Day 1: Sunset Cruise & Cultural Boma Dinner
This Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package begins with collection from the international airport in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. From the airport you are transferred to the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and assisted with check-in at this comfortable hotel. The Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel is located within walking distance of the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall, as well as the centre of Victoria Falls town.
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
In the afternoon we embark on our scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, departing at around 15:30. The cruise takes about two hours, travelling downstream towards Vic Falls as far as Palm Island, before turning back upstream.
Cultural Boma Dinner
Returning from our relaxing sunset boat cruise we head to The Boma restaurant for a unique African culinary and cultural experience. Tucked away in an indigenous forest, The Boma, offers warm Zimbabwean hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine under starry African skies. It's an evening set to delight the senses - filled with the aromas, sights, flavours and beats of Africa. Tuck into the marvellous selection of Zimbabwean specialities, from game and potjiekos (meat stew) to fish and vegetarian dishers. The Boma is famous for its warthog fillet and the adventurous can try ethnic delicacies such as Mopani worms, deep fried kapenta fish and groundnuts.
Amakwezi traditional performers entertain diners with their lively song and dance, and after dinner a local sangoma (traditional storyteller) enthralls visitors with rich tales of folklore and Zimbabwean heritage. The local customs (beer tasting and hand washing rituals) bring special detail to the night, and the mysterious witchdoctor adds intrigue to this cultural feast. The evening ends on a high note with a live drumming session, which you're welcome to join.
Day 2: Chobe National Park Safari, Botswana
We have a 07:30 collection this morning for out journey across the border into Botswana and Chobe National Park. After exiting the Zimbabwe gate we transfer to an open 4x4 safari vehicle and head to the Botswana entry gate. En route be prepared for a stop to stand on a sanitized mat, a precaution to prevent anyone carrying Foot & Mouth or any other disease into the country. Once our passports have been stamped for entry into Botswana we head off for our safari adventure in Chobe National Park.
The safari begins with a river cruise into the park where along with the numerous waders, we can expect to see hippos and crocodiles. Chobe is home to many herbivores, which gather at the river to drink, and some of those you can expect to see are elephant and buffalo. Lechwe and puku are often spied on the islands and many buck gather on the river bank, kudu, impala and water buck being quite common.
Soft drinks and water are on hand during the cruise and we stop for a buffet lunch at the recently renovated Chobe Game Lodge. Lunch includes a complimentary drink and tea or coffee.
After the lunch break we set off in our safari vehicles, ideal for game viewing and photograpy, for an exciting game drive. Lions are often spotted in Chobe, as well as antelope and if we are really lucky we may see a cheetah. The game drive lasts for 3 hours and then it's time to head back to the border posts for our return journey to Victoria Falls, where we expect to arrive around 18:00. Don't forget to take your passport with you today, a camera, a hat or cap and sunscreen are essential and binoculars are useful too.
Day 3: Half Day Canoeing and Tour of the Falls
At about 07h30 this morning we set off on our half day canoe trip on the Upper Zambezi River, above the spectacular Victoria Falls.
The day starts with a game drive en route to our starting point at Chundu, in the Zambezi National Park. After a safety briefing by the professional river guide and a quick practice session on the water, the paddle begins. This is not a challenging paddle, navigating only small, easy rapids and no canoeing experience is required.
We canoe along the channels of the island-dotted Zambezi River for a 15km stretch, passing alongside the banks of the Zambezi National Park.
We paddle down the Upper Zambezi at an easy pace, looking out for hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, kudus, impalas and other wild creatures along the banks. Canoeing along the river is also a great way to spot birds, including the powerful Martial Eagle, among the over 50 bird species commonly sighted.
This gentle paddle is all about soaking up the beautiful scenery and enjoying the local fauna and flora up close. Afterwards we relax on the riverbank to eat a picnic lunch.
This afternoon the adventure continues with a guided tour of Vic Falls. Our guide first leads us to an ancient Baobab tree in the forest to admire the 16 meter thick giant, simply known as the “Big Tree”, before taking us to the Falls. This guided walking tour passes through the rainforests at Vic Falls, where you may be lucky enough to see bushbuck and other wild animals.
The skilled guide explains the geology of Victoria Falls and tells you more about this epic waterfall as you walk along the entire length of Vic Falls. The walk takes you from Livingstone View to the Devil’s Cataract to the Main Falls, and on to the Rainbow Falls and Danger Point - a full range of the stunning viewpoints.
Day 4: Flight of Angels and Cultural Village Tour
Helicopter Flight of Angels
Today we lift off on our thrilling helicopter flight. This Flight of Angels takes us on a scenic chopper ride over the thundering Victoria Falls waterfall, providing fantastic views and a whole new perspective of this natural wonder.
The 15 minute helicopter flight provides an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of the magnificent Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and surrounding bush. We fly upstream over Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, looking out for game below, and downstream over the impressive Batoka Gorge. This scenic Flight of Angels is conducted in a helicopter designed to offer each passenger superb views.
From above the falls it is easy to see why the helicopter flight over Vic Falls is called the Flight of Angels!
Our day continues with a trip to a local village, where our knowledgeable guide takes us on the village tour, which provides insight into the lives of local Zimbabweans and their rich traditions. We visit Mpisi Village to see how the Matabele people live and find out more about their unique history and customs.
After our fascinating glimpse into traditional life in Zimbabwe, we transfer you to the international airport in Victoria Falls for your onward flight, bringing this action-packed Victoria Falls Budget Tour to a close.
Please Note:
Some park entry fees are not included (US$ 10 to US$ 12 where applicable). Excluded fees are payable direct on the given day.
Victoria Falls Accommodation - Vic Falls Rainbow Hotel
Accommodation on this Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package is at the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, located on the Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls.
Spend three nights in pleasant en-suite rooms with air-conditioning on a bed and breakfast basis. These comfortable rooms have their own balconies and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel features a swimming pool with a poolside bar, a restaurant, lounge and lovely gardens. The staff offer personal and attentive service creating a friendly atmosphere.
Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel is within walking distance of Victoria Falls Park and the centre of Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, making it a convenient base for adventure activities and exploring.
Optional Adventure Activities (not included in the tour price):
Horseback Safari (3 hours)
Experience the African Bush along the banks of the Zambezi River on the back of a horse. This Horseback Safari will allow you to get up close and personal with several game species endemic to the area including duiker, bushbuck, warthog, elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
Rafting and Riverboarding
The ultimate place for riverboarding - the Zambezi River has the necessary volume of water and few exposed rocks in its rapids and pools, making it ideal for this exhilarating activity.
White Water Rafting
The White Water Rafting experience on the mighty Zambezi has been described as the best commercial white water rafting experience in the world. This exciting full day excursion on the mighty Zambezi River is a fantastic experience for those with a sense of adventure.
Bungee Jumping
Plunge off the Victoria Falls Bridge, falling 111 metres into the Bakota Gorge below!
Both ankle and body harnesses are used and photograps or videos of your leap can be purchased to capture the heart-racing experience.
Optional Extras and Excursions
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
Horseback Safaris
Rafting and Riverboarding
Zambezi White Water Rafting
Bungee Jumping