Its primary draw lies in untouched natural beauty, friendly locals, vibrant culture, and many activities catering to adventurers. Zimbabwe boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Victoria Falls, and Mana Pools, two of the finest destinations for travelers in Africa. Then there is Hwange National Park, one of the best places to safari in Africa, and a sprawling wilderness renowned for its diverse wildlife, adding another captivating safari gem to the country’s must-visit attractions.

Safari In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a surprisingly diverse country with sweeping savannahs in the central and western stretches, lush rainforests in the eastern highlands, and arid woodlands toward the northern frontier, where the Zambezi River fuels a thriving wildlife kingdom. The country has a wealth of national parks, including Zambezi, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matusadona, Mtobo Hills, and Mana Pools National Parks.

Mana Pools National Park and Hwange National Park are the country’s two most famous safari destinations due to their landscapes and game density. These two vast swaths of wilderness offer visitors a chance to escape with unique experiences and thrilling wildlife encounters.

Mana Pools may be our favorite as you can drift serenely down the Zambezi River on a canoe safari while marveling at the abundant game along its fertile banks. Or you can traverse the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the globe’s largest elephant populations. After all that wildlife, you can then stand in awe before the majestic spectacle of Victoria Falls—a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature.

We visited Mana Pools, Hwange, and Victoria Falls on our last trip to Zimbabwe. It was the perfect trip to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with the natural world. During our time in Zimbabwe, we would walk with elephants, canoe down the Zambezi, and enjoy sundowners amongst serene landscapes. It’s the perfect spot to throw on some safari clothes and experience the magic of the African bush.

African Bush Camps In Zimbabwe

Our trip to Zimbabwe was with our trusted partner and one of our favorite safari operators. We were fortunate enough to test out almost all their Zimbabwe camps on our trip, which provided a wonderful mix of experiences, wildlife, and environments. We’d highly suggest anyone hoping to go on a safari to Zimbabwe stay in at least two different properties/camps for some variety.

To start our safari, we flew to the country’s capital city of Harare. Getting to Harare was easy, thanks to a flight from Doha with Qatar Airways. This makes travel logistics easy, and it helps that Qatar Airways is arguably the nicest airline in the world. After a night in Harare, we flew to Mana Pools via a bush flight with Safari Logistics.

A trusted safari travel agent makes this easy as they book the capital’s bush flights, transfers, and hotels. This was our second trip to Mana Pools and our third to Zimbabwe, so we had a good idea of what to expect. However, that did not lower our anticipation as amongst safari-goers and industry insiders, it’s widely regarded as one of the best parks for safari in Africa.

Mana Pools

Mana Pools is famed for its glorious views of the Zambezi Escarpment and close wildlife encounters. We’ve hardly seen a better sunset in Africa than some of those that we’ve seen from the banks of the Zambezi River with a drink in hand. The African park is renowned for its position on the Zambezi River, and some massive elephants call it home, along with a healthy lion and wild dog population.

The park is vast and remote, so wildlife viewings are intimate and rarely crowded, unlike popular safari destinations like Kruger or Serengeti National Park. That remoteness is apparent as almost all visitors arrive via a bush flight and can take the vast wilderness from the plane window. Mana Pools occupies around 2,200 sq km of land and is surrounded by safari concessions that act as a successful buffer between man and the wilderness.

On our second visit to Mana Pools, we were still overwhelmed by the sense of wilderness. This probably has much to do with our first stop, Kanga Camp. The safari camp is deep in the bush, 25 kilometers from the Zambezi River, and the sole water source for a vast swath of land. That means we often didn’t even need to go out for a game drive as the animals came to camp for a drink. Of course, we still set out on game drives to explore the landscape and find more wildlife, including many elephants, lions, and bird life.

Our next stop on our safari to Zimbabwe was the Zambezi Expeditions camp set along the Zambezi River. It’s the most basic in the African Bush Camps‘ portfolio of Zimbabwe properties but may be our favorite. It’s all about connecting with the wild here with comfortable tents along the river. With that in mind, we spent plenty of time on foot in the park – Mana Pools is well-known for its walking safaris.

This meant chasing the famous bull elephant, Boswell. The big boy has learned to stand on his hind legs to reach food no other elephant can. We were fortunate to walk with him and see him do his thing. This has much to do with Cloud, our guide, who was excellent in every sense. Mana Pool always seems to guarantee some of our closest experiences with these mesmerizing giants came about in this park.

It made for a humbling safari in a stunning part of the world. There are only a handful of lodges in Mana Pools, but African Bush Camps operate three unique camps and settings. Traveling between them made for an ideal safari in the park and gave us a wide range of experiences. After finishing up at Zambezi Expeditions, we went to their luxurious Nyamatusi Camp.

Nyamatusi contrasts sharply with Zambezi Expeditions as the tents leave you without any luxury you desire in the bush. This includes a plunge pool, multiple daybeds, an outdoor shower, and an expansive bathroom – all of this occurs within “canvas” tent walls.

After a few days of walking in the sun at the previous camp, we used our time to relax and enjoy more relaxed activities. This meant game drives and sundowners at some of the best spots in the park. One of our favorite experiences was a canoe safari down the Zambezi River, which offers a unique way to take in wildlife in the bush.

Hwange National Park

After Mana Pools, we flew to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park. The bush flight took about two hours to reach from Mana Pools as it’s on the other side of the country. Hwange National Park is largely a woodland on the border of the Kalahari Desert. Rain here is sparse until the seasonal rains arrive and form large grasslands and water pans, allowing the park’s animal population to survive the dry season.

Along with natural water pans, the park utilizes a series of artificial water pans that offer the park’s huge population of elephants a place to drink year-round. The result is one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, home to nearly 45,000 elephants. With that many tuskers, you’re guaranteed to see more than a few elephants. Only an hour after landing in Mana Pools, we were in a hide, looking out to a sea of elephants, taking mud baths, and drinking water at a pan.

As we arrived in the morning, it was the perfect time to have a cup of coffee before arriving at our home for the next three days, Somalisa Camp. The camp sits on a very active water pan and offers views of the surrounding plains marked by a network of game trails. Somalisa is a magical place and one of our favorite lodges we’ve ever stayed at in Africa. After a warm welcome and a chance to settle into our beautiful tent, we enjoyed fresh pizzas from the camp’s woodfire oven.

Guests are assigned an expert guide for their stay, and we could have gotten luckier. Every guide with African Bush Camp has been professional and knowledgeable. However, our guide, Bheks, was beyond that, as he was a tremendous pleasure to spend time with in the bush. We had a lot of good laughs and enjoyed learning a bit more about Zimbabwe through his eyes.

That home, at least while in the bush, has 100 mammal species, including all the big five animals. Most notable on our trip was the newest addition to the local lion pride, newborn cubs. When we found them in the bush, they were still learning to walk a few steps from their mom. It was just one of many wildlife experiences that we had the pleasure to enjoy in Hwange.

The Camps We Stayed At On Safari In Zimbabwe

Kanga Camp

Kanaga Camp is deep within Mana Pools in a private concession connected to the protected wilderness area. Its location on the only water source for 25 kilometers ensures the animals come to camp. It’s well known for the “armchair safari,” as you only need to sit on a couch on the raised deck above the pan to see thirsty wildlife searching for a drink.

The small camp consists of six Meru-style tents that are on raised platforms. We were shocked at how nice the tents were during our short stay in the camp. The camp seems to nail luxury in the wild without being overly indulgent. The six Meru-style tents with floor-to-ceiling mesh windows let in fresh air and sunlight. There are no solid walls or air-conditioning, so you feel connected to the wild in the tents. They’re all solar-powered, each with an ensuite boasting hot running water and an outdoor shower. Plus, there’s a secluded veranda offering stunning views of the pan.

For reconnecting with nature, the Family Tent has a wraparound terrace with private seating and dining areas overlooking the pan. And the honeymoon tent? It’s got a rolltop bath on a secluded deck—perfect for a romantic starlit soak. There’s also a relaxing upper deck under a shady mahogany tree, ideal for birdwatching or a moment of calm. And when you’re not exploring, there’s a full bar and plunge pool to unwind in.

Kanga Camp is open from April to November and pairs perfectly with Zambezi Expeditions. That’s where the adventure amps up with canoeing and catch-and-release tiger fishing on the Zambezi River. It’s the ultimate African experience package!

Zambezi Expeditions

After we left Kanaga, we made our way to Zambezi Expeditions for a more rustic safari experience situated in a brilliant location along the Zambezi River. The camp is beloved by most after an authentic safari, as it provides everything you need to be comfortable. It’s prime for wildlife, and animals always wander around the camp.

The camp’s six tents are set underneath several winter thorn and ebony trees along the river banks. It’s a semi-mobile camp, so tents are quite literally tents and feature bucket showers and no running water. We love this style as it conveys the remoteness of the camp’s location and allows you to connect with nature. Sitting outside our tent in the afternoons with a good book was a highlight of our trip — the perfect spot to relax.

The heart of the camp lies in the communal dining space and lounge. A cool drink, a tasty snack, or a spot to recharge our camera batteries was always available. Of course, we must note the plunge pool as it was a great way to cool off in the summer heat while watching the Zambezi River.

They lit a cozy fire every night to sit around and star gaze. After recalling the day with our fellow safari guests and making new friends, we’d head to the dining table. As with tradition on safari, dinners are communal and feature delicious lodge food.

Nyamatusi Lodge

Our last stop in Mana Pools was at African Bush Camps’ newest camp in Zimbabwe. Nyamatusi Camp is situated along the Zambezi in the heart of Mana Pools. The gem of a camp blends comfort with sustainability and seriously luxurious “tents.”

The six luxurious tented suites offering mesmerizing river views and escarpment made our escape to nature opulent and soothing. Each tent boasted air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, a private viewing deck, and a plunge pool, creating a haven of elegance in the wild.

At Nyamatusi Camp, meaning ‘wild game,’ we continued connecting with the wilderness. Whether on game drives or a relaxing canoe safari. Of course, this was all while going without any want or need. The camp was seriously luxurious and even featured a wine cellar!

Hwange

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp is a storied camp in Hwange surrounded by a mix of golden savannah and Kalahari woodland. It’s the camp where you want to melt into a comfortable seat and listen to the lions roar in the distance. It was the company’s first safari lodge, and it’s easy to see why they chose the magical location. Nestled under an Acacia grove along a seasonal floodplain, Somalisa Camp blends tranquility with nature’s elegance.

The intimate bush camp, perfect for a serene Hwange safari, features an elegant style infused with natural wood. Operating on a full solar power farm and water purity system, Somalisa Camp is an eco-friendly haven, recycling 80% of the water used and holding the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe.

The seven sailcloth tents, set on a private concession in Hwange National Park, offer modern amenities like a fan, battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace, and private viewing deck. Inspired by yesteryear’s romance, the bathroom boasts an indoor and outdoor space with a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains.

Explore Hwange’s legends through walking safaris, game drives, birding, and cultural visits seamlessly led by our passionate guides, revealing the wonders of the African bush.

This humongous waterfall is one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders and a true gem of Africa. With rich forestry, abundant and diverse wildlife, and natural beauty wherever you set your eyes, Victoria Falls should be a bucket-list location for everyone.

It was with this spirit that we booked our trip to Victoria Falls when we knew we would be visiting Zimbabwe and the experience did not disappoint one bit.

Through our experience, we’ve compiled this detailed list of things you should know before visiting Victoria Falls, to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch. 

About Victoria Falls

Located in southern Africa, on the Zambezi River, this is one of the most astonishing waterfalls you could ever see. 

This African waterfall stretches to a width of 5604 feet (longer than 18 football fields!) and a height of 300 feet, making for a very imposing sight.

While not the tallest or the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is considered the largest because the area of the sheet of water it produces is larger than any other waterfall. Many consider Niagara Falls, one of the most famous places in the world, to be impressive, but it dwarfs in comparison to Victoria Falls, which is twice as tall and twice as wide.

The European’s first encounter with these majestic falls was through a Scottish explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, in 1855. Upon seeing the awe-inspiring sight, he was taken aback and decided to name the waterfall after the reigning monarch at the time, Queen Victoria.

Victoria Falls Brings Together Two Countries

The Zambezi River runs along the borders of many countries, forming a link between them. Victoria Falls is one of the gems along this historic river that lies on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Another fun fact; one more way that the Zambezi River brings these two countries together is through the Kariba Dam, which provides electricity to both countries.

Which Side Is Better To Visit From? Zimbabwe or Zambia?

If you’re planning your trip primarily to see Victoria Falls, then Zimbabwe is the easy choice. While you can access and see the waterfall from both countries, the Zimbabwean side has more viewpoints (16 out of 20 in total) that give a wider view of Victoria Falls. We’ve now been multiple times to Victoria Falls, and can attest that the better view is from Zimbabwe, as a majority of the water flows on the Zambia side.

When visiting from Zimbabwe, you aren’t that affected by the change in season either, since most of the water on the Zambian side dries up during the dry season, while the Zimbabwean side still has an impressive flow of water. The last time we visited it was in November, the end of the dry season, and the falls were still insanely impressive from the Zimbabwe side. While if I were on the Zambia side, there is not much I would have been seeing across the Zambezi.

Though all that being said there are advantages to visiting from Zambia. Mosi Oa Tunya National Park on the Zambian side typically attracts fewer visitors compared to the Zimbabwe side, with a lower entry cost of just US$20. These routes provide various perspectives of the Falls, including views from the bottom and the side. During the rainy season, visiting the Zambian side may result in a thoroughly drenched experience. The nearby major town of Livingstone offers a pleasant two-day stay, boasting excellent dining options and accommodation. Zambia’s currency tends to be more stable than that of Zimbabwe and the popular Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island excursion is conveniently located on the Zambian side.

This should go without saying, but double-check your travel plans, because tourists have gotten confused thinking Zambia and Zimbabwe are the same country. We ran into a couple who had booked their visas and tickets to Zimbabwe, but their hotels in Zambia, and one of the guides told us later on that it was a common occurrence.

If you have plans to travel into Zambia and Zimbabwe it’s best to look into a KAZA UniVisa. This unique visa grants unlimited entry into Zimbabwe and Zambia within a 30-day period. If your nationality necessitates a visa for both countries, obtaining this visa is more economical than purchasing individual visas. Additionally, it permits a day-trip to Botswana with the flexibility to return to Zambia or Zimbabwe. The fee for this visa is $50.

How To Get To Victoria Falls

Since Victoria Falls was the last stop on our travel itinerary for Zimbabwe, we decided to take the most convenient route and flew right into Victoria Falls International Airport from Hwange National Park, which is where we were on safari. The Vic Falls Airport is one of Zimbabwe’s major airports and located just a short distance from the town of Victoria Falls. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the Vic Falls Airport to the town of Victoria Falls, however the fee is a fixed price at a whopping $30.

The town of Victoria Falls is where most hotels are located, and from the town it’s just a short 20 minute walk to Victoria Falls, or a five minute drive. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttles to Vic Falls. If you are staying at a safari lodge, like the Vic Falls River Lodge, often the transfer to Victoria Falls is included.

There are bus services that you could also use to reach the town of Victoria Falls from other parts of Zimbabwe and many tour operators will offer visits to the Falls with transportation included.

What is the Cost of Entry?

Since April of 2023, entry prices have seen a steep increase. International visitors have to pay $50 to enter Victoria Falls Park and get a proper view of the majestic Falls. For SADC countries, the entry fee is $30, and the fee is $7 for Zimbabweans. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half, while children under the age of 6 enjoy free entry. If you are a member of SADC or Zimbabwean, you must bring proof with an ID.

It’s important to remember that this is for a single-entry ticket. If you exit and would like to return later in the day, you must pay the entry fee again.

Like most businesses in Vic Falls, it’s possible to pay with credit card at Victoria Falls. Though it’s always advisable to have cash on you in Zimbabwe – particularly USD.

When is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?

While there is flow of water all year round, each season has its unique specialty. 

Victoria Falls is at its peak between March and June, but while you can get the full experience of the Falls, other activities become limited. For example, if you’re looking for some outdoor adventures while you’re here, white water rafting isn’t possible during this time.

For such activities, you’ll need to wait till August through December. This is also when you can visit the famed Devil’s Pool (more on that later). However, the water in the Falls is quite low during this time. If wildlife is more your thing, then any time between July and October is ideal.

Exploring Victoria Falls 

Once you enter the Falls Park, all you need to do is follow the Victoria Falls footpath to the Falls themselves. You’ll know when you’re close because it’ll get misty quickly. There’s a pretty easy pathway to follow that’s easy to understand. We recommend starting at the David Livingstone Statue and working your way to the right from there!

When on the observation decks, make sure you have firm footing and don’t act a fool by jumping around or hanging off the rails. At some spots the water will be mere few feet away from your feet and, with one wrong move, you could get pulled down with the water. However the trails are well maintained and provide plenty of distance from the edge. You’d have to try hard to fall, but it does happen.

Safety precautions notwithstanding, when you get a full view of Victoria Falls from any of the observation decks, you’re left standing in awe. Nature’s beauty and power are on full display, especially during the peak rainy season.

However, exploring Victoria Falls Park will hardly take you a couple of hours, so you’ll need to find something to do for the rest of the day. Luckily, the resort town of Victoria Falls is nearby and there’s plenty to do there.

Visiting The Devil’s Pool

August to January mark the drier months of the year for Victoria Falls and this is when one of the best spots in the entire area opens up. The Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool, dubbed the world’s best infinity pool, located at the very edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambia side only.

Embarking on a challenging journey of walking and swimming through the Zambezi, adventurers strive to reach a unique pool. Upon reaching this adrenaline-pumping swimming hole, those bold enough to take the plunge experience a thrilling encounter with the river’s force. The formidable current propels them to the pool’s edge, where a rocky lip halts their descent, and the tumultuous waters of the Zambezi cascade over nearby cliffs.

The vantage point from the precipice offers an utterly exhilarating panorama, allowing you to sense the sheer power of the Zambezi River as it rushes past and plunges down a breathtaking 100-meter (320-foot) drop!

With over 500 million liters (132 million gallons) of water plummeting over the Falls every minute, this natural spectacle demands respect. This activity must be made with a knowledgeable guide.

During the dry months (August to January) you can go swimming at this spot and take pictures right at the edge of the waterfall. In addition to making for great Instagram moments, it’s also a place where you can make lasting memories.

Keep An Eye Out for Wildlife

The surrounding areas in Zambezi National Park are home to many species of wildlife such as giraffes, antelopes, Cape buffalo, zebras, and even elephants. Big cats such as lions and cheetahs are seen from time to time, but not too frequently.  You’ll also have the chance to see crocodiles and hippos, along with baboons and vervet monkeys. However at Vic Falls you are most likely to see warthogs running about, baboons, and monkeys.

Bird watching is also quite popular with more than 35 species of raptors calling the area their home.

