How to Spend THREE DAYS in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: 3-Day Itinerary 

Planning a short trip to Victoria Falls? You’ve come to the right place. 

Victoria Falls may be a small town, but being right by the Zambezi River and surrounded by national parks means there’s lots to do beyond just staring at the falls themselves. You can take a helicopter ride or zip above the gorge, dine while looking at baby elephants, experience local daily life, or watch traditional dancers and singers perform at night.

The best part is that even if you want to do all of that, it’s still possible to fit it into a short trip without feeling rushed. That’s exactly why we put together this 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time here. Let’s go!

Itinerary Overview 

Victoria Falls isn’t a huge town, so you can easily walk to restaurants, markets, cafés, and even Victoria Falls themselves, preferably during the day. One thing to expect is wildlife like elephants, baboons, and warthogs wandering around the streets during daytime, but as long as you ignore them, they’ll usually ignore you too.

A quick warning, though: don’t walk around at night, as predators can roam freely. So although it feels safe during the day, nighttime can be very dangerous. For longer trips or getting around at night, you can book taxis or prearrange rides, but we’d recommend agreeing on a fare before getting in since taxis here don’t use meters. Expect to pay around $5 to $10 USD for shorter rides around town, which is just fine.

Most tours on this 3-day itinerary include transportation and hotel pickup. Plus, many hotels offer shuttle services and transfers to the falls and nearby sights, which helps a lot when getting around.

Even better, the historic Victoria Falls Bridge connects the town directly to Zambia, so it’s easy to squeeze in a day trip across the border too. 

Day 1: Start your day with a hearty and healthy breakfast, then set off to see the falls. In the afternoon, hop on a scenic helicopter flight and wrap up your day with a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Day 2: Visit the Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island in the morning, have lunch in an old train carriage, then zip above the gorge before souvenir shopping in an artisan market. End the day with local food and an evening show in an open-air theatre.  

Day 3: Spend the day rafting down the Zambezi River or take a day trip to Chobe National Park, then relax in your hotel before ending the day with dinner overlooking a wildlife safari lodge.

Day 1 

Breakfast – Marula Cafe

On your way to the falls, this is a good time to fuel up with a hearty breakfast, and Marula Cafe is just the spot to start the day. We arrived early, so we got to enjoy the morning without the crowds. Inside, the très chic light fixtures and greenery create a relaxing atmosphere, while the outdoor seating is just as inviting if you prefer to eat in the fresh air.

The menu is both creative and delicious. We started with an iced coffee and salmon bagel, but there were plenty of tapas too, including ostrich samoosas and veggie spring rolls. I’d usually suggest staying away from desserts, but when you see them, you won’t feel too full to indulge.

It opens at 8 am every day, and since you’re probably not rushing for a tour later, you can take all the time you need here.

Morning – See Victoria Falls 

No tour necessary! This first morning is the reason you came all this way! Just so you know, April through June is peak flow season if you want to see the falls at their most powerful, while August through December is better for enjoying other activities around the area.

While the falls won’t be flowing at full force during these months, it’s still wildly impressive to see. It’s also worth knowing that during the rainy season (April through August), the mist from the strong flow can get so heavy that you might not even fully see the falls.

The Zimbabwe side has more than 75% of the falls, and no matter when you visit, you’ll still see water flowing here. Since we were staying in Victoria Falls, we saw the Zimbabwe side of the falls. You can walk to the entrance of the falls from the city center in about 10 minutes, so it’s really easy to get to.

You’ll need to pay admission separately (around $58 USD for foreign visitors), but honestly, we had no regrets once we saw the falls. We spent about four hours walking the trails and stopping at all the viewpoints. The park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm, though we’d suggest wrapping things up around 1 pm for lunch.

Quick note: the Victoria Falls Rainforest Trail is the most popular trail and gives some of the best views of the main falls.

Lunch – The Lookout Cafe

After all that walking, it’s easy to work up an appetite. Luckily, The Lookout Cafe is right near the entrance of the park and a great spot for lunch. True to the name, it comes with some pretty amazing views of the gorge below.

