Victoria Falls
Flagship destination — adventure, wildlife, falls
Luxury Safaris & Private Adventures
Experience the widest sheet of falling water on earth, from helicopter flights to Devil's Pool swims.
Explore a classic Victoria Falls safari
But the falls are only the headline. Victoria Falls town is the adrenaline and safari capital of Southern Africa — a compact, walkable base with full-day access to whitewater rafting, helicopter flights, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, and game drives in nearby Zambezi National Park, all within minutes of your hotel. It's also the natural hub for onward trips to Chobe, Hwange, and Kariba, which is why almost every Verdanti itinerary starts or ends here.
When to visit Victoria Falls
Bespoke monthly climate indicators detailing temperature shifts and average precipitation levels.
Flood Peak (High Water)
Thunderous roar, heavy mist spray, rafting closed.
Cool Dry Winter
Clear views, perfect falls spray, chilly nights.
Hot Dry Spring
Devil's Pool opens, Batoka whitewater rafting peaks.
Summer Rains
Lush green lands, afternoon storms, humid heat.
Points of Interest
Glimpses of local landmarks and experiences, capturing moments that define Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls National Park
The main viewing trail along the Zimbabwean side, with 16 numbered viewpoints including Devil's Cataract and the iconic view across to the Zambian side.
The Victoria Falls Bridge
Built in 1905, straddling the border with Zambia; walk across for views straight down into the gorge, or bungee/zip across with Shearwater and Wild Horizons.
Zambezi National Park
A short drive upstream, home to elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and predators along the river frontage; ideal for a half-day or full-day game drive.
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
A relaxed evening on the water watching hippos, crocodiles, and elephants come down to drink as the sun sets over the river.
Victoria Falls Village & Craft Markets
Curio markets, the historic Victoria Falls Hotel for high tea, and a growing food and bar scene along the main strip.
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Seasonal, accessed from the Zambian side, bookable as a day add-on. Swim on the very lip of the falls during low-water months (August–January).
Signature Activities
Whether booked individually or integrated into our itineraries, these are the standout experiences in Victoria Falls.
Art of Africa — Painting Workshops
A genuinely original Victoria Falls experience: guided painting workshops led by a collective of young local artists, set in some of the region's most beautiful spots. You're given all the materials and gentle instruction, then create your own painting while soaking up the surroundings — and take the artwork home as the ultimate souvenir. The settings make each workshop distinct: paint the Zambezi from a breakfast cruise, the gorge at sunset from the Lookout Café, the waterfall from within the rainforest, or elephants up close at the Elephant Wallow. Several include a meal and cultural elements, blending art, scenery and local life.
Victoria Falls Bamba Tram
The Bamba Tram is an authentically styled 19th-century tram that trundles through Victoria Falls National Park out to the historic bridge over the Batoka Gorge. It's a gentle, scenic, family-friendly outing: along the way you may spot elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and bushbuck, and at the bridge you can watch the bungee and bridge-swing action and visit the rail and bridge museum, all while an on-board guide shares the history of the line. A relaxed, low-cost way to combine wildlife, history and the iconic bridge without any adrenaline required.
Batoka Gorge Hike
A guided descent into the dramatic Batoka Gorge, dropping down steep, rocky terrain to Rapid #1 at the edge of the Zambezi, then climbing back out. It puts you right at the bottom of the gorge, where the river's power and the scale of the canyon walls are felt up close — a raw, ground-level counterpoint to the aerial and bridge views. It's an affordable, low-tech adventure for the reasonably fit, with a guide setting the pace and pointing out the geology and birdlife along the way.
Bungee Jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge
A 111-metre plunge off the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, straight down toward the churning Zambezi in the gorge below — one of the most iconic bungee jumps in the world. The 1905 bridge straddles the border between the two countries, and the jump point sits roughly at its midpoint, giving you a gorge-and-river backdrop few jumps anywhere can match. It's run by a single, long-established operator with a strong safety record. The same platform offers the Bridge Swing and Bridge Slide, so many people combine all three.
