Worth the Trip to Zimbabwe

The additional $30 Visa into Zimbabwe and the $30 Park Entrance Fee to see the falls in Zim may be enough to scare you away from spending the cash to see more of water falling down a cliff. But it would be a mistake not to. You’ve made it this far into Africa, so donate those dollars to Mugabe and tick this adventure off your adventure list. Otherwise, you’ll regret not having done so when you return home. Here’s what you can look forward to in this YouTube video.

Benefits of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers a panoramic view of Vic Falls that Zambia doesn’t. Standing on the Western Cataract enables you to see virtually the whole length of the falls. You’ll also have the ability to walk alongside (in front of) the mighty falls for about half it’s length. You’ll feel as if you are right next to the smoke that thunders.

If you’d like to compare Victoria Falls from the Zambia side, you can read one of my earlier posts from Zambia here.

Do you have a preferred viewing spot for the falls? Share your favorite by commenting.

The Essentials

For More Information: If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls in the near future, you may be interested in reading my Victoria Falls Travel Guide. I’ve also posted additional photos from Vic Falls Zimbabwe on my Facebook fan page.

Attraction Costs: $30.00. That’s 10 dollars more than Zambia, for a seemingly smaller park. But the viewing experience will pay for itself in memories that last a lifetime.

How to get there: If you’re coming from Zambia, you’ll need to cross the border post over the Victoria Falls Bridge. Once you’re in the country, the falls is a quick 5-minute walk up the road. Don’t bother with a taxi.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: Vic Falls from Zimbabwe has less hiking trails. 60-90 minutes should be plenty.

Best Time to Visit: Surprise! The strength of the falls is the same in Zimbabwe as it is in Zambia. The falls are at their peak in March and April. During the dry season, November and December, the falls seem to just trickle over. I say, visit once each season for a new perspective

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Considering a trip to Livingstone? Click the photo to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge.

Ben Recommends: Spend the morning in Zambia, have lunch at the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe and finish the afternoon in the park on the Zim side. You’ll be taking photos with the sun behind you all day – the preferred way to photograph anything. Ponchos are available to rent across from the main entrance of the park. You may want to invest in them here since you’ll be exposed to the mist for a longer amount of time – and there’s less daylight to dry you off once you leave.

I’ll see you out there…! On both sides!

A Dream Come True

Let me start off by saying this trip to Victoria Falls was the realization of a lifelong dream. Over the course of six trips to South Africa for 4 years, I’ve been trying to reach this incredible natural wonder. I knew that my most recent trip to South Africa would be my last for a long time, so no matter the cost I was determined to add a trip to Victoria Falls – and I did. Check out this YouTube video to discover what there is to do at Victoria Falls:

Zambia or Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls can be seen from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. It bisects the two countries. I started my day from the Zambian Side and would later cross over into the Zimbabwean side; A story I’ll save for a future post. Each offers their own advantages and disadvantages. Zambia has a lot more walking trails to discover, while the view is arguably better from Zimbabwe.

What is there to do at the falls?

There’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours. Hiking trails along the Zambezi River, down into the gorge and across the rock islands in front of the falls are easy to follow, but a bit wet. I ran into some fellow travelers from California who suggested following the path on the right, middle and left – in that order. You’ll see the top of the falls, front of the falls and bottom.

What can I expect?

Expect to get wet!

Beyond that, expect to have memories that will last you a lifetime. For one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the entrance is pretty non-descript. A chain-link fence followed by a small wooden office is all that separates you from Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders).

Walking trails are well marked, but don’t expect signs with factual information – a small detail that would have made this trip just a bit more impressive. Nonetheless, you’ll be in awe watching 38,000 cubic feet of water fall down 360 feet of rocky cliff, 5,604 feet wide. It’s simply breathtaking.

Have you ever been to Victoria Falls? Comment with your experience.

While it was tough to see the complete vista of the falls through all the mist, I’ll forever remember this special moment. It didn’t matter that Victoria Falls (so named by Dr. David Livingstone after Queen Victoria), was nearly invisible, experiencing the power of nature rain down was enough to remind me how magical our planet Earth truly is.

The Essentials

For More Information: If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls in the near future, you may be interested in reading my Victoria Falls Travel Guide. Zambia Tourism has also put together a comprehensive travel guide accessible here. I’ve also uploaded some photos from my trip to Victoria Falls on the Zambia side to my Facebook Fan Page.

Attraction Costs: $20.00 – less if you’re from Zambia. Your ticket is valid all day. If you want to see the falls from Zimbabwe, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for Zimbabwe’s National Park

How to get there: Taxi’s will take you to the park entrance, a 10-minute ride from downtown Livingstone. Stop along the banks of the Zambezi for a quick photo on the way.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: This is an easy two-hour trip if you just walk across the rock island at a leisurely pace and stop for photos. If you want to journey down to the Boiling Pot, add an additional 90-minutes to 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit: Depends on what you’re looking for. The falls are at their peak in March and April. During the dry season, November and December, the falls seem to just trickle over. I say, visit once each season for a new perspective

Ben Recommends: Skip the poncho, umbrella and croc rentals and feel the mist of Victoria Falls rain down.

I’ll see you out there…! Soaked to the bone of course!

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Considering a trip to Livingstone? Click the photo to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge.

How many days should I spend at Victoria Falls?

My trip to Victoria Falls was quick. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon and left on a Monday afternoon. Here’s my Vic Falls Itinerary:

Saturday Afternoon: Arrive into LVI on British Airways at 1:00 P.M.

• 1:30 Arrive at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone, Relax
• 3:30 Depart for my Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls
• 5:30 Dinner at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone

Sunday: All Day at Victoria Falls

• 9:30 Arrive at Victoria Falls Zambian side, explore the walking trails
• 12:30 Walk across the Victoria Falls Gorge Bridge and cross the border into Zimbabwe
• 1:00 Lunch at the Victoria Falls Hotel
• 2:00 Explore Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean Side
• 4:00 Bungee Jump
• 6:00 Dinner at Chanters Lodge

Monday Afternoon: Depart LVI on British Airways at 1:30 P.M.

• 9:00 Spend 90-minutes at the Livingstone Museum
• 11:00 Depart for the airport

As you can see, it’s easy to dedicate a whole day to exploring the falls. I was pleased with the length of my stay, but if I had to do it all over again, I’d spend one more day in Livingstone and do a river cruise at Sunrise and Sunset. I’d also spend a few days on a safari in Botswana. Livingstone’s proximity to Chobe National Park makes it an ideal base camp for a few days in the bush. But if all you can afford is a 2 nights in Livingstone, you can still have a jam-packed itinerary that is magical.

Those are the major sights, what’s your favorite Victoria Falls Attraction and why? Share by commenting. Don’t forget to visit my Facebook Fan Page for photos and videos from the attractions I experienced while in Livingstone.

How much does Victoria Falls Cost?

I’ve written a full post on money matters for Livingstone, Zambia. Hotels and Attractions are expensive compared to South Africa. You can save money on food, but that’s about it. But don’t worry about cash. Victoria Falls offers some of the most exciting adventures you can have on the planet.

I’ll see you out there…! And if I’m lucky, it’ll be at Victoria Falls again!

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Click the photo to book your Victoria Falls accommodation.