Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary Zimbabwe or Zambia and Botswana

Imagine standing in a cloud of mist, the ground trembling from the power of the world's largest waterfall. The next day, you're tracking a herd of elephants on a river safari, and the day after, you're looking out over a vast gorge from a different country. This isn't a fantasy—it's a very real, albeit fast-paced, 5-day adventure in the heart of Southern Africa.

A trip to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana seems like it would require weeks, but thanks to a unique geographical convergence, you can experience the "greatest hits" of all three nations in one epic, short break. This itinerary is a whirlwind, designed for the adventurous traveler who is short on time but big on ambition. Let's dive into how you can pull off this incredible trifecta.

Why This "Trifecta"? The Magic of the Victoria Falls Region

The secret lies in the location. The entire trip is centered around the magnificent Victoria Falls, which sits on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Just 70 kilometers away is the Kazungula border, where four countries (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia) meet, and which provides access to Botswana's legendary Chobe National Park. You're not spending days on buses; you're using one of the world's greatest natural wonders as your basecamp for three-country exploration.

Is 5 Days Really Enough for Three Countries?

Let's be direct: this is a "greatest hits" tour, not a deep cultural immersion. You will be busy from sunrise to sunset. Is it enough time? To see everything, no. But is it enough to stand in awe of Victoria Falls from both sides, experience a world-class safari in Chobe, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Zambezi River? Absolutely. It’s the perfect itinerary for a first-time visitor or as an incredible, high-impact add-on to a longer Southern Africa trip.

The Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls and Chobe

This is a key question, as the "best" time depends on what you want to see.

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the peak season for safaris. In Chobe, the water sources inland dry up, so massive herds of elephants, buffalo, and predators congregate along the Chobe River, making for spectacular game viewing. The water level at the falls is lower, especially from September to November.
• Wet Season (November to April): The rains (mostly afternoon thunderstorms) turn the landscape lush and green. This is the "Green Season," which is fantastic for birding. From February to May, the Zambezi River is at its peak, and Victoria Falls is a thundering, spray-filled spectacle of raw power.

High Water vs. Low Water: Understanding the Seasonal Trade-offs

This is the most important trade-off you'll make.

• High Water (Feb - May): The falls are at their most powerful and live up to their local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"). The spray is so intense you can be soaked from a kilometer away. The con? The spray can completely obscure the view of the rock face, making photography difficult.
• Low Water (Aug - Oct): The falls are less "thundering" and more "skeletal," especially on the Zambian side, which can dry up completely. However, this is the only time you can participate in the famous Devil's Pool swim on the Zambian side, and the views of the gorge's geological structure are clearer.

For a 5-day trip, the "shoulder seasons" of May-July or October are often a perfect compromise.

Your Complete Visa Guide: e-Visas, Minors, and the KAZA UniVisa

Navigating visas can be stressful, but for this region, it's fairly straightforward if you know the rules.

Why Are Visas Needed at All?

Visas are a standard part of international travel. They are a tool used by a country to exercise its sovereignty—they allow the authorities to vet potential visitors, control the flow of traffic, prevent illegal immigration, and enhance national security. For you, it's simply the required "ticket" to enter and enjoy the country.

The Best Visa for This Trip: The KAZA UniVisa

This is your golden ticket. The KAZA UniVisa is a special tourist visa that is essential for this itinerary.

• What it Covers: It allows entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times over 30 days.
• The Botswana Bonus: Crucially, it also covers day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana (as long as you re-enter Zimbabwe or Zambia the same day).
• Result: You pay $50 once instead of paying for multiple single-entry visas, which could cost you over $100.

How to Get the KAZA UniVisa: e-Visa vs. On Arrival

You have two options to get your KAZA UniVisa (for eligible nationalities):

1. On Arrival (Easiest): This is the most recommended method. You can purchase the KAZA UniVisa upon landing at Victoria Falls (VFA) or Livingstone (LVI) airports, or at the Kazungula and Victoria Falls land borders. 

Important: You must have $50 in crisp, clean US dollar cash.

1. e-Visa (Online): Both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer online Visas to apply for the KAZA UniVisa in advance. You fill out the form, upload your passport, and pay online. You'll receive an approval letter via email, which you must print and present on arrival.

Critical Rule: If you get your Zambia E-visa Online, your first port of entry must be Zambia. The same applies to Zimbabwe.

What About Botswana's Visa Policy?

