Public travel plan
Off the Beaten Path: Victoria Falls & Rural Zimbabwe
Explore beyond the resort hub of Victoria Falls to experience rural Zimbabwean village life, community-led animal rescue efforts, and dramatic canyon views along the Zambezi. When crossing the border into Zimbabwe, ensu…
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Travel inspiration behind this plan
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Useful context before you go
Explore beyond the resort hub of Victoria Falls to experience rural Zimbabwean village life, community-led animal rescue efforts, and dramatic canyon views along the Zambezi. When crossing the border into Zimbabwe, ensure you carry sufficient US dollars in cash, as card machines can be unreliable and unexpected administrative fees or road taxes may apply. When visiting rural communities like Chisuma, travel respectfully with a local guide, support community initiatives, and prepare for unpaved dirt tracks if venturing out by motorbike or 4x4.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Border Crossing & Victoria Falls Arrival
Arrive into Victoria Falls from the Botswana border. Be prepared for border visa and road vehicle fees in cash. Check into your boutique retreat and orient yourself with the resort town before venturing into the rural outskirts.
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Kazungula Border PostKazungula Border Post, Zimbabwe
Crossing into Zimbabwe from Botswana by vehicle requires paying visa fees ($30 for US citizens, $75 for Canadians), vehicle road fees, and potential border processing charges. Card machines are frequently down, so have ample US dollars cash on hand.
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Victoria Falls TownVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Drive through Victoria Falls town, the central hub for safaris, tourism activities, and transport links. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads on the town outskirts, including elephants.
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Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria FallsMbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Check in to this boutique luxury estate surrounded by natural teak forest. The property offers secluded suites and tranquil grounds, making it an ideal peaceful base for exploring Victoria Falls.
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Day 2: Horse Safaris, Chisuma Village & Batoka Gorge
Head approximately 40 minutes outside the town center to discover the authentic, rural side of Zimbabwe. Visit a local rescue farm, ride through village trails, learn about traditional homestead living, and take an off-road trek to the dramatic Zambezi Batoka Gorge.
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Wild Biza Horse SafarisWild Biza, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Meet Lisa at Wild Biza, an animal rescue ranch providing shelter and care for drought-rescued horses, cows, goats, and ducks in the rural bush. Saddle up for a guided horse trek through the surrounding communities.
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Chisuma Community GardenChisuma Village, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Pass through the community vegetable garden on horseback. The garden allows local villagers to cultivate corn and green relishes free of charge with water from a dedicated reservoir.
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Chisuma VillageChisuma, Zimbabwe
Tour a traditional Chisuma village homestead. Learn about traditional mud-and-thatch roundhouses (utaga), staple foods like sadza (pap) paired with okra bush relish and beans, and sample home-brewed village whiskey.
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Batoka Gorge ViewpointBatoka Gorge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Navigate the unpaved dirt trails branching off near the village toward the gorge. The dirt tracks can be muddy, but lead to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the rushing waters channeled below Victoria Falls.
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