Victoria Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Seeing this colossal sheet of falling water in person is a bucket list item for many travelers. However, with so many high-end resorts, luxury activities, and pricey tours, visiting Victoria Falls can put a serious dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. The good news is that it is possible to experience the majesty of Victoria Falls on a budget. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can find plenty of amazing things to see and do without breaking the bank.
From free viewpoints to affordable adventure activities, there are many ways to make the most of your time at Vic Falls without spending a fortune. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our top tips for visiting Victoria Falls on a budget, including:
- Free and cheap ways to view the falls
- Budget-friendly accommodation options
- Affordable adventure activities
- Money-saving tips for food and transportation
- Insider secrets to avoid tourist traps
Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or just looking to save some cash, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Victoria Falls that fits your budget. Let’s dive in!
When to Visit Victoria Falls on a Budget
The best time to visit Victoria Falls on a budget depends on your priorities. The falls have two main seasons:
High Water Season (March to July): This is when the Zambezi River is at its fullest, bringing the most water thundering over the falls. The falls are at their most powerful and impressive during this time. However, some viewpoints and activities may be closed due to high water levels.
Low Water Season (August to December): While the falls have less water during this time, you’ll still see an impressive amount. Many viewpoints and activities are open, and it’s generally the best time for adventure sports like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping. Accommodation and activity prices are also lower. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend visiting in the low water season from August to December.
You’ll still get to see the falls in all their glory, but you’ll find cheaper prices on accommodation, activities, and tours. The weather is also very pleasant during this time, with warm sunny days and cool nights. That said, if you have your heart set on seeing the falls at their most powerful, consider visiting in the high-water season from March to July. Just be prepared to pay higher prices and deal with some closures. The falls are truly awe-inspiring at this time of year.
Free and Cheap Ways to View Victoria Falls
One of the best things about Victoria Falls is that you don’t have to spend a dime to see the main attraction. There are several free and very cheap ways to view the falls:
Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe): The main viewpoints of Victoria Falls are located in the national park on the Zimbabwe side. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the park, but once inside, you can walk along the trails to see the falls from various angles. The entrance fee is $30 for SADC nationals and $50 for international visitors.
Livingstone Island (Zambia): On the Zambia side, you can take a short walk from the town of Livingstone to the edge of Livingstone Island, which sits right in the middle of the falls. This is a great free viewpoint, though you’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the island itself.
Victoria Falls Bridge: The iconic Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can walk across the bridge for free and get some great views of the falls and the Zambezi River gorge below. Just be sure to bring your passport as you’ll need to go through immigration to cross the border.
Knife Edge Bridge: This bridge on the Zimbabwe side offers a unique perspective of the falls. It’s located just below the main falls and allows you to get up close to the thundering water. The bridge is free to access.
Lookout Tree: For a bird’s eye view of the falls, head to the Lookout Tree on the Zimbabwe side. It’s a short hike up to the tree, which offers panoramic vistas of the falls and the surrounding landscape. There’s no entrance fee to visit the Lookout Tree.
Zambezi River Banks: On both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, you can walk along the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from the falls. This is a great way to get a sense of the sheer size and power of the river before it plunges over the edge. Just be careful near the edge as the banks can be slippery.
If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend spending at least one full day exploring the free viewpoints on both sides of the falls. This will give you a great overview of Victoria Falls without spending a lot of money. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options
There are plenty of affordable accommodation options in both Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia. Here are some of our top picks for budget-friendly places to stay:
Victoria Falls Backpackers (Zimbabwe): This popular hostel offers dorm beds starting at $10 per night. They also have private rooms available. The hostel has a pool, bar, and restaurant on-site and organizes activities and tours. It’s located just a 10-minute walk from the Victoria Falls entrance.
Shearwater Explorers Village (Zimbabwe): For a bit more comfort, check out Shearwater Explorers Village. They have affordable safari tents starting at $25 per person per night. The tents are equipped with beds, bedding, and electricity. There’s also a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool on-site.
Jollyboys Backpackers (Zambia): On the Zambia side, Jollyboys Backpackers is a great budget option. Dorm beds start at $10 per night. They have an outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant. Jollyboys is located just a 10-minute walk from the Livingstone town center.
Maramba River Lodge (Zambia): For a bit more privacy, Maramba River Lodge offers affordable safari-style tents starting at $50 per night for two people. The tents have en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The lodge is located just 5km from Livingstone town.
Affordable Adventure Activities
Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of Africa, with a huge range of thrilling activities on offer. While many of these are quite pricey, there are some affordable options for adrenaline junkies on a budget:
Whitewater Rafting: Rafting the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities at Victoria Falls. While it’s not the cheapest activity, you can find half-day rafting trips starting at around $100 per person. This is a great option if you want an exciting adventure without breaking the bank.
Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is a bucket list item for many visitors. While the jump itself is quite expensive at around $160, you can save money by just watching others jump. There’s no charge to hang out on the bridge and watch the jumpers.
Gorge Swing: For a thrilling swing over the Zambezi River gorge, check out the Victoria Falls Gorge Swing. It’s a bit cheaper than bungee jumping at around $95 per person. You can also combine the swing with a zip line for a discounted price.
Helicopter Flights: While helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are quite pricey, you can save money by booking a short 12–15-minute flight instead of the longer 25–30-minute options. Prices for the short flight start at around $150 per person.
