Victoria Falls 4-day Itinerary
Multiple countries
Where to go and what to see in Victoria Falls to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
Bucket list experience:
Zimbabwe
Credit Shutterstock.com/cordelia bua
Widely regarded as some of the best white-water rafting in the world, running the rapids formed by the Zambezi funnelling through the Batoka Gorge, is far and away the most popular adventure activity at Victoria Falls.
These are among the largest commercially rafted rapids in the world, and not for the faint-hearted. However, rafting companies take safety incredibly seriously and guides are trained in swift-water rescue and accredited by the International Rafting Federation.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Multiple countries
Where to go and what to see in Victoria Falls to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
Operators provide return transfers to the put-in point, where lifejackets and strict safety instructions are issued. Eight-man rafts are commonly used, with a professional guide on each raft.
The first 10 rapids below the Falls can only be run during low water (roughly July to January), while in other months rafters are restricted to half-day trips on rapids 11-25 downstream.
From August to December multi-day rafting trips are offered, including overnight and multi-day trips.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Victoria Falls
$112 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [147 ratings]
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Victoria Falls
$120 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [64 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Livingstone
$120 | Rating 5 / 5 [19 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Livingstone
$130 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [27 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)
A historic hotel – Victoria Falls’ grand dame – that combines classic charm with unrivalled location, steps from the Falls.
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Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Cosy boutique hotel with an authentic African feel, right on the doorstep of the Victoria Falls.
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Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia
A five-star hotel with an unrivalled Falls location, luxury rooms and modern facilities… at a price.
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Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Modern safari-themed lodge offering easy access to the falls, and plenty of peace and quiet.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Zimbabwe
Paddle down the mighty Zambezi, spotting birds and big game including hippo, elephant and crocodile.
Best for ages: 12+ | £120 | 5 hours
Zimbabwe
Visiting Victoria Falls is not just about the Falls. Take the opportunity to experience a Big Five safari and get a taste of the real African bush.
Best for ages: 5+ | £120 | 3-4 hours
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)
One of the world’s greatest zip-lines – 425 metres across a scenic Gorge, over the churning Zambezi River, passing the dramatic spectacle of one of the world’s biggest waterfalls.
Best for ages: 10+ | £65 | 1-2 hours
Zimbabwe
A historic bridge over a famous gorge sets the scene for one of the most impressive and famous bungee jumps on the planet. Seriously white-knuckle aerial adventure.
Best for ages: 18+ | £130 | 2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)
Dating back to 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel occupies a dramatic promontory above the Batoka Gorge. It’s a view best enjoyed over the decadent platters served for afternoon tea, a much-loved tradition.
Best for ages: 14+ | £15 | 1-2 hours
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
This popular cafe, running by the reliable Wild Horizons, has a unrivalled location on the edge of Batoka Gorge. The outdoor terrace has stunning views. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner often with local specialities on the menu, like game meats and crocodile.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia
With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
There are countless rivers with rapids out there that you can ‘raft’, but there are some stand-outs – for the size of their rapids and/or for their exceptional setting. Here are our recommendations.