Victoria Falls Is Steeped In History

While a great deal of credit is given to David Livingstone for the discovery of Victoria Falls, and even though the waterfall itself is named after a British Monarch, this waterfall has held an important place in the local tribal culture for many centuries.

The locals even have their very own names for the waterfall. In Lozi, it is called “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “thundering smoke,” and in Tonga, it is called “Shungu Namutitima,” which means “boiling water.”

There is evidence that proves that humans going back to the Stone Age have used the falls as a source of water or for civilization. Archaeologists have found human artifacts from various time periods and there is even evidence of a settlement in the area that dates back to more than a thousand years ago.

You Can See Victoria Falls From The Sky!

While an expensive indulgence, helicopter rides are available at Victoria Falls, allowing visitors a chance to get an aerial view of the majestic waterfall from the sky.

A short helicopter ride start at $150 (Excludes Park Fee & Fuel Levy), whereas a longer ride will cost you nearly $400. However, it’s a splurge-worthy activity, as let’s face it this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many say it’s well worth the money!

Flora Around Victoria Falls

The area around the waterfall has a dense forested region with palm trees, mopane, and teak dominating the tree line. Vegetation around the falls is also ample, with the water providing nutrition to ivory palms, wild date palms, pod mahogany, and batoko plum! Keep your eye out for all the different plant life!

Take A Train Ride Around Victoria Falls!

If you can’t do the helicopter ride, definitely take advantage of the train ride around the falls. A restored train, steam engine, and all, will take you on a ride and offer a completely different view of the majestic waterfall.  The train comes with several lounge areas, dining, and incredibly comfortable chairs.

14. About the Town of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, the town, is a cute little resort town and it is home to many small markets that sell different goods and crafts. There are also many activities that you could take part in, such as zip lining, canoeing, bungee jumping, and even crocodile diving!

We enjoyed heading here for some shopping, as well as grabbing a drink at the River Brewing Co.

What To Bring to Victoria Falls

A water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes are necessities when visiting Victoria Falls. Depending on how much you walk around and explore, you also might want to keep something to snack on such as trail mix, an energy bar, or sandwiches. 

You’ll also want to bring something to keep your belongings dry because you are DEFINITELY going to get wet when visiting the Falls. By the time we reached the last observation deck, we were pretty much soaked through and through! We recommend a travel camera to capture the beauty of the falls, it is one of the best vacation spots in the world after all. If you decide to bring a camera, you 100% need to also have something to protect it from the water, like a waterproof safari bag.

Climate Change Is Impacting Victoria Falls

Many experts are in fear that Victoria Falls will soon be declared a last-chance destination World Heritage Site. This is because of climate change’s significant adverse impacts on Victoria Falls.

Due to rising temperatures, water flow has decreased over the years and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe each year. When we last visited in November, the rains were weeks late, and Zimbabwe was well into a drought. On safari, we saw many elephants nearly dying of dehydration and heat.

Many major channels such as Discovery and National Geographic, have also documented the threat of climate change to this incredible natural wonder and broadcasted them in several programs and documentaries.

All these adverse conditions have an impact not only on the Falls and how they look but also on the local wildlife. With increasing droughts, the natural habitat of many animals is disappearing and could soon lead to irreversible damage to their population numbers.

Best Restaurants Near Victoria Falls

The town of Victoria Falls has many restaurants that offer quality food, but the most popular, by a wide margin, is the Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar. Both locals and tourists flock to this restaurant in large numbers.

Throughout our two days in Victoria Falls, we ate at Three Monkeys, and the Lookout Cafe. In addition to a wide variety of foods such as burgers, pizzas, BBQ, and wood-fired dishes, there are also vegan options and an impressive selection of drinks at the bar.

For dinner though, we almost always stuck to the dining options at our accommodation, the Vic Falls Hotel.

Malaria is a Risk

While Victoria Falls is technically classified as a malaria zone, you can do many things to protect yourself. Use mosquito repellant profusely and ensure your windows are closed for the night. This is especially true during the rainy season when the bugs are bad.

We have visited Zimbabwe multiple times and never take malaria tablets, as we aren’t in malaria prone areas or it’s the dry season and there are not many mosquitos around.

However it you think you may be at risk, it’s best to consult with your doctor on other ways that you could prevent and safeguard yourself from malaria.

Is Victoria Falls Worth Visiting?

A magnificent waterfall, rich greenery, diverse wildlife, and incredibly vivid rainbows. What more could one ask for out of a trip?

I would easily recommend Victoria Falls as a bucket list location to anyone without a moment’s hesitation. The experience of seeing one of the world’s natural wonders, and one that is on such a gigantic scale, is an experience that should not be missed. We loved it so much we’ve traveled twice to Victoria Falls.

If you’re into adventure activities, Vic Falls is also declared the adventure capital of Africa. With bungee jumping, Devil’s Pool, helicopter flights, and white water rafting on offer, it’s hard to get bored!

How Long Should You Stay At Victoria Falls?

While we spent three full days in Victoria Falls, it seemed like it wasn’t enough time. You should have at least two days to yourself in this location; the first day to rest in some picturesque settings. Many people head here before or after their Southern Africa safari, especially since there’s a well connected airport!

As far as time actually at Victoria Falls, I would allocate 2-3 hours to amply explore. We spent a nice morning at Victoria Falls, arriving around 9 am to beat the midday crowds and spent three hours enjoying the views and taking lots of photos. If I were to redo the experience, I would have liked to get there right at opening to beat all the crowds and get better late. Though there is plenty of space to spread about here.

Lunar Rainbow – A moonbow!

The enchanting phenomenon known as the lunar rainbow or ‘moonbow’ is formed when light refracts through airborne water particles, with the moon serving as the light source instead of the sun. During this celestial display, the Victoria Falls National Park welcomes visitors for exclusive lunar rainbow tours.

On every full moon, the Victoria Falls rainforest reopens in the evening, presenting a unique opportunity for special tours that unveil the mesmerizing beauty of the lunar rainbow, contingent upon favorable weather conditions and spray intensity.

Victoria Falls stands as one of the rare locations on our planet where this captivating natural event occurs, easily accessible for those seeking to witness its splendor. Surprisingly, many visitors to the area remain unaware of this breathtaking occurrence, which ranks among the most awe-inspiring spectacles at Victoria Falls. To ensure you don’t miss this magical display, it’s advisable to monitor the full moon cycle and plan your visit accordingly.

Stay at the Vic Falls Hotel

During our time at Vic Falls, we knew we had to book somewhere iconic. Cue the Victoria Falls Hotel, which stands as a beacon of luxury and sophistication in the heart of Africa. With its timeless elegance and captivating views, a stay at this iconic establishment is more than just accommodation – it’s an immersive journey into the natural and cultural wonders surrounding it.

Built in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel has a rich history that mirrors the evolving tapestry of Southern Africa. Constructed initially as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway, the hotel has since transformed into a symbol of refined colonial charm. Stepping into its storied halls is like stepping back in time, with vintage decor, high tea traditions, and a sense of timeless grandeur.

The hotel offers a range of accommodations, from stylish rooms to opulent suites, each meticulously designed to blend classic elegance with modern comfort. The rooms are adorned with colonial-era furnishings, exuding a refined ambiance that pays homage to the hotel’s historical roots. The attentive staff, known for their warm hospitality, ensures that every guest feels like royalty throughout their stay.

We loved our stay here, and it was well-positioned in the Town of Victoria Falls. It was also just a 15 minute walk to Victoria Falls, which was easy for us to walk to in the morning! Though even when you’re not right up close to the waterfall one of the standout features of the Victoria Falls Hotel is its unrivaled view of the majestic Victoria Falls. Imagine waking up to the sound of cascading water and stepping outside to a magnificent view of the falls – a sight that never fails to inspire awe.

The other stand out of the Victoria Falls hotel is their iconic high tea. Offered daily to hotel and non hotel guests, having high tea here like the royals used to is one of the best things to do in Victoria Falls.

Check availability for the Vic Falls Hotel!

Victoria Falls Travel Tips

• Stop at every viewpoint: Stop at every single viewpoint you can while at Victoria Falls. Each one offers a unique and different view than the other. And you’ve already paid $50 to enter so you may as well get your money’s worth!
• Plan on getting wet: We visited in the height of a drought during the dry season and still got pretty freaking wet! Plan on getting wet on your visit, and bring some dry gear for your electronics.
• It is expensive: The entry fee keeps rising to Victoria Falls, and I have to admit that $50 is a pretty steep entry price. The first time we visited in 2016, the price was $30, which I already thought was high! Just accept that it is a dream destination and that Africa isn’t the cheapest destination and enjoy the natural wonder!
• Cafes and Restrooms: There are multiple places to grab snacks, a meal, and multiple bathrooms near the entrance to Victoria Falls!
• Plan on walking: The Vic Falls complex is rather large, and to see each viewpoint will require some walking. Bring good travel shoes for the day, we recommend non slip trainers!
• You Don’t Need A Guide: The paths are easy to follow and a guide is not needed, though you may get asked a few times if you want one. While a guide may be helpful for telling the history and about the land, it’s far from necessary unless you want someone to take your photos!
• Plan to Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the falls. If you can get there at sunrise, you won’t be disappointed.

Mana Pools is remote and delivers a true sense of being in the wild. 

It’s widely considered one of Zimbabwe’s finest parks, and there is little mystery about why. The African Park is renowned for its position on the Zambezi River, its massive elephants, and the healthy lion population.  It occupies around 2,200 sq km of land and is surrounded by safari concessions that act as a successful buffer between man and the wilderness.

