2 days Victoria Falls safari in Zambia.
2 days Victoria Falls safari in Zambia, For those who wish to see the finest of Victoria Falls and the surrounding wildlife in a short time, the 2-Day Victoria Falls Safari Adventure is an ideal option. With private guided tours of Victoria Falls and safari game drives in neighboring Zambezi National Park, this quick safari vacation provides an immersive experience. In a convenient, brief amount of time, the tour is intended to provide you with a thorough introduction to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world and its amazing biodiversity. The falls are commonly referred to as “The smoke that Thunders” and serve as gate way to exciting Zambia or Zimbabwe safari.
What are the Victoria Falls?
The Victoria Falls can be experienced from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides and are fed by the Zambezi River, which is shared by four countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Even though the falls are technically in Zambia, the views are even better on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambia side, Livingstone town provides the best entrance to the falls, while on the Zimbabwe side, it’s called the Victoria Falls town.
On both the Zambian and Zimbabwean parts of Victoria Falls, there is a lot of different kinds of plants and animals. National parks are full of animals like elephants, hippos, and several bird species. Though both countries are considered safe for tourists, it is advisable not to go to the outskirts of the town centres after nightfall because some animals may be crossing roadways.
How to get to Victoria Falls from Zambia
Taking a flight from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, connects you to Livingstone town in an hour. Small planes that carry less than 50 people are available. Many other flights connect from different international locations to Livingstone Airport.
When you get to Livingstone, you can opt to stay at one of the upscale but costly establishments on the riverbanks, which will provide you with easy access to the falls, which are less than five minutes away (walkable). If you can’t walk to the falls, you can stay in the town center, which is roughly 10 km away. If you’re traveling on a medium or low budget, taxis are a good choice because they’re affordable and easy to find.
Activities for a 2-day Zambia safari at Victoria Falls.
A 2-day safari in Zambia near Victoria Falls offers a plethora of exhilarating activities that highlight the area’s natural beauty. The following options are available to you, depending on whether you’re looking for a more laid-back trip or a flight rush.
Explore the Mosi- oa- Tunya National Park.
Hiking through this park brings you to the best viewpoints where you can enjoy the best views of the Victoria Falls. The key point areas in this park for viewing the falls are the Knife Edge bridge and Boiling Pot. Unless you are staying in premium hotels that charge park entrance fees together with the accommodation fees, Entrance fee to this park is $20 per person.
This park is an elephant migration route, so if you happen to visit in the right migration, time, you will see these large animals crossing the river. Other animals that find refuge in this park include buffalo, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species.
At the entrance of this park is a beautiful souvenir market with an array of trade items including clothes, crafts, handbags, wooden kitchen utensils, and plenty of carvings. Prices are negotiable, and you can pay in US dollars and in Zambian local currency (Kwacha). The best time to hike through this national park is September to December or February to May, which are dry months and allow better rock access.
Swim in the Devil’s pool
The Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool next to the Popular Livingstone Island, which is perched at the edge of the Victoria Falls. In the dry season of September to November, the water levels of the Zambezi River drop, giving clear visibility of the falls and the safest conditions for experienced swimmers to enjoy diving into the pool. Tourists who choose to enjoy an exciting swim to the edge of the falls always engage in a guided tour from Tongabezi Livingstone Island. Start with a short boat trip of 5-10 minutes from the Zambezi riverbank to Livingstone Island.
You will enjoy a guided tour of the island. When the water level is low, you will have a short swim with the help of guides and safety ropes. After the activity, you will sit down on the island for a picnic feast.
The pool is open from late August to early January; the best months are September to November, and it closes from February to July.
Tour to Livingstone Island
This is an activity at Victoria Falls that provides you with an experience of following in Dr David Livingstone’s footsteps as you tour the island, listen to its history, experience luxury dining, and soak up the sights. In certain seasons, you can even swim in Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the waterfall, but this largely depends on the water level and one’s swimming skills.
Your tour begins by a boat trip from the Livingstone Island launch site in Livingstone town to the Livingstone Island and ends with luxury picnic dining on the island. The guides will narrate the history of the island and the falls. A maximum of 16 people is allowed to visit the island per trip and children below 12 years are not allowed for this activity. On this island, the European explorer David Livingstone saw and named the Victoria Falls after the Queen of England. Nothing on the Island is permanent unless David Livingstone Memorial plaque.
Micro light or Helicopter Flights over the falls
Using Micro light or Helicopter flights is one of the best ways to enjoy the Victoria Falls from an aerial perspective. It was discovered by Dr David Livingstone, and from his words,” Scenes so lovely must have been gazed by angels in their Flight”, the idea of helicopter flights was derived, developed, and is now the most interesting and adventurous way of exploring the Victoria Falls.
