7 Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe with Llama Travel

1. Small Groups

At Llama Travel, our groups average 11 people, with a maximum group size of 18. While the Falls are open to the public during our visits, if you opt for any of our optional excursions, such as a guided tour of the Falls or a sunset Zambezi cruise, having a smaller group allows you to make the most of your guide’s expertise and enjoy a more intimate experience.

Our small group model also allows us to choose more intimate accommodation options; our standard hotel in Victoria Falls is the family-run Bayete Guest Lodge, which has just 30 rooms. At the end of an exciting safari holiday or a busy day at the bustling Falls, a charming guest lodge outside of town is a fantastic place to unwind. We also offer a superior option, Batonka Guest Lodge, which has just 22 rooms and feels much further away from the bustle of the Falls than the 1.7-mile journey suggests.

2. Take in one of the Natural Wonders of the World

Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone over 160 years ago; in 1857, he said that “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

The power of the Falls is huge, with over 180,000 cubic metres of water plummeting over the edge every minute at the wettest times (this is reduced to less than 20,000 cubic metres in the driest months). Nicknamed “the smoke that thunders” by the locals, the volume of water hitting the river below makes quite a sound, and the resultant spray creates a smoke-like haze which envelops the Falls and anyone in the immediate vicinity.

There are many walkways and viewing platforms on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side of the Falls: the classic view is from Zimbabwe, where around two-thirds of the Falls lie. In Zambia, however, you can watch the water plummet over the edge from just a few feet behind the Eastern Cataract and walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge.

If you wish to learn more about what you can do at Victoria Falls, read our blog on the Top 5 Things to Do in Victoria Falls here.

There are many viewpoints and walkways around Victoria Falls.

3. Stay on the doorstep of Victoria Falls

Hotels on Llama Travel extensions to the Falls are situated in Victoria Falls town, just outside the national park. To get to the Falls, you will have the option to take a taxi to the national park or take the guided tour excursion, where transfers are included.

Our standard hotel, the Bayete Guest Lodge, is a quiet oasis set within lush tropical gardens and has a large pool to relax and unwind.

The superior 22-room Batonka Guest Lodge is within walking distance of the Falls and the town’s main attractions, but feels much more remote thanks to its quiet and peaceful location.

The historic Victoria Falls Hotel, our most premium hotel, has a prime location, with a private pathway that leads through the hotel gardens to a fantastic viewing point of the Falls. This is a larger hotel, with 161 rooms.

The Bayete Guest Lodge is a serene oasis away from the thrill of the Falls.

4. Mix and match to create your perfect holiday

A whole variety of our Africa holidays in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia can be combined with a stay at Victoria Falls, ranging from mobile tented safaris in the Okavango Delta to journeys along the Garden Route in South Africa.

If you are visiting from South Africa or Namibia, a two-part extension across the border to Botswana can let you discover the nation’s wildlife with a morning boat ride on the Chobe River and an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park.

With so much to see in and around Victoria Falls and nearby destinations, the variety and flexibility of our extensions and excursions help you create the holiday you want.

5. Take a sunset cruise for incredible views

Any of the various walkways or viewing platforms on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side of Victoria Falls can offer wonderful views of the 100-metre-plus drop, but there is no comparison to the view of the sunset over the Zambezi River than that offered aboard a sunset cruise.

As well as being a wonderful way to watch the sun set, those aboard the boat may spot hippo, crocodile, elephant and birdlife on the riverbanks. As the sun sets, its reflection on the water is magical and makes for an excellent photo.

No views compare to seeing the sunset over the Zambezi River from an afternoon cruise.

6. Wonderful wildlife

While the falls themselves are the main attraction, there is also excellent wildlife viewing in the area. Hippo, elephant and other wildlife can be spotted on the Zambezi river cruise.

The Victoria Falls rainforest is an area of dense vegetation, nourished by the constant spray of the Falls. This never-ending spray has supported the development of a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, mongoose, warthog and bushbuck. It is not guaranteed that you will see these around the area or from the viewing platforms, as wildlife patterns are unpredictable.

Wildlife is known to roam freely around the area surrounding Victoria Falls, including the town centre.

7. Speak to an Expert

Several of our in-house Travel Experts have visited Victoria Falls themselves, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Inspired by this, and want to experience the thrill of Victoria Falls for yourself? Order a brochure to find out more about our Victoria Falls holidays, or contact us to speak to one of our Travel Consultants today.

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