Getting to Victoria Falls: Visiting from Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and I have always wanted to go see it. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to travel, and it was the most amazing experience of my life.

Witnessing the waterfalls firsthand surpassed all of my expectations. I can honestly say it was among the most breathtaking views I have ever witnessed. One of my all-time favorite vacations was to Southern Africa, where I saw Victoria Falls and had an adventure through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

However, I had several challenges in obtaining the necessary information during the planning stages of this trip.

My experience there inspired me to compile this comprehensive guide to Victoria Falls, so you can enjoy your day there to the fullest.

Here you can find all the necessary details to assist you in organizing your own vacation. Including how to get around, how much money to bring, how safe it is, where to stay, and what else is there to do in the Victoria Falls area. My opinion on whether to remain on the Zimbabwean or Zambian side will be provided, of course.

Hopefully, you will find the following information helpful. If you have any questions or other opinions, please feel free to leave them in the comments area.

Getting to the Victoria Falls

By Air

If you’re planning to stay near the Victoria Falls, I highly recommend flying into the airport on the opposite side. If you are flying into one border and out the other, you will need to take three taxis: one to the border, one to cross the bridge, and another to your lodging.

Flying into Livingstone Airport (Zambia, code: LVI) or Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe, code: VFA) is the most direct and convenient route to reach the Victoria Falls. The fact that Livingstone Airport is formally called as Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport is information that might be helpful.

The airport in Livingstone is served by a number of airlines, including South African Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airlines, and Proflight Zambia, which flies from Addis Abeba, Nairobi, and Lusaka, respectively, in Zambia.

Another great option for getting to Kruger National Park is taking SA Airlink’s direct flight from Livingstone to Nelspruit, South Africa.

It just takes about ten to fifteen minutes by taxi to go from Livingstone International Airport to the town center or the majority of hotels and motels. A local company that I strongly suggest you use to reserve your taxi in advance was great. The estimated price is roughly $10 USD. Make a reservation for your airport transfer to or from Livingstone here.

Victoria Falls is serviced by the aforementioned airlines to the following destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Abeba, Nairobi, Windhoek (via Air Namibia), and Harare (internally) via Air Zimbabwe.

From the airport at Victoria Falls to the town center, a taxi is your best bet. The distance is slightly greater, and the average trip takes about 20–25 minutes and costs roughly $15 USD. Here you can arrange for your transfer ahead of time.

Other ways to get there/Access Victoria Falls

Buses are another viable option; multiple carriers link various cities in Southern Africa to Livingstone, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

  • Lusaka to Livingstone bus on Mazhandu bus company, which takes 5-6 hours
  • Harare to Victoria Falls with Intercape Pathfinder bus company, which takes around 12 hours
  • Windhoek in Namibia to Livingstone with Intercape Pathfinder, which can take up to 20 hours

Taking the train to Victoria Falls is a more leisurely but picturesque option. The three-day, five-star Rovos Rail journey from South Africa’s Pretoria to the Zimbabwean side is one option.

Another option is to take a train from Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (around 12 hours) or Zambia’s Lusaka to Livingstone. Without a doubt, this is one exciting way to experience adventure!

Finally, make your way to Kasane, a border town adjacent to Chobe National Park, if you are traveling from Botswana. The shared taxis that go to Livingstone and Victoria Falls are conveniently located here. Just over an hour is the driving time.