Mana Pools is Africa at its finest.

Mana Pools National Park

Our journey began 80km up the Zambezi River from Mana Pools. The mode of transportation to this remote park was a fiberglass Canadian canoe. Canoeing down the mighty Zambezi is no small feat.

The famous river is filled with crocodiles and hippos, by some estimates, there is one crocodile for every 10 sq meters!

Paddling down the river was both relaxing, terrifying, and invigorating. One minute we’d be paddling down a beautiful channel and the next we were face to face with a grumpy hippo. After surviving the daunting canoe safari we arrived in Mana Pools. Here we stayed at our first Wilderness Safaris properties Little Ruckomechi & Ruckomechi.

Upon arrival, we had Little Ruckomechi all to ourselves. It was intimate, and after three nights of camping and showering in the middle of the river, we were happy to spend some time in the luxurious camp by ourselves.

While staying in Mana Pools we were overwhelmed by the sense of wilderness. It seems to be a park lost in time. On game drives, we would drive over varied terrain only to glimpse eland moving through the bush or a waterbuck leaping over a fallen tree. And it was only five minutes after checking into camp that we had a herd of elephants right outside our tent.

The elephants of Mana Pools are abundant and they’re impossible to miss. They are ever-present in the camps of Mana Pools. We often found an elephant comfortably walking over decks and munching on the trees around our tent. Some of our closest experiences with these mesmerizing giants came about in this park.

Their presence in camp was palpable and I spent much of my time with those that ambled into camp. It is apparent that they are aware of the camp and feel comfortable at all times with the guests and staff. This made for a humbling safari in a stunning part of the world.

Mana Pools Wildlife

Mana Pools National Park is home to many of the standard large wildlife throughout Africa. Four of the “Big Five,” animals call the park home, which excludes the Rhino. As mentioned, elephants are abundant and often frequent the safari lodges. Our lodge, Ruckomechi, had some very curious elephants who interrupted meals on the back deck to take a sample from the lunch buffet. Other park favorites include lions, leopards, and a few packs of African wild dogs.

There are a few notable animals that are absent from the park due to the terrain. Giraffe and Wildebeest are absent from the park and there is a debate as to why these two animals have never made it into the Zambezi Valley, but it has been speculated that they cannot make it over the Zambezi Escarpment.

The birdlife in Mana Pools will make any birder jump with joy. Highlights included the African skimmer, Pel’s fishing owl, white-backed night heron, collared palm thrush and Carmine bee-eater.

Mana Pools Landscape

The 2,500 sq km park sits on the banks of the Zambezi offering view access to islands, sandbanks, and pools. Although, the park is limited in size it is encompassed by safari areas and concessions that amount to around 10,500 sq km of unfenced wilderness.

The Zambezi River is the focal point of the park and wildlife can be found in abundance along its banks. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen just about everywhere and a wide variety of aquatic birds are regulars.

The park derives its name from four permanent pools. Mana means “four” in Shona, the local dialect and major language of Zimbabwe. The pools act as permanent sources of water in the park as they are fed by the Zambezi water table. The largest, “Long Pool,” is around six kilometers long and stays filled year round making it a wildlife hotspot in the dry season.

The park has varied terrain of open plains and forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies, and baobabs. The large woodland areas make for a magical feel as the thick canopy just out of reach of elephants filters the light over open plains.

Canoe Safaris on the Zambezi

The mighty Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa and cuts through six countries on its way to the Indian Ocean. There are many national parks and safari concessions that stake their claim along this famous river. However, the Zambezi Valley is unique in its large wilderness area as the Zambezi divides both the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools national parks. This large wilderness creates a biodiversity hotspot.

That’s why canoe safaris are a popular day activity for lodges along the Zambezi River. For the more adventurous there is the option to take a multi-day canoe trip down the river. We were fortunate enough to experience this one of a kind trip with the experts at Natureways Safaris.

Paddling down the Zambezi River is a unique safari experience you can’t find throughout Africa. We’re not even sure of where else in the world you can do this. Canoeing down the Zambezi is tranquil and touches on the roots of being an explorer back in the day.

What makes these canoe safaris so unique are that they are entirely self-sufficient. There is no support team- just the guest, guides, dangerous wildlife, and an ancient river.  The guides navigate a maze of sandbanks, hippos, and islands crossing back and forth between Zambia and Zimbabwe. All while the guests view wildlife from the safety of their canoe. A common sight along the banks of the river are elephants as they cross between parks and enjoy the soft grass of the islands.

The Tamarind Canoe Safari is the most popular canoe safari route to take on the Zambezi. It consists of four days of canoeing with three nights of camping. The safari begins in the border town of Chirundu and ends in Mana Pools National Park. It’s an unconventional way to arrive at a national park in Africa, and one surely to be remembered. The safari covers roughly 75 km and is never taxing at a leisurely pace.

Each day on the canoe safari starts with coffee and tea while packing down camp. You paddle for a few hours before making a stop for breakfast or you can opt to knock out the majority of paddling and have a brunch. After a nice siesta, you finish up the day in warm afternoon light before setting up camp on one of the many islands. Camping on the islands of the Zambezi leaves you enveloped in the wild of the mystical river.

Where to Stay in Mana Pools?

Wilderness Safaris

Ruckomechi is located along the western boundary of the park in a private concession. The one camp is now two after a recent facelift moved the original camp, leaving a smaller more intimate “Little Ruckomechi” in its stead.

The two camps are only a few minutes drive apart from one another and sit on the banks of the Zambezi River. In the distance, guests can see the Lower Zambezi National Park and the towering Zambezi escarpment. Despite having the same name each camp is unique in its experience.

Both camps offer a wide array of safari activities. Game drives are conducted in custom-designed safari vehicles equipped with cupholders and blankets for cool mornings.

Another option for guests is to take to the waters on a riverboat cruise. It’s a favorite activity of ours in the evening because it can be enjoyed with a gin and tonic in hand. Of course, there is always the option to catch Tiger Fish while fishing on the river.

Two unique activities at Ruckomechi are canoeing and walking. After coming off four days in a canoe we gave that activity a skip, but for those looking to get their feet wet, so to speak, we highly recommend the activity. We often preach the beauty and tranquility of bush walks. It is a unique experience to a handful of African parks that allow for total immersion into the wilderness for safari guests.

There likely is no better place to go on a walk as the guides of Zimbabwe are regarded as some of the best in Africa and are required to go through rigorous tests and training. It’s worth noting that Mana Pools National Park is the only park in Africa where you can walk unaccompanied, should that interest you.

Little Ruckomechi in Mana Pools

Little Ruckomechi is the smaller more intimate camp. Natasha and I had a lovely night together in the camp all by ourselves. The camp consists of just four ensuite tented rooms situated in between a grove of Ana trees.

The rooms all provide spectacular views of the river from low wood decks. Inside the tents are stylish decorations that blend the old and new of safari effortlessly. Rooms feature an open mesh wall facing the Zambezi providing views over the Zambezi from an open-air shower, bed, and seating in the room.

Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools

Ruckomechi consists of 10 large spacious safari tents. Each room is stylishly decorated and has a large bedroom area. The en-suite bathroom has an amazing shower that opens up to the Zambezi via a tent flap allowing you to choose indoors or outdoors, we choose outdoors.

A unique experience at Ruckomechi is a bath on the banks of the Zambezi River, where guests can soak in a bubble bath. We, of course, had to take full advantage of this enjoyed a romantic bubble bath together while listening to the sounds of the wild.

The common area capitalizes on the camp’s superb location. The large deck and sunken fire pit is where the majority of our time was spent at camp. Almost all meals and afternoon tea is served on this deck, unless requested otherwise.

This meant every meal was joined by fantastic views out to the Zambezi River.  A small walkway leads to a plunge pool and sun lounges. We visited in May while the weather was too cold to enjoy, but by August the pool is likely a welcome relieve during midday.

We had high expectations for our first Wilderness Safaris camp and we were not let down. The camp seemed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

It was also evident that the lodge does take to heart conservation despite being a publicly traded company. Clear steps to reduce plastic, use recycled products, leave a minimal footprint, and harness renewable power sources made the camp a hit for us. Of course, having a stunning room with gorgeous views made the experience all the better.

Best Time To Visit Mana Pools

Spotting wildlife in Mana Pools, like almost all parks in Africa, is best in the dry season. The dry season in Zimbabwe and Mana Pools is at its peak from June – October. The dry season makes it easy to spot animals in the bush while they concentrate around sources of water. The main source of water for the wildlife is the Zambezi River where the lodges and campsites are located. This creates for great game viewing while in camp too.

December to March is the green season. Rains begin to fall in November and by December the road network becomes difficult to traverse. Wildlife disperses in the park with the bountiful sources of water and foliage increases providing them greater camouflage.

There is a brief shoulder season in May before the peak season arrives in June. However, given the current state of international affairs tourism is down in Zimbabwe and the park is unlikely ever to be too busy like in the Kruger or the Serengeti. There are also a limited number of camps in the park and that limits the number of visitors in the park at one time.

What’s A Typical Day On Safari Like?

• 06:00 – Wake up call
• 06h30 – Breakfast
• 07h00 – Depart on morning activity. We recommend doing walking safaris in the morning as after about 9:00 temperatures will get too hot to walk.
• 11h30 – Return from morning activity and get ready for lunch.
• 12:00 – Lunch time
• 12:30 – Siesta time! Now is the perfect time to relax, read a book, or jump in the pool
• 15h30 – Afternoon tea and coffee
• 16h00 – Head out on afternoon activity. Usually accompanied with sundowner drinks
• 19h30 – Return from afternoon activity and relax with drinks before dinner.
• 20h00 – Dinner time!
• 22h00 – ZZZZZZZZZ

Check out our Mana Pools Video!