An exhilarating helicopter trip provides a bird’s-eye perspective of views beyond the falls and an appreciation of nature. A microlight is an open aircraft and is often used by solo travellers as it’s a two-seater to be occupied by the tourist and the pilot. A helicopter is a closed aircraft that carries 4-6 people, depending on its size. Whether you use a microlight or a helicopter, the experience remains the same. You will appreciate the beauty of the Zambezi River, Mosi -oa- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, wildlife, surrounding islands, gorges, and the natural setup of the Victoria Falls. There is no age limit for those to be involved in the flight, and flight time is between 15 – 25 minutes.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
A great way to unwind and take in the breathtaking splendor of the Zambezi River is to take a sunset boat. As the sun disappears behind the African skyline, flocks of birds skim the coastline. Visitors may be able to witness a range of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and hippos, in addition to numerous bird species. Sunset cruises are conducted all year round, but in winter (April to August), tourists are advised to carry warm clothing. Additional gear could be sun protection, sunscreen, and insect repellents. The cruise lasts for 2 hours, after which you can join a romantic dinner as you float on the falls.
Visit the Elephant Cafe
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the African elephant and a luring dining moment on the banks of the upper Zambezi River. This fine restaurant was built close to the elephant sanctuary and gives tourists a chance to interact with the gentle African elephants and then later enjoy a locally sourced gourmet meal. These elephants were rescued from the wild from severe drought, and the young ones are born from within. The experience starts with a 20-minute cruise from your lodging up the Zambezi River to the cafe. Alternatively, the cafe can be reached after a game drive through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park then connect to the cafe.
On arrival, you will meet the rescued elephants, with their calves, and spend some time feeding them as you listen to stories about their lives and how they came to live in this place. You will later go into the tented cafe, kick off with a champagne cocktail and, then, a fine meal prepared from wild ingredients and local Zambian foods. It’s a memorable experience.
Game drives / walking safaris in Mosi -oa – Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
As you plan your 2 days Victoria Falls to Zambia side, think of a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This park is home to several wildlife including white rhinos, buffalo, elephants, antelopes as well as bird species. since animal sightings are not guaranteed, tourists are advised to drive in the park with expert park guides who always know the best spots for the animals.
An alternative activity in this part is a walking safari. Walking safaris are always arranged at the accommodation, and walking time is approximately 3 hours, depending on your pace. With the leadership of your guide, you will follow the rhino tracks as you see more animals in the wilderness. Ask questions and discuss with your guide any aspect that particularly interests you. Your guide will find a suitable spot for refreshment while in the wild. At the end of the walk, you will meet up with your driver guide to transfer you back to the accommodation.
Adventure activities in Batoka Gorge
Batoka Gorge is an amazing canyon carved by the river Zambezi, stretching downstream from Victoria Falls across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. The gorge features towering basalt cliffs up to 140m deep and zigzag chasms formed over millennia by erosion flowing towards Lake Kariba. In the gorge are popular thrilling activities one can get involved in while on your Zambia safari. some of these activities include white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, kayaking, canoeing, and abseiling. Participating in any of these activities largely depends on the season and water levels on the Zambezi River.
Visiting the Livingstone Museum
Visiting the Livingstone Museum is one of the best ways to discover the culture and natural heritage of Zambia. It was established in 1934 and is located in the centre of Livingstone town It is the largest and the oldest museum in Zambia, with showcases of Zambian archaeology, history, culture, and tradition. The museum has paintings by local artists and the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr David Livingstone, maps and diaries. The museum has five major galleries including the Livingstone gallery with exhibits of all the information about dr David Living stone, and all his material he used during his adventures, the history gallery covering all Zambian history from precolonial rule, colonial times, independence and a beyond, archaeological gallery showcasing all the early works and artefacts like stone age tools, the ethnological and art gallery show casing traditional crafts, cultural practices, musical instruments and local art, and natural history gallery that exhibits the Zambia’s wildlife (fauna and flora). Outside the museum is the explorer’s monument (David Livingstone).
Where to stay while on a Victoria Falls safari in Zambia.
There are several lodging choices in Victoria Falls to suit a range of tastes and preferences. Visitors can select the kind of lodging that best meets their budget, from opulent safari hotels with views of the Zambezi River to quaint tented camps tucked away in the forest. Accommodations range greatly in price, with mid-range lodges and tented camps providing immersive and comfortable lodgings with all the facilities you need and close to the area’s main attractions. Some of the accommodation options fit for your Zambia safari along the Victoria side include Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel, The David Livingstone Hotel, Avani Victoria Falls resort, Palm River Hotel, The River Club, Tongabezi Lodge, Toka Leya camp, Mpala Jena Camp, Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Tsowa safari Island and many others.
The best time to visit the Victoria Falls on the Zambia side.
The best time to visit the Victoria Falls on the Zambia side depends on the activities you wish to take part. In February–May, the water volumes on the Zambezi River are so high, and the falls are more spectacular and powerful. However, activities like white water rafting and the Devil’s Pool are not recommended. In the dry season from June to October, the views of the falls are clear and activities like swimming in the devil’s pool are possible, but some parts of the falls appear dry due to reduced water levels. From November to December, the weather is so conducive for viewing wildlife in the nearby national parks, though the water levels are still low. Therefore, the time you choose for your Victoria Falls Safari to the Zambia side largely depends on your interests.