There’s an open-air terrace, but you might want to make a reservation if you want one of the front tables. You get to watch zipliners glide across the canyon and see the mist from Victoria Falls in the distance. It’s scenic, dramatic, and time goes by really fast here.

But it’s not all about the views. The food is just as good! From mushroom risotto and vegetarian lasagna to Greek pork pitas and kids’ meals, there are plenty of choices, plus your order arrives faster than expected.

The café opens at 8 am every day, and lunch starts at noon, giving you enough time before your afternoon tour. 

Afternoon – See the falls from above on a helicopter flight

You’ve already seen Victoria Falls from the ground, but now it’s time to experience it from a completely different perspective. If there’s one activity we’d tell everyone to book while visiting Victoria Falls, it’s this helicopter flight.

There are multiple departure times throughout the afternoon, but we’d recommend booking a 2 pm, 2:30 pm, or 3 pm flight, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the falls earlier in the day. The actual flight lasts less than 15 minutes, but you’ll want to allow around 45 minutes total for the experience. Even better, pickup is included from most hotels in Victoria Falls.

The moment the helicopter lifts off, you’ll understand why this tour is so popular. The views are incredible, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, Batoka Gorge, and even parts of Zambezi National Park. It’s the easiest way to appreciate just how massive the falls really are.

One thing we loved was the helicopter’s bubble windows, which make it easy to enjoy unobstructed views in every direction. The pilot circles the falls multiple times, giving everyone a chance to take photos and soak in the scenery. Watching the water plunge into the gorge while rainbows form in the mist below is something you’ll never forget.

As impressive as Victoria Falls is from the walking trails, seeing it from above takes the experience to another level. It’s no surprise this tour has earned THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews. 

Evening – Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River

After seeing Victoria Falls from both the ground and the air, there’s no better way to end your first day than with this sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. This experience runs from 5 pm to 8 pm, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

The scenery alone makes this cruise worth it. As the sun begins to set, the river takes on a golden glow, creating a completely different atmosphere from the excitement of the falls earlier in the day. Keep your camera ready because it’s common to spot hippos surfacing nearby, crocodiles resting along the banks, and even elephants coming down to the water for a drink.

What really sets this experience apart, though, is the dining. Included in the cruise is a gourmet four-course dinner prepared on board, along with drinks throughout the evening. The menu showcases local flavors from the Zambezi region, and the quality easily rivals many of the restaurants you’ll find in town.

The service is another highlight. The staff does a fantastic job of making the evening feel special, whether that’s keeping your glass topped up, sharing information about the wildlife, or simply making sure you’re comfortable throughout the cruise.

Between the incredible river scenery, wildlife sightings, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere, this is easily one of the most memorable ways to spend an evening in Victoria Falls.

Day 2 

Morning –  Visit the Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island

After yesterday’s helicopter flight, you might think you’ve already experienced the best views of Victoria Falls. Trust us, you haven’t! This Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island tour is one of the most unique experiences you can have anywhere in the world.

Breakfast and hotel pickup are included, making for a very easy start to the day. We’d recommend booking the 9 am departure, which will have you back around noon, leaving plenty of time for the rest of your itinerary.

The adventure begins with a short boat ride across the Zambezi River to Livingstone Island, the very spot where David Livingstone first viewed the falls in 1855. Before heading to the pool, you’ll have time to learn about the island’s history and enjoy a freshly prepared bush breakfast overlooking the river.

Of course, the main attraction is Devil’s Pool itself. With the help of experienced guides, you’ll carefully make your way out to the natural rock pool that sits right on the edge of Victoria Falls. It sounds intimidating, but a natural rock ledge creates a barrier between you and the drop below. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most incredible views imaginable as the falls thunder beside you.

The photos alone are worth it, but nothing compares to actually floating at the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It’s exhilarating, unforgettable, and easily one of the most iconic experiences in Victoria Falls.

Lunch – The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar

After your tour, rather than rushing back to the hotel, we suggest stopping by The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar for lunch and drinks. We actually heard about this spot before booking (reservations are encouraged), and it’s kind of iconic here because it’s built around a railway carriage from the 1930s.

