two but located inside Zambezi National Park and on the banks of the Zambezi River. The location allows for included game drives and river cruises daily and also has private decks and plunge pools.
Livingstone - Zambia
Livingstone, Zambia, is named after the first European to set eyes on The Victoria Falls and its surrounding area – David Livingstone.
The city itself is approximately 10 km from the Victoria Falls Waterfall and the Victoria Falls Bridge that connects Zambia to Zimbabwe. Livingstone is a tourism hub as many travellers come to Livingstone to see Victoria Falls, experience its many activities, and visit the surrounding National Parks. The lodges / hotels are found outside of the city, dotted along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Livingstone differs from Victoria Falls in the way that when you are at your hotel, that is your destination. You can get a taxi into the city, but it is really nothing more than a typical African city.
The hotels/lodges will offer a range of activities and dining options for the traveller, including cross-border tours to the Zimbabwe side or Chobe National Park in Botswana, a mere 80km away.
The Inside Scoop
Recommended Accommodation
David Livingstone Safari Lodge: Beautiful wood and thatch designed lodge set on the banks of the Zambezi River, with all rooms having a river view. The lodge includes breakfasts and dinners as well as a sunset cruise on their own boat direct from the lodge.
Avani Victoria Falls: This is the closest accommodation to the falls. They have family rooms, playground area, and a variety of dining options from pizzas to sit down menus.
The Royal Livingstone: A cut above… this world-renowned property is set on the banks of the Zambezi River and an effortless walk to the falls. Beautiful 5 Star accommodation with lush lawns that are manicured by resident buck, zebra, and warthog.
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