"The only man I envy is the one who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to." — Richard Mallin. Zambia and Zimbabwe are two countries connected by a river — two different perspectives on Africa, a continent still largely undiscovered by many tourists. Part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe follows the course of the Zambezi River — a mighty waterway that forms one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, nourishes the savannahs, and sustains the rhythm of life for thousands of animals. Zambia and Zimbabwe showcase Africa in all its splendour — from the untouched wilderness to the comfort of exclusive lodges. Here, you can spend the night under the open sky in the heart of the savannah or watch the sunset over the Zambezi from the deck of a boat.
It is impossible to talk about Zambia and Zimbabwe without beginning with the Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "the smoke that thunders" — a name that is well deserved. Millions of litres of water plunge from a height of over 100 metres, creating a thick curtain of mist that can be seen from up to 30 kilometres away.
Victoria Falls from Zambia
Zambia offers the closest possible contact with the waterfall. Here, especially during the rainy season (from November to March), the power of the water is felt physically — drops scatter for tens of metres, filling the air with moisture.
The main attraction on the Zambian side is Livingstone Island, named after the explorer David Livingstone. Livingstone was the first European to see the falls in 1855 and named them after the Queen. From here, one of the most spectacular views of Victoria Falls can be enjoyed.
During the low-water season (August — January), you can take a dip in the Devil's Pool, a natural pool right on the edge of the cliff. Other natural pools near the waterfall’s edge are available for swimming in other months.
Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is considered the best vantage point for the viewing Victoria Falls. Around 15 observation decks offer panoramic views of 75% of the waterfall. This side never runs dry, even during the dry season, so the flow remains powerful all year round.
From one of the observation decks, you can see the entire waterfall. On sunny days, you may even witness a rainbow floating in the air, reflected in the mist.
For the more adventurous, there is a bungee jump from 111 metres directly above the Zambezi Gorge or a zipline that allows you to soar over the raging waters at great speed.
Victoria Falls from a bird’s-eye view
Experiencing the waterfall from the ground is breathtaking, but the best way to truly grasp its scale is from the air. Helicopter and microlight flights offer a stunning aerial perspective of this natural wonder. Only from this height can you fully appreciate how the wide river suddenly plunges into the chasm, transforming into a raging torrent before calming once more as it flows into the vast African savannah.
Long before Europeans arrived in Africa, developed cities already existed in the south. The most significant of these is Great Zimbabwe, an ancient complex that was the centre of a powerful state and an important trading hub.
Construction began in the 12th century and reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. Great Zimbabwe covered an area of approximately 730 hectares and was the largest stone city south of the Sahara.
Its stone walls, built without a single gram of cement, have stood for centuries. Some reach 11 metres, and the construction techniques remain a mystery: the stones are tightly fitted together, creating remarkably stable structures.
This site remains unique but is not the only one — other stone complexes exist in Southern Africa, yet Great Zimbabwe is the largest and best-preserved.
Africa is famous for its safaris, and Zambia and Zimbabwe are two true gems on the map for wildlife enthusiasts.
Zambia is considered the birthplace of walking safaris, and one of the best places to experience this is South Luangwa. Here, you can encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and an abundance of leopards.
For those who prefer water-based exploration, the Lower Zambezi National Park offers a fantastic alternative, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from a canoe or boat. Elephants frequently cross the river, while hippos and crocodiles lurk in the water.
Another iconic destination is Kafue, Zambia’s largest national park and one of Africa’s biggest. It is renowned for its wetlands and rare antelope species.
The most famous safari destination in Zimbabwe is Hwange, where you can see vast herds of elephants, lions, and cheetahs. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to observe wildlife by the water. Here, elephants have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach leaves from trees.
For those seeking solitude, Gonarezhou is an ideal choice. It is a wild and little-known park where you can experience pristine nature without crowds of tourists.
In addition to land and water safaris, you can also try an air safari — a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls or a hot air balloon ride over the Zambezi Valley. If you want to experience the savannah at night, night safaris are organised in South Luangwa and Hwange, where you may encounter leopards, hyenas, and other predators as they hunt.
Beyond the major national parks, you can also go on a safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya, near Victoria Falls. This is the only place in Zambia where you can see southern white rhinos in the wild. It is also home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo, and the absence of predators makes it an excellent location for hiking and river cruises on the Zambezi.
Safari accommodation options range from luxury lodges overlooking the river to classic safari camps and budget campsites.
Unlike most African capitals, Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) do not appear to be typical tourist hotspots. Instead, these cities move to their own unique rhythm.
Lusaka is a dynamic and fast-paced city with modern high-rises alongside bustling markets and leafy avenues. Here, you can experience the many faces of Zambia, from business districts to traditional craft workshops. Soweto Market, the city’s main marketplace, is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from colourful chitenge fabrics to African spices and antiques. For a deeper insight into Zambian culture, a visit to the National Museum is highly recommended. The museum showcases artefacts from the country’s struggle for independence and works by local artists.
Harare, on the other hand, is an unexpectedly green capital. The city boasts art galleries, while giant marabou storks wander through its parks. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe houses an impressive collection of ancient masks and sculptures of the Shona people, whose descendants still reside there. Just outside the city, the National Botanical Gardens are home to more than 900 species of plants, many of which are unique to Zimbabwe.
The optimal time for safari:
May — October (dry season): the best time for safari. Animals congregate at water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to observe.
November — April (green season): more picturesque landscapes, but the animals are less visible due to the abundance of water. In South Luangwa, many newborn cubs can be seen at this time.
Visiting Victoria Falls:
February — May: The waterfall is full-flowing and especially spectacular, but due to the powerful flow of water, the view can be limited due to water mist.
August — January: less water, but better visible rock relief. During this period, you can swim in the "Devil's Pool."
Experience the power of Victoria Falls, embark on a safari in the wilderness of South Luangwa and Hwange, walk in the footsteps of elephants, and explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
Our team will craft the perfect African adventure for you. We will handpick the finest lodges with breathtaking views, design unique safari routes, and arrange cruises on the Zambezi River — so you can truly experience the magic of Africa!