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Mana Pools Park Fees

Mana Pools National Park is open all year round; however, the park is largely inaccessible from December to April. National parks in Zimbabwe are similar to many parks in Southern Africa and very affordable.

• Citizen: Adult – $8.00 USD per day
• SADC: Adult – $15.00 USD per day
• Non-resident: Adult – $20 USD per day

Private Vehicle Fees

• Locally Registered Vehicles – $5.00 USD per day
• Foreign Registered Vehicles – $10.00 USD per day

Camping In Mana Pools

There arise one communal campsite and several exclusive campsites that visitors can book through ZimParks. The campsites we stayed at while on the canoe safari are designated by the parks department and unmanaged. They are not open to private individuals.

Essential Items For A Safari in Zimbabwe

There are a few things that one should pack for an African Safari:

General Info for Traveling in Zimbabwe

Visas to Zimbabwe

Visas for Americans traveling to Zimbabwe cost $30 USD payable in cash at the border. Visas are good for 30 days. Americans have the cheapest visas while the Canadians and Brits have it the worst at $75 and $55 respectively. More info on visas here. As we were traveling between Zambia and Zimbabwe we opted for the recently released KAZA visa that is a dual visa good for both countries, it costs $50.

Cash in Zimbabwe

Having enough USD before you enter is sure to make life easier. If coming from Livingstone there is a Barclays Bank in town that is able to change cash for you. If coming into Kariba, we found an ATM in Siavonga on Lake Kariba (Zambian side). The ATM’s in Zambia dispense Kwacha, so you will have to change that into USD before you enter. I would be hesitant to run out of USD anywhere in Zimbabwe besides Vic Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo.

Language in Zimbabwe

The three main languages in Zim are English, Shona, and Ndebele. You will be able to get by fine with English in Zimbabwe.

Food In Zimbabwe

The local meal in Zimbabwe is sadza and is a combination of maize, relish, and meat and it is delicious!

Book A Safari in Zimbabwe

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you through booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.

One characteristic that will strike all visitors in Hwange is the importance of water. The park’s large population of wildlife is sustained by managed water holes, or pans.  Nearly 100 mammal species call Hwange National Park home. That includes all of the big five animals, even the endangered rhinoceros.

The park is easily accessible and full of the highest numbers of animals. These are best spotted in the dry season (August to October) when the wildlife congregates around the shrunken water holes.

Hwange National Park Safari Guide

We landed in Hwange National Park after a two-hour flight with Wilderness Air coming from an awesome safari in  Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. It was a long ride in a small Cessna 206 so were relieved when we landed in the park. Our guide Luke greeted us at the airstrip and took us away to our first camp in Hwange National Park, Little Makalolo.

Little Makalolo is a classic-style safari camp. A small main lounge, bar, and dining area with a fire pit as the central feature. We settled right into camp and took some time to ourselves after the long journey. It’s amazing how a shower, a cup of coffee, and the sounds of the bush can revitalize a weary traveler.

Our first evening out was a relaxing game drive. We found ourselves winding through thick bush and deep sandy tracks. The park was starting to dry and out and a few trees had dropped their leaves. However, the vegetation was still thick and the wildlife was dispersed throughout the park.

None of this stopped us from having phenomenal wildlife sightings. It was the kind of safari experience and sightings that only a park like Hwange can deliver. We saw majestic male lions who are decedents of the famous Cecil the lion, a pack of nine African wild dogs, cheetahs, hundreds of elephants, kudu, and a side-striped jackal.

It would be tough to compete with the wild dog hunt we saw on day two, but then we moved to Imvelo Safaris. On our first day with Imvelo, our guide surprised us with a bush lunch and an afternoon of sitting in their photographic hide. The hide is exclusive to Imvelo and is essentially a shipping container buried next to a watering hole.

Upon settling in the hide our guide turned on the pump and freshwater started to pour out from in front of the hide. A short while later we had elephants towering over us from a few meters away. It was and is the closest we’ve ever been to such a large herd of elephants.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park?

Spotting wildlife in Hwange, like most parks in Africa, is best in the dry season. The dry season in Zimbabwe and Hwange is at its peak from late June – October. The dry season makes it easy to spot animals in the bush as they concentrate around sources of water. Water is a precious resource in Hwange as the large majority of water holes are managed by pumps year round to help maintain the animal population.

December to March is the green season. Rains begin to fall in November and by December most wildlife disperses in the park with increasing foliage providing greater camouflage. There is a brief shoulder season in May before the peak season arrives in June. It is an anomaly in comparison to the rest of Zimbabwe as tourism in the park is in high demand and many of the lodges fill up completely during peak season.

Hwange National Park Safari Fees

The National Park is open all year round. National parks in Zimbabwe are similar to many parks in Southern Africa and are very affordable.

• Citizen: Adult – $5.00 USD per day
• SADC: Adult – $15.00 USD per day
• Non-resident: Adult – $20 USD per day

Private Vehicle Fees

• Locally Registered Vehicles – $5.00 USD per day
• Foreign Registered Vehicles – $10.00 USD per day

Hwange National Park Safari Landscape

Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and one of the largest in Africa. Its name comes from the local chief at the time of its formation in 1929.  The park is located in the Northwest of Zimbabwe and borders Botswana. It is only a one hour drive south from Victoria Falls which makes it the perfect safari add on to the falls.

Hwange’s landscape is a combination of Kalahari sand, woodlands, and teak forests. It’s even common for the lodges to use the teak as firewood as no wood is allowed to leave the park. The landscape has wide grass plains fringed by palm trees and acacias. The diverse landscape and abundance of food support large herds of elephant and Cape buffalo. However, in recent years the elephant population appears to be out of control destroying large woodland sections.

Hwange National Park Safari Wildlife

Hwange has an incredible amount of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and almost 400 bird species. The park contains one of the largest elephant populations in the world and visitors are sure to have more than their fair share of close encounters with the animal.

Hwange National Park is also well known for its predators, with good numbers of lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog. We were exceptionally lucky in seeing a wild dog hunt and kill on one of our first days in the park. Other highlights for us included a large coalition of five cheetahs and even a lion kill. Other rare animals that are regularly spotted in the park are the roan and sable antelope.

Typical Day on Safari in Hwange

• 05h30 – Wake up call
• 06h00 – Light bush breakfast
• 06h30 – Depart on morning activity. We recommend doing walking safaris in the morning as after about 9:00 temperatures will get too hot to walk.
• 11h30 – Return from morning activity and get ready for lunch.
• 12:30 – Siesta time! Now is the perfect time to relax, read a book, or jump in the pool
• 15h30 – Afternoon tea and coffee
• 16h00 – Head out on afternoon activity. Usually accompanied with sundowner drinks
• 19h30 – Return from afternoon activity and relax with drinks before dinner.
• 20h00 – Dinner time!
• 22h00 – Sleep! It’s been a long day on safari

What is a Safari in Africa REALLY Like?

Safari Lodges in Hwange National Park

Wilderness Safaris — Little Makalolo

We stayed with Wilderness Safaris in Mana Pools National Park and absolutely fell in love with their camps. We were more than excited to experience their Little Makalolo camp while in Hwange. Little Makalolo is special as it was one the few private camps located within Hwange National Park. Wilderness Safaris enjoys a large concession for their sole exclusive use within the national park. It serves well for those looking to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the bush.

Little Makalolo, or “Little Mack” is a small camp with only six tents and a private waterhole with an above ground hide. The six tents are connected via a teak walkway. On the two nights we stayed we saw a side-striped jackal and a hyena on the path, and felt reassured to have guides walking with us at night. The center of the camp is a false mopane tree that provides shade during the day and serves as a dramatic backdrop to the large fire pit. 

There’s no WiFi at Little Mack and only small solar lights in the tents. The large tents are built in the shade of large trees, with outer walls to allow the flow of wind and cool cement floors. Each tent has a large en-suite bathroom, with full plumbing and hot water. The rooms also include indoor and outdoor showers, as well as one honeymoon tent with a bathtub.

While the camp has a plunge pool it was much too cold for us to enjoy, but we’ve told it’s a highlight come September/October when temperatures in Southern Africa skyrocket. The tents are all shaded by a wooded area and it helps keep the tents cool during the day.

All of the tents sit at ground level nestled down tree lines that look out towards a wonderful waterhole. Guests can sit in camp or the hide at the waterhole and have amazing wildlife sightings. Large herds of buffalo and elephants are known to frequent the waterhole providing guests a show from the tents.

For us, the highlight of Little Makalolo is the central deck and fire pit. On the cool evenings in late May we enjoyed sitting around the fire with a glass of Amarula and listening to the sounds of the bush.

Imvelo Safaris in Hwange National Park

We stayed at two separate lodges with Imvelo Safaris. They have a private concession just outside the park and two famous lions referred to as the Bomani Brothers like to hang around the region. They’re a beautiful pair and they are likely the offspring of the famous Cecil the Lion (Cecil and his brother both mated with the mother).

Imvelo Safaris also operates Stofies Hide which is an exceptional place to get photos. The hide is one of the only ones of its stature in Zimbabwe. Imvelo Safaris is responsible for managing the pan as well as many other in the park. They pay to run the pumps and it’s a crucial element in the conservation of the park.