For the 5-day itinerary described here, you likely won't need a separate Botswana visa, as the KAZA UniVisa covers your day trip. However, it's important to understand their rules:

• For Day Trips (with KAZA): The KAZA UniVisa acts as your exemption for the Chobe day trip.
• For Nationalities Not Needing a Visa: Many nationalities (including those from the USA, UK, EU, and Australia) do not need a visa to enter Botswana for short tourist stays.
• For Nationalities Requiring a Visa (or Overnight Stays): If your nationality does require a visa for Botswana, or if you plan an overnight stay (which voids your KAZA), you must apply for Botswana e-Visa in advance. Botswana does not offer visas on arrival. You must apply well in advance, as processing times can be several weeks.

A Critical Warning: Traveling with Minors (Under 18)

This is non-negotiable. Southern Africa has extremely strict laws to prevent child trafficking.

• Unabridged Birth Certificate: You MUST carry an original or certified copy of each child's full, unabridged birth certificate (one that lists the particulars of both parents).
• Solo Parent Travel: If a minor is traveling with only one parent, you must also have a signed affidavit of consent from the non-traveling parent.
• No Certificate = No Entry: You will be denied entry (especially into Botswana) if you do not have this paperwork. Don't risk it.

How to Get Around: Navigating Borders and Transfers

This is surprisingly simple.

• Zambia <-> Zimbabwe: You can walk. The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries, and it's a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) stroll from one border post to the other, with incredible views of the falls and the bungee jumpers.
• To Botswana (Chobe): You must book a tour or a transfer. It's about an hour's drive from either Victoria Falls town (Zim) or Livingstone (Zam) to the Kazungula border. Your tour operator will handle the border-crossing logistics and transfer you to a new vehicle on the Botswana side.

A Detailed 5-Day Whirlwind Itinerary: Activities & Sights

Here is a balanced and logical plan to maximize your 5 days. You can fly into either Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (VFA) or Livingstone, Zambia (LVI).

Day 1: 

Arrival & Sunset on the Zambezi Activity: Arrive, check into your hotel, and join a sunset cruise. 

What You'll See & Do: After landing at VFA or LVI and getting your KAZA UniVisa, you'll be transferred to your lodging. That evening, you'll board a boat for a 2-3 hour cruise on the upper Zambezi River. This is a classic and relaxing introduction to the area. You'll sip on a complimentary sundowner drink, see the "smoke" from the falls rising in the distance, and spot your first African wildlife. Look for hippos grunting in the water, crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, and herds of elephants coming down for their evening drink.

Day 2: 

The Zimbabwean Side, Gorge Views & "Flight of Angels" Activity: Explore Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe) and take a helicopter flight. 

What You'll See & Do: Dedicate the morning to the Zimbabwean side of the falls, which contains 75% of the viewpoints. You'll walk a network of rainforest paths (rent a poncho, you will get wet from the spray!) that lead to iconic spots like Devil's Cataract, the Main Falls, and Rainbow Falls. For lunch, head to the famous Lookout Café, perched on the edge of the gorge. Here you can eat and watch adrenaline junkies on the zipline and gorge swing. In the afternoon, it's time for the "Flight of Angels"—a 15-minute helicopter or microlight flight that gives you the only true perspective of the falls' immense scale, showing how the mighty Zambezi River splits and plunges into the zigzagging Batoka Gorge.

Day 3: 

The Zambian Side & Livingstone Adventures Activity: Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge on foot and explore the Zambian perspective. 

What You'll See & Do: Today you'll walk across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, a thrilling activity in itself. You'll pass the bungee jumping platform (stop to watch!) and clear border formalities to enter Zambia. Here, you'll explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The viewpoints offer a closer, more intense feel of the water's power. If it's the low-water season (Aug-Jan), this is your chance to take a boat to Livingstone Island and brave the Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool right on the edge of the 100-meter drop. If it's the high-water season, take the hike down to the "Boiling Pot," a swirling eddy at the base of the falls.

Day 4: 

Botswana's Elephant Paradise: Chobe Day Trip Activity: Full-day safari (game drive and river cruise) in Chobe National Park. 

What You'll See & Do: An early start for the 1-hour drive to the Botswana border. Your day is split into two incredible safari experiences. The 3-hour safari river cruise on the Chobe River gets you remarkably close to wildlife from the water. You'll see massive pods of hippos, giant crocodiles, and entire herds of elephants drinking, playing, and even swimming across the river. After a buffet lunch at a riverside lodge, you'll board an open-sided 4x4 for a 3-hour game drive in the park, searching for lions, giraffes, buffalo, and the vast elephant herds that make Chobe famous.

