Victoria Falls Budget Safaris

See Victoria Falls on a budget, without cutting corners.

Affordable guided tours, sunset cruises, rafting and Chobe day trips, planned by a local team on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides.

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Affordable Victoria Falls safari packages, day tours and adventure activities, planned by local experts on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the falls. Victoria Falls is one of the destinations in Africa where you can see a world-famous natural wonder and go on a real wildlife safari in the same short trip, without a luxury budget. At more than 1.7 kilometers wide, Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” pours the Zambezi River into a gorge over 100 meters deep. The spray is visible from miles away. Our affordable Victoria Falls safaris start with a guided walk through the rainforest paths on the Zimbabwe side, where you see most of the main falls, or the Zambia side near Livingstone, which gets you closer to the water and the Knife-Edge Bridge. After the falls, we add the experiences that make the trip. Watch the sun go down on a Zambezi River sunset cruise, often with hippos, crocodiles and elephants along the banks. Cross into Botswana on a Chobe National Park day trip for some of Africa’s largest elephant herds, with a morning boat safari and an afternoon game drive. For more time with wildlife, we can extend your trip into Hwange National Park or the Zambezi National Park. If you want adventure, add white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge, a Flight of Angels helicopter flight over the falls, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, or a swim at Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island during the low-water months.

Each budget safari package is planned around your dates, since the season changes what you’ll see. From about February to May, the falls are at their fullest and loudest. From about August to December, the views are clearer and rafting is at its best. You’ll stay in good-value lodges and guesthouses in Victoria Falls town or Livingstone, with airport transfers, clear pricing and local guides who know when the spray and the wildlife are at their best.

'The Smoke That Thunders'

Mosi-oa-Tunya: Why Victoria Falls Is Called “The Smoke That Thunders”

Long before it appeared on any map as Victoria Falls, the waterfall had a name that described it exactly. The Kololo people who lived along the upper Zambezi called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”. Stand on the edge of the gorge and the name makes sense straight away. A white column of spray rises high above the falls and can be seen from many kilometres away, and the constant roar of falling water fills the air long before you reach the viewpoints.

The Scottish explorer David Livingstone reached the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria. Both names are still used today. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park protects the Zambian side near Livingstone, and Victoria Falls National Park protects the Zimbabwean side. Together they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The local Tonga people have their own name, Shungu Namutitima, often translated as “boiling water”.

BUDGET PACKAGES

Popular Victoria Falls tours

Short, great-value itineraries for backpackers, couples, families and overland travellers.

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Guided Tour of Victoria Falls | Day Trip | From $2345

Walk the rainforest trail on the Zimbabwe side with a local guide, taking in the main viewpoints over the falls.

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Guided Tour of Victoria Falls | Day Trip | From $2345

Walk the rainforest trail on the Zimbabwe side with a local guide, taking in the main viewpoints over the falls.

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Victoria Falls Budget Safari | 3 Day Trip | From $3345

Guided falls tour, Zambezi sunset cruise and a full-day Chobe trip in Botswana, with budget lodge stays and transfers.

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Discover Chobe National Park | Day Trip | From $2378

Cross into Botswana at Kazungula for a Chobe River boat cruise, lunch and a game drive among elephant herds.

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THINGS TO DO

Activities at Victoria Falls

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White water rafting

Take on the rapids of the Zambezi below Victoria Falls. This is one of the region's major adventure activities.

Bungee Jumping

Experience a dramatic 111-metre bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, suspended above the Zambezi River.

Devil’s Pool

During the appropriate low-water season, swim or sit at the edge of the falls on the Zambian side with experienced guides.

Game Drives

Explore nearby wildlife areas such as Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe or Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia.

Cultural Experiences

Meet local communities, visit markets, experience traditional crafts, and learn about the cultures surrounding Victoria Falls.

Horseback Safaris

Explore the Zambezi wilderness on horseback, combining wildlife viewing with a quieter safari experience.

Walking Safaris

Take a guided walk through the surrounding wilderness and learn about local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

Cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset while looking for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife.

Why travel with us

Budget-friendly, never bare-bones

At Victoria Falls Budget Safaris, we believe an unforgettable African adventure shouldn’t have to come with an unforgettable price tag. As local safari specialists, we combine local knowledge, personalized service, flexible itineraries, and great value to help you experience Victoria Falls and the surrounding wilderness with confidence.

Zimbabwe side or Zambia side?

The falls lie on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and each side offers a unique perspective, atmosphere, and range of experiences. From the spectacular viewpoints and rainforest trails to thrilling adventures on the Zambezi River, there is something different to discover on either side.