Bushtracks Express — Steam Train Dinner
A step back in time aboard a fully restored 1952 steam locomotive, departing Victoria Falls Station for a slow, elegant run out to the Victoria Falls Bridge and into the bush before returning for dinner. Red-carpet boarding, polished period coaches and an open observation deck set the tone; as the train eases onto the bridge you get spray-misted views of the gorge and Falls at golden hour. Dinner is a five-course affair served as the African dusk settles — a romantic, special-occasion outing and the Zimbabwe-side counterpart to Zambia's Royal Livingstone Express.
Victoria Falls Canopy Tour
A gentler cousin of the gorge zip lines, the Canopy Tour is a network of nine slides (40–85 m each) and a cable suspension bridge strung through the hardwood forest along the rim of the Zambezi gorges. You glide from platform to platform under the trees, taking in the riverine forest, the rapids below, the Victoria Falls Bridge and abundant birdlife — all at a relaxed, accessible pace. It's one of the best family adventures in Victoria Falls: enough of a thrill to feel adventurous, but safe and manageable for children and non-adrenaline-seekers.
Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park holds one of the largest elephant populations on earth, and it's close enough to Victoria Falls to visit in a single day. A Chobe day trip crosses the border into Botswana for a morning game drive along the wildlife-rich riverfront, followed by a boat-based game cruise on the Chobe River — often the highlight, as elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile gather at the water's edge, sometimes within metres of the boat. The day's logistics — border crossing, timing, lunch — are handled by the operator, so the focus stays on the wildlife.
Devil's Pool & Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island is the speck of land where David Livingstone first laid eyes on the Falls in 1855, perched right on the edge of the precipice. During the low-water months a natural rock barrier forms a pool — Devil's Pool — where you can swim to the very lip of the Falls and peer over a 100-metre drop, held safely by the rock wall and guides. It is one of the most famous and photographed experiences in Africa. Access is by short boat transfer to the island, followed by a guided wade and swim out to the pool. Swimming is optional — many come simply for the unmatched setting and the food, served picnic-style on the island.
Dusty Road — Township Food Experience
Dusty Road is the most authentic dining experience in Victoria Falls — a township restaurant in Chinotimba serving traditional Zimbabwean food cooked the traditional way, over open fire, using indigenous ingredients. The setting is as much a draw as the food: the whole place is built from up-cycled and recycled materials — old doors, cable reels and pots reimagined into a warm, characterful space, with a curio shop and a women's artisan market on site. It's a chance to step beyond the tourist strip, eat genuinely local food, and support a community enterprise.
Elephant Encounter at the Wild Horizons Sanctuary
A close, walking-alongside encounter with a herd of rescued African elephants at the Wild Horizons sanctuary. Rather than rides, the experience centres on learning: an educational presentation about each elephant's history and the sanctuary's work, followed by a guided walk among the herd where you observe their behaviour and bond up close. Importantly, the sanctuary moved away from elephant-back rides to walking encounters in step with evolving global attitudes to human–animal interaction. Fees fund the lifelong care of elephants that can live 60+ years — a meaningful, conservation-minded experience and an excellent one for families.
Game Drive, Rhino Search & Bush Dinner
A combined afternoon-into-night safari on the private reserve neighbouring Victoria Falls, built around a search for the reserve's black rhino. You set out by open vehicle in the afternoon, stop for sundowners as the light fades, then continue with a spotlight on a night drive looking for nocturnal species rarely seen by day — genets, civets, owls and more. The full experience ends with a three-course dinner around the campfire in a bush boma. Shorter versions are available without the dinner, and there's a guided walking-safari option for those who want time on foot.
Guided Tour of Victoria Falls (Rainforest Walk)
This is the one thing no visitor should miss — the guided walk along the Zimbabwean rim of Victoria Falls. The trail threads through the spray-fed rainforest to 16 numbered viewpoints, each framing a different part of the mile-wide curtain: Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, the view across to Livingstone Island, and Rainbow Falls. The optional "Chain Walk" descends a set of stairs toward the gorge for a lower vantage. A guide brings the geology, history and ecology to life — how the Falls formed along the basalt fault lines, David Livingstone's 1855 "discovery," and the monkeys, bushbuck and birds that live in the rainforest. You can also walk it independently with a map.
