Victoria Falls is defined as the world’s biggest waterfall when measured by the sheer volume of falling water. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and among Africa’s greatest and most-visited attractions.
The area is also known as Africa’s Adventure Capital – you can hit the water in a canoe or white-water raft; take flight in a helicopter or microlight for a bird’s eye view of the Falls; or get your pulse racing by bungee jumping off an historic bridge.
Victoria Falls is easily combined with Africa’s other destinations and often the endpoint of a thrilling safari.
Here are our favourite Victoria Falls itineraries that include safaris, all completely customisable around your personal travel wishes:
Luxury Trips & Tours
1. The Ultimate Vic Falls & Zimbabwe Safari
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 5
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
This itinerary showcases some of Zimbabwe’s premier safari locations with a grand finale at one of Zambia’s most opulent and contemporary lodges, just upstream from the colossal Vic Falls. Explore the magical Mana Pools National Park (a stronghold for rare wild dog), be awestruck by the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Kariba, and enjoy up-close encounters with elephants in Hwange National Park.
Highlights:
- Guided tour of the Zambian side of Victoria Falls
- See wild dog in Mana Pools
- Canoe excursions on the Zambezi River
- Stay at a luxurious hilltop lodge overlooking Lake Kariba
- Superb big game viewing in Hwange
Best for:
Couples
2. Kruger, Zambia & Vic Falls
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 3
Thorntree River Lodge
Start your vacation at a sophisticated safari camp in the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park and considered one of the best Big 5 reserves in southern Africa. Then make your way to the banks of the mighty Zambezi River for private boat cruises and a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Culminate your trip at an incredible safari camp designed by a renowned architectural team in Zambia’s highly underrated South Luangwa National Park.
Highlights:
- See the Big 5 in Sabi Sands
- Day and night game drives in a private reserve
- Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (optional)
- Private sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River
- Stay at the most luxurious camp in the South Luangwa
Best for:
Couples
Romantic Trips & Tours
3. Cape Town, Kruger & Vic Falls
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 4
Regarded as three of southern Africa’s safari heavyweights, this sought-after route delivers the perfect African vacation experience: a visit to one of the most awarded cities in the world; a Big 5 safari in a private game reserve; and a face-to-face encounter with the biggest waterfall on Earth. This is the honeymoon that dreams are made of!
Highlights:
- Stay at a chic boutique hotel in a trendy part of Cape Town
- Visit Table Mountain, Boulders Beach and Cape Point
- Excellent cuisine in the Cape Winelands
- See the Big 5 in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
- Stay within walking distance from Victoria Falls
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners and special occasions.
4. Victoria Falls & Botswana
Duration: 5 Days | Locations: 2
Botswana’s Chobe National Park is just under a two-hour road transfer from Victoria Falls, which makes it a highly attractive safari add-on. You’ll spend two nights at an elegant hotel with direct access to the Falls before enjoying some of the best boat-based game viewing in Africa.
Highlights:
- The Royal Livingstone Hotel’s direct access to Vic Falls
- Private butler service
- Sensational game viewing in Chobe National Park
- Sunset boat cruises on the Chobe River
- Tree-top spa treatment room at Chobe Chilwero
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners and special occasions.
Good-value Trips & Tours
5. Tanzania & Victoria Falls
Duration: 13 Days | Locations: 4
We see ‘good value’ as game viewing in some of the Africa’s best parks while staying at comfortable accommodation that delivers all you need without being over the top. This incredible itinerary makes it possible for you to spend almost two weeks in some of East Africa’s top safari destinations before crowning your vacation in Vic Falls.
Highlights:
- See big elephant herds in Tarangire
- See the Big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater
- Witness some of the Wildebeest Migration’s most dramatic events
- Incredible game viewing in the Serengeti
- Stay at an Edwardian-style lodge just upstream from Vic Falls
Best for:
Couples and special occasions.
6. Kenya & Victoria Falls
Duration: 9 Days | Locations: 2
Designed specifically for first-time visitors with a modest budget, this trip takes you to two of Africa’s most exciting destinations: the Masai Mara and Vic Falls. You’ll fly between camps and lodges to give you more time on the ground.
Highlights:
- Stay at an authentic safari camp in a private concession
- See the Masai Mara’s renowned big cats – lion, leopard, cheetah
- Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors
- Hot-air balloon safari over the Mara (optional)
- Chundukwa River Lodge’s excellent proximity to Vic Falls
Best for:
Couples, families and small groups.
Private Guided Trips & Tours
7. Zimbabwe, Zambia & Vic Falls
Duration: 13 Days | Locations: 3
For 13 days, you and your family will be in the capable hands of a highly experienced and trained private guide who will introduce you to some of the greatest natural wonders of Southern Africa. Ideal for adventurous travellers who enjoy walking safaris, your guide will take you on a journey across Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Highlights:
- Luxury, family-friendly accommodations throughout
- See more than 3,000 rock paintings & track rhinos in Matobo National Park
- Big 5 game drives & wildlife encounters in Hwange National Park
- Enjoy an array of adventure activities in Victoria Falls
- Kayaking and boating safaris on the mighty Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park
- A private guide accompanies you all the way
- Excellent birding
- Stay in a World Heritage Site
Best for:
Adventurous couples.
8. Botswana, Zimbabwe & Vic Falls
Duration: 14 Days | Locations: 4
Spend two weeks in the capable hands of a highly experienced private guide who will introduce you to some of southern Africa’s greatest natural wonders. This itinerary is ideal for adventurous travellers who enjoy walking safaris.
Highlights:
- Mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions in the Okavango Delta
- 4x4 game drives in pristine wilderness
- Stay at an award-winning lodge upstream from Vic Falls
- Up-close game viewing at The Hide Lodge’s waterhole
- Discover the underrated Matobo National Park
Best for:
Adventurous couples and small families / groups.
Family Trips & Tours
9. Botswana & Victoria Falls
Duration: 6 Days | Locations: 2
This vacation will introduce your family to two of southern Africa’s top safari destinations: Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta and the colossal Vic Falls. Stay at exclusive safari camps offering you and your family a secluded and private experience.
Highlights:
- Professional and child-friendly safari activities
- Explore the Okavango Delta by canoe and 4x4
- Track animals on guided walking safaris
- Interactions with elephants at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Best for:
Families with children.
10. Zambia & Botswana
Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 2
Perfect for any fun-loving family, this safari offers high value with fantastic experiences in some of Botswana’s most game-rich areas. All the lodges are family-friendly with plenty of privacy and spacious suites.
Highlights:
- Guided tour of the Zambian side of Victoria Falls
- Discover Linyanti, one of Botswana’s top wildlife gems
- Mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris in the Okavango Delta
- Excellent predator sightings – especially wild dog
- Khwai Tented Camp’s beautiful riverside location
Best for:
Families with children older than seven.
