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.