Helicopter Flights — "Flight of Angels" over Victoria Falls
The "Flight of Angels" — named after David Livingstone's remark that the Falls were so beautiful they "must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" — is the single best way to grasp the sheer scale of Victoria Falls. From the air the full mile-wide curtain of water reveals itself, along with the zig-zag of the Batoka Gorges downstream and the wide, island-studded Zambezi above the lip. The shorter flight circles the Falls multiple times in both directions, so passengers on either side of the aircraft get a clear view. The longer flight adds game-viewing upstream along the Zambezi River and over Zambezi National Park, where elephant, hippo and buffalo are often spotted from above.
High Wire Gorge Activities — Flying Fox, Zip Line & Gorge Swing
Wild Horizons' "High Wire" site rigs a network of cables across the Batoka Gorge, 120 metres above the valley floor — and unlike the bridge activities, it's entirely on the Zimbabwean side, so no passport or border crossing is needed. - **Flying Fox** — clipped into a harness on a pulley, you glide along an almost-horizontal cable across the gorge for a flying sensation. The gentlest option and a great warm-up. - **Zip Line (Foofie Slide)** — an angled cable twice the length of the Flying Fox, where you accelerate downhill at speeds over 100 km/h. Solo or tandem; genuinely exhilarating. - **Gorge Swing** — the big one: jump from a 120-metre cliff platform, free-fall around 70 metres, then swing out away from the rock in a vast arc. The most intense activity on site.
Historical Bridge Tour
A genuinely engaging dive into the story of the iconic 1905 Victoria Falls Bridge — once the highest railway bridge in the world. The tour is anchored by a 45-minute theatrical performance from an actor playing chief engineer Georges Imbault, who brings the audacious Victorian engineering feat to life, followed by the Visitors Centre's historical displays and free time to explore. The optional highlight is a walk along the catwalk *beneath* the bridge, harnessed and briefed, for a vertiginous view straight down into the gorge. It's the perfect activity for history buffs, families and anyone who wants to understand the landmark they keep photographing.
Horseback Safari on the Zambezi
Game viewing on horseback is one of the most magical ways to experience the African bush — animals accept a horse far more readily than a vehicle, allowing close, quiet approaches to giraffe, zebra, eland and elephant along the Zambezi. Zambezi Horse Trails has run these rides since 1988 with a stable of well-schooled horses and licensed guides. There's a ride for every level: gentle novice outings of a couple of hours through wildlife-rich country, half- and full-day rides for the more confident, and multi-day trails for experienced riders who want to cover real ground.
High-Speed Jet Boat on the Zambezi
A fast, spinning, spray-soaked ride on the Zambezi rapids right beneath the Victoria Falls Bridge. The 465-horsepower jet boat powers through the Batoka Gorge, throwing 360° spins and skimming the basalt canyon walls, with the Falls and bridge towering overhead — a completely different way to experience the river from down at water level. It's shorter and more accessible than a full rafting day but still delivers a real thrill, and the gorge scenery from the bottom is spectacular.
Lunar Rainbow (Moonbow) Tour
A lunar rainbow — or "moonbow" — is a rainbow created by moonlight refracting through the spray of the Falls instead of sunlight. It's one of the rarest natural spectacles you can plan to see, and Victoria Falls is among the very best places on earth to witness one. To the naked eye it appears as a soft, ghostly white arc; through a long-exposure camera it blooms into full colour. The park opens specially after dark for the three nights around each full moon, when there's enough moonlight and spray to form the moonbow over the gorge.
Meet the People — Village Tour
An authentic, respectful window into rural Zimbabwean life. At Monde Village you meet local families and learn how a traditional homestead works — subsistence farming, livestock, food preparation, customs and daily routines. Depending on the timing you may join in grinding grain, cooking, or other chores, turning a tour into a genuine exchange rather than a performance. It's a grounding, humanising counterpoint to the adventure and wildlife on offer, and a favourite with families.
Overnight Zambezi Canoe Safari
For travellers who want to go deeper than a day paddle, the overnight canoe safari turns the upper Zambezi into a multi-day wilderness expedition. You canoe roughly 18 km downstream each day through islands and channels, watching for hippo, crocodile, elephant and plentiful birdlife, then pull in to a rustic mobile bush camp for the night — the kind of quiet, off-grid African experience that's increasingly rare. Nights are spent at Kalai River Camp, a simple but comfortable tented camp ~25 km upstream with proper beds, hot showers and the sounds of the river after dark.