Day 5: 

One Last Look & Departure Activity: Morning souvenir shopping or one last adrenaline rush before flying out. 

What You'll See & Do: Enjoy a final African breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you have options. For a cultural takeaway, visit the Elephant's Walk Artist Village in Victoria Falls town to buy high-quality, authentic carvings and textiles. If you're an adrenaline junkie, this is your last chance to tick off a bucket-list item like the 111-meter bungee jump or the gorge swing from the Victoria Falls Bridge. After your final adventure, you'll be transferred to the airport for your journey home.

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?

This is a classic question. The simple answer? See both. They are not in competition; they are two halves of one whole. The Zimbabwe side offers the grand, panoramic, postcard-perfect views. The Zambian side offers a more "in-the-gorge" feel, with unique perspectives and access to Livingstone Island and the Devil's Pool. Thanks to the KAZA UniVisa, there's no reason to choose.

The Chobe Day Trip: What to Expect in Botswana's Elephant Paradise

A day trip to Chobe is a well-oiled machine. You will be picked up around 7:30 AM, driven to the border, and guided through the formalities. You'll then be handed over to your Botswana guide. Most tours offer a river cruise in the morning and a game drive in the afternoon, with a buffet lunch at a riverside lodge in between. The river cruise is a highlight, as it allows you to get incredibly close to hippos, crocodiles, and the famous elephants as they come down to drink and play in the water.

Beyond the Falls: Top Adrenaline Activities Not to Miss

Victoria Falls is the "Adventure Capital of Africa" for a reason. If you have any free time (or want to swap one of the itinerary items), consider:

• Bungee Jumping (111 meters off the Victoria Falls Bridge)
• White Water Rafting (Seasonal, but considered some of the wildest commercially rafted rapids in the world)
• Gorge Swing or Zipline (Often departing from the Lookout Café)
• A "Livingstone Island" tour (The spot where David Livingstone first saw the falls, and the launching point for Devil's Pool)

What to Pack for Your 5-Day Southern Africa Adventure

Pack light and smart.

• Clothing: Lightweight, neutral-colored clothes (khaki, beige, green) for the safari. Avoid white (it gets dirty) and dark blue/black (which can attract tsetse flies).
• Layers: A warm fleece or jacket is essential for cool early morning game drives and evenings.
• Gear: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and good insect repellent.
• Tech: Camera, extra batteries, and a good pair of binoculars.
• Docs: Passport, and crisp US dollars in cash for your visa and park fees. Crucially, an unabridged birth certificate for any accompanying minors.

Where to Stay: Victoria Falls Town vs. Livingstone

• Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe): Smaller, more compact, and very tourist-oriented. Many hotels are within walking distance of the falls and popular hubs like The Three Monkeys restaurant. It's easy to get around on foot.
• Livingstone (Zambia): A larger, more historic city. Hotels and lodges are more spread out, with many beautiful properties located right on the banks of the Zambezi River (but requiring a taxi to get to the falls). Offers unique experiences like the Royal Livingstone Express.

Both have excellent options, from budget-friendly hostels to 5-star luxury lodges.

How Much Does This 5-Day Trip Cost? A Realistic Budget

This is a "how long is a piece of string" question, but here's a rough guide (excluding international flights).

• Budget (Hostels & Guesthouses): $1,000 - $1,500 USD per person.
• Mid-Range (Lodges & 3-4 Star Hotels): $1,800 - $2,500 USD per person.
• Luxury (5-Star Hotels & Lodges): $3,000 - $5,000+ USD per person.

What's not usually included:

• International flights.
• Visas (KAZA UniVisa is $50).
• Park Fees (Vic Falls Zim: $50, Zam: $20, Chobe: ~$20-30 per day).
• Optional activities (Heli: ~$150, Bungee: ~$160, Devil's Pool: ~$110).
• Tips and personal purchases.

Is it Safe to Travel to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana?

Yes. The Victoria Falls/Livingstone/Kasane area is a major international tourist hub and is considered very safe. It is economically dependent on tourism. As with anywhere, use common sense: don't flash valuables, be aware of your surroundings, and listen to your guides—especially when it comes to wildlife.

This 5-day itinerary is a breathtaking, non-stop adventure that will leave you with memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime. It's a taste of three incredible countries, a brush with one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and a close encounter with Africa's most iconic wildlife.