Wie man Südafrika und die Victoriafälle kombiniert
South Africa and Victoria Falls, two world-renowned destinations, only made better by being paired together in one incredible trip. South Africa's safari prowess and scintillating cityscapes are rivalled by few; Victoria Falls is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Thankfully, our Africa Safari Experts are well versed in both destinations and how best to combine them – from the best time to Südafrika besuchen and Victoria Falls to the top activities and where to do them. In this blog, we outline the best way to combine these two top Southern African destinations.
One of the first things to consider when travelling from South Africa to Victoria Falls is how to get there. From the bustling city of Cape Town, a short 2 hour and 55-minute flight sees you arrive at Victoria Falls airport, after which it's a mere 20-minute drive into the town itself.
From Johannesburg, the simplest and most direct route to Victoria Falls is a non-stop, 2-hour flight to Victoria Falls International Airport. For those on safari in Kruger National Park, simply fly directly to Victoria Falls with a travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes airport to airport.
Similarly, the Cape Town to Victoria Falls flight time is 3 hours and direct. As these are the major international airports in South Africa, it's almost guaranteed that you would make use of one of these routes.
For those who seek a slower way of life and feel that the journey makes up part of the adventure, perhaps a luxury train is more appealing. Experience a bygone era of steam trains, opulent carriages, and exceptional service as you venture from South Africa to Victoria Falls, watching the ever-changing landscapes along the way. The undisputed winner when looking for a train from South Africa to Victoria Falls jeden Rovos Rail; a glorious 3- to 4-day journey along one of the oldest stretches of straight railway line in the world, departing from Pretoria.
Hiring a car and driving yourself around is a wonderful way to explore a new destination; witnessing every small detail, stopping when and where you please, and enjoying the magic travelling by road brings. When exploring the likes of Kapstadt, the Cape Winelands, and further along up the Garden Route, a self-drive is ideal. While driving to Victoria Falls is possible, it's a long journey and not recommended when a short flight is available instead.
Self-drives are especially popular with returning travellers who seek a slightly different lens and to discover Africa's landscapes on a more intimate level – discover a few of our top itineraries for Southern Africa as more seasoned safari-goer.
When answering the question of the Beste Reisezeit Südafrika and Victoria Falls, several factors come into play. Primarily, the iconic roar and visible spray synonymous with peak water flow does not coincide with the rainy season, but right after the summer downpours as the region heads into winter.
This is also true of South Africa, where the best times to visit the likes of Cape Town do not necessarily coincide with peak safari season. Which begs the question, when should you visit and how do you combine both for the best South Africa and Victoria Falls itinerary.
Witnessing Victoria Falls at full flow, the spray reaching hundreds of metres above you, rainbows glistening through the mist, is something that cannot be explained, only experienced. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders' or ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, this vast waterfall lives up to its name at full flow, with a thunderous roar that echoes around you.
February to May is touted as the best time to see Vic Falls in its full glory. These are still summer months, so the weather is warm and humid. This is also an ideal time to visit for those who wish to find out why Victoria Falls is known as Africa's adventure capital; with January, February, and March as prime times for their adrenaline-filled white-water rafting. A slight downside to visiting during these months, neighbouring Botswana, one of Africa's top Big 5 safari destinations, is in its wetter Green Season. There is still ample to see and do, however, especially on the birdlife front, but it does make wildlife viewing more challenging.
For travellers looking for a milder clime while visiting, May enjoys cooler conditions while the water is still in full flow. From June onwards, nearby Chobe becomes a sensational safari partner with almost no rain and ample wildlife viewing. As August approaches, white-water rafting is once again possible as well as the coveted Devil's Pool experience. September signals the start of spring and while waterfall levels are low, wildlife sightings in the national park are good.
Consult our comprehensive guide on when to visit Victoria Falls for a full breakdown.
Where Victoria Falls is a region falling between two countries, Simbabwe und Sambia, South Africa is a vast and diverse country where climates vary greatly depending on where you are. While this makes it a sensational destination to visit as options are plentiful, it does mean you need to plan accordingly.
