What to do with 48 Hours in Victoria Falls

Spending 48 Hours in Victoria Falls is a must for guests who want to gaze on the majesty of the Victoria Falls and explore the surrounding area. Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and on the UNESCO natural places list and is also called Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “The smoke that thunders”. There is so much to see, to do and to experience which makes Victoria Falls the ideal stop, either for a quick break or at the start or end of a safari to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.

We discuss when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls and which side is best here. In summary, Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, even at low water, the falls are spectacular. A new KAZA visa for Zimbabwe and Zambia is multiple entries which ensure you can stay on either side and still enjoy all there is to do. There is a wide range of hotels and lodges to stay in on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the falls.

Day 1 in Victoria Falls:

Starting your 48 hours in Victoria Falls in the early afternoon, you will settle into your hotel and unpack, have a swim or a snack in the restaurant. You will be collected for your first activity, a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. We love the intimate Ra-Ikane sunset cruise, captained by local guides who know their river, the birds and the wildlife to be seen on the banks. Drinks and delicious snacks are provided, as are return transfers from your hotel. You will return to your hotel after the sun has set for dinner. If you are staying on the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls, you can also visit the Palms Restaurant at Ilala Lodge and the Livingstone Room at The Victoria Falls Hotel for dinner.

Day 2 in Victoria Falls:

The next morning, after your sumptuous breakfast you will be taken to enjoy a helicopter flip over the falls. Viewing Victoria Falls and the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Songwe Gorges plus the Zambezi River from the air gives you a unique view and understanding of this natural wonder. This is a quick excursion, only 15 minutes.

Once you land your guide will take you on your 2 hour walking Tour of The Falls (Zimbabwe Side). Best to pack a plastic poncho and change of shoes as it is always “raining” in the rain forest! This is an easy 2km circular route which visits 16 of the 19 viewpoints, starting with a statue of David Livingstone and the Devils Cataract. From there you will view the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and finally, the Eastern Cataract. The Eastern Cataract is best viewed from the Zambia Side, you can always walk there on your own and explore. The Zambia Side has lots of stairs and is not suitable for those with walking issues.

After your guided tour you can either pop back to your hotel to change or just change your shoes before heading to the LookOut Café. Overlooking the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, the Lookout Café is a perfect stop for your light lunch. For the intrepid, before lunch enjoy a zip line experience, which your group can watch from the café. After lunch, you will have some time to explore the town or head back to your hotel for a well-deserved swim.

Mid-afternoon will see you set off to the old world charm of The Victoria Falls Hotel for a decadent high tea with a G&T. make your way back to your hotel and perhaps enjoy a snack in the bar or restaurant.

Day 3 in Victoria Falls:

After breakfast on your last morning, we suggest that you explore the markets of Victoria Falls. Stone and wood carvings are what Zimbabwe is known for and perhaps select a few to take home with you. The large markets behind Ilala Lodge also have other unique Zimbabwean products to view.

You will then be collected and returned to the airport for your onward travel, or driven over the border to Botswana or Zambia for your safari.

Other Activities include a unique canopy tour, canoeing safaris, birdwatching tours, game drives, elephant interactions with lunch, bungee jumping and so much more. There is so much to do that we do suggest that you spend 3 nights if you have the time!