ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE
Victoria Falls
A stay along the Zambezi River with direct access to Victoria Falls, river safaris, and visits to both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of the falls.
DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Victoria Falls & The Zambezi River
This portion of the itinerary combines Victoria Falls, a stay at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, and time on the Zambezi River. Spending two nights here allows visitors to experience both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of the falls while also enjoying a private river safari.
victoria falls
Experience Victoria Falls From Two Countries
Victoria Falls can be visited from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, with each side offering a different experience of the falls. During this itinerary, time is spent exploring both sides.
victoria falls from zambia
The Zambia side of Victoria Falls is easily accessible from the Royal Livingstone Hotel via a walking path that leads directly to the falls. Along the way, encounters with zebras, monkeys, and giraffes are common, making the walk part of the experience itself.
Several viewpoints are located along the trail, offering different perspectives of the falls as the Zambezi River plunges into the gorge below. One of the these is the Knife-Edge Bridge (pictured above), a suspension bridge that extends out toward the falls and provides the opportunity to both see and experience the falls. Depending on water levels, the mist can be so intense that visitors are often completely soaked while crossing.
victoria falls from zimbabwe
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is accessed via a private transfer from the Royal Livingstone Hotel. The journey begins with a drive to the Zambia–Zimbabwe border, where passports are checked before meeting a local guide on the Zimbabwe side. Along the way, the route crosses the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, offering views into the gorge below.
The Zimbabwe side features a network of trails and viewpoints that span nearly the entire length of the falls. Rainbows were visible from many of the viewpoints throughout the walk, while the changing perspective along the trail revealed different sections of the falls. As the route progresses, the mist becomes increasingly intense, at times partially obscuring the views while also highlighting the immense scale and power of Victoria Falls.
River Safari
Zambezi River Safari
A private river safari on the Zambezi River complements a visit to Victoria Falls by providing time on the water beyond the falls themselves. Traveling by boat allows access to quieter sections of the river that cannot be reached on foot.
During the safari, sightings included crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and a variety of birdlife. The slower pace of the river provided opportunities to observe wildlife along the shoreline while also exploring sections of the Zambezi beyond the falls.
The experience concluded with a picnic stop on a small island in the Zambezi River before returning to the Royal Livingstone Hotel.
The Royal Livingstone
Staying at the Royal Livingstone
The Royal Livingstone is located in Zambia along the Zambezi River, combining direct access to Victoria Falls with a riverfront setting. Wildlife frequently roams throughout the grounds, while sunsets, river views, and time spent along the water become part of everyday life at the hotel.
arrival at the Royal Livingstone
Traditional singers and dancers greet guests upon arrival before entering the hotel. During check-in, welcome drinks and brief neck massages provide a relaxing introduction to the stay.
wildlife on the grounds
Wildlife is frequently visible throughout the property, making animal encounters part of everyday life at the hotel. Zebras, giraffes, and monkeys are commonly seen throughout the grounds, while the mist from Victoria Falls is visible from many areas of the property.
along the zambezi river
Located directly on the Zambezi River, much of the experience centers around the water. The pool, walking paths, and riverfront seating areas provide opportunities to relax between activities while overlooking the river.
evenings at the royal livingstone
After a day spent exploring Victoria Falls or the Zambezi River, the Royal Livingstone provides opportunities to slow down and enjoy the property itself. Spa treatments, sunset views along the river, and time at the riverfront bar become part of the evening routine before dinner.
Traditional African performances take place during select evenings, while outdoor dining along the Zambezi River extends the experience well beyond the falls themselves.
Continue the Itinerary
Chobe
The next stop is Chobe National Park in Botswana, where a Chobe River Cruise and game drives provide opportunities to experience one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich safari regions.