Siduli Hide — Waterhole Photographic Hide
The Siduli Hide is a camouflaged ground-level shelter built to look like a termite mound, set just metres from a busy waterhole beside Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Because it's completely unobtrusive, animals come and go unaware of you — giving extraordinarily close, eye-level encounters perfect for photography. Elephant, kudu, warthog, impala, baboon, waterbuck and crocodile are all regulars, alongside abundant birdlife. It's a quiet, patient, deeply rewarding experience led by a veteran professional guide — the antidote to a day of adrenaline.
Simunye: We Are One — Theatre Show
A beautifully produced open-air theatre show blending puppetry, dance, live music and visual storytelling. The story follows Bomani, a banished chief's son, and his orphaned elephant friend Ndlovu, as they journey through the African wilderness learning about compassion, acceptance and the strength found in unity. The life-size elephant puppetry is a highlight, and the themes land with adults and children alike. Staged in an intimate 180-seat open-air theatre with tiered seating, it's a moving, family-friendly alternative to a dinner show for an evening out.
The Boma — Dinner & Drum Show
The Boma is Victoria Falls' best-loved evening out — an open-air, boma-style feast that wraps a four-course meal in Zimbabwean culture and entertainment. You're greeted in Shona and Ndebele, draped in a traditional wrap, and treated to a hand-washing ceremony, local beer tasting, and a parade of dishes from a barbecue buffet served on cast-iron plates. The food ranges from familiar (beef, chicken, fish, vegetarian) to adventurous (warthog fillet — the house specialty — game stews, and even mopani worms for the brave). Throughout the evening there's live music, traditional dancers, a storyteller and a sangoma (traditional healer), building to the famous interactive drumming finale where every guest gets a drum. It's lively, warm and genuinely fun — and great for kids.
Upper Zambezi Canoeing (Day Trip)
A peaceful, wildlife-rich paddle on the calm upper Zambezi above the Falls — about as far from the white-water rafting downstream as you can get. In stable two-person inflatable kayaks you drift through a maze of islands and channels, gliding past hippos and crocodiles, with elephant, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu and zebra often seen along the banks. The birdlife is exceptional, including African finfoot and several kingfisher species. No experience is needed — the water is mostly flat with a few easy Grade 2 ripples — making it a brilliant way to combine a safari and a gentle adventure in one day.
Victoria Falls Bike Tour
A relaxed guided cycle that stitches together Victoria Falls' highlights at ground level — the Zambezi riverfront and Batoka Gorge edge, the ancient "Big Tree" baobab (reckoned to be over 3,500 years old), the upper Zambezi wilderness, the historic bridge, and the town's craft market. With a guide setting an easy pace and pointing out wildlife and history along the way, it's an active, affordable way to get oriented and see more than the standard sights.
Victoria Falls Bridge Activities — Slide & Swing
The historic 1905 Victoria Falls Bridge is the launch point for a cluster of adrenaline activities over the Batoka Gorge. The **Bridge Slide** is a harness-and-pulley zip across the gorge — the mildest of the bridge activities and a great first taste of the heights, open to children. The **Bridge Swing** is the serious one: a 70-metre free-fall off the bridge before you swing in a huge arc over the rapids, with the gorge walls rushing past and the Falls thundering nearby. Both can be done solo or tandem, and they combine with the Bungee Jump in a discounted "Big Air" package for those who want the full set.
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi
The Zambezi below Victoria Falls is regularly ranked among the best one-day white-water rafting runs on earth — a string of big-volume Grade IV and V rapids with names like "Stairway to Heaven," "Gnashing Jaws of Death" and "Oblivion," set deep in the dramatic Batoka Gorge. It is genuinely world-class, and genuinely demanding. The day begins with a safety briefing and gear, then a steep ~250-metre descent into the gorge. You raft through the rapids — broken up with calmer stretches — before a hearty lunch and the climb back out. No experience is needed, but a reasonable level of fitness and a head for adventure are.
Zambezi River Dinner Cruise
The dinner cruise is the sunset cruise's dressed-up sibling — a fuller evening on the Zambezi that carries on past sunset into lantern-lit dining on the water. You drift along the calm upper river watching hippos, crocodiles and elephants as the light fades, then enjoy a multi-course dinner served on deck under the stars. It's relaxed, romantic and a lovely special-occasion option. Several boats run it, from intimate linen-tableclothed vessels to large double-deck pontoons with bars on each level.
