Independent Victoria Falls Trip Report

Liza, her husband and two of their friends went on a short Victoria Falls trip near the end of the rainy season. She shared the experience with me via e-mail:

Victoria Falls viewed from the Zimbabwe side

Table of Contents
Accommodation
Food
Weather
Typical day
Wildlife
Local People
Highlights
Disappointments
Tips and advice

Where did you stay on your Victoria Falls trip and what was the accommodation like?

We stayed at JollyBoys Backpackers in Livingstone, camping. It's behind the museum and just off the town's main road, about 10-15 minute's drive from the Vic Falls.

The camping area was small but very nice, the facilities great and clean (hot showers).

There is a swimming pool, with great deck chairs around, big trees in the garden, a small bar and seating area, a pool table and table tennis. There are many cosy and nice spaces and big cushions to sit and relax.

There was a free delivery service to the Falls every morning at 10am. The trip back with a taxi was 25 000 Kwacha (or $4).

The backpackers picked us up from the airport free of charge.

How was the food?

Back to the Questions

JollyBoys has a good size self-catering kitchen with hot plates, a kettle, mugs, crockery and cutlery. We used the kitchen in the mornings and went out for dinner. There is a supermarket within walking distance from the backpackers.

A menu for breakfast and lunch was available. For supper you had to pre-book the set-meal for the evening, anything from a BBQ, local food etc.

A Mosi beer costs around 7000 Kwacha.

How was the weather?

Back to the Questions

The weather during our Victoria Falls trip was hot and sunny, about 30-40°C (86-104°F).

Please describe a typical day of your trip.

Back to the Questions

After breakfast we'd head off to the Falls at 10am.

The one day we looked at the Falls from the Zambian side, and the next day we walked over the bridge to the Zimbabwean side to view it from there. (Need your passport and possibly a visa, but very easy to do, if you don't want to walk there are many taxi's.)

We did lots of walking.

Late afternoon we returned and rested before going out to find supper.

Viewing from the Zambian side, at one point you cross a small bridge ("Knife-edge"), one of the reasons we got soaking wet. After getting that wet on the first day, we tried to be more prepared on the second day when we viewed the Falls from the Zimbabwean side by dressing in swimming tops and the guys without shirts, but it didn't really help. The spray was more like rain!

Did you see any wildlife during your visit to Zambia and Zimbabwe?

Back to the Questions

We went on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and we saw a hippo in the water, only his head and he disappeared quickly under water. We saw a giraffe and waterbuck in the distance.

We also saw a baby crocodile on the banks, but were suspicious if it was real, as it looked very still and a bit plastic.

Did you get to meet any local people?

Back to the Questions

We met Everince our Zambian taxi driver. We also went to the Presbyterian Church on the Sunday and met the Minister.

The people at the market - where there are lots of stalls! - were very eager to sell their goods and were even prepared to swop it for the socks and clothes that we were wearing.

What was the highlight of your Victoria Falls trip?

Back to the Questions

The Falls! The massive force of the waterfall was very impressive.

Were there any disappointments or regrets?

Back to the Questions

Due to the high-water levels no water activities were open, we would have liked to river-raft.

Any advice for others planning a similar trip?

Victoria Falls If you're going on a Victoria Falls trip in high-season the spray (more accurate: rainstorm) is so high and you are guaranteed to get soaking wet looking at the Falls.

When it is so hot, you dry easily but it will be wise to get a waterproof bag to keep you camera and passport in.

What was the most useful item in your luggage?

Mosquito repellent - although we didn't even see one.

Get African Safari Journals' comprehensive packing list...

... and if you plan to camp like Liza, check out the camping pack list too.


Safari Location: Victoria Falls Zambia
Safari Company Used: Independent trip
Duration: 4 days in April
Traveller Details: Liza van der Walt, South Africa
Rates & Availability: Plan your own safari. Make a Victoria Falls Trip enquiry

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