Walking Safari to the Falls, Bridge and beyond with Savannah

Exploring the Victoria Falls Bridge and Beyond: A Practical Review of the Walking Safari with Savannah Adventures Safaris

Victoria Falls is undeniably one of Africa’s most iconic sights—and there’s something uniquely appealing about experiencing it from the historic bridge without paying the hefty park entrance fee. The Walking Safari to the Falls, Bridge, and Beyond with Savannah offers a different perspective: a relaxed, small-group journey led by a knowledgeable local guide. This tour balances scenic views, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking an authentic, budget-friendly experience.

What we love about this tour is how it combines up-close views of the Falls from the bridge, the ease of crossing the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia without needing a visa, and the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. Plus, the small group size means less crowd, more personalized attention, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. On the flip side, the fact that it’s only a partial view of the Falls might disappoint those expecting the full spectacle. Still, for those wanting a quick, engaging glimpse of the Falls without the extra costs or time, this tour hits the right notes. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife, history, and spectacular scenery—all within a manageable time frame.

Key Points

• Cost-effective: At $45 per person, this tour offers exceptional value for a scenic walk and wildlife encounters.
• Small group experience: With a maximum of 15 travelers, expect personalized commentary and the chance for meaningful interactions.
• Border crossing made easy: The guide handles border formalities, allowing you to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia swiftly without needing a visa.
• Unique perspective: View the Falls from the historic bridge and learn about its history at a local museum.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect to see impalas, warthogs, baboons, and possibly more animals in their natural environment.
• Not a full Falls tour: It’s a partial view, seen from the bridge, and not a comprehensive tour of Victoria Falls itself.

Why Choose This Tour? An Honest Look at What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

The adventure begins at the N1 Hotel & Campsite in Victoria Falls, where you’ll meet your guide and start a walk through the bush. This part of the journey offers a chance to see local wildlife—impalas, warthogs, and baboons—in their natural surroundings, adding a wildlife safari feel to the experience. The guide, who is a licensed safari and river guide, is well-versed in local flora and fauna, and as one reviewer pointed out, “Mthabisi was very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly.” Having a guide who can handle the formalities at the border quickly and smoothly is a notable advantage, especially for travelers unfamiliar with crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The walk continues through a local arts and crafts market, giving travelers a glimpse of local culture and crafts before reaching the border checkpoint. Here, the guide manages the immigration process for you, saving time and hassle. This seamless border crossing is a key highlight—no visa needed when crossing with a guide, which adds to the tour’s convenience.

Once through the border, the walk is about 7 minutes to the Victoria Falls Bridge. During this stretch, you’ll be immersed in the sounds and spray of the Falls, even from a distance, which builds anticipation. When you reach the bridge, you’ll walk slowly across, with plenty of time to take photographs of the gorge, the Zambezi River below, and the Falls in the distance. This is where the tour truly shines—you’re getting a spectacular view without paying the $50 entrance fee to the park.

The Bridge and Museum: A Historic Perspective

Standing on the Victoria Falls Bridge, you’ll appreciate its historical significance and engineering marvel. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Falls, the gorge, and the river—perfect for capturing memorable photos. The guide will also take you to a small museum nearby, where you’ll learn about the bridge’s history and its role in the region’s development.

One of the big positives, highlighted by reviewers, is the personalized attention and the ability to capture the landscape from a less crowded, less touristy spot. You’ll have ample time to snap photos and soak in the scenery without the usual crowds that dominate the park’s viewing points.

Wildlife Sightings and Scenic Views

Wildlife sightings may include impalas, warthogs, baboons, and perhaps more animals, thanks to the route through the bush. Though the focus is on the bridge and the falls, the surrounding environment offers an authentic safari feel. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, the tour sometimes offers more wildlife sightings along the walk, making it a mini safari experience.

If luck is on your side, you might also catch glimpses of birds or even small crocodiles in the river below. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you don’t miss any notable sights or stories about the area.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This walk is ideal for travelers who want to experience the spectacle of Victoria Falls from a unique vantage point without paying the full park entrance fee. It’s perfect for those short on time or budget-conscious visitors who still want a taste of the falls and wildlife. The tour’s flexible, small-group approach makes it suitable for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking an intimate, authentic experience.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity. It’s a manageable time commitment that leaves room for other adventures.

Price: At $45 per person, this tour offers a good balance between affordability and quality. Considering the guide manages border formalities and provides insights, it’s a strong value, especially compared to individual park entrance fees.

Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, which means less crowding and more personalized guidance. The smaller group size is often reflected in the reviews, with many praising their guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

Meeting Point: The tour starts at the N1 Hotel & Campsite in Victoria Falls, easy to find and close to other accommodations and attractions.

Booking in Advance: On average, bookings are made 41 days ahead, indicating good planning and popularity among travelers.

Weather Dependence: Like all outdoor tours, it’s weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers an excellent snapshot of the Falls and the surrounding environment, it does not include a full tour of Victoria Falls itself. If you’re after the complete waterfall experience, you’ll need to pay the park entry fee and book a dedicated guided tour of the falls, which is approximately $50 extra.

Plus, the tour is designed for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, scenic walk rather than a strenuous hike or lengthy tour. The border crossing process is handled by the guide, making it particularly convenient for international travelers.

Authentic Insights from Previous Travelers

Several reviewers have shared valuable tips. One lauded guide, Carlos, described as a “native Victoria Falls resident,” was praised for his leadership and knowledge, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience. Others appreciated the personalized service and the ability to take memorable photos without the usual crowds.

On the flip side, a reviewer expressed disappointment, feeling they only saw a small part of the Falls and wished for more. This highlights the importance of understanding that this tour offers a partial view from the bridge rather than a full waterfall tour.

The overall consensus remains highly positive: “Memorable adventure,” says one traveler, noting that the experience exceeded expectations for value and scenery.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This walking safari is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers who want to see Victoria Falls from a fresh perspective without the expense of full park access. The combination of wildlife sightings, historic insights, and scenic views makes it a well-rounded choice for those who value authenticity and convenience.

It’s especially suited for visitors with limited time, families, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed walk with plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife encounters. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure you get a personal touch, making the experience more meaningful than a crowded sightseeing bus.

However, if your goal is to see the entire waterfall in all its grandeur, or you’re after a comprehensive guided tour of the falls, you may want to add that separately. This tour provides a peek into the scenery and history from a unique spot—an excellent addition to your Victoria Falls itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the relaxed pace and nature walk make it suitable for most ages, though young children should be supervised around wildlife and borders.

Do I need a visa to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia?
No, you won’t need a visa for this crossing if you’re part of the group, as the guide handles border formalities.

How long is the walk to the bridge?
The walk from the border check point to the bridge takes about 7 minutes through the bush, offering wildlife sightings en route.

Can I see the full Victoria Falls on this tour?
No, this tour only provides a view of part of the Falls from the bridge. For a complete waterfall experience, separate entrance fees and tours are required.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect impalas, warthogs, and baboons. Sometimes, wildlife sightings can be quite rewarding, adding a safari element to the walk.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it relies on good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, the “Walking Safari to the Falls, Bridge and Beyond with Savannah” offers a fantastic way to experience Victoria Falls from a different angle—combining history, wildlife, and stunning views at a wallet-friendly price. It’s best suited for travelers craving an authentic, intimate encounter with the region’s natural beauty without the crowds or hefty costs.