Zimbabwe & Zambia side Private Guided Tour of the Falls

Our review dives into a popular Victoria Falls experience that promises to showcase the world’s largest waterfall from both Zimbabwean and Zambian perspectives. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed feedback, impressive ratings, and well-structured itinerary paint a promising picture for travelers eager to see this natural wonder with expert guidance.

What we love about this tour is its convenience and depth—from hotel pickup to insightful guides, visitors get a comprehensive view of the falls. The opportunity to see the falls from both countries adds a unique perspective that many single-side visits can’t match. Plus, the price point of $79 per person makes it accessible compared to other options.

However, a potential consideration is the nature of the views; as one review mentions, the weather and mist can sometimes limit visibility, making the experience less perfect than expected. Nevertheless, this tour is best suited for those who want a balanced, guided experience that covers the highlights without breaking the bank.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private guided journey suits travelers looking for an efficient, well-organized sightseeing experience. It’s ideal for those who want to explore both sides of the falls without the hassle of planning, especially if they prefer guided insights and a relaxed pace. If weather conditions are a concern, be prepared for possible fog or mist, which can affect visibility but also add to the drama of the falls.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: See Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides in a single tour.
• Private Guide: Personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience.
• Value for Money: At $79, this tour offers a lot for a reasonable price, especially considering the guided tour and hotel pickup.
• Weather Considerations: Mist and fog can sometimes obscure views, but raincoats are provided.
• Inclusion of Rainforest Walks: Walk through the lush rainforests with stops at vintage viewpoints.
• Additional Fees: Entrance fees are additional, totalling around $70 for both parks, so budget accordingly.

The Full Experience: What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

Victoria Falls – Both Sides in One Tour
The highlight of this experience is visiting the falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Your guide—likely someone from Journey Beyond Nature Safaris—will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a roughly 5-hour journey through the rainforests that surround the falls.

Once you arrive, you’ll stand at various vantage points to gaze upon the massive sheet of water plunging into the gorge—an incredible display of nature’s power and beauty. The guide will share insights about the falls’ formation, the local flora and fauna, and the history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rainforest Walks & Viewpoints
The rainforest walk is just as much about feeling the spray and hearing the thunder of rushing water as it is about looking at the falls. The reviews mention the presence of rainbows and the atmospheric mist, which add to the magic—though, as one reviewer noted, fog and water droplets can sometimes blur the views, making it less clear. Guides provide raincoats to shield you from the spray, ensuring you stay comfortable despite the weather.

Zimbabwean and Zambian Perspectives
The tour’s big draw is experiencing the falls from both sides. The Zimbabwean side offers expansive views and close-up encounters with the waterfall, while the Zambian side tends to provide a broader perspective and a different angle of the falls’ grandeur. This dual approach provides a more complete appreciation of the natural wonder.

The Practical Aspects

Transportation & Timing
Transportation is arranged as part of the package, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour runs approximately 6 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. The tour starts early afternoon (from 2 PM), giving you ample daylight to enjoy the views before sunset.

Cost & Additional Fees
While the tour’s pricing is attractive at $79 per person, it’s important to factor in the national park entrance fees—around $50 for Zimbabwe and $20 for Zambia. These are paid separately and add up to roughly $70. Lunch isn’t included, so plan for a meal either before or after the tour.

Physical Fitness & Accessibility
The tour is suitable for individuals with a moderate physical fitness level, as it involves walking through rainforests and viewing platforms. Reviewers mentioned walking through the rainforest and stopping at various viewpoints, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Group Size & Privacy
This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized experience. However, note that if you’re traveling solo, there’s an extra $30 fee for pickup.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer, sari_r, expressed some disappointment, citing foggy views and high costs—$90 per person plus extra entrance fees—feeling it wasn’t worth the price. They described the experience as “nice, but the view was not what we expected,” and the water spray caused blurry sights. The tour provider responded that weather conditions vary and raincoats are provided to help you stay dry, emphasizing how seasonal and weather-dependent the experience can be.

Another traveler appreciated the good value for what was included, highlighting that the private nature of the tour and the guided insights made the experience worthwhile despite some weather limitations.

Why This Tour Is Still a Strong Choice

This guided tour offers a convenient and insightful way to see Victoria Falls, especially if you value having a knowledgeable guide to explain the sights and handle logistics. The approach of visiting both sides ensures a more complete understanding of this awe-inspiring natural feature, which many visitors consider a must-see at least once in their lifetime.

The value lies in the personalized attention, ease of logistics, and the chance to learn about the falls’ geology, flora, and local stories—all while avoiding the hassle of organizing transport or navigating the parks alone. It’s an especially good choice for travelers who want a relaxed yet informative experience.

However, be prepared for the weather to impact your views—mist and fog are part of the experience, and some days may be clearer than others. The inclusion of raincoats helps, but it’s worth tempering expectations if visibility is crucial for your photo plans.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

In the end, this tour offers solid value for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free visit to Victoria Falls with the bonus of experiencing both sides of the falls. The private aspect means you won’t be stuck with a large group, allowing for a more flexible and intimate experience.

It suits those who are looking for an affordable, rundown of the falls, especially if they’re okay with weather conditions potentially limiting visibility. The added insight from guides makes it a memorable, educational experience that balances natural wonder with cultural context.

For travelers eager to tick the box of seeing one of the world’s greatest waterfalls without overspending or overly complex planning, this tour provides a practical, enjoyable option.

FAQ

Is this a full-day or half-day tour?
It’s approximately 6 hours long, making it a good half-day experience that covers both sides of the falls.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics simple and stress-free.

Are entrance fees included in the price?
No, the entrance fees ($50 for Zimbabwe and $20 for Zambia) are paid separately at the parks.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Raincoats are provided if needed.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
As long as participants have a moderate physical fitness level, most age groups can enjoy it. Check with your provider for specific age restrictions.

How many people typically join the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What if I don’t see clear views due to weather?
Weather can impact visibility, but guides provide raincoats, and the experience is still rewarding with the sound, mist, and rainbows. Refunds are not typically offered for weather-related issues.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour is private, so you may discuss specific interests with your guide—just ask if you’d like to add or modify any part!

In summary, this Victoria Falls tour provides a well-organized, guided way to see a mesmerizing natural wonder from both sides, at an accessible price point. With personalized service, rainforest walks, and the thrill of experiencing two perspectives, it caters to travelers who value comfort and insight without sacrificing authenticity. Just remember to pack your patience for weather conditions—sometimes the mist is part of the adventure!