We operate tours from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, giving you the flexibility to explore Victoria Falls from the side that best suits your itinerary—or experience both for a more complete adventure. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, seeking adrenaline-filled activities, or combining the falls with a wildlife safari, we make it easy to experience the best of Victoria Falls from both sides of the border.

Plan your visit

When to visit Victoria Falls

Rafting runs the full gorge in low water and a shorter high-water route either side of the peak; it usually closes around March–June. Devil’s Pool opens only when the river drops, roughly mid-August to January. Lunar rainbows appear around the full moon in high water. Exact dates change with each year’s rains. Full month-by-month guide

Let us Craft for you Everlasting Memories

What our guests say!

Reviews from Clients

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 5 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jowi N 
 
 
 
 Verified Memorable Experience
The staff was so kind, booking process was easy. We all had fun and the experience was worth it. We plan to come back next summer holiday. Thank you Africanvacation safaris.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Miguel M 
 
 
 
 Verified They were very organized, planned a great itinerary hitting all the highlights, and flexible at the same time.
I used African Vacation Safaris for my trip to Victoria falls and Botswana. It was my first safari and I was traveling solo. They were very organized, planned a great itinerary hitting all the highlights, and flexible at the same time. The guide I had was very kind, respectful, patient and caring. The guides on activities made me feel safe. I recommend this safari company.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bryan B 
 
 
 
 Verified Explore the Untamed Beauty of Africa with Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures.
Good 2 Days Pilanesberg National Park Safari trip from Johannesburg. Worth watching big 5 in wild life. Tour Operator African Vacation Safaris Selectively choose the best guide Renita is excellent guide and extremely good in knowledge and kept guiding on all important points. Time well spent.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Quinton M 
 
 
 
 Verified African Vacation Safaris – A Memorable Journey of Nature and Adventure.
After booking a flight, we decided to go to Zimbabwe. I and my sister were a little worried when we found this travel destination of 9 Days Best of Zimbabwe Safari, at first, but because we had prior booked with African Vacation Safaris in 2017 for Uganda and Kenya, we gave it a try. But also compared to well-known safari countries such as Uganda, Kenya and South Africa, Zimbabwe has relatively little information. It turned out that my choice was correct! First of all, if you have any questions, the Staff of African Vacation Safaris would answer them quickly. They were very patient and discussed with me the most suitable solution. The trip has begun!! From the airport pick-up, hotel, restaurant and safari itinerary, every detail is as expected, or even better! Thanks to the person in charge of the travel operator and the tour guide Samuel for their enthusiastic assistance, I had no regrets on this trip! If you are interested in traveling to Southern Africa, I recommend you to choose this travel agency. Good value for money. Great service door to door-pick up and drop off. Informative about Victoria falls history while sharing his top tips throughout the tour. He assisted us in taking pictures/photos and allowed us stop at an ATM to get money for the souvenir stalls. We felt safe and thoroughly enjoyed our safari with African Vacation Safaris agency.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   SUPER W 
 
 
 
 Verified Good experience
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda-Magnificent Gorilla encounters This was a wonderful experience. It was unique from what I have read up. Trackers get sent out in the morning from 6am to follow the family and to Habituate them in Rushaga Sector. They use pangas and machetes and make grunting noises to get the family used to them. Our team entered the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the gorilla family were being tracked, needed to try and get to them. The terrain is difficult to navigate, as you are following the path that the gorillas are going through and they really move off any beaten track. And the guides from African Vacation Safaris are on the move the entire time. We spent 4 hours following the gorilla family and got to see how they naturally move around the forest, eating and playing. They are truly majestic. You need to be fit for this Uganda experience, otherwise you will miss out. Wear long sleeves, pants, closed light shoes, and have a face mask available. There are so many bugs. Bug spray is also a must. This is the more expensive option for tracking in Uganda, but well worth the money. The African Vacation Safaris guides, trackers and drivers are very experienced and really ensured that we were safe and that we enjoyed the experience. A bundle of thanks to Eric of African Vacation Safaris for his all-around knowledge about these Gentle endangered Giants of Bwindi Forest

Travel Guides

Plan Your African Safari With Confidence. Most African safaris are shaped long before the first game drive. The country you pick decides which animals you’re most likely to see. The park and the season affect how busy the tracks are, how green or dry the landscape looks, and how much you’ll pay for a lodge. The style of safari, from a guided road trip to a private fly-in itinerary, sets the pace of every day. Get these few choices right and the rest of the planning falls into place. Our safari guides are written to help you make those choices. Each one draws on years of planning tailor-made African safaris and answers the questions travellers ask us most:

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See Victoria Falls on a budget, without cutting corners.

Licensed Tour Operator

5 Stars on TripAdvisor

Guaranteed Response

Certified Guides