Camelthorn Lodge

Camelthorn is situated in woodlands just south of Ngamo’s famous Plains. The lodge is located outside the park in community lands, but the drive to the main gate takes less than five minutes. The rooms at Camelthorn are some of the largest we have seen for a safari lodge.

The large rooms are concrete buildings with massive bathrooms, a fireplace, lounge, and a second-story deck. We felt extremely comfortable at Camelthorn and after some time in a tent, it felt nice to be in a more sturdy structure. Meals at Camelthorn are a communal affair and we enjoyed the large bar, communal area, and fire pit at night with our fellow safari-goers.

Bomani Tented Lodge

Bomani Tented Lodge is more in line with a traditional safari camp with large tents on a pan. The camp lies in the private Bomani concession. The area is surrounded by large plains that and the camp often sees massive buffalo and elephant herds at the watering hole.

The main lodge sits on the Bomani pan and consists of a dining room, lounge, and bar, built on a raised viewing platform. Not far from the pan’s edge lies the campfire pit the perfect place to relax after sundown. The Bomani camp staff were wonderful in preparing us a special candlelit dinner outside our room while listening to the sounds of hyena in the distance.

General Info for Traveling in Zimbabwe

Visas to Zimbabwe

Visas for Americans traveling to Zimbabwe cost $30 USD payable in cash at the border. Visas are good for 30 days. Americans have the cheapest visas while the Canadians and Brits have it the worst at $75 and $55 respectively. More info on visas here. As we were traveling between Zambia and Zimbabwe we opted for the recently released KAZA visa that is a dual visa good for both countries, it costs $50.

Cash in Zimbabwe

Having enough USD before you enter is sure to make life easier. If coming from Livingstone there is a Barclays Bank in town that is able to change cash for you. If coming into Kariba, we found an ATM in Siavonga on Lake Kariba (Zambian side). The ATM’s in Zambia dispense Kwacha, so you will have to change that into USD before you enter. I would be hesitant to run out of USD anywhere in Zimbabwe besides Vic Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo.

Language in Zimbabwe

The three main languages in Zim are English, Shona, and Ndebele. You will be able to get by fine with English in Zimbabwe.

Food In Zimbabwe

The local meal in Zimbabwe is sadza and is a combination of maize, relish, and meat and it is delicious!

Want To Know More About Traveling Zimbabwe?

We drove around Zimbabwe and love the people and the country. Read more about travel in Zimbabwe!

Book A Safari in Zimbabwe

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges and then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.

What To Pack For Zimbabwe

There are a few things that one should pack for an African Safari. We help you create your safari packing list and share some of our favorite safari products.

We turned back to our conversation, lest we disturb him. It would not be long until we were visited in the night by the waking hippos and a few buffalo. Providing us with an urgency to head fast asleep in our tents while listening to the sounds of Africa.

An Introduction to the Mighty Zambezi River

The majority of people know the Zambezi River for her crowning feat, Victoria Falls. It’s the quintessential destination for any traveler in Africa, and its roots stretch back to colonial times and tribal kingdoms. Victoria Falls swallows a huge river as it dives into a narrow gorge.

From deep below the gorge a massive plume of mist sprays high into the sky. It results in a rainforest surrounded by arid land often plagued by year-long droughts and seasonal rains.

The river continues its journey to the sea through the narrow Batuka Gorge before forming the massive man-made Lake Kariba. It is the largest man-made lake on earth and is said to trigger small regional earthquakes from the sheer weight of the Zambezi’s waters. Kariba is an area seldom explored by most travelers and holds some true gems. We tackled the Southern coast of Kariba only six months prior to this journey and witnessed some of the most spectacular sunsets at Musango Safari Lodge.

After passing through the Kariba Dam the lake slowly widens as it makes it way through a wildlife corridor of National Parks and Hunting Reserves between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Valley is unique in its large wilderness area as the Zambezi divides both the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. This large wilderness creates a biodiversity hotspot perfect for one of our favorite adventures and experiences in Africa – a canoe safari.

Canoe Safari on the Zambezi River

There are plenty of adventures to be had in Africa, but none are more deeply connected to the roots of adventure in Africa than a canoe trip down the Zambezi. After all, it was the famous David Livingstone that found Victoria Falls via canoe to utter the famous line of “the smoke that rumbles.”

Now canoe safaris are a popular day activity for numerous safari lodges along the Zambezi River. However, for the more adventurous there is the option to take a multi-day canoe trip down the river. We were fortunate enough to experience this one of a kind trip with the experts at Natureways Safaris last summer.

Our canoe safari launched from the Chirundu border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe with an end goal of making it 90kms down the river to Mana Pools National Park. The Tamarind Canoe Safari is the most popular canoe safari route to take on the Zambezi River. The journey would take us four days and three nights and we had to be totally self-sufficient.

Life on the Zambezi River

As you travel further down the Zambezi River access becomes more difficult. Roads, towns, and villages slowly start to disappear and the wild reigns supreme, this is where a canoe comes in handy. Lions, elephants, leopard, hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo are at the top of the food chain here. It is “Big Five” territory, a group of animals regarded for their tendency to kill humans. Of course, this was not an adventure we could tackle alone.

There is no support team- just the guest, guides, dangerous wildlife, and an ancient river. Our guides navigated a maze of sandbanks, hippos, and islands crossing back and forth between Zambia and Zimbabwe. All while we watched wildlife from the safety of their canoe.

A common sight along the banks of the river are elephants as they cross between parks and enjoy the soft grass of the islands. Birds such as African skimmers, carmine bee-eaters or pied kingfishers would dart along the river taking full advantage of the abundant river.

It is impossible to escape the serenity of the trip, and although coming face to face with a hippo is exciting the average day is relaxing as long as you don’t mind paddling. You spend the majority of the trip sliding between narrow channels lined with river grass, if you bring your own booze you can even do it with a beer in hand.

Some of most amazing moments began with the start of a new day as the sun rises over the river. Best enjoyed with a morning coffee or tea while packing up camp. You paddle for a few hours before making a stop for breakfast or you can opt to knock out the majority of paddling and have a brunch.

After a nice siesta, you finish up the day in warm afternoon light before setting up camp on one of the many islands. Of course, not without time to take a swim in the hippo and croc-filled Zambezi River in lieu of a shower.

Night time is an entirely different experience as camping on the islands of the Zambezi allows for you to be enveloped in the wilds of the mystical river. There is nothing like spending a night on a remote island in the African bush. As the river flows by, you hear lions and hyenas in the distance and hippos munching on the grass a few meters from your head.

One of the things I recall the most was a question Natasha asked one of our guides. “What do you like better, camping on these islands or being at home?” He looked around and replied, “Here, it’s quiet. There are no distractions, no lights, no loud noise, no TVs, just this…” the sounds of the bush quickly enveloped us. This may have been the moment we vowed never to live in a major city again.

Tips For A Canoe Safari

Health

We recommend you have current tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B vaccinations. Check if you’re going to a malaria zone (season matters). The drier the weather the less likely there will be mosquitos, as they need water to breed.

Weather

There are two main seasons – dry and rainy. During the dry seasons, temperatures vary widely and vegetation is sparse. It is considered a good season for safari as animals are easy to spot with low vegetation and they congregate around water sources. 

The rainy season is considered offseason and it’s hard to find an operational tour as the area becomes difficult to access, this lasts from December to April. If you go for the shoulder season you can find better rates and cooler weather.

What to Pack

This safari packing list is a great starting point for any safari. When you’re on a canoe safari a good safari hat is a must along with sunscreen and sunglasses. I would also recommend bringing a good book for mid-day siestas.

Tipping

Tipping your guides and service staff on safari is common practice. Your guides are working professionals who go to great lengths to be licensed and educated, all while keeping you safe. We personally tipped our guides $100 at the end of our three days on the river. Of course, it is all at your discretion.

Have a Guide

Our Zimbabwean guides TK, Casper, and Emmanual were downright amazing. They safely navigated us down the river and were highly knowledgeable about the bush. I would highly recommend booking a canoe safari experience with these guys and Natureways Safaris!

Mana Pools Park Fees

Mana Pools National Park is open all year round; however, the park is largely inaccessible from December to April. National parks in Zimbabwe are similar to many parks in Southern Africa and very affordable.

• Citizen: Adult – $8.00 USD per day
• SADC: Adult – $15.00 USD per day
• Non-resident: Adult – $20 USD per day

Private Vehicle Fees

• Locally Registered Vehicles – $5.00 USD per day
• Foreign Registered Vehicles – $10.00 USD per day

Final Thoughts on Canoe Safari

In all our time in Africa, the canoe safari down the Zambezi remains a highlight. It’s an activity that few get to enjoy and a chance to feel like your on a true exploration once again. Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi are easily two of the best national parks in Africa for a safari.

General Info for Traveling in Zimbabwe

Visas to Zimbabwe

Visas for Americans traveling to Zimbabwe cost $30 USD payable in cash at the border. Visas are good for 30 days. Americans have the cheapest visas while the Canadians and Brits have it the worst at $75 and $55 respectively. More info on visas here. As we were traveling between Zambia and Zimbabwe we opted for the recently released KAZA visa that is a dual visa good for both countries, it costs $50.

Cash in Zimbabwe

Having enough USD before you enter is sure to make life easier. If coming from Livingstone there is a Barclays Bank in town that is able to change cash for you. If coming into Kariba, we found an ATM in Siavonga on Lake Kariba (Zambian side). The ATM’s in Zambia dispense Kwacha, so you will have to change that into USD before you enter. I would be hesitant to run out of USD anywhere in Zimbabwe besides Vic Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo.

