Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park: 5-Day Itinerary

Before I made the trip, I didn’t realize how perfect this itinerary was. You can see the natural wonders of Victoria Falls and go on a safari in a really cool place. Plus, you only need a week (including travel time!) After the trip this itinerary has become one of my most recommended ones to my friends.

You’re reading, and that makes us friends. So, this is a perfect Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park itinerary.

Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park – Overview

Day 1– Explore Victoria Falls National Park and evening Zambezi River Cruise

Day 2– Victoria Falls Adventure- Devil’s Pool or other options

Day 3– Chobe National Park Day 1

Day 4– Chobe National Park Day 2

Day 5– Chobe National Park Finish and Travel Day

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Logistics/Things to Know Before You Go

Money

To start, while the official currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar, it’s significantly affected by inflation and tends to be quite volatile. Consequently, the US Dollar is widely preferred and commonly used, even by ATMs, which predominantly dispense US dollars.

ATMs are available at the airport and throughout the city, but their cash availability can be inconsistent, especially on Monday mornings. Bring enough cash from home to get you through the start of your trip, and rely on local ATMs only if necessary.

I was able to find money in an ATM, but it took a couple of tries. Local guides know where to go and can help you find the most reliable locations.

Due to local inflation, prices in Zimbabwe can be high, akin to traveling in the US.

In Botswana, the Pula is the official currency. However, the US Dollar is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. So, you’ll likely be fine with US Dollars, but you should ask your tour operator or hotel to confirm.

Visas

Visas are required for entry into Zimbabwe and Zambia for American travelers. The KAZA UNIVISA is the cheapest and most efficient option. It’s $50 (USD) per person. You can apply online in advance of your trip or pay on arrival.

Cash is accepted, but bills need to be in good shape. If there are rips, tears, or stains, they won’t take them.

Travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe is surprisingly straightforward.

However, driving across the border is expensive, so you’ll change vehicles at the border if you take a tour.

The process may sound complex, but it’s routine for them and feels seamless when you do it.

Walking across the border is an option, too. Either way, the KAZA UNIVISA is the best option.

Getting Around

Hiring a local driver is the easiest way to get around. But you can also call taxis throughout your trip as well.

If you’re arranging most of your travel independently, I used this person. His name is Pride, and he’s really easy to work with.

He booked a tour for us when we had a free evening. But, since I planned most of our travel on my own, he made sure to get us where we needed to go.

I can share his What’s App information upon request- send me an email.

In Botswana, if you stay at a lodge or go with a tour company, they can help you arrange transport to Kasane from Victoria Falls or Livingstone. It’s worth it to let them take on those logistics. What’s easy for them locally is much harder to coordinate from abroad.

You could also self-drive, and lots of people do. I haven’t done that yet, so I can’t speak to how easy or difficult it is.

A Note About Cell Phone Service

Cell phone service is very limited in Zimbabwe, even for the locals.

Download What’s App before you leave for your trip. Most restaurants offer Wi-Fi, making What’s App a convenient communication and information retrieval method.

Initially, the lack of cell service may seem daunting. It made me nervous because I always have service when I travel. I use Google Fi and even they don’t have service in Zimbabwe.

However, locals have devised effective solutions, making it a minor inconvenience rather than a major concern.

Victoria Falls – Day 1

Start with Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe on your first day in Victoria Falls.

This park has views of 95% of the falls. You can take a guided tour, but the park trail is easy to follow. Unless you want to learn more, it isn’t necessary.

Plan to spend the whole morning in the national park. Walk the path and enjoy the views of the falls.

The park is open most of the day. Going early meant missing some of the crowds.

Summer (Sept 1 to April 30) – 6:00 am until 6:00 pm
Winter (May 1 to August 31) – 6:30 am until 6:00 pm

Park entrance is $50 (USD) per person for international visitors.

Plan to get wet. The mist from the falls blows onto the trail.

You may be able to walk part of the trail without getting wet, but you aren’t likely to make it the whole way. If you go into the day expecting to get wet, then the mist only adds to the experience!

There is a small restaurant in the park that serves basic food. The smoothies were a good option after a warm morning walk. The roast chicken was delicious!

If you have time and a KAZA UNIVISA, head to the border crossing and walk across the bridge for a great view. You can walk into Zambia if you move quickly.

Head back to Victoria Falls for lunch. Spending the hottest part of the day in your hotel at the pool is not a bad idea.

In the evening, go on a cruise on the Zambezi River. The traditional route is a dinner cruise at sunset, which looks beautiful.

I opted to go on a sunset fishing trip. I caught a tiger fish.

It felt like River Monsters and was one of the highlights of the trip.

Where to Stay in Victoria Falls

There are plenty of small hotels in Victoria Falls. I enjoyed having access to a kitchen since I wasn’t confident in the food I’d find there.

I stayed in this Airbnb.

This is a comparable property that isn’t through Airbnb.

Gluten-Free in Victoria Falls

Being Gluten-Free in Victoria Falls was okay. It wasn’t the hardest place I’ve ever been but it wasn’t the easiest either. I really enjoyed having a kitchen so I could do breakfast and snacks on my own. I also had an option for dinner if I needed it.

You’ll need to advocate for yourself in Victoria Falls.

