10 daysCape Town + Kruger
City, Coast, Winelands & Big Five
- A balanced first trip to South Africa
- Best Mar–May, Sep–Nov
From$5,900approx. ≈ £4,450approx. ≈ CA$8,100approx. ≈ A$8,950approx. ≈ €5,050per person sharing
Extension · Customizable Journey
Victoria Falls Extension
The Smoke That Thunders, up close
- Trip length
- 3 days
- Countries
- Zimbabwe
- Ideal for
- Couples, Families, Groups, Solo Travelers
- Style
- Adventure, Safari & Wildlife, Family Adventures
Three days at one of the world's great waterfalls: a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, a guided walk along the rainforest trail and free time for a helicopter flight or a walk onto the famous bridge. Fitted around your main journey.
Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders," is one of those places that lives up to its reputation. Where the Zambezi River drops into a narrow gorge, you can hear the roar and see the spray long before you reach the edge. Two nights here are enough to experience it properly without rushing, which makes it an ideal extension to a southern Africa trip.
This extension is based on the Zimbabwe side, where a rainforest trail runs along the gorge opposite the falls with a series of viewpoints. You'll walk it with a local guide who knows the best angles and the stories behind them. On your first evening, a sunset cruise on the wide, calm upper Zambezi offers a very different mood, with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birdlife along the banks.
The rest of your time is flexible. You might take a short helicopter flight for the view you simply cannot get from the ground, walk onto the Victoria Falls Bridge, browse the craft markets, or relax by the pool. The falls change with the seasons: the flow is typically highest after the rains, when the spray can hide parts of the view, and lower later in the dry season, when the rock face is more visible. Your travel designer will tell you what to expect in your month.
Make it yours
Every trip is customizable. We'll tailor the dates, hotel, activities and pace around your main journey. See both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, add a day trip to Chobe in Botswana, or stay at a quieter lodge upstream on the river. You'll approve the final plan and quote before paying anything.
Every journey is customizable. Use our featured journeys as inspiration. We'll tailor the dates, hotels, activities, pace and budget around you.
Highlights
The rainforest trail
A guided walk to viewpoints along the gorge, directly opposite the falling water.
Sunset on the Zambezi
A relaxed cruise above the falls with drinks, snacks and wildlife along the riverbanks.
Time for the view from above
A free afternoon for an optional helicopter flight over the falls and gorges.
An easy add-on
Two nights that fit neatly between Cape Town, Kruger, Botswana or Namibia.
Suggested day-by-day
A starting point, not a fixed schedule — we adjust every day to suit you.
- 1
Day 1Arrive at Victoria FallsVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fly in, usually via Johannesburg, and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, cruise the upper Zambezi at sunset, watching for hippos, crocodiles and elephants along the banks.
- Private airport transfer
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi
- Evening at leisure
Upscale hotel or lodge near the falls, or similar · Victoria Falls town - 2
Day 2The falls up closeVictoria Falls
Walk the rainforest trail opposite the falls with a local guide, stopping at viewpoints along the gorge. Spend the afternoon as you like: a helicopter flight, a walk onto the Victoria Falls Bridge, the craft markets or a quiet afternoon by the pool.
- Guided tour of the falls
- Optional helicopter flight (extra cost)
- Optional bridge walk or craft market visit
Upscale hotel or lodge near the falls, or similar · Victoria Falls townBreakfast - 3
Day 3Depart Victoria FallsVictoria Falls
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, perhaps with a last look at the spray rising above the gorge. Then transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
- Leisurely final morning
- Private airport transfer
Breakfast
Make it yours
A few of the ways travelers tailor this journey:
See both sides
Add the Zambia side of the falls; in lower-water months, visits to Livingstone Island may be possible.
Stay upstream
Choose a quieter lodge on the banks of the Zambezi, a short drive from the falls.
Add some adrenaline
White-water rafting (typically in the lower-water months), gorge swings or a bridge bungee.
Day trip to Chobe
Cross into Botswana for a game drive and boat cruise in Chobe National Park.
Typically included
- Two nights of accommodation, based on two people sharing
- Daily breakfast
- Private airport transfers
- Guided tour of the falls, including entrance
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi with drinks and snacks
- A local contact number for your stay
Not usually included
- International and regional flights (we can quote these)
- Visas and border fees, if required
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips
- Optional activities such as helicopter flights or rafting
- Lunches, dinners and drinks not listed
Best months
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- ✓ Apr
- ✓ May
- ✓ Jun
- ✓ Jul
- ✓ Aug
- ✓ Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Pairs well with
10 days
10 daysNamibia Desert Landscapes
Dunes, Coast, Rock Art & Etosha
- Ideal for photographers and walkers
- Best May–Oct
From$6,200approx. ≈ £4,650approx. ≈ CA$8,500approx. ≈ A$9,400approx. ≈ €5,350per person sharing
Love this journey? Let’s make it yours.
Tell us your dates, who is traveling and how you like to travel. We’ll adapt this itinerary — or design something completely new.