Botswana Victoria Falls Safari: The Perfect Day Trip Guide

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Botswana Victoria Falls safari is a no-brainer if you are currently travelling within Botswana or based in the country. In this article, I share everything you need to know about Botswana Victoria Falls safari day trip.

A safari itinerary that combines these two beautiful destinations is a safari well-planned. Combining a Botswana safari and Victoria Falls offers a blend of the most epic wildlife encounters and water adventures. As a safari enthusiast myself, I share how the Botswana Victoria Falls safari is doable as a day trip. This article is going to focus on Victoria Falls trip. For Botswana Safari part, check out this best Botswana Safari Itinerary.

You are going to learn about Botswana Victoria Falls safari day trip from Kasane, Botswana to Victoria Falls distance, Botswana Victoria Falls safari prices, and more.

After reading this article, you will be equipped with knowledge to organise a day trip to Victoria Falls while visiting Botswana.

This post is all about Botswana Victoria Falls Safari.

The Best Botswana Victoria Falls Safari Day Trip Guide

This article shares all the tips regarding planning a Botswana Victoria Falls day trip while on a safari in Botswana. However, if you are looking for a Botswana safari near Victoria Falls, Chobe should be your first option as it is in Kasane , which is the easiest gateway to Victoria Falls.

1. Departure town: Kasane

The best place to depart from Botswana for a Botswana Victoria Falls safari day trip is Kasane. The reason is that it is not too far from Victoria Falls. In fact, Kasane is the home of the famous Chobe National Park. So while you are in Botswana, after you’ve had all the adventures in the country, why not take a day trip to Victoria Falls?

Is Victoria Falls in Botswana?

No, Victoria Falls is not located in Botswana. It is located along the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Although Victoria Falls is not far from Botswana, since it is in a different country, you will have to go through immigration and customs on each country’s border therefore make sure your passport have enough pages.

Botswana to Victoria Falls Distance.

The distance between Kasane (Botswana) and Victoria Falls( Zimbabwe) is approximately 84 km. This number varies slightly from different sources. However, from personal experience, it is a one-hour drive from Kasane. I put a timer once we were leaving Botswana immigration border. Anyway, the point is, it is not that far.

2. Botswana Victoria Falls Safari: Best mode of transportation

Travelling from Botswana to Victoria Falls can easily be done by road; there are several Botswana Victoria falls tour companies in Kasane. However, if you must take a flight, please note that there are no direct flights from Kasane to Victoria Falls, so basically you will have to fly back in the opposite direction to Johannesburg, South Africa, only to fly back over Botswana to Victoria Falls.

I would not recommend doing it. Oh! Did I mention, if you decide to fly from Kasane, the journey will take about 23 hours. Absolutely not worth it! Once you are done in Victoria Falls and you want to take a flight back, there are direct flights from Victoria Falls to Gaborone, Botswana.

Another option is self drive. If you know your way around the two countries, hire a car and self-drive to Victoria Falls from Botswana.

3. Botswana Victoria Falls Safari Prices

The tour bus from Kasane to Victoria Falls, which is a day trip, costs BWP 800 (approximately USD 60) per person. This price does not include any activities you will do in Victoria Falls. However, the driver will also guide you through immigration procedures in both countries.

They will also provide you with basic information regarding activities available there. Once you choose an extra activity to do, the driver, who was also our tour guide in our case, will arrange for you to get to the destination of your activity. For example, I paid USD 150 for a Lion walk safari. The prices ranges from USD 30 TO USD 180 depending on your activity.

4. What to expect on the day

So, on the day of your Victoria Falls day trip from Botswana, if you are using a tour bus, your driver will confirm the pickup time with you the day prior. We were picked up at 7 AM. He will carry on to pick up other travellers.

If you did not book a private tour, you will be sharing the bus with others. He will guide you through immigration and customs, there will be a cooler to put drinks, you will get a free bottle of water each.

On the way, you can expect to see wild animals, including giraffes, elephants, antelopes, lots of monkeys, baboons, and more. It was like a mini safari!

Once you reach the Victoria Falls gate, your driver/guide will show you where to pay, and that’s where he will leave you there to explore the Falls. He will be waiting in the car, so if you need to return earlier, feel free.

5. Botswana Victoria Falls Safari: Best time to go

February to July is considered the best time to visit, as it is the high-water season, and the falls will be at their most potent. However, this comes with a lot of mist, which can make viewing difficult.

Conversely, in September, for example, viewing was excellent; the weather was fantastic, but the water levels were on the lower side. In addition, there were fewer visitors in September.

6. What to do when you get there

It can get a little confusing when you get to the gate of the rain forest. You might be wondering, do I need a guide into the falls? It’s optional. I don’t think you need a guide unless you want to know more about each corner of the falls. If not, the path is marked from the starting point, which is labelled point 1, to the exit. You follow the path along the falls, and you will eventually reach the Victoria Falls bridge and the exit.

We did not use a guide on our first time inside Victoria Falls Rain Forest and that worked out well. So once you get there, the starting point is to your left.Follow the path, you’ll be fine.

The Breathtaking way of Viewing the Falls

Helicopter rides are a famous activity to do in Victoria Falls, and for a good reason, it is a thrilling activity, and the best way to view the falls from an aerial point. In addition, you get to see the falls from both sides of the two countries, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Although pricey, it is a worthwhile activity.

If you would like more information about the times, prices, duration, please have a look at Chikopokopo Helicopters for this adventurous thrilling activity.

Other activities to do while in Victoria Falls

There are numerous activities to enjoy during a Botswana Victoria Falls safari, including lion walk safaris and scenic helicopter rides. For a more detailed activities guide, check out Victoria Falls Guide.

Victoria Falls is an adventure town with countless activities to do. It is not only about Victoria Falls rainforest. I highly recommend you have a look at other activities in advance if you plan to do more activities so you can book in advance.

7. Victoria falls aesthetic

Now, let’s talk Victoria Falls outfit. Remember, you will be walking a lot, so when picking an outfit for the day, go for comfort and practicality.

You might be wondering, Can i wear shorts at Victoria Falls? the answer is YES! You can wear anything you want except camouflage. In addition, get comfortable shoes. The area is vast and can only be explored on foot. Expect to be exhausted at the end of the day. Overall, the outfit should be casual, and dress to your taste and style your outfit the way you want.

For Victoria falls outfit ideas, and inspiration, check this detailed post on what to wear on safari in Botswana.

Where to eat

After a long exhausting day, you will want some good food. Why not dine at Vitoria falls restaurant. There are a lot of restaurant in the town centre. Here is a list of restaurant to consider when looking for a place to eat.

The Lookout Cafe

My personal favourite, even if you don’t eat there, pass by, have a look around. It is the most beautiful view.

Baines Restaurant
The River
The Social Kitchen Victoria Falls
Goat Restaurant Victoria Falls

Final thoughts

A Botswana Safari combined with Victoria Falls is an African safari well done, from the most epic wildlife encounters you’ll ever experience to the town of water and adrenaline adventures. For travellers who want luxury and adventure, this is it. These two destinations are a match made in heaven. So, give yourself enough time to soak in these two beautiful destinations. They are truly magical.