Canoe Trips: For a more peaceful adventure, take a canoe trip on the upper Zambezi River. You can find half-day trips starting at around $50 per person. It’s a great way to spot wildlife like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Guided Walks: Exploring Victoria Falls National Park on a guided walking tour is a great budget-friendly activity. You can find group tours starting at around $30 per person. Guides will point out interesting plants, animals, and geological features along the way.
Sunset Cruises: End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. While many cruises are quite pricey, you can find budget options starting at around $50 per person. Cruises usually include snacks, drinks, and great views of the river and surrounding landscape. When booking adventure activities, be sure to shop around and compare prices. Many operators offer discounts for booking multiple activities together. You can also save money by joining a group tour instead of booking a private tour.
Budget-Friendly Food and Drink
Eating and drinking in Victoria Falls can get quite expensive, especially if you stick to the restaurants and bars in the main tourist areas. However, with a bit of creativity, you can find plenty of affordable options:
Self-Catering: If you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, take advantage of it! Pick up some groceries from one of the local markets or supermarkets and cook your own meals. This is by far the cheapest way to eat in Victoria Falls.
Street Food: For cheap and delicious local fare, seek out the street food vendors. You can find everything from grilled meat skewers to fresh fruit and vegetables. Just be sure to stick to vendors that look clean and busy.
Local Restaurants: Avoid the tourist traps and seek out the local restaurants instead. You’ll find much better prices and more authentic cuisine. Some great options include Mama Africa, Shearwater Restaurant, and Mama Tembo’s.
Happy Hour: Take advantage of the many happy hour specials at bars and restaurants in Victoria Falls. You can often find discounted drinks and snacks, especially during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Picnics: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the scenic spots in Victoria Falls National Park or along the Zambezi River. This is a great way to save money and enjoy a beautiful setting at the same time.
Refillable Water Bottles: Avoid buying bottled water by bringing your own refillable water bottle. You can fill it up at your accommodation or at the many water refill stations around Victoria Falls. This will save you a ton of money over the course of your trip.
Money-Saving Tips for Transportation
Getting around Victoria Falls can be quite expensive, especially if you rely on taxis and private transfers. Here are some tips to save money on transportation:
Walk: Many of the main attractions in Victoria Falls are quite close together. You can easily walk between the town center, Victoria Falls National Park, and the Victoria Falls Bridge. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Use Local Transport: Instead of taxis, use the local transport options like buses and minibuses. They’re much cheaper, though a bit less comfortable. In Zimbabwe, you can catch the Shearwater shuttle bus between Victoria Falls town and the national park entrance for just $1 per person.
Rent a Bike: Renting a bike is a fun and affordable way to explore Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. You can find bike rentals starting at around $5 per hour or $20 per day. Just be sure to wear a helmet and ride safely.
Shared Transfers: If you need to get between Victoria Falls and Livingstone, book a shared shuttle transfer instead of a private taxi. Prices start at around $20 per person one-way. It takes a bit longer as you’ll make multiple stops, but it’s much cheaper.
Hitchhike: For a true budget experience, consider hitchhiking between Victoria Falls and Livingstone. It’s quite safe and common in the area. Just be sure to use your best judgment and only accept rides from people who seem trustworthy.
Insider Secrets to Avoid Tourist Traps
Victoria Falls is a major tourist destination, which means there are plenty of opportunities to get ripped off if you’re not careful. Here are some insider secrets to help you avoid tourist traps:
Bargain Hard: Haggling is expected when buying souvenirs and crafts from local vendors. Don’t be afraid to bargain hard to get the best price. A good rule of thumb is to offer about 25-50% of the initial asking price and negotiate from there.
Watch for Hidden Fees: When booking activities and tours, always ask about any hidden fees or extras. Things like park entrance fees, equipment rental, and gratuities can add a lot to the final price. Get a full breakdown of costs upfront.
Stick to Metered Taxis: If you do need to take a taxi, only use the official metered taxis. Avoid unmarked cars and negotiate the price before getting in. You can also ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you.
Bring Your Own Water: Bottled water is very expensive in Victoria Falls. Bring your own refillable bottle and fill it up at your accommodation or at the many water refill stations around town. You’ll save a ton of money over the course of your trip.
Be Flexible: If you’re on a tight budget, be willing to be flexible with your plans. Things like weather, water levels, and availability may impact what activities are possible on any given day. Have a backup plan and be open to alternatives. By following these insider tips and being a savvy traveler, you can avoid the tourist traps and make the most of your budget in Victoria Falls. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can have an amazing adventure without spending a fortune.
Conclusion
Victoria Falls is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world, and it is possible to experience its majesty on a budget. By taking advantage of the many free viewpoints, choosing affordable accommodation, and picking budget-friendly activities, you can have an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank. Some of the best budget-friendly things to do include:
- Exploring the free viewpoints in Victoria Falls National Park and along the Zambezi River banks
- Staying at hostels, budget lodges, or campsites
- Going whitewater rafting, canoeing, or on a guided walk
- Enjoying a picnic lunch and sunset cruise
- Eating at local restaurants and street food vendors
With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can create an amazing Victoria Falls itinerary that fits your budget. Just be sure to avoid tourist traps, bargain hard, and take advantage of local transport options. No matter how much you spend, seeing Victoria Falls in person is a truly unforgettable experience. The sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder will leave you in awe, no matter your budget. So start planning your budget-friendly Victoria Falls adventure today!
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