Language in Zimbabwe

The three main languages in Zim are English, Shona, and Ndebele. You will be able to get by fine with English in Zimbabwe.

Food In Zimbabwe

The local meal in Zimbabwe is sadza and is a combination of maize, relish, and meat and it is delicious!

Want To Know More About Zimbabwe?

We drove around Zimbabwe and love the people and the country. Read more about travel in Zimbabwe!

Book A Safari in Zimbabwe

Traditionally, if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book it for you. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion. However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the daily pricing. This way, you can choose the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you book your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details, much like a travel agent.

What To Pack For Zimbabwe

There are a few things that one should pack for an African Safari. We help you create your safari packing list and share some of our favorite safari products.

That is a serious misconception.

Sitting comfortably at a lodge in Victoria Falls we knew it was time for an adventure in the African bush. The goal of this particular journey was to drive around the fourth largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba. We would be traveling through Zimbabwe. The drive would take us roughly 800 kilometers and there was no guarantee we’d find petrol in route.

Driving Around Lake Kariba

Thanks to some assurance from a Zimbabwean bush veteran that “if there is a will there is a way,” we set off. The next day, in an effort to avoid the dreaded police road blocks of Zimbabwe, we took the backroads only 10km outside of Victoria Falls.

And the state of the roads deteriorated. Rapidly.

Driving down single track dirt roads and passing through rural villages we were in the midst of the real overland journey. In rural Africa, there aren’t many vehicles driving around on a daily basis. So, once we had turned off the main road out of Victoria Falls we were completely on our own. There was no AAA, mechanics, fuel stations, hotels, or even cell reception.

Our first day we were set on making it to the biggest town on the Southern edge of the lake, Binga. When we pulled in after six hours of dirt roads and found nothing more than a few concrete buildings, guesthouses, one garage, and one gas station we realized just how remote we were.

One hour of driving around town and not finding petrol we at least found a home. Masumu Lodge was luxury compared to our other options around Binga. We set up camp, made dinner, and threw on a movie before going to bed and mentally prepping for another long drive. The next day was going to be a tough push as we had to descend a mountain and leave the main dirt roads behind.

Zimbabwe was turning out to be as difficult and a pain in the ass as we had been warned. Some South African’s had even gone so far as to outright tell us we shouldn’t go.

“You won’t have a good time.”

However, with a bit of grit, we took on the day hoping to prove them wrong. And it was one of the most beautiful days we’ve had in Africa. The valleys that surround Lake Kariba are nothing short of ancient and magical.

The day started winding through remote villages on single track roads. Along the road were villagers who would stop and stare or simply smile and wave. It was all captivating and we felt that for the first time in a while we were exploring new depths of Africa. The route, to say the least, is not popular.

The roads are badly corrugated and have massive ruts at points. Being only rookies at Overlanding we had not done a proper packing of the car. The result was all of our stuff was given a proper “African massage,” as it was thrown around the cab. The sound of a soda spraying across the back after a large bump was the icing on the cake.

As the rains had finally arrived in this region of Zimbabwe we found rivers overflowing, sections of the road missing, and a sea of lush green forest. The woodland was alive and we were right in the thick of it. We continued our descent and after seven hours on the dirt roads we pulled in Musango Safari Camp and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

There was only one small problem. We didn’t have enough fuel to finish our journey, to be sure we’d make it we would need roughly 60L of fuel.

Using the bush network our hosts, Steve and Wendy, went about getting us some fuel. We got lucky and on Christmas day our fuel was delivered to us via speed boat from the neighboring crocodile farm. The fuel came in at the low price of $2 a liter or $120 for 60L of fuel. To put this in terms American’s will understand we paid $7.63 a gallon. Think about that the next time you complain about fuel prices.

The drive out from Musango brought about new challenges. The night before heavy rains had occurred and the roads subsequently turned to mud. We climbed about 800m up the mountain and crossed sections where the road had disappeared. Other sections were hastily being replaced by locals with rocks, makeshift dams, and wood.

We pressed on and Charlie was working hard to get us around the lake. The road network gradually improved as we made it around the lake and grew closer to the dam. We crossed through the Charara wilderness area in Zimbabwe and found impala grazing along the road, baboons, lots of birdlife, and eventually came to a dead stop when two elephants greeted one another in the middle of the road.

We were in the Africa we dreamed of.

When we pulled into the small town of Kariba we had driven another nine hours on the worst roads (but most beautiful) we had experienced in Africa. We set up camp along the banks for one last night on Lake Kariba. Then went to the campsite bar for some Zambezi lagers, beef stew, sadza, and relish. This is the perfect meal to end a trip in Zimbabwe.

We had received word of hour-long queues at the ATMs and bankgoers only being able to withdraw $60 at a time. So, before we crossed the Vic Falls Border, we stopped in Livingstone, Zambia, and made sure we had more than enough cash to get us around Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s currency has completely collapsed, so they have turned toward the US Dollar as their reserve currency.

Is Zimbabwe safe To travel?

After our fun time at the Kazungula Ferry, we entered Zimbabwe expecting another laborious border crossing. However, the border crossing into Vic Falls was smooth sailing. The Zimbabweans were friendly and accommodating, and not one person hassled us. The friendly attitude continued. Everywhere we went, we were met with smiles, people were warm, and we felt safe.

While traveling in Zimbabwe, we talked with many locals, and beneath the smiles, there was something much more. Zimbabwe was once a prosperous country. Before the millennia, it was considered one of the most stable in Africa and was dubbed “the bread basket of Africa.”

However, their late president, Mugabe, decided to nationalize everything. He took away the farms from the white Zimbabweans and gave out that land to anyone and everyone. These new “farmers” didn’t know what they were doing, and soon enough, Zimbabwe was importing everything from apples to maize. This and a slew of other things led the economy to collapse.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Zimbabwe tourism is the worst it’s been in years. Foreigners hear “Zimbabwe” on the news, and everyone thinks about instability and danger. We, too, hear mixed things, but we are not going to let that stop us from forming our own opinions.

While we never once felt in danger in Zimbabwe, some aspects will make holidaygoers think twice about traveling to Zimbabwe. Here are some of the main issues I’ve gathered from an outsider’s perspective and how we worked our way around them to enjoy our time in the stunning country.

Traveling in Zimbabwe: The Issues

Cash Shortages

There is a shortage of USD in the country. Zimbabwe went through a period of extreme hyperinflation. I read on a sign at Vic Falls that at one time if you had enough gold shillings to make up $1 you would be richer than Bill Gates (US$1 was equivalent to Z$2,621,984,228).

Zimbabwe has switched to the US Dollar since there is no stable currency. Due to cash shortages, they have begun printing their own “bond” notes. The notes have been pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar, but on their first day on the market, they dropped 30% due to uncertainty with the reserve bank and an early release from a corrupt printer.

The other main currency we saw in Zim was $1 bills. Except these dollar bills were the worst we have ever seen. There used to be a crisp photo of George Washington on those dollars, but now they look like they are held together by dirt, tape, and hope. It’s all Zimbabweans can get their hands on, and it is sad.

I always tried to pay with exact cash, and I refused to take the bond notes or the wannabe dollars back since they would be useless outside of Zim. We avoided the cash uncertainties and brought in our USD from Zambia and Botswana.

Fuel Shortages

We filled up our gas tanks right before we entered Zim. Thank God we did because petrol prices soared once we crossed the border. We were able to get gas in Vic Falls for the grand total of $1.39 per Liter—the highest we’ve paid anywhere in Africa and double what it costs in the States right now.

We had seventeen hours of driving ahead of us on our way to Musango Island Camp and around Lake Kariba. We took the beautiful back roads to avoid police roadblocks. This was a little shorter on time, but it was all dirt roads. We were expecting to top up in a small town called Binga. When we got to town, the gas stations only had diesel and were out of petrol “until who knows when.”

Thankfully, we had enough to make it to our destination, but we didn’t know how we were going to continue. Once we were at Musango we had to have someone bring us their extra petrol over on a boat so we could leave. That fuel top up cost us a whopping $120 for 60 Liters. My jaw almost dropped – how on earth can people afford this fuel?

I suppose we were spoiled with the cheap fuel prices in the rest of Southern Africa, and I can’t lie and say I didn’t want to run away from the country after paying those fuel prices. Our last top-up was in Kariba, where the petrol cost us $1.30 per liter again – cash only. We only got back into Zambia, where the fuel prices are slightly lower. (Zim and Zam – you’re killing us!)

Now, we are foreigners and struggle to pay the fuel prices. How on earth are the Zimbabweans able to purchase fuel? With a 96% unemployment rate, we have to assume that they are not.

The Unemployment Rate

Yes, you read that right. The unemployment rate in Zimbabwe is 96%. Tourism has been down, so even many lodges and guide jobs have gone down the toilet. Despite the high unemployment rate, the people are still friendly, kind, and hopeful. I will never forget that, given their hardship, the vast majority of the population can still smile and carry on. It makes concepts like depression in the Western world a hard pill to swallow.

Police Roadblocks

We heard stories of “fines” for not having lights in glovebox…yea. It is natural when police officers are uncertain that they will be paid and then they turn towards bribery. This is Africa. When I asked around about the police roadblocks the general consensus I got was that the police actually hassle the locals, not the foreigners. Guess they don’t want to ruin what little tourism they have right now.

We drove only on back roads and managed to see only one police roadblock in Zimbabwe. Not only did we avoid the roadblocks, but we quite possibly had the 20 best hours of driving in Africa. We got a glimpse into the rural African village life that so few tourists see. The greatest pleasure in Zim came from the adventure that ensued.