Lookout Cafe—This cafe is popular among tourists. It offers an exceptional view of the canyon. As far as meals go, it wasn’t my favorite, and I had to ask a lot of questions. But it felt reasonably safe, so I went with it and was fine. If you want the best views, make a reservation so you’re on the deck for sunset.

3 Monkeys—I ate here twice. The menu is not marked with gluten-free options, but the staff could answer all of my questions. They were patient and very helpful. I ordered a steak and potatoes both nights. It’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

The Devil’s Pool tour meal was the best in the area as far as how safe I felt. The chef checked for allergies and was well aware of Celiac and what that meant. It was a refreshing meal!

Victoria Falls – Day 2

On day two, have a Victoria Falls adventure. There are several options for your morning.

If you have extra time after your activity, visit the city of Victoria Falls. Look in the shops or visit the market across from the national park entrance.

You could also go to the Zambia side of the falls.

Devil’s Pool

If it’s in season, Devil’s Pool is a one-of-a-kind adventure. The Zambezi’s water levels have to be right for this to be an option. The season is usually from mid-August until January.

Take a tour of the Zambia side of the falls.

You’ll be transferred across the border, and then you’ll take a boat to Livingston Island. From the island is a short but intimidating swim to the rocks near the pool. Your guides will help keep you safe as you go to the very edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

No one has ever gone over the edge, but it’s still scary!

Enjoy a light meal before you head back to Zimbabwe.

The tour is listed as 3 hours. With the transfer times, it can take most of your day.

Helicopter Ride to See the Falls From Above

Victoria Falls is one place I’ve been where a helicopter tour actually makes sense. The falls are huge; seeing them from the air is the best way to appreciate their size.

There are multiple helicopter tour options.

Most tours are short. It won’t take your whole day. There are also some options with a guided walk in the national park to help it take more time.

Helicopter tours are one of the more expensive things you can do in Victoria Falls. I missed out because I didn’t realize the value they could offer and didn’t plan ahead.

Weigh the options and book early if you decide you want to take a helicopter tour. it until it was too late to book. I’m a little sad I didn’t get to do it.

Bungee Jump or Swing in the Canyon

I do a lot of adventurous things. But bungee jumping and sky diving aren’t things I’m ever interested in experiencing. I hate the sensation of falling.

The Zambezi river canyon is a great place to try bungee jumping if you want to do it.

They also have a canyon swing for a slightly less adventurous option.

Chobe National Park – Days 3-5

To experience the best of Chobe National Park, take a tour.

You can self-drive through Chobe, and many people do. I’ve been on several safaris. I definitely see the value of having a guided experience, and the guides in Chobe were some of the best.

Plus, there are really unique camping opportunities here that a tour can provide.

Kalahari Tours- 3-day, 2-night camping

I opted to go with Kalahari Tours for the safari part of this trip.

I never camp, and I’m the first one to say I don’t like it. But I was really intrigued by the thought of camping in Chobe. I’m so glad I did because it was one of my favorite experiences.

I’ve also done a luxury safari in Kenya. I’d still put this tour in the running for my favorite.

If I could convince my friends to do one safari with me, I’d revisit Chobe National Park and go on the same tour.

It’s easy to find out what a tour includes, but the basic breakdown doesn’t show the whole picture. Sifting through all the options and finding the real reviews is hard. So, here is my review so you can confidently decide whether this is right for you.

Reasons I Loved this Tour

• The campsite was more glamping. The staff sets up the tents for you. There is an option for a shower.
• The campsites in Chobe aren’t fenced like those in Kruger National Park in South Africa. Animals can and do come into your campsite at night, which is intimidating, but it makes the experience super special.
• One of the benefits of staying in the park is that you’re already deep where the animals are when you start your morning drive. But, in Chobe, camping is the only way to stay in the park.
• A chef travels with you and cooks your meals. You’re very well-fed the whole time!
• You start the first day with a boat safari. This is still the only place I’ve been able to do that. It was a different perspective seeing crocodiles and hippos in the water. We got to watch some cape buffalo swim right by our little boat.
• There are so many incredible birds in Chobe.
• Our guide, Sam, taught us how to track and identify animals. He still did all of the heavy lifting. But it set us up to know what we were looking for when we went on other game drives.
• You’ll likely have other travelers in your safari group. Meeting new people makes the trip special.

Kalahari Tours Safari – Gluten-Free Review

Kalahari was my first safari. I packed so many snacks because I was very concerned.

I shouldn’t have been. It’s still one of my favorite experiences as a Celiac on safari.

I found that the chef at our camp made gluten-free dishes most of the time I was there, which greatly decreased my concerns.

He always sought me out and made sure to answer my questions.

The chef made some of the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever had. He made it at a campsite! My mind is still blown.

They even had gluten-free cookies for me so I could have cookies when the rest of the tour had a morning snack.

There are also safari lodge options if you don’t love the camping option. Chobe is an incredible park. If you love elephants and beautiful sunsets, you won’t be disappointed.

You can also take a day tour to Chobe if you’re short on time.

Enjoy Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park

This is one of the best trips you can take in Africa. You get an introduction to a safari and a visit to an incredible natural wonder.

I hope you have a great time. I’ll help you plan however I can!