Victoria Falls & Chobe: Experiencing Southern Africa’s Greatest Natural Wonder from 3 Countries

Arriving in Zimbabwe: Harare & the Bronte Garden Hotel

Our Southern Africa leg began with a flight from Zanzibar to Harare, Zimbabwe, where we overnighted at the Bronte Garden Hotel. This is a historic property with a quiet, literary character—the kind of place where you immediately want to slow down, sit in the garden, and stay longer than planned. We had dinner at the hotel and enjoyed the grounds before flying to Victoria Falls the next morning. For clients transiting through Harare, the Bronte Hotel is an elegant overnight option that feels worlds apart from a standard airport hotel. However, the standard rooms are small and basic, so I recommend reserving the executive suite, which is not that much more expensive.

Photo by Summer Hartley

Three nights on the Zimbabwe side

• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: An adventure traveler's base

We chose the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for our three-night stay. It's important to know that this is a four-star property, not five-star—and for this kind of trip, that was perfectly fine. Victoria Falls is an activity-driven destination. You're out doing things all day—helicopter tours, falls walks, dinner cruises—and the lodge delivered exactly what we needed: excellent positioning and a genuine connection to the bush.

The lodge sits on a ridge overlooking a natural watering hole, and this feature alone made it special. From the room balcony and the lodge bar, we watched elephants, zebras, and other animals come to drink as the sun went down—no game drive required, no schedule to keep. It became our morning and nightly ritual, and one of the most relaxing experiences of the entire Africa trip.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a bottle of wine. The décor is classic safari style—dark wood, framed wildlife photography, warm textures. The property also houses a gallery showcasing work by high-end local Zimbabwean artists. The dining features wild game options, including warthog and other regional specialties, alongside more conventional choices.

• For those seeking elevated properties on the Zimbabwe side

Not everyone is comfortable with a four-star property, even on an adventure trip. For those who want a more elevated Victoria Falls experience with a higher tier of accommodation, I would recommend
Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel, a refined property that combines proximity to the Falls with polished service and design. Well-suited for couples and honeymoons.

Another option is Victoria Falls River Lodge, positioned on the Zambezi River with a more intimate, nature-forward atmosphere. An excellent choice for clients who want a premium experience without being in the town center.

Photo by Summer Hartley

The helicopter tour: Chikopokopo Helicopters

The helicopter tour was the single most impactful way we experienced Victoria Falls. We booked with Chikopokopo Helicopters, and the 45-minute flight provided a perspective that no ground-level visit can replicate.

The operation was thoroughly professional. An air-conditioned vehicle picked us up at the hotel for the 10-minute drive to the launch pad. There, we watched a mandatory safety video, signed waivers, and were weighed—weight disclosure is required at booking, as it affects helicopter balance and seating configuration. Then we were airborne.

From the air, Victoria Falls reveals its true scale. The full curtain of water—over a mile wide—drops into the gorge below, generating a column of spray visible from miles away. The rainbow that forms in the mist, the Zambezi River winding away downstream, and the lush vegetation clinging to the gorge walls all came into view simultaneously. This is the only way to truly comprehend the vastness of the falls.

Photo by Summer Hartley

The Zambezi dinner cruise

The evening Zambezi dinner cruise was one of the most atmospheric experiences of the trip. We booked with Pure Africa and sailed on the Zambezi Breeze, a vessel accommodating roughly 20 guests on the lower dining deck, with an upper observation deck above.

The format is a four-course seated dinner at a private table, prepared onboard by a dedicated chef. The bar is fully open—wine, beer, and cocktails included—and the service was attentive without being intrusive. The boat moves slowly along the Zambezi River, and the sunset views from the open-sided vessel were spectacular.

What elevated this beyond a standard dinner cruise was the wildlife. During the sailing, we spotted hippos surfacing near the banks, crocodiles along the shore, and elephants drinking at the water's edge. The combination of candlelit dining, open bar, golden-hour light on the river, and wild animals in the immediate surroundings made for an evening that felt both polished and genuinely wild.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the experience.

Photo by Summer Hartley

Crossing to Zambia: The falls walk, the Knife Edge Bridge & more border crossing logistics

The border crossing from Zimbabwe to Zambia was one of the easiest international transitions of the entire trip. We took a taxi to the border post, stepped out, and had our paperwork completed within minutes. The taxi driver—who makes the crossing regularly—guided us through each step efficiently. Zimbabwe has enacted legislation curbing aggressive tourist solicitation, and the difference from years past when I last visited was immediately noticeable. Locals on the Zimbabwe side were consistently respectful and welcoming.

Walking Victoria Falls from the Zambia side: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Once across in Zambia, we took a taxi to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to walk the falls trail, and this was one of the most rewarding experiences of the entire Victoria Falls visit. The walk is approximately a mile long and follows the edge of the gorge through a series of viewpoints, each offering a different angle on the falls. You're significantly closer to the water than on the Zimbabwe side—close enough to be thoroughly soaked by the spray at several points.

The trail culminates at the Knife Edge Bridge, a narrow walkway that extends out over the gorge and delivers the most dramatic view of the Eastern Cataract. You're standing directly across from the main curtain of water, with the gorge dropping away beneath you and spray enveloping everything. It's a visceral, immersive experience that the Zimbabwe side—with its broader, more sectioned views—simply can't replicate. Together, the two perspectives give the full picture. I would strongly encourage clients to see the falls from both countries.

