Zambia and Zimbabwe

Few African destinations can compete with Victoria Falls for sheer visual drama. At its full, roaring peak, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ is one of the continent’s most mesmerising sights, leaving visitors lightly soaked and absolutely exhilarated at the same time. The falls are on the mighty Zambezi river, which means you can see them from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. Arguably, the best on-foot views are from Zimbabwe’s side – so lovely, in fact, that explorer David Livingstone declared they must have been gazed on by angels.

But while these views have won it international fame, Zimbabwe is so much more than Victoria Falls: it is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding big game safari destinations.

Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve is Hwange National Park, a short drive from Victoria Falls and home to a full cast of your favourite mammals, from lions, leopards and hyenas to big herds of elephant and buffalo, elegant antelope, giraffe and zebra. Add to these characters the wildlife of the Zambezi River – hippos, crocodiles and shy water buck and you’re on safari in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, where activities include game drives, canoe adventures and walking safaris.

What To Pack

Good quality sunglasses. Sun hat – essential. High factor suntan lotion. Casual day clothes such as T-shirts & shorts. Vic Falls and Livingstone are casual places and mostly shorts and T’s are the rule. Some lodges/hotels (such as the Livingstone Room at the Victoria Falls Hotel) have a smart-casual dress code for evening. A long sleeve shirt is useful for both covering up from the sun and as something light to put on when temperatures cool. Warm clothes for the winter months (May to August) such as a beanie, scarf, warm jacket and gloves. The days are warm, but nights can be very cool. A few light layers are best so that you can peel off as the day warms up. Comfortable walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine). Thongs/flip flops. Plastic or rubber shoes such as Hi-Tecs or are very useful when rafting and for visiting the rainforest as in high water months your shoes (and your clothes) will get wet! A couple of plastic bags such as shopping bags. We find these particularly useful for transporting wet shoes or clothes. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April) Swimming costume. If you are planning to go rafting, we recommend long shorts such as board shorts to prevent your knees from burning in the sun. Malaria tablets and mosquito repellent.

When To Visit

With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and a low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally seen as the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game viewing, although September and October are extremely hot and dry months. The best time to travel to Victoria Falls is at the end of the summer rainy season, when the Falls are in full flood, between April and May for the most dramatic viewings.