Budget safari holiday in Victoria Falls

How to have a budget-conscious trip

Both Zambia and Zimbabwe have some great lodging options for budget travellers: your options include campsites on the banks of the Zambezi, friendly backpackers and well-run guesthouses. For a bush experience you can also camp in the Zambezi National Park (on the Zimbabwean side). The best way to save money on food is to prepare your own meals: some of the backpackers offer communal kitchens.

While many of the activities on offer in Vic Falls are on the pricier side – most start at around US$50 – there’s plenty to do that doesn’t cost much, such as the Boiling Pot Hike and hiking down into Batoka Gorge, as well as hiring a bicycle to explore Livingstone or Victoria Falls.

Zambia is generally cheaper than Zimbabwe: lodging and food costs are lower, and the entrance fee to see the falls is also cheaper. If your main consideration for which side to stay on is cost related, then it makes sense to stay in Zambia.

If you’d like to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, make sure that you ask for a KAZA Uni-Visa on arrival in either Zambia or Zimbabwe, otherwise you’ll have to pay for a separate visa to enter the other country, which is more expensive.

If you travel during the low season of November to April – the rainiest months of the year – then you’ll be able to get the lowest rates on rooms and packages.

Victoria Falls in December

Climate December is slightly cooler than November but still a hot month with daytime temperatures averaging 31C. It’s also the second wettest month of the year (after January), so most days you’ll get an afternoon thundershower. Highlights of the month The Zambezi River is low in December, so the falls are much less dramatic than earlier in the year. The waterfalls can also…

Victoria Falls in Zambia

Region explained Since Zimbabwe’s economic and political troubles started in the 2000s, Zambia has taken over as the most popular destination to visit Victoria Falls. The laidback town of Livingstone, which lies 11 kilometres from the falls, has an excellent set up for tourists, from lodging that suits every budget and great restaurants to tons of adventure and cultural…

Victoria Falls in October

Climate October is known as “Suicide Month”: this is the hottest month of the year with an average of 34C for day time temperatures but the highs can go above 40C. Highlights of the month With no rains for months, the water in the Zambezi River starts to run low and by the end of the month, in some years, the falls can dry up in Zambia. Coming right at the end of the dry season,…

Victoria Falls in January

Climate January is mid-summer in Victoria Falls: it’s hot – the maximum average temperature is 31C – and rainy with afternoon thundershowers most afternoons. It’s the wettest month of the year. Highlights of the month The Zambezi River is starting to rise from the summer rains, which means there’s a lot of mist and spray at Victoria Falls. While wildlife viewing is not…

Victoria Falls in March

Climate March is another warm, humid, rainy month in Victoria Falls with frequent afternoon thundershowers and average daytime highs of 31C. Highlights of the month The Zambezi River is full of water from the summer rains, which means that Victoria Falls is pumping at full volume: expect to see a dramatic spectacle with a soundtrack of roaring thunder, and lots of mist and spray (which…

Family holiday in Victoria Falls

Kids of all ages will love visiting Victoria Falls: seeing the world’s biggest waterfall and getting drenched by mist and spray ranks up there with the best travel experiences in the world. Apart from the thrill of exploring the waterfall, the activities on offer in the area couldn’t be more exciting, and many of them are suitable for young kids. Meanwhile, for teenagers aged 14 or…

Popular Victoria Falls Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates