Last updated October 2026

Drive times are rounded estimates for good conditions. Roadworks, roadblocks, wildlife and weather can add hours, so avoid driving after dark and check your route before you set off.

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has an international airport, so many visitors fly straight in. Settle in, then walk the rainforest viewpoints in the afternoon light. In the evening, take a sunset trip on the Zambezi with a licensed operator. See the Victoria Falls guide for places to stay and eat.

Day 2: The Falls and the river

Spend the day on the activities that suit you, such as rafting, a gorge walk or a flight over the Falls. Which rafting runs and swimming spots are open depends on the water level, so ask operators what is possible during your visit, and book with licensed operators. The Victoria Falls planning guide explains how the Falls change through the year.

Day 3: Zambia, Botswana or a slower day

Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge to see the Falls from Livingstone and the Zambian side, or take a day trip to Chobe in Botswana through the Kazungula border, about an hour's drive away. The KAZA UniVisa can cover both: see Entry and visas. If you would rather stay put, a second morning at the rainforest is never wasted.

Day 4: Drive to Hwange

Drive: Victoria Falls to Hwange Main Camp, about 195 km, around 3 to 4 hours.

Zimbabwe Parks gives the route: drive 172 km towards Bulawayo, turn right at Cross Mabale, then continue 23 km on tar. Many lodges include road or air transfers from Victoria Falls, which is often simpler. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. See the Hwange guide.

Day 5: A full day in Hwange

Go out early, when animals are most active, and spend time at the waterholes. Wildlife viewing is usually best in the dry months, about July to October, when animals stay close to water. The Hwange planning guide covers park rules, camps and safety.

Going home, or carrying on

• Back to Victoria Falls for your flight home, on the same road.
• On to Bulawayo. Zimbabwe Parks puts Main Camp 283 km from Bulawayo plus the 23 km turn-off road, about 306 km in all. From there you can follow the heritage route.

Victoria Falls and Hwange are in a malaria area. See Health and safety.

The guides for this route

• Victoria Falls · Plan your visit
• Hwange National Park · Plan your visit