The old train carriage sits right in the middle of the restaurant, which is one of the coolest things about it. Here you’ll find anything from delicious wood-fired pizzas (go for the bacon and banana, we know it sounds weird, but trust us on this one) and burgers to crocodile kebabs (yes, you read that right), basically more local pub-style food rather than fancy meals. There’s local brew and alcohol-free beer too. 

It has a really fun, laid-back atmosphere, and the Victoria Falls Distillery is right next door. Expect to be entertained by baboons kicking bins on the street, but don’t be tempted to feed them or any animals roaming over from the park. It opens at 11 am, and it’s an easy pick, so don’t overthink it. 

Afternoon – Your Choice! 

This morning was already quite adventurous, so this afternoon will either keep that momentum or allow things to slow down a bit. So here is what we suggest:

High tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel 

If you’re feeling like dressing up a bit after all the outdoor adventures in comfy clothes, Stanley’s Terrace at the famed Victoria Falls Hotel is the perfect spot to do that, and yes, we’re sending you here for High Tea. Expect traditional British-style tea with sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, pastries, tea or coffee, and maybe even some sparkling wine.

The hotel has that colonial-style architecture dating back to 1904, and from the terrace, you can see the Victoria Falls Bridge. Some people come here just for the views. High Tea is served from 3 pm to 5 pm, which gives you enough time before your visit to the local artisan market.

Zipline over the Zambezi gorge

If you’re not quite ready to slow down after Devil’s Pool, this canopy tour is one of the most exciting ways to spend the afternoon. There are multiple departure times throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your schedule before heading to the artisan market.

The course features nine ziplines stretching across the Batoka Gorge, with incredible views of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the famous Victoria Falls Bridge. You’ll also cross rope bridges and follow short nature trails between platforms, which adds to the adventure. The guides keep things moving, so there’s very little waiting around.

Between the adrenaline rush, stunning scenery, and unique views of the falls, this is easily one of the most memorable adventures in Victoria Falls. 

Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist’s Village 

Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist’s Village is so worth leaving the hotel for a short walk. This is a local artisan market (more like an outdoor shopping center), where most tourists spend an hour or two between tours, but we thought it was a great spot to buy souvenirs and gifts to bring home while listening to live music.

You’ll find anything from higher-end African art and crafts to cafés with shaded patios for cold drinks and snacks. Prices are a bit higher compared to the markets outside, but you won’t have to deal with the usual hassling. The selection is really varied too, so you’ll probably find something you like.

There’s also a wine-tasting store here, where we decided to stop for apperitivo before dinner. And with all the tropical gardens around, it’s just the right spot to cool down. 

Dinner – Dusty Road Township Experience

For dinner tonight, we are sending you to Dusty Road Township Experience. This is one of the best spots in town to try authentic Zimbabwean food, but also learn about the local cuisine (get ready to eat with your fingers), and spend a night somewhere that feels truly local.

This is not your usual restaurant. It was unlike any dining spot we’ve seen before, but that was the beauty of it. The first thing that catches your eye is the recycled decor, from old photos to a rusty tractor in the front yard and benches made out of bathtubs. Don’t let the look of it all put you off; the food here is really something!

Many of the dishes are typical Zimbabwean food, like Zambezi bream, baobab cream pots, and sadza (a porridge made from ground cornmeal), which might not sound like your usual dinner, but we actually loved every meal. 

It’s open every day from noon until 10 pm, and since it’s only a 7-minute drive to the evening show, we’d suggest getting here around 6 pm so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy dinner. Definitely book a table for this one.

Evening – Enjoy a show by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company

After dinner, make your way to the Victoria Falls Theatre a little before 8 pm for this award-winning theatrical performance combining music, dance, storytelling, and impressive puppetry to bring Zimbabwean culture and folklore to life. The show runs for about an hour and will have you wrapped up by 9 pm, making it the perfect way to end an already incredible day.

