How to get to the Victoria Falls
If you're in Namibia, or South Africa there are some very good packages available that include flights and accommodations at Victoria Falls. Combining a safari in Botswana with a visit to the Victoria Falls is also an excellent option.Getting to Livingstone (Zambia)
By Plane
South African Airways has regular scheduled flights from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Livingstone.
Note: There's a departure tax of US $20.
By Train
- From South Africa: Starting in Johannesburg and Pretoria, trains run via the Messina-Beitbridge border crossing either via Bulawayo to Victoria Falls or to Harare.
- From Zambia: Trains from Lusaka take the Livingstone - Victoria Falls border crossing from where they continue to Bulawayo and terminate in Harare.
- From Zimbabwe: Cross the border at the town of Victoria Falls over the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, carry straight on this road for about 7 miles (11 kms).
- From Botswana: Cross the border at Kazungula by ferry, and continue east for about 37 miles (60 kms).
- From Lusaka: Livingstone is 290 miles (470 kms). Take the southbound Kafue Road out of Lusaka and just after the Kafue River Bridge, turn right towards Mazabuka. This road leads straight to Livingstone.
By Plane
- Air Zimbabwe has regular flights to Victoria Falls from Harare. Air Namibia flies from Windhoek and South African Airways fly from Johannesburg.
- There's a classic steam train ride from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. The wood paneled cars date back to the 1920's. The train is scheduled to depart daily but check in advance.
- Luxury trains departing from South Africa include a trip to the Victoria Falls: The Shongololo Express and Rovos Rail.
- Buses regularly travel between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. From there you can catch a bus to Harare or even Johannesburg (South Africa).
- From Zambia: You can walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- From Namibia: Intercape Bus Company offers twice weekly trips from Windhoek to the Victoria Falls on a luxury coach.
Where to Stay at the Victoria Falls
The most famous place to stay in Victoria Falls is the Victoria Falls Hotel on the Zimbabwean side. If you can't afford the hotel rates, it's worth going for lunch or a drink just to soak in the old colonial atmosphere.Both Livingstone and Victoria Falls have a variety of accommodation on offer. Discounted rates for hotels and self-catering apartments on both sides of the falls are offered by:
Budget accommodation includes the following:
In Livingstone (Zambia)
- Jollyboys Backpackers Lodge is the ultimate independent budget travelers place to stay. Friendly and informal you can opt for dorms, campsite or double rooms. The premises have a pool and offer free trips to the falls and they'll even pick you up for free from the airport.
- Fawlty Towers offers both private rooms and dorm rooms at very good prices. They offer lots of good packages for activities in and around the Victoria Falls.
- Kaazmein Lodge and Resort is still somewhat unfinished but has good budget accommodation available.
- Zambezi Waterfront Lodge offers a variety of accommodation in a very beautiful setting. The cheapest option here is a tented "adventure village".
- Victoria Falls Backpackers offers budget accommodation along with a pool, bar and even a viewing platform where you can see the Victoria Falls.
- Shoestrings Lodge offers a good variety of rooms and is situated right near town so you're close to shops and bars.
Victoria Falls Recommended Tour Operators
For local activitiesFor package tours
