Victoria Falls is often treated as a single landmark.
In reality, it’s a strategic base for adventure in Southern Africa — combining golf, culture, river experiences, safari access and one of the most unique international border crossings in the world.
This Victoria Falls Zimbabwe 48 hour itinerary shows how to structure two nights properly — using Zimbabwe’s side as a frontier hub before continuing into Zambia.
Arriving into Victoria Falls International Airport from Johannesburg, the transition is immediate: warmer air, slower pace, and the unmistakable sense that you’re on the edge of something vast.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
For a short stay, Elephant Hills Resort offers one of the most practical and scenic bases in town.
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the resort provides:
Direct access to the Gary Player–designed Elephant Hills Golf Course
Large grounds ideal for walking or running
Close proximity to Victoria Falls town
Quick access to the Zimbabwe–Zambia border crossing
For travellers looking to combine activity with comfort, it’s a strong option.
Day One: Arrival & Cultural Immersion
Stretch the Legs
After check-in and arranging golf for the following morning, a short run around the resort grounds is the perfect way to adjust to the climate and time zone. The humidity and light shift quickly here — easing into it makes a difference.
Dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
For an engaging first evening, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show delivers an energetic introduction to Zimbabwean culture.
Expect:
A wide buffet of local specialities
Traditional music and dance
Interactive drumming
A lively, communal atmosphere
It’s informal, immersive and distinctly local — a strong opening to your Victoria Falls itinerary.
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.
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)
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders” — Victoria Falls offers the most panoramic views of the entire waterfall curtain.
Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls
A “Flight of Angels” provides aerial views of both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides — one of the best ways to appreciate the scale of the falls.
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
A classic Victoria Falls experience, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and elephants along the riverbanks.
Safari to Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve and can be accessed as a day trip or overnight extension from Victoria Falls.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but water levels and temperatures significantly affect the experience.
From February to May, following the rainy season, the Zambezi is in full flood. This is when the falls are at their most dramatic, with immense water volume and towering spray. Visibility can be reduced by mist, but the scale is unforgettable.
June to August offers the best overall balance. Water levels remain strong, temperatures are cooler, and walking conditions are far more comfortable. This is also an excellent period to combine Victoria Falls with safari in Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Between September and November, water levels drop steadily. Rock formations become more visible, and Devil’s Pool on the Zambia side is typically accessible. However, this coincides with the hottest time of year, when 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.
20°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
Is 48 Hours in Victoria Falls Enough?
Yes — if structured deliberately.
Two nights allow you to:
Experience Zimbabwean culture
Play one of Africa’s most scenic golf courses
Walk across an international border
Position yourself perfectly for Zambia-side waterfall exploration
Add optional safari or helicopter experiences
Victoria Falls is not just a waterfall stop.
Used intelligently, it becomes a gateway to one of Southern Africa’s most compelling frontier landscapes.
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