Starting with the most common question, when is best time to visit South Africa for a safari? Peak season for the likes of Kruger National Park is typically from the end of May to August, which also aligns with cooler, dry weather. Now that the lush vegetation has subsided and flora is more sparse, wildlife is more easily spotted and start seeking perennial water sources. It's worth noting that peak safari season also means more travellers and longer booking windows, which is why shoulder season is also worth considering.
The vibrant, coastal city of Cape Town is a firm favourite among visitors to South Africa, but there are certain windows that let it shine the brightest. December to February are the Cape's hottest summer months and its busiest coinciding with local school holidays. From April, cooler climes with blue skies and sunshine offer visitors perfect outdoor adventure weather – and Cape Town's hikes are certainly one of its highlights. Fortunately, Cape Town enjoys pockets of beautiful weather year-round, making the enjoyment of its beaches a nearly full-time affair.
Creating an itinerary pairing these two destinations has become one of our more popular combinations, be it with or without a third leg of the journey. The real question is, how do you get the best out of both locations at the same time of year?
In short, it comes down to your preferences and priorities. From May to September, Kruger National Park safaris are in their prime, the water levels in Victoria Falls are still high – though dwindle from August – and Cape Town is in its chilliest season. This is perfect for those who are hoping to see the Big 5 and are happy to enjoy a slightly busier safari experience, wish to make the most of Victoria Falls, and are excited about discovering Cape Town's winelands and culinary scene.
From November to March, Kruger is brimming in lush greenery, blossoming birdlife, and the start of newborn wildlife. Not only are prices typically lower as it's the low season, but the landscapes are a photographer's dream. Cape Town at this time of year is beautiful, balmy, and boasting blue flag beaches. Further north, in Victoria Falls, water levels are lower and the temperature is hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
When planning South Africa and Victoria Falls tours, Es ist worth having a look at what the most popular combinations are from the South African side. While some may want to do several parts of South Africa, others may opt to simply combine one destination with Victoria Falls. So, which are the most popular combinations?
Thanks to the frequency and availability of direct flights Cape Town to Victoria Falls, it's easy to pair the two together for a diverse adventure. With Vic Falls as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and Table Mountain one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, the exploration of two extraordinary landmarks awaits. Combine cityscapes, world-class wineries, and culinary dreams with roaring water, river cruises, and safari sojourns.
Cape Town tends to feel like its own country, with so much variety in what it has to offer, it's difficult to imagine ever being stuck for options. Victoria Falls, while much smaller, is made for adventurers – aside from touring the falls itself, bungee jumping, zip lining, gorge swings, and white river rafting are all stand-out activities. Safaris in the national parks and concessions provide a totally different lens to the town itself.
Typically, this combination is part of the ultimate trifecta; Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls. As the flight from Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls is just under 2 hours, it's easy to make the most of the time you have available.
Kruger is a world-renowned safari destination and one of the best places to see Africa's iconic Big 5, though rhino sightings are scarce. It's wildlife diversity and size make it sensational for safaris, be it in Kruger’s national park or private concessions.
While we've mentioned the most popular combinations, there are several others that work well. Add the likes of safari giant, Kenya, neighbouring Botswana, or perhaps a beach destination like Mozambique to add a different spin to your travels.
Victoria Falls lands directly between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Fortunately, once you've landed in one, it's usually fairly simple to explore the other. Most visitors tend to land at Victoria Falls International Airport, which is on the Zimbabwean side. This is also the side featuring the main waterfall tour, a meandering walk with various viewpoints. But that's not to say you need to be staying in Zimbabwe to access that part of the falls. When the time of year is right and water levels are lower – roughly late January to August – Zambia invites visitors to sit in Devil's Pool, a small rockpool found on the edge of the falls.
So, which side should you stay on? Zambia is best known as the birthplace of walking safaris and remains one of the top places to experience them, particularly in the likes of South Luangwa National Park. With excellent access to the vast Zambezi River, Zambia also enjoys excellent water-based activities including cruises, boating, and game viewing. The birdlife found along its shores is also well worth writing home about. Here, lodges and camps can be found riverside and are sometimes more safari-esque.
