Our Stay at Victoria Falls

After an unforgettable few days exploring the wilderness of Botswana, our journey continued with one final light aircraft flight that would take us towards one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.

We boarded our small aircraft for the final leg of the trip, flying for around one hour and ten minutes before landing in Kasane. The airport itself is small and relaxed, still technically within Botswana, but perfectly positioned close to both the Zimbabwean and Zambian borders.

As soon as we stepped off the aircraft we were greeted by a friendly driver who collected our luggage and explained that he would be taking us to the border crossing, where we would meet another driver on the Zimbabwe side. The journey to the border was short, around fifteen minutes, and the process itself was surprisingly straightforward.

We were first stamped out of Botswana, before driving a short distance to the Zimbabwe immigration office where we purchased our visas. For UK citizens this currently costs $55 USD, after which our passports were stamped and we officially entered Zimbabwe. Once through the border, we met our next driver and began the journey towards our final lodge of the trip.

Arriving at Zambezi Sands

Our destination was Zambezi Sands, a beautiful lodge tucked away within Zambezi National Park, overlooking the mighty Zambezi River.

The drive from the border took around forty minutes before we reached the edge of the national park. Here we were dropped off and introduced to our guide for the next three days, Martin. After loading our bags into the safari jeep, he welcomed us with cold drinks and branded water bottles before explaining that the final stretch to camp would effectively be a game drive.

The lodge sits deep within the park, meaning the drive to camp takes around forty-five minutes through the wilderness itself.

Almost immediately we were reminded that we were firmly back in safari territory. Along the route we encountered a large bull elephant slowly making his way across the track ahead of us, calmly wandering through the bush as if he owned the place. It felt like the perfect welcome to Zimbabwe. Before long we reached the lodge.

A Warm African Welcome

As we pulled into camp, the team were waiting to greet us with singing and huge smiles. It was one of those warm, genuine welcomes that safari lodges do so beautifully.

We met the lodge manager before sitting down for lunch overlooking the river. The meal was incredible – fresh, flavourful and relaxed – finishing with homemade ice cream which felt particularly welcome in the afternoon heat.

After lunch we were shown to our suite, and it was truly spectacular.

Our room featured a huge bed, a lounge area, a spacious bathroom and even our own private plunge pool overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Like many safari lodges, the design blends luxury with nature, allowing you to feel immersed in the landscape while still enjoying complete comfort.

The next few hours were spent unpacking, relaxing and simply taking in the view before our evening activity began.

Sunset on the Zambezi

At five o’clock we set out for our evening activity, opting for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.

The weather was perfect, the atmosphere relaxed, and the scenery breathtaking as the boat drifted slowly along the river. About halfway through the cruise we spotted a small baby crocodile resting on a sandy island. As we approached, it quickly scurried back into the water, and our guide decided that this little island would be the perfect place to stop for a sundowner picnic.

Although I was slightly nervous knowing there had been a crocodile nearby, it turned out to be a beautiful moment. We enjoyed gin and tonics and snacks while watching the river quietly flow past.

In the distance we noticed a herd of elephants crossing the river towards a nearby island. Our guide explained that elephants frequently swim across to this island as the grass there is particularly lush. We quickly packed up and moved closer to watch the scene unfold.

Seeing elephants crossing the river with the sun setting behind them was one of those unforgettable safari moments.

After returning to camp we gathered around the fire for drinks, enjoyed a delicious dinner and then headed to bed ready for the following day’s adventures.

Visiting Victoria Falls

The next morning began with an early game drive followed by a delicious bush breakfast before transferring into Victoria Falls town.

Our guide Martin accompanied us throughout the tour, guiding us through each of the viewpoints within the national park. There are roughly sixteen viewpoints along the walking path, each offering a different perspective of the Falls.

Standing in front of Victoria Falls is an experience that is difficult to fully describe. The sheer volume of water crashing into the gorge below is immense, and the spray created by the falls rises so powerfully that it feels almost like rain.

In fact, the mist rises upwards from the gorge and falls back down again, creating the strange sensation of standing in “upside-down rain.”

The force of the water is so strong that it creates a constant cloud of mist above the falls, visible from miles away.

Storms and Helicopter Plans

Just as we finished exploring the viewpoints, a large storm rolled in. Fortunately, by that point we were already soaked from the spray of the falls, so the rain didn’t bother us too much.

However, we were scheduled to take a helicopter flight over the falls that afternoon.

After waiting for a while and realising the weather showed no sign of improving, we made the decision alongside our guide to postpone the flight until the following morning. It turned out to be the right call.

Back at the lodge we enjoyed a quick lunch before retreating to our room, where the rain continued heavily throughout the entire evening. Armed with umbrellas we made our way to dinner before heading to bed, hoping the skies would clear for our rescheduled flight.

A Helicopter Over the Falls

Thankfully the following morning dawned clear.

Our helicopter ride had been rescheduled for 8am, meaning another early start but one we were very excited for. I had pre-booked the 25-minute helicopter flight, which also included flying out over Zambezi National Park.

Seeing the landscape from the air was incredible. From above we spotted wildlife moving across the park, and even the elephants looked surprisingly small from that height.

As we approached the falls themselves, the true scale of Victoria Falls became clear. From the ground it already feels enormous, but seeing the entire waterfall stretching across the gorge from above really puts its size into perspective.

It was an extraordinary experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Visiting a Local Village

Later that day we visited a local village to learn more about rural life in Zimbabwe.

Villages here are typically communal homesteads where extended families live together. The family we visited welcomed us warmly and gave us a tour of their home.

Their homestead consisted of several clay huts with traditional thatched roofs. Four were used as bedrooms while two served as kitchens.

The family live almost entirely off their land, raising chickens and cattle which they trade locally for other goods such as clothing, beds and household items. One particularly interesting system involved using cow dung to generate gas for cooking – a sustainable solution installed through a charitable initiative alongside a small toilet block.

Life here is simple. There is no electricity or running water, although a nearby well provides clean drinking water for the community.

The family explained that one of their biggest challenges is wildlife entering the village and killing livestock. Despite these difficulties, they were incredibly welcoming and open about their lives. Most striking of all was how happy and content they seemed within their community.

It was a humbling and eye-opening experience.

A Perfect End to an Unforgettable Trip

That evening we headed out on one final game drive before enjoying our last sundowner overlooking the river.

After dinner we turned in early, knowing the next day would involve a long journey home.

Our time in Botswana and Zimbabwe had been extraordinary, from the wildlife encounters in the Okavango Delta to the sheer power of Victoria Falls itself.

It was the kind of trip that reminds you just how vast and wild Africa truly is.

And one thing is certain, we will absolutely be back.