3-Day Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls Experience
This concise 3-day Zimbabwean safari offers participants an exploration of Victoria Falls and its surrounding areas, providing opportunities for natural wonder appreciation and cultural interactions.
Duration: 3 Days
Places to Visit: Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls Town
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to Victoria Falls Town. The town, with a population of about 33,000, serves as the gateway to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Visit the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The falls are 1.7 km wide and drop 108 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. The local Tonga name for the falls is “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.”
Explore the Victoria Falls Rainforest, home to unique plant species adapted to the constant spray from the falls. Learn about the geological history of the falls and how they’ve shaped the surrounding landscape over millennia. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa, flowing through six countries before reaching the Indian Ocean. Learn about the Tonga people, who have lived along the Zambezi for centuries, and their traditional fishing methods.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel or similar
Day 2: Victoria Falls and Surrounding Areas
Start the day with a guided tour of Victoria Falls Town. Visit the local market to observe daily life and perhaps purchase some traditional crafts. Take a cultural tour of a nearby village to learn about Zimbabwean traditions. Participate in activities like traditional cooking, pottery making, or dance performances. Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes’ vision for a Cape-to-Cairo railway. The bridge offers views of the falls and the opportunity to learn about the region’s colonial history.
In the afternoon, visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about conservation efforts in the area. The trust works on various projects, including anti-poaching initiatives and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean dinner, featuring dishes such as sadza (maize meal porridge) and nyama (meat stew), while listening to local musicians perform.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel or similar
Day 3: Victoria Falls – Departure
Wake up early for a nature walk in the Victoria Falls National Park. The park covers 23 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Visit the Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village, where local artisans showcase their crafts. This provides an opportunity to support local communities and learn about traditional Zimbabwean art forms. Take a final view of the falls from the Zimbabwean side, appreciating the different perspectives offered by various viewing points.
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for departure, concluding the safari.
This 3-day Zimbabwean Safari offers participants a focused exploration of Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Despite the brief duration, the itinerary incorporates natural wonder appreciation, wildlife viewing, cultural interactions, and historical insights, providing a well-rounded experience of this remarkable region of Zimbabwe.