In Zimbabwe, the lion's share of attention can land on Victoria Falls, but that's certainly not all it has to offer. In Hwange National Park, legendarily large elephant herds roam alongside impressive buffalo herds. Mana Pools also invites guests to explore on foot and canoes alongside its own elephant herds – a few of whom like to stand on their hind legs to access fruit in trees. Its accommodation options vary from boutique hotels and lodges in Vic Falls to static and mobile camps alongside comfortable or luxury lodges.
Combining the two is easier than you think, with a short trip across the border, which is found near the Victoria Falls Bridge. Our Africa Safari Experts will arrange a transfer vehicle for you and your driver will guide you through border control.
While some countries are visa exempt, most travellers to Victoria Falls while require a KAZA Univisa. Not only does this grant you multi-access entry to Zimbabwe and Zambia, but also Botswana should you wish to take a day tour – overnight trips require a different visa. The KAZA visas are typically valid for 30-days and cost $50 (as of August 2026). Although you can apply for one on arrival, we highly suggest completing the online form to avoid queues at the airport.
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Is it possible to do a day trip to Victoria Falls from South Africa?
Although it would technically be possible due to the short flight time, in order to really experience Victoria Falls, we would recommend staying for a few days at least.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate to enter South Africa after visiting the Falls?
If you have only travelled between South Africa and Vic Falls, you will not require a yellow fever vaccine. This is only required when visiting from an at-risk country or transiting through one for over 12 hours.
Is Victoria Falls a malaria-risk area, and do I need prophylaxis?
Victoria Falls is classed as an at-risk region for malaria. While it's less prevalent during certain months of the year, it's recommended to take prophylaxis – or other malaria prevention medication – as a precaution. We recommend consulting your doctor for a prescription to ensure the right medication for you.
Is the tap water safe to drink in both South Africa and the Falls region?
In South Africa, the tap water is widely regarded as safe to drink unless instructed otherwise. Throughout Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is not typically safe to drink unless advised by your camp or lodge. Fortunately, most vehicles and properties have bottles available if needed.
Zimbabwe also has a water refill programme – if you purchase one of the reusable metal bottles, you can refill your water at any of the top-up points.
What currency should I carry for Victoria Falls (USD, ZAR, or local currency)?
In Victoria Falls, and throughout Zimbabwe and Zambia, the US Dollar is widely accepted. In Zambia, their local currency, the Kwacha, is also accepted.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Victoria Falls compared to South Africa?
Both South Africa and Victoria Falls have good credit card facilities. We would, however, recommend carrying cash in Victoria Falls as some of the markets and curio shops don't have card facilities.
Will my South African SIM card work in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
South African SIM cards will work with Wi-Fi but not mobile data unless you have a roaming package active.
How much should I budget for park entrance fees and “Flight of Angels” helicopter tours?
When travelling with Go2Africa, we ensure your park entrance fees are included in the total cost already. As the Flight of Angels is an optional extra, it comes with fees that may be payable there or upfront as part of your itinerary. Typically, when undertaking the activity with Wild Horizons the flight costs $173.25 per person with an additional fuel levy of $10 and government park fee of $15 – $20 depending on which side of the falls you're on. This fee typically includes a pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
Our Africa Safari Experts have taken the time to create a comprehensive what to pack on an African safari guide to help relieve some stress. When it comes to Victoria Falls and its spray specifically, it's time of year dependent. During peak flow, we recommend comfortable walking clothes that dry easily and preferably not long trousers as you can find yourself in ankle deep water. For shoes, the likes of sandals, flip-flops, or crocs will work well.
Outside of peak flow and when the falls are drier, dress similarly and in accordance with the weather. Usually, when booking through Go2Africa, your guide will come equipped with long raincoats to wear over your clothes to avoid getting totally soaked. Alternatively, bring your own. Consider our warning, however, the spray is far-reaching and can be heavy, so the longer length helps a lot.
If the diversity of South Africa and the Natural Wonder of Victoria Falls has persuaded you to plan a combination itinerary, allow our Africa Safari Experts to assist. Their extensive knowledge of these destinations will ensure your trip is not only sensational but well thought out and seamless in its execution.