The Spirit of Africa show is one of the most unique cultural experiences in Victoria Falls. Through a combination of live music, energetic dance performances, and remarkable puppetry, the production follows the journey of a young man named Bomabi and his elephant companion, Ndlovu. Along the way, the story explores themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery while celebrating local traditions and culture.

We really enjoyed the quality of the puppetry. The elephant and crocodile puppets felt remarkably lifelike, while the talented cast brought every scene to life through song, movement, and storytelling. It was clear how much passion and dedication went into every aspect of the performance.

The intimate theater setting makes the experience feel personal, and after the show, you’ll even have the opportunity to meet the performers and take photos with the cast.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, this is a memorable way to experience Zimbabwean culture and bring your second day in Victoria Falls to a close.

Day 3 

Full day option 1 – White water raft down the Zambezi River

If you’re looking for one final adrenaline rush before leaving Victoria Falls, this white water rafting trip is hard to beat. In fact, it was one of the most exciting adventures we’ve ever had and easily ranks among the best rafting experiences in the world.

There are two rafting options depending on the season and your experience level. During low-water season (typically August to December), the full 18 km (11-mile) stretch runs from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and is ideal for thrill-seekers. At higher water levels, only the shorter half-stretch operates, and rafting may be suspended entirely in April and May if conditions become unsafe, so it’s worth checking availability before planning your trip.

The guides do an outstanding job of balancing safety and fun. Before setting off, you’ll receive a full safety briefing, and experienced guides lead every raft while safety kayakers follow nearby. Their local knowledge, confidence, and sense of humor make the entire experience even more enjoyable.

Of course, the real highlight is the river itself. Between the powerful rapids, towering gorge walls, and dramatic landscapes surrounding you, it’s impossible not to feel completely immersed in the adventure. The scenery is just as memorable as the rafting.

After conquering the final rapids, you’ll tackle the famous hike out of the gorge before being rewarded with a barbecue lunch and open bar at the top. Trust us, you’ve earned it by then.

This is one of the most popular adventure activities in Victoria Falls, and it’s easy to see why—check out the glowing reviews here!

Full day option 2 – Take a day trip to Chobe National Park

If you’d prefer wildlife viewing over white water rafting, this Chobe National Park day trip is one of the best safari experiences you can have while staying in Victoria Falls. Located just across the border in Botswana, Chobe is famous for its huge elephant population and offers an incredible chance to see African wildlife in its natural habitat.

The tour runs from approximately 7 am to 4 pm, making it a full but very rewarding day. Transportation, border assistance, park activities, and lunch are all included, so everything is taken care of for you.

The adventure begins with an early morning drive to the Botswana border before continuing into Chobe National Park. Once inside, you’ll set off on a game drive through the park, searching for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and, if you’re lucky, even lions. Our guide’s knowledge of the animals and their behavior made every sighting even more interesting.

After a buffet lunch, the experience continues with a boat safari along the Chobe River. This was one of our favorite parts of the day because it offers a completely different perspective on the park. We cruised past hippos and crocodiles and even watched elephants swimming across the river just a short distance from the boat.

Combining both a land safari and a river cruise in a single day gives you the best possible chance of seeing Chobe’s incredible wildlife. It’s no wonder this remains one of the most popular day trips from Victoria Falls—check out the stellar reviews here!

Afternoon – Relax 

After your full-day tour, spend the late afternoon relaxing at your hotel. If you booked a place with a pool, now is the time to use it! Maybe even do a little packing too, since this is your last day and you don’t want to leave everything for the last minute.

Our hotel had a lovely outdoor pool where we spent a few hours just being lazy and sipping refreshing cocktails (you kind of need that mood to recharge), and we strongly suggest looking for a place with a pool yourself because it really makes a difference. A spa comes in handy too, especially when you realize how much you need that massage after a day of rafting rapids or tracking wildlife through national parks

Regardless of what you decide to do, this is your time to relax without feeling rushed to be somewhere. 

