Victoria Falls is often treated as a single landmark — a dramatic waterfall stop on a wider African itinerary.
In reality, the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe works best as a gateway. With the Zambezi River running beside it and the border with Zambia only minutes away, it offers the perfect starting point for exploring one of Southern Africa’s most remarkable regions.
This Victoria Falls Zimbabwe 48-hour itinerary shows how to structure a short stay properly — combining golf, culture, river experiences and one of the most unique border crossings in the world.
I arrived into Victoria Falls International Airport from Johannesburg, planning to spend two nights in Zimbabwe before continuing across the bridge into Zambia.
Victoria Falls in 48 Hours – Quick Overview
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Airport: Victoria Falls International Airport
Where to stay: Elephant Hills Resort
Time required: 2 nights / 48 hours
Best months to visit: June – August
Next destination: Livingstone, Zambia
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
For a short stay in Victoria Falls, Elephant Hills Resort offers one of the most practical and scenic bases in town.
Set on elevated ground above the Zambezi River, the resort combines comfortable accommodation with direct access to the region’s most distinctive golf course.
Key advantages include:
Direct access to the Gary Player-designed Elephant Hills Golf Course
Large grounds ideal for a walk or run after travel
Easy access to Victoria Falls town
Quick transfers to the Zimbabwe–Zambia border crossing
For a two-night stay, the location makes logistics simple while still feeling connected to the surrounding landscape.
Day One: Arrival & Cultural Immersion
Stretch the Legs
After checking in and arranging golf for the following morning, the best way to reset after the flight was a short run or walk around the resort grounds.
Victoria Falls sits firmly on the edge of safari country, and even a simple walk quickly reveals how different the rhythm of the place is compared to larger cities.
Dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
Dinner for the first evening at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, one of the most well-known restaurants in the area.
The experience is lively and informal, offering a relaxed introduction to Zimbabwean food and culture.
Expect:
A buffet of traditional dishes and regional specialities
Live music and traditional dancers
Interactive drumming performances
A sociable, communal atmosphere
For a first evening in Victoria Falls, it provides a memorable cultural introduction without feeling overly staged.
Day Two: Golf in Safari Country
The Elephant Hills Golf Course is one of the most unique golf experiences in Africa.
Designed by Gary Player, it blends championship-level layout with safari landscape. Wildlife frequently crosses the fairways — impala, warthog and baboons are common sightings — and elevated holes offer sweeping views towards the Zambezi gorge.
Watching warthogs wander casually across the green while lining up a putt is a reminder that Victoria Falls sits firmly on the edge of safari country.
For golfers visiting Victoria Falls, this is an unmissable inclusion.
Walking the Victoria Falls Border Crossing
One of the most distinctive experiences in Victoria Falls isn’t an activity — it’s the border itself.
After golf, a short taxi ride takes you to the Zimbabwe immigration post. Once exit formalities are complete, you walk across the historic Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia.
Midway across the bridge:
The Zambezi gorge drops dramatically below
Mist from the falls rises in the distance
Bungee jumpers leap from the centre span
Few international border crossings offer views like this.
Other Ways to Cross into Zambia
Private transfer – ideal for families or larger luggage
Activity transfer – often included with pre-booked excursions
Taxi-to-taxi – simple and affordable
Self-drive – suitable for onward overland routes
For a short stay, walking is both efficient and memorable.
Things to Do in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe Side)
Even if you plan to view the waterfall from Zambia, Zimbabwe offers exceptional experiences.
Things to Do in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe Side)
Even if you plan to view the waterfall itself from Zambia, Zimbabwe offers excellent activities.
Visit Victoria Falls
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls offers the most expansive panoramic viewpoints from the Zimbabwe side.
Walking trails run through rainforest vegetation, gradually revealing the full curtain of water as the Zambezi plunges into the gorge below.
Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls
A helicopter flight — often called the Flight of Angels — provides an aerial view of both Zimbabwe and Zambia, revealing the full scale of the falls and the surrounding river system.
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi offer a relaxed way to see wildlife, with hippos, crocodiles and elephants frequently spotted along the riverbanks.
Safari to Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park lies within reach of Victoria Falls and is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve.
From Victoria Falls it’s possible to organise:
Day safaris
Overnight lodge stays
Guided wildlife drives
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but water levels and temperatures change the experience dramatically.
From February to May, the Zambezi River is in full flood following the rainy season. Water volume is immense and the spray spectacular, although visibility can sometimes be reduced.
June to August offers the best overall balance, with strong water levels, cooler temperatures and excellent safari conditions.
Between September and November, water levels drop and more of the rock face becomes visible. Devil’s Pool on the Zambia side becomes accessible, although temperatures can exceed 35°C.
There is no single perfect month to visit Victoria Falls — it depends on whether you prioritise maximum water flow, clearer viewpoints or seasonal access.
27°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
Health & Vaccination Advice for Zimbabwe
When travelling to Zimbabwe, it is essential to review current medical guidance before departure.
For UK travellers (or any), the most up-to-date source is:
TravelHealthPro (UKHSA):
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/248/zimbabwe#Vaccine_Recommendations
You can search directly for any country within the site to see current vaccination requirements, malaria risk maps and health alerts.
Medical advice can change, so always consult a GP or travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before travel.
Common Vaccinations & Health Considerations
Below is a general overview. Individual recommendations will vary depending on personal medical history and travel style.
| Health Consideration | Typically Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Hepatitis A |
Yes |
Recommended for most travellers |
|
Hepatitis B |
Often |
Particularly for longer stays or medical exposure |
|
Typhoid |
Yes |
Advised due to food and water exposure risk
|
|
Tetanus |
Yes |
Ensure routine boosters are up to date |
|
Yellow Fever |
Conditional |
Required only if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country |
|
Malaria Prevention |
Yes (seasonal)
|
Risk present, especially November–April
|
This information is provided as general guidance only. Always seek professional medical advice before travelling.
Malaria in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls lies within a malaria-risk zone, particularly during and shortly after the rainy season (November to April).
Preventative measures may include:
Antimalarial medication (as prescribed)
High-strength insect repellent (DEET-based)
Long sleeves in the evening
Staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation
Established hotels implement mosquito-control measures, but precautions remain important.
Practical Health Advice
Drink bottled or treated water
Use high-SPF sunscreen year-round
Stay well hydrated, particularly during September–November heat
Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covering safari and adventure activities
Crossing into Zambia: The Journey Continues
Walking across the Victoria Falls Bridge is more than just a border crossing — it marks the beginning of the next chapter of the journey.
While Zimbabwe offers the most panoramic views of Victoria Falls, Zambia provides a completely different perspective. Trails run closer to the edge of the gorge, seasonal experiences like Devil’s Pool become possible, and the Zambezi River plays an even larger role in daily life.
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