Zambezi River Fishing
The Zambezi is legendary among anglers for the tigerfish — pound for pound one of the greatest fighting freshwater fish in the world, all teeth and acrobatics. More than 75 species live in these waters, including the prized yellow-belly bream (nembwe), averaging 2–3 kg. You fish from a small boat with a guide on the calm upper river, where the scenery and birdlife are as much a part of the day as the catch. As the operators say, the success of a fishing trip depends almost entirely on your guide — so book a reputable one.
Zambezi National Park Safaris & Guided Photographic Tours
Just minutes upstream of the Falls, Zambezi National Park offers a genuine Big-Game safari without leaving Victoria Falls. Its 57,000 hectares of teak and mopane woodland, grassland and riverine forest along the Zambezi hold elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard and a rich birdlife — explored by open 4x4, on foot, or by boat. At the premium end, the "Victorian Safari" experiences blend game viewing with period-styled colonial luxury — bush brunches, high teas and full-day outings echoing the era of the early explorers.
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
The sunset "booze cruise" is a Victoria Falls institution and the perfect counterweight to a day of adrenaline. You drift along the calm upper Zambezi above the Falls as the sun drops, drink in hand, watching hippos surface, crocodiles bask and elephants come down to the water's edge. It's social, scenic and gentle — the classic way to end a day. Cruises run in tiers, from lively standard boats to refined small-group vessels, plus specialised cruises built around photography, birding, fishing or art. Note that you can't see the waterfall itself from the cruise — it runs on the river *above* the lip.
Ra-Ikane Luxury Sunset Cruise
An intimate and luxurious sunset cruise on the Zambezi River aboard a replica of David Livingstone's exploration boat, the 'Ma-Robert'. Caters to a maximum of 16 guests, offering premium drinks and gourmet canapés.
Where to stay
Hand-selected camps and lodges that blend high-end design, proximity to wilderness, and superior hosting.
A'Zambezi River Lodge
Famously the only hotel in Victoria Falls set directly on the banks of the Zambezi River, A’Zambezi River Lodge offers a genuine safari feel just minutes from town. Its unique, low-slung design features a sweeping thatched roof that curves around manicured lawns rolling down to the water's edge, creating a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Because it borders the Zambezi National Park, wildlife is part of the daily rhythm. Warthogs and monkeys are resident on the grounds, while elephants often drink from the opposite bank. The lodge provides the perfect middle ground: a tranquil, nature-first escape with a complimentary shuttle connecting you to the town centre and the Falls in under ten minutes. With its private jetty for sunset cruises, a large river-view pool, and nightly fireside entertainment, A'Zambezi delivers a riverside experience that punches well above its price point, making it a standout choice for families and nature lovers.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Escape the bustling heart of Victoria Falls to the tranquil sanctuary of Batonka Guest Lodge. Tucked away in a quiet residential suburb, this owner-operated gem offers a deeply personal and restful alternative to the town's larger hotels. From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in genuine Zimbabwean hospitality, surrounded by lush, manicured gardens that create a peaceful, private retreat just minutes from the action. The lodge’s 27 rooms are elegantly appointed, blending classic colonial-inspired design with contemporary comforts. Each spacious, air-conditioned room opens onto a private patio or balcony, offering serene views of the gardens or one of the two sparkling pools. It’s the perfect space to unwind after a day of adventure, offering a quiet, stylish, and comfortable soft landing. Batonka is a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Victoria Falls. The entire property was designed with a low carbon footprint, utilising solar geysers for hot water, greywater recycling for its vibrant gardens, and energy-efficient lighting throughout. This commitment extends beyond the property itself; a US$5 conservation levy per guest, per night is donated directly to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, meaning every stay actively contributes to vital anti-poaching and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Bayete Guest Lodge
Bayete is a relaxed, family-friendly guest lodge set in quiet gardens a little way from the bustle of town, offering comfortable rooms, a pool and a calm atmosphere at a sensible price. It's an easy, unpretentious base with friendly service, a small restaurant and bar, and the kind of peace that suits travellers who want to unwind between activities.