Photo by Summer Hartley

Devil's Pool: A seasonal adventure experience

For younger, more adventurous clients, it's worth mentioning Devil's Pool—a natural rock pool at the very lip of Victoria Falls that becomes accessible during the dry season (roughly September through December) when water levels drop sufficiently. Guided trips take small groups to the pool, where you can swim to the edge of the 100-meter drop and look directly over. I did this in my 20s, and it remains one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.

This is not for every client. It requires comfort with heights, a willingness to trust the guides, and an appetite for genuine adrenaline. But for the right traveler—particularly younger adventurers, bachelor/bachelorette groups, or thrill-seeking couples—it's an unforgettable addition.

Adventure activities at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has become one of Africa's foremost adventure destinations, and the range of activities available from both sides of the border is worth highlighting for the right clients.

Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the most iconic jumps in the world—111 meters above the Zambezi River, with the gorge and falls spray as your backdrop. The bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, and jumps can be booked from either side. There are a couple operators offering this experience; I recommend using Shearwater Victoria Falls.

Whitewater rafting on the Zambezi below the falls features world-class Grade 5 rapids. This draws serious rafters internationally and is considered one of the top commercial rafting experiences on the planet. Shearwater is an operator with good safety standards and Shockwave Adventures on the Zimbabwe side is another option.

Kayaking on the upper Zambezi offers a more measured but equally scenic experience, particularly beautiful at sunset. For this experience, I recommend using River Wild Safaris operating out of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

All activities are operated by well-established local companies and can be booked through hotels or tour operators on either side. For clients whose trip leans adventure-forward rather than pure relaxation, Victoria Falls could easily fill four to five full days of active programming.

Photo by Summer Hartley

Dining in Livingstone: The Golden Leaf

We discovered the Golden Leaf Indian Restaurant in Livingstone, and it was one of the best meals of the Southern Africa leg. Indian cuisine has a strong presence across East and Southern Africa. For clients spending a night or two on the Zambia side, the Golden Leaf is a dinner worth building into the itinerary alongside the falls walk and any adventure activities.

Chobe National Park: A full-day safari from Livingstone into Botswana

From our hotel in Livingstone, we booked a full-day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana through Cherish Travel and Tours. This is approximately a 10-hour day door-to-door—a meaningful commitment—but the experience is well worth the time for anyone who wants to add a Botswana safari element without extending the trip by multiple nights.

Photo by Summer Hartley

• Getting there & the morning game drive

A driver from Cherish Travel and Tours picked us up at our hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and facilitated the border crossing into Botswana. The drive to the park was a couple of hours, but it was far from empty time—we spotted monkeys, zebras, and a rare rhino along the way. Our driver was visibly excited about the rhino, which underscored how uncommon the encounter was.

The morning game drive was conducted in a small group of six, which kept the experience intimate and allowed the guide to be responsive to sightings. We saw lions in the open savannah, then drove down to the banks of the Chobe River, where the concentration of elephants was extraordinary. Entire herds were drinking, bathing, and playing in the mud along the riverbank. Hippos surfaced in the shallows, and crocodiles sunned themselves on the banks. Having completed a Serengeti safari earlier in our trip, I appreciated how different Chobe felt—the landscape is more riverine, and the density of elephants along the water is unlike anything in East Africa.

• The afternoon river safari

After lunch at a riverside restaurant, we boarded a covered boat for the afternoon river safari. The midday heat on the water was intense—sunscreen is essential, though the boat's canopy provided welcome shade. From the water, we saw more hippos and crocodiles, and the perspective of watching elephants from river level rather than from a vehicle created a completely different kind of encounter.

We were back in Livingstone by late afternoon. For clients who want to experience Botswana without adding multiple hotel nights to an already complex itinerary, this full-day trip is an excellent solution.

Chobe River; Photo by Summer Hartley

Recommended hotels on the Zambia side

The property we stayed at in Zambia did not meet our expectations, so rather than featuring it, I would direct clients to these alternatives:

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara is a well-positioned property with refined service and direct access to the falls area. The premier option on the Zambia side for clients who want a polished experience.

Mukwa River Lodge is a smaller, character-driven option on the Zambezi River with a more intimate atmosphere. Good for clients who prefer boutique properties over larger hotels.

The helicopter tour is non-negotiable. Everyone visiting Victoria Falls should book the Chikopokopo Helicopters tour. No ground-level visit can convey the full scale of the falls.

See Victoria Falls from both sides. The Zimbabwe and Zambia views are different and complementary. The Knife Edge Bridge walk on the Zambia side is essential. The border crossing is fast and easy.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is four-star. It's excellent for adventure-focused travelers who are out all day, but for travelers expecting a five-star property, I recommend the Anantara Stanley & Livingstone or the Victoria Falls River Lodge on the Zimbabwe side.

The Chobe day trip is a 10-hour commitment. Book through Cherish Travel and Tours from Livingstone. It includes morning game drive, lunch, and afternoon river safari. Worth it for those who want to experience Botswana without additional hotel nights.

Adventure activities expand the itinerary. Bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and kayaking are all available from both sides. For younger clients, groups, or adventure-forward travelers, Victoria Falls can fill four to five days easily.

Devil's Pool is seasonal. Only accessible during the dry season (September through December) from the Zambia side of the falls. If this is an experience priority, trip timing must account for water levels.

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