Dinner – MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

With a few hours to reset, you should be feeling ready for some nighttime fun and, without question, a proper dinner. MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant is the kind of place where you will want to linger over drinks and sunset! It overlooks a wildlife safari lodge, so you can see elephants and other wild animals around the watering hole. 

This place is spread across different floors of an African-style building, and every corner here comes with the same amazing vistas. Here you can get anything from traditional meals to gourmet burgers, short ribs, or ravioli with curry sauce, so there’s a bit of everything, really. Even better, the staff are super friendly, and you feel welcome from the minute you walk in. 

Don’t miss this one, and definitely book a table so you can get front-row views and brag back home that you had dinner with huge herds of elephants right in front of you. Dinner is served from 7 pm to 10 pm (last orders at 9:30 pm), which gives you enough time for one last nightcap at the hotel and a proper good night’s sleep.

Where to Stay in Victoria Falls  

Victoria Falls is a small town right near the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls themselves. Most of the properties in the area make it easy to walk to the falls without needing a driver.

For this itinerary, we stayed on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, where you can find more affordable stays, although there are also plenty of upscale lodges in Zambezi National Park.

Here are some of our favorite stays:

The Victoria Falls Hotel – $$$ 

The Victoria Falls Hotel is an Edwardian-style hotel and the oldest one here! We absolutely love the colonial charm, but even better is how it blends with all the modern comforts of a 5-star stay. You’ve got an outdoor pool, a mini golf course, art galleries, a spa, and even a hair salon, so it’ll be hard to leave this place, that’s for sure.

This is also where we sent you for High Tea at the famous Stanley’s Terrace restaurant, although there are a few more dining spots here too, including a fine-dining restaurant and a more relaxed outdoor buffet with African cultural shows in the evening.

From here, you can reach Victoria Falls within a 10-minute walk along a private trail through the hotel’s tropical gardens (how cool is that?). Prices usually range from $580 USD to $3,800 USD per night. Book your luxury heritage stay in Victoria Falls here!

Savanna68 Hotel – $$

If you’re trying to save a bit but don’t want to give up comfort, the Savanna68 Hotel makes perfect sense. This is more of a contemporary boutique stay with all the nice perks, which makes it ideal for family trips.

There’s plenty to like here, whether that means lounging by the outdoor pool, relaxing in shared spaces with a piano and billiards, or cozying up by the outdoor fireplace to reminisce about your days. You can choose from family suites, executive suites, and standard rooms as a cheaper option. 

The fact that it’s just 2 km (about 1.2 miles) from Victoria Falls makes it super convenient, plus there’s a tour desk which saves you the hassle. If you want to get around faster than walking, you can even rent bicycles for free. Prices start at just $200 USD per night, and you have a free English breakfast included. Check availability and lock in your dates here!

The Victoria Falls Deluxe Suites – $

The Victoria Falls Deluxe Suites is another smaller-scale stay located in a quiet part of town, about 5 km (around 3 miles) from Victoria Falls. The moment you walk into the room, you notice how bright and spacious everything is, and once you step outside onto your private balcony, you know you’ve made the right choice.

If you haven’t booked any excursions yet, check with the tour desk, and they’ll help sort everything out in no time. They even offer free airport shuttle service and transfers to town and the falls. When you’re not out and about, the property has a few nice places to chill, too, whether it’s the outdoor pool or the lounge with cool African details.

Mornings here start slow and easy with a free full English breakfast. With prices starting at just $100 USD per night, it’s hard to complain. Secure your budget stay in Victoria Falls here!

Want even more great choices? Check out all the hotels listed for Victoria Falls here!

Thanks for reading!

Three days in Victoria Falls go by surprisingly fast when your days are filled with helicopter flights, river cruises, safaris, and sunsets over the Zambezi. We came for the waterfall but quickly realized there’s so much more to this little town than its famous namesake. By the time we left, we were already talking about all the things we’d do on our next visit!

Before you head off, check out our other Africa travel guides here for more of our favorite tours, restaurants, and travel tips. We’re always on the hunt for experiences that make planning easier and trips even more memorable. Or here are a few more destinations we think deserve a spot on your bucket list!

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