Cresta Sprayview Hotel
One of the oldest and best-known mid-range hotels in Victoria Falls, the Cresta Sprayview offers reliable, comfortable, motel-style accommodation around a central pool and garden courtyard, within easy reach of the Falls and town. Recently refreshed, it's a dependable, affordable choice with a buffet restaurant, friendly service and an unfussy, family-friendly feel. It's the sensible middle option for travellers who want comfort and a good location without paying lodge prices.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge sits in the Lesoma Valley on a private concession known — as the name suggests — for its large elephant populations, which come to drink at the lodge's waterhole. The shaded tented chalets are set among riverine trees, and the camp offers a quieter, wildlife-focused alternative to the riverfront lodges, with easy access to both Chobe and the Victoria Falls/Kasane corridor. Fully inclusive rates cover game activities, meals and drinks.
Explorers Village
Explorers Village offers a flexible mix of comfortable chalets and a campsite in a central, walkable location close to the Falls and town — appealing to families, overlanders and travellers who want value without sacrificing convenience. A pool, restaurant and bar form a sociable hub, and the central position means you can leave the car parked and walk to most things.
Ilala Lodge Hotel
Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to the Falls and one of the most consistently well-reviewed in town — an intimate, polished property that trades grand scale for warm, personal service. Wild game (warthog, bushbuck, the occasional elephant) wanders the open lawns that back onto the national park, and the spray of the Falls is visible from parts of the grounds. Its Palm Restaurant is among the best dining in Victoria Falls, and the central location means everything — the Falls, the bridge, the craft market, activity desks — is a short walk away.
Lokuthula Lodges
Lokuthula ("place of peace") is the self-catering arm of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate — 37 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom thatched lodges set among the bush, each with a fully equipped kitchen and private deck. Guests get the independence and value of self-catering plus access to the wider estate's facilities, including the shared pools, the MaKuwa-Kuwa restaurant, the Boma dinner show, and the estate shuttle. It's an excellent choice for families and groups who want space, a kitchen, and a bush setting without lodge prices.
Matetsi River Lodge
Matetsi River Lodge offers an unparalleled luxury safari experience on a vast 55,000-hectare private game reserve with 15km of exclusive Zambezi River frontage. This family-owned, design-led lodge is not merely a base for Victoria Falls, but a world-class destination in its own right, staffed by a proud, 100% Zimbabwean team. The lodge is thoughtfully split into two intimate camps, ensuring privacy and a sense of seclusion. Its contemporary African architecture blends natural stone, copper, and wood, creating light-filled spaces that seamlessly connect with the wilderness. Each of the 18 suites is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring a private plunge pool and a deck suspended over the river, offering front-row seats to the drama of the Zambezi. With the freedom of a private concession, guests can explore the pristine bush without crowds. Days are filled with morning and evening game drives in search of the Big Five, serene river cruises, walking safaris, and canoeing excursions. Matetsi combines the thrill of a genuine safari with sophisticated relaxation, all within a 40-minute drive of the magnificent Falls.
Nguni Lodge
Nguni is a small, warmly regarded owner-run lodge of around 14 rooms, known for its personal hospitality, characterful African-inspired interiors and excellent home-cooked food. Set in leafy gardens with a pool and a sociable communal bar/lounge, it has the feel of staying with knowledgeable hosts who help plan your activities. It's a consistent favourite for travellers who value atmosphere and service over scale.
Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers is a substantial owner-run lodge of around 50 rooms set in natural bush gardens a short way from town, blending guesthouse warmth with the facilities of a small hotel. Expect a relaxed safari aesthetic, a good-sized pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, and the personal attention that comes with owner management. Its scale makes it a good fit for groups and families who still want a personal, bush-edged atmosphere.
Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls
The Rainbow Hotel is a comfortable, centrally located town hotel known for its colourful African-themed décor, large pool and good-value family rates held steady year-round. Close to the Falls, the craft market and the town centre, it's a practical, sociable base for travellers focused on activities rather than lodge ambience. Solid amenities, a restaurant and bar, and a walkable location make it a popular mid-budget pick.
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge
Shongwe Lookout is an affordable, well-liked guest lodge whose standout feature is a raised lookout tower offering views across the bush toward the Zambezi tree line — a lovely spot for a sundowner. Comfortable rooms, a pool, and a relaxed communal area make it a friendly, good-value base a short drive from the Falls and town.
Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel
As Victoria Falls’ premier 5-star boutique hotel, the Anantara Stanley & Livingstone offers an unparalleled blend of colonial elegance and intimate safari adventure. Set within its own 6,100-acre private game reserve, the hotel provides a serene retreat just 15 minutes from the thunder of the Falls, allowing guests to experience the best of both worlds. The property features 16 opulent suites, each exquisitely designed with canopied beds, Victorian slipper baths, and private terraces. Many of these look out over a bustling waterhole, where elephants, zebra, and antelope gather throughout the day. This isn't just a hotel with a view; it's a window into the African wild, enjoyed from the comfort of your lounge or the main restaurant terrace. With a world-class Anantara Spa, fine dining at the 1871 restaurant, and exclusive access to the reserve's black rhino sanctuary, the hotel is a destination in itself. It is perfect for discerning travelers, honeymooners, and families who seek sophisticated luxury without sacrificing an authentic wildlife experience.
The Wallow Lodge
Nestled in the dappled shade of ancient riverine trees, The Wallow Lodge offers a perfect balance of wild seclusion and proximity to Victoria Falls' adventure hub. Located on a private 4,500-acre concession within the Victoria Falls National Park, this intimate, eco-conscious camp sits directly on the banks of the meandering Masuwe River. It’s a peaceful sanctuary just a 20-minute drive from the Falls, allowing for easy exploration while providing a genuine retreat from the crowds. The lodge features just 16 luxury tented suites, each elevated to maximize views over the river and a waterhole frequented by elephants and other wildlife. The design seamlessly blends classic safari romance with contemporary comfort, emphasizing a low-impact, sustainable footprint. With solar power, a zero-plastic-bottle policy, and decking made from recycled materials, The Wallow is a leader in responsible tourism. Its fully inclusive model covers not just exceptional meals and drinks but also a curated selection of daily activities, including game drives on the private reserve, a guided tour of the Falls, and an educational visit to the on-site Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. It's an ideal choice for travellers seeking an authentic, intimate, and conservation-focused safari experience.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Known as the "Grand Old Lady of the Falls," this iconic 5-star hotel is an experience in itself. Opened in 1904, the Edwardian-era property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, steeped in history and set within the Victoria Falls National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Manicured tropical gardens surround the property, and its famous Stanley's Terrace offers unrivalled views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the rising spray from the gorge. The hotel’s private pathway provides guests with direct walking access to the Falls entrance in just 10 minutes, making it the most convenient and elegant luxury base in town. Rooms and suites blend timeless period charm with modern comforts, while the public spaces—from the corridors lined with historic photographs to the award-winning Livingstone Room—transport you to a bygone era of grand travel. Afternoon high tea on the terrace is a quintessential Victoria Falls tradition, not to be missed.
Victoria Falls Safari Club
This is a cornerstone lodge for Victoria Falls, known for its waterhole views, and is specifically mentioned in the package.
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
Set on a high plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Suites offer the ultimate 'best of both worlds' experience. Guests enjoy the space, privacy, and relaxed pace of a private safari home, combined with the seamless service and world-class amenities of the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate. The six exclusive suites are ideal for families and small groups seeking luxury, flexibility, and a prime location just outside the helicopter 'noise zone', ensuring peaceful days spent on the private patio overlooking a natural waterhole. Each thatched, split-level suite is a masterpiece of design, featuring spacious lounges with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a courtesy counter with a Nespresso machine and daily-stocked minibar, and a separate TV lounge. Configurations include two or three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, providing ample space for everyone. A dedicated Safari Host handles private check-in and all concierge needs, from activity bookings to dinner reservations, ensuring a truly personalized and effortless stay. Beyond the privacy of your suite, the entire estate is your playground. Enjoy breakfast at the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant with its spectacular waterhole views, take a dip in one of two pools, unwind at the Victoria Falls Safari Spa, or join the famous Boma – Dinner & Drum Show. With a complimentary shuttle to town and unique on-site activities like the Vulture Culture Experience, the Safari Suites provide a complete and unforgettable Victoria Falls retreat.
