Victoria Falls Travel Guide for South Africans
Victoria Falls at a glance
- Flight time from Johannesburg
- About 2 hours from Johannesburg, or 17–21 hours by road
- Visa for SA passport holders
- No visa needed for South Africans
- Currency
- US Dollars in Zimbabwe. Bring cash
- Language
- English, Shona and Ndebele
- Best time to visit
- August to November for activities, April to July for the view
- Spending money guidance
- R600 for Falls entry, plus your activity budget in US dollars
- Time difference
- Same as South Africa
- Plugs
- Type D and G. Bring an adapter
Last reviewed August 2026. Visa and entry rules change — always confirm with the embassy before booking.
When to visit Victoria Falls, month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | Rainy season, 20–30°C | Moderate | Medium | The Falls are at their fullest but spray obscures the view. |
| April–May | Mild, 15–28°C | Building | Medium | Peak water flow. Spectacular, and you will get soaked. |
| June–July | Cool and dry, 8–25°C | Busy | High | Excellent views, strong flow. Cold early mornings. |
| August–September | Warming, dry, 12–31°C | Busy | High | Our pick. Great views, good game viewing at Chobe, Devil's Pool opens. |
| October–November | Hot, 18–36°C | Easing | Medium | Low water and hot. Best month for Devil's Pool and rafting. |
| December | Hot, rains starting, 19–33°C | Busy | High | Festive season. Water rising again, greener landscape. |
Our Victoria Falls tours
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Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana Tourist Visas
From R 4,500
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Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia Tour | 20 - 25 September 2026
From R 12,800
· R 2,000 deposit
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Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia Tour | 13 - 18 December 2026
From R 13,800
· R 2,000 deposit
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Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia Tour | 27 December 2026 - 1 January 2027
From R 13,800
· R 2,000 deposit
What our travellers say
I’ve traveled to Dubai, Mozambique and Namibia with Thrifty Travel. Every moment of each trip was enjoyed to the fullest. The entire team from tour guides to transport team to the suppliers used are always professional. Can’t wait for my next trip with Thrifty Travel
Best of the best, Thrifty adventures is the best. A big thank you to our tour guide Mnr Jeff. Victoria falls, Zambia, Botswana.
Sandwich harbour on the Namibia tour was my highlight. I loved this more as the sights on the drive in the desert/on the dunes was breathtaking, and the picnic was a nice treat. The tour leaders; Sam and Jeff were awesome with my son. They really put effort in making him comfortable. I really appreciate it so much, he can't stop talking about the trip. Thank you so much …this was my 3rd trip with Thrifty and I hope to come back for more. Congratulations to you
Victoria Falls: your questions answered
Do South Africans need visas for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana?
South African passport holders do not need visas for Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana for tourism. You need a passport with at least six months' validity and enough blank pages — you will collect several stamps on this trip.
Why do I need US dollars?
Zimbabwe transacts primarily in US dollars and card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels. Bring cash, and bring more than you think you need — activities are paid directly to operators. Notes must be clean, undamaged and issued after 2013; older or torn notes are often refused.
How much should I budget for activities?
This depends entirely on what you want to do. The helicopter flight, white-water rafting, the lion walk, bungee jumping and the Chobe game drive are all paid locally to the operators. Ask us for the current activities price list before you travel so you can plan properly.
What is the R600 entry fee for?
The Victoria Falls rainforest tour is part of your itinerary, but the park entry fee is payable by each traveller. Budget R600 per person for this. It is the only fixed extra cost on the tour.
Road package or flight package — which should I choose?
The flight package is five days, Monday to Friday, and includes a final night in Victoria Falls. The road package is six days, Sunday to Friday, with an overnight coach of 17 to 21 hours at each end — and the drive home starts straight after Chobe, so there is no final night at the Falls. The road option is cheaper and the deposit is R2,000 rather than R3,000.
When can I swim in Devil's Pool?
Devil's Pool is seasonal and depends on water levels — usually open from around August to December. It cannot be guaranteed, and it is booked and paid locally on the Zambian side.
What should I pack?
A rain jacket for the Falls — you will get soaked and it is worth it. Layers, because mornings are cold and afternoons are hot, particularly June to August. Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat. Neutral colours if you are doing the Chobe game drive.
What is included in the tour?
Transport by road or air, accommodation, breakfasts, dinner at Lookout Cafe or Three Monkeys, a formal group dinner, a farewell lunch, the Victoria Falls rainforest tour, the Victoria Falls town tour, the Livingstone town tour, the day trip to Kasane for Chobe, and a tour experience leader throughout.