We decided to take precautions for everywhere in Africa and equipped our vehicle with a fire extinguisher, two triangles, a reflective vest, and even a couple cans of coca-cola. Thankfully, like in Mozambique, we had no issues with this. We were stopped once at a police roadblock when we were leaving the country. The policeman was very polite. He asked us if we were having a nice holiday and he checked Cameron’s license before waving us onward.

Final Thoughts on Safety and Traveling in Zimbabwe

Most people travel to Zimbabwe on their vacation in Africa—but only to Victoria Falls. While I enjoyed Victoria Falls and found it to be one of the most beautiful sights in the world, it didn’t ever really feel like Zimbabwe. If you are only visiting Vic Falls, it’s unlikely that you will see the mess that Zimbabwe is going through, as it’s a top tourist destination in Africa.

I am so happy that we could drive around the country to see more of the rural village life and delve deeper into life there. We visited Zimbabwe just after the rains had arrived, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the green rolling hills were. I was blown away before we even got to Lake Kariba – the largest man-made lake in the world. Now, Lake Kariba truly was divine, and it had great wildlife. I can see why Zimbabwe once dominated the African tourism sector as the locals were kind, the wildlife was grand, and the landscapes were stifling.

If it weren’t for the insanely high fuel prices and unpredictable shortages it would have been very hard for us to ever leave Zim. I know one day we will return for I really feel we didn’t get to see the full flavor of the country. I hope that when that day comes the old Zimbabwe is back and times are well again.

More Travel Info

• Americans traveling to Zimbabwe need a 30-day visa that costs $40 USD and is payable in cash at the border. Americans have the cheapest visas, while Canadians and Brits have the worst, at $75 and $55, respectively. More info on visas is here. 
• If you are self-driving in Zimbabwe, expect to pay a road tax fee ($30), third-party insurance ($30), and a road access fee ($10). No bribery was experienced. If you are driving throughout Africa, try to get COMESA in Livingstone.
• If you’re not much of a driver but still want to see Zimbabwe, check out some of these tours. 
• Fuel should be available at any border town and major city. We paid by credit card at Vic Falls, but it was cash only in Kariba.
• Having enough USD before you enter is sure to make life easier. If coming from Livingstone, there is a Barclays Bank in town that is able to change cash for you. If coming into Kariba, we found an ATM in Siavonga on Lake Kariba (Zambian side). The ATMs in Zambia dispense Kwacha, so you will have to change that into USD before you enter. I would be hesitant to run out of USD anywhere in Zimbabwe besides Vic Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo.
• The three main languages in Zim are English, Shona, and Ndebele. You will be able to get by fine with English in Zimbabwe.
• We found the town of Vic Falls to be extremely expensive. From the produce to the coffee, and even the entrance fee into the Falls ($30) may be some of the highest prices we’ve seen in Africa.
• The local meal is sadza and is a combination of maize, relish, and meat and it is delicious!

Set among the wildlife in the Zambezi National Park, but still deep enough in the bush to go undetected is the ideal lodge to experience Victoria Falls from.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

The Rooms At Victoria Falls River Lodge

When we first were shown our room at the lodge we were blown away by the size. The room was monstrous with a king-size bed,  sectional couch, coffee bar, indoor and outdoor shower, and a two-person bathtub.

The room was bigger than our one-bedroom apartment in New York. I asked them what we had done to be given the best room, and they told me that all of the rooms were the exact same!

The next few days were spent enjoying a comfortable bed and taking baths while overlooking the lush bush and Zambezi River.

The Fantastic Staff

From the moment we entered the Vic Falls River Lodge the staff was there to help and provide plenty of smiles. Most of the staff members here are from Zimbabwe and love their country, which is apparent from their friendliness.

The level of service at the Victoria Falls River Lodge is certainly some of the best in the area. For each breakfast, lunch, and dinner guests are able to feel at home. Game drives and river cruises are guided by some of the best in Zimbabwe. We decided to take part in two 6 a.m game drives and three afternoon river cruises. Along the way, we heard stories from the bush and tales of Zimbabwe, relishing in the excitement described by each guide.

The Game Drives

Every day at the lodge guests can choose to go on either a morning or afternoon game drive around the Zambezi National Park. We hit Zimbabwe at the beginning of the rainy season and all the green was refreshing to see after a month in Namibia.

We opted to wake up early, throw on some safari clothes, and catch the animals before the heat of the day. All the heavy rains and lush bush made the wildlife harder to spot, but we still managed to end our game drive with zebra, giraffe, elephant, impala, warthog, and vulture viewing.

I loved venturing around the Zambezi National Park compared to some of the more popular parks in Zimbabwe. We rarely saw other people and there was never a pile-up of cars gathering around an animal.

The River Safaris

If being on a bumpy game viewer in the bush doesn’t suit your fancy then maybe a river cruise on the almighty Zambezi River will! Guests of the lodge are also given the option of jumping on a morning or afternoon river cruise to see the wildlife from a different perspective. Drinks and snacks are provided on each cruise as well. What could be better than African wildlife, the Zambezi River, and gin and tonics?

The Delicious Food

It’s hard to pick just one thing to miss about the Vic Falls River Lodge, but the delectable food is high up there. From morning to evening everyone is stuffed full of fresh fruits, green salads, and hearty vegetables. Instead of a buffet, you are given a menu for each meal time. There is a selection of fish, meat, and vegetarian options on each menu to choose from all while overlooking the Zambezi.

My favorite part? The bloody mary bar at every breakfast.

The Birdlife

Cameron and I have become quite the birders since we began our Africa trip. While we were visiting the Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa we even counted 44 species in one day! Well. the birds around the Zambezi are nothing short of dazzling as well. On our game drives and boat cruises, we saw plenty of almighty vultures, comrades, kingfishers, and much more!

Our favorite spotting was a huge nest of bee-eaters near the lodge. We sat on the river and watched the gorgeous green birds flutter in and out of their self-made holes for at least 15 minutes!

Relaxation At Victoria Falls River Lodge

The best part about a stay at the Victoria Falls River Lodge is that you don’t have to do anything at all to have a good time! Sure, the game drives and river cruises are fantastic but the lodge is very well set up to do absolutely nothing at all.

Each room here has its own private plunge pool with a fridge nearby filled with complimentary Zambezi beers. For those that want to be a little more social, there is a larger pool with new sunbeds to soak in the sun.

The Sunsets and Sunrises

I’ve written before about the fantastic African sunsets and sunrises, but the sunrises and sunsets over the water are simply fantastic. We aren’t morning people; however, we had to see the sunrise every morning over the Zambezi. Sunset was always complete with a cold drink in hand.

Victoria Falls River Lodge Location

The Victoria Falls River Lodge is a 20-minute drive from the Zambia/Zimbabwe border. We arrived from Zambia after a few bad experiences with the African border crossings. We were hoping for a relatively pain-free crossing into Zimbabwe. Our dream became reality and thankfully, the two of us and our car were over the famous Victoria Falls Bridge in under an hour!

From there we drove straight to the Zambezi National Park and drove right to the lodge.  The lodge is situated in an ideal location for self-drivers (like us) as well as people that fly in with its close proximity to the airport. Although we drove to the lodge most guests will make their entrance via a leisurely cruise to the main reception or by car transfer.

Victoria Falls

I’m saving the best for last here, but one of the main reasons to stay at the Victoria Falls River Lodge is because of Victoria Falls! The “Smoke That Thunders” has been described as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 1,708 meters wide and a height of 108 meters (354 ft), Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and is probably one of the main reasons you have come to Zimbabwe. We enjoyed a nice morning with the VFRL crew and other guests on the Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls. VFRL organizes a trip to the falls every morning for guests. The falls are certainly a sight to see and are one of the main attractions in all of Africa.

It costs $30 for foreigners to enter the park (unless you are from an SADC country, then it is $14). I would plan to spend at least half a day gazing at the large spectacle and remember to bring a rain jacket – it gets wet! The falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side, but the famous Devil’s Pool can only be experienced from Zambia.

General Info for Traveling in Zimbabwe

Visas to Zimbabwe

Visas for Americans traveling to Zimbabwe cost $30 USD payable in cash at the border. Visas are good for 30 days. Americans have the cheapest visas while the Canadians and Brits have it the worst at $75 and $55 respectively. More info on visas here. As we were traveling between Zambia and Zimbabwe we opted for the recently released KAZA visa that is a dual visa good for both countries, it costs $50.

Cash in Zimbabwe

Having enough USD before you enter is sure to make life easier. If coming from Livingstone there is a Barclays Bank in town that is able to change cash for you. If coming into Kariba, we found an ATM in Siavonga on Lake Kariba (Zambian side). The ATM’s in Zambia dispense Kwacha, so you will have to change that into USD before you enter. I would be hesitant to run out of USD anywhere in Zimbabwe besides Vic Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo.

Language in Zimbabwe

The three main languages in Zim are English, Shona, and Ndebele. You will be able to get by fine with English in Zimbabwe.

Food In Zimbabwe

The local meal in Zimbabwe is sadza and is a combination of maize, relish, and meat and it is delicious!

Want To Know More About Zimbabwe?

We drove around Zimbabwe and love the people and the country. Read more about travel in Zimbabwe!

Book A Safari in Zimbabwe

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion. However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day. This way, you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you book your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details, much like a travel agent.

What to Pack For Zimbabwe?

There are a few things that one should pack for an African Safari. We help you create your safari packing list and share some of our favorite safari products.

Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short and long-term coverage.