Zambezi Sands by Batoka
Zambezi Sands by Batoka offers a quiet, highly exclusive sanctuary on the banks of the Zambezi River, deep within the uncrowded western section of Zambezi National Park. Reimagined with an elegant, modern Afro-chic design, the entire camp is built on raised wooden platforms, allowing wildlife to wander freely beneath. This is a true wilderness escape for travellers prioritising remoteness and a deep connection with nature. Each of the ten Bedouin-style tented suites features a private deck overlooking the river rapids, with options for a personal plunge pool. The experience is intimate and wellness-infused, where the sounds of the river and the calls of the wild replace the traffic of town. With fully inclusive rates covering gourmet meals, drinks, and a suite of activities—from game drives and walking safaris to sunset cruises and fishing—Zambezi Sands delivers safari luxury with purpose. A portion of all revenue directly supports community-led development projects, making a stay here both an indulgence and an investment in local empowerment.
Recommended Journeys
Multi-day safaris traversing Victoria Falls, optimized for wildlife viewing.
Desert, Delta & River to Vic Falls
If you believe a proper safari can’t be rushed, this is your itinerary. Twelve days gives you the time to truly settle into Botswana’s legendary wilderness, moving thoughtfully between Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta. The pace is set for genuine immersion, allowing the rhythms of the bush to reveal themselves. The journey begins with the thunder of Victoria Falls before you cross into Botswana for the elephant-dense riverfronts of Chobe. The heart of the safari is a deep dive into the Okavango Delta, staying at two distinct camps. You’ll experience a classic ‘wet’ camp, exploring the reed-lined channels by mokoro, and a ‘dry’ camp on savannah plains known for incredible predator viewing. By combining game drives, guided walks, and water excursions, you get a complete picture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a way a shorter trip simply can't offer.
Family Legacy Safari
This ten-day journey is built for families bringing multiple generations together in Africa. We have paced it deliberately so that grandparents and grandchildren can travel at a comfortable rhythm, balancing active days on safari with quiet afternoons to rest and talk. The journey starts at Victoria Falls, continues into the elephant country of Chobe National Park in Botswana, and ends in the quiet channels of the Okavango Delta. You will stay in small, welcoming lodges, including a private camp in a quieter, less-visited sector of Chobe. This keeps you away from the midday crowds and the rush. Because we live here and coordinate every step ourselves, you do not have to worry about the logistics of moving a family across borders. Your Verdanti host handles every transfer and detail in person. This is about giving your family the space to simply be together, sharing stories around the fire and watching the sun go down over the river.
The Luxury Triangle: Falls, Hwange & Delta
This twelve day journey is designed for those who want to see Southern Africa's most remarkable landscapes without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. We have combined the sheer scale of Victoria Falls with two of our favorite wildlife regions: Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It is a classic route, but we plan it to keep you away from the crowds. You will start in Victoria Falls, staying at the quiet Victoria Falls Safari Club. It is set back from the main town, overlooking a busy woodland waterhole where elephants often come to drink. While you are here, we will take you to see the falls with a private guide and arrange an evening on the historic steam train that travels through the park. Next, a short light aircraft flight brings you into Hwange National Park to stay at Somalisa Camp. Somalisa is famous for its elephant pool right in front of the main deck, where you can sit with a tea or a gin and tonic and watch breeding herds drink just feet away from you. The final stop is a flight into the Okavango Delta to stay at Atzaró Okavango Camp. This is a spectacular, water-rich concession where you can glide through the quiet channels by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, or head out on classic game drives to find lions and leopards. Because we design and coordinate this trip personally, every flight, transfer, and local guide is managed by us. We are on the ground in the region and reachable throughout your travel, ensuring your journey is entirely comfortable and completely stress free.
Victoria Falls & Chobe Ultimate Safari
This five-day trip brings together two of Southern Africa's most remarkable places, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, without the rushed feeling of a typical tour. We give both destinations the time they actually need so you can slow down and take them in. You will stand at the edge of the spray with a private guide, enjoy a dinner of local flavors, and then spend two full days among Chobe's famous elephant herds, exploring both by open safari vehicle and by boat on the river. Because we are based right here in Victoria Falls, we handle every transfer and border crossing personally. Our team is with you at every step to make the transition between Zimbabwe and Botswana completely straightforward, with no logistics or paperwork for you to worry about. It is designed to feel like one continuous, well-planned journey rather than two separate trips.
Practical Info
We believe smooth logistics are the foundation of a great safari. Here is what you need to know about arriving and travelling.