3 Days Victoria Falls & Mukuni Big 5 Safari
3 Days Victoria Falls & Mukuni Big 5 Safari, Few places in Africa pack as much into a long weekend as Livingstone, Zambia. In just three days you can stand in the drenching spray of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, walk alongside lions and cheetahs at Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, track white rhinos on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and sit with the Leya people of Mukuni Village, whose chiefs have been custodians of the Falls for centuries.
This guide walks you through a carefully paced 3-day Victoria Falls and Mukuni Big 5 safari, day by day, with practical details on costs, entry fees, visas, the best time to visit, where to stay and what to pack. Whether you are flying in from Kampala, Nairobi, Johannesburg or further afield, it will help you plan a short trip that feels anything but rushed.
| Trip at a Glance
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights Start & finish: Livingstone, Zambia (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, LVI) Highlights: Victoria Falls guided tour, Zambezi sunset cruise, lion walk, cheetah walk, elephant encounter, Mukuni Village, rhino walking safari Best for: First-time visitors to Southern Africa, couples, families with teens, add-on to a Botswana or East Africa safari Best time: May–August for peak Falls volume; August–November for game viewing and Devil’s Pool Indicative budget: From about US$750 (budget) to US$3,000+ (luxury) per person, excluding international flights |
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive LVI, transfer to lodge | Guided tour of Victoria Falls (Zambia side) | Zambezi River sunset cruise | Livingstone |
| Day 2 | Mukuni Big 5: lion walk & cheetah walk | Elephant encounter, Mukuni Village cultural tour | Free evening or traditional dinner | Livingstone |
| Day 3 | Rhino walking safari, Mosi-oa-Tunya NP | Livingstone Island / Devil’s Pool (seasonal) or Zimbabwe side | Departure | — |
Why Combine Victoria Falls with Mukuni Big 5?
Victoria Falls is spectacular, but on its own it fills only a morning. Pairing it with Mukuni Big 5 Safaris turns a sightseeing stop into a rounded mini-safari. The two sit just minutes apart, so you spend your time on experiences rather than in transit.
- Short distances: Mukuni Big 5 lies roughly 3 km from the Falls, on the road to Chief Mukuni’s palace, with an all-weather access road.
- Close-up wildlife: Guided lion and cheetah walks offer an intimacy that a standard game drive cannot.
- Culture alongside nature: Senior Chief Mukuni is one of the directors of Mukuni Big 5, which gives the experience a strong local and cultural connection.
- Real wild game nearby: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park adds free-roaming elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and the park’s guarded white rhinos.
- Easy add-on: Livingstone connects easily to Chobe in Botswana, Hwange in Zimbabwe and onward flights to East Africa.
About Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River plunges about 108 metres into a narrow basalt gorge along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. At roughly 1.7 km wide, it is often described as the largest single sheet of falling water on Earth. The Falls and their surroundings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared by both countries.
The Zambian side puts you right on top of the action, with the famous Knife-Edge Bridge, the Boiling Pot trail and access to Livingstone Island. The Zimbabwean side offers the broadest panoramic views across most of the curtain. This itinerary is based in Livingstone on the Zambian side, with an option to cross into Zimbabwe on Day 3.
About Mukuni Big 5 Safaris
Mukuni Big 5 Safaris began in 2009 with lion and cheetah walks and interactions, later expanding to elephant activities. It is set on the edge of the Mosi-oa-Tunya area overlooking the Zambezi River, and the view from reception across the water is the first thing most guests remember.
Signature Activities
| Activity | What to Expect | Duration (approx.) |
| Walk with Lions | Walk through the bush with young lions and experienced handlers; photo stops along the way | 1.5–2 hours incl. briefing |
| Cheetah Walk & Interaction | Walk beside habituated cheetahs; some packages include a cheetah “run” demonstrating their speed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Elephant Encounter | Meet, feed and learn about elephants with their handlers | 1.5–2 hours |
| Combination Packages | Lion + cheetah or lion + elephant combos, often with lodge pick-up and drop-off | Half day |
| Good to Know: “Big 5” Name vs. Wild Big 5
Mukuni Big 5 is an animal-encounter facility, not a Big 5 game reserve. The lions, cheetahs and elephants you meet are habituated animals cared for by handlers. To see free-roaming wildlife, this itinerary adds Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (elephant, buffalo, white rhino, giraffe, zebra). Leopards and wild lions are not resident in Mosi-oa-Tunya; for a full wild Big 5 experience, extend to Chobe, Hwange, Kafue or South Luangwa. |
| Responsible Tourism Note
Captive wildlife interactions are debated within the conservation community, particularly lion walks and elephant rides. Many travellers now prefer observation-based or ground-level elephant encounters over riding. Before booking, ask your operator how animals are housed and cared for, what happens to lions as they mature, and whether the facility contributes to conservation. Marriott Safaris Africa can tailor the itinerary to include only the activities you are comfortable with. |
Detailed 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Livingstone, Victoria Falls Tour & Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Morning: Arrival and Transfer
Your safari begins at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. Your driver-guide meets you in arrivals for the short transfer (about 15–25 minutes) to your lodge. Most riverside lodges sit along the Zambezi upstream of the Falls, and many hotels near the Falls entrance are within walking distance of the rainforest trails. Check in, freshen up and enjoy a light lunch.
Afternoon: Guided Tour of Victoria Falls (Zambia Side)
After lunch, head to the Falls for a guided walk of around two hours. Your guide will explain the geology of the gorges, the history of David Livingstone’s arrival in 1855 and the Leya people’s spiritual connection to the water.
- Knife-Edge Bridge: A narrow footbridge suspended over the gorge, facing the Eastern Cataract and Main Falls. Expect to get soaked in high water.
- Rainforest trails: Spray-fed vegetation and viewpoints over the First Gorge, where rainbows appear on sunny afternoons.
- The Boiling Pot: A steep trail down to the whirlpool at the base of the Falls, best in the drier months.
- Victoria Falls Bridge views: The 1905 steel arch bridge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe, home to the famous bungee jump.
| Day 1 Tip
Rent or bring a light raincoat and a waterproof phone pouch, especially from February to June when the spray can feel like a tropical downpour. |
Evening: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
Board a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi, upstream of the Falls. Cruises typically last 2–2.5 hours and include drinks and snacks or a full dinner, depending on the boat. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking along the islands and birds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers as the sun drops behind the river.
Meals: Lunch and dinner | Overnight: Livingstone lodge
Day 2: Mukuni Big 5 Safari Experiences & Mukuni Village
Early Morning: Walk with Lions
Rise early for pick-up to Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, a short drive from Livingstone. Morning sessions are cooler and the animals more active. After a welcome drink, you sign indemnity forms and receive a safety briefing covering how to walk, where to stand and when to take photos.
You then set off on foot with the handlers and young lions through the bush along the Zambezi. Guides explain lion behaviour, social structure and the threats facing wild lion populations. The walk lasts about an hour, with plenty of chances for photographs.
Late Morning: Cheetah Walk & Interaction
Next, meet the cheetahs, the fastest land animals on Earth. The cheetah walk is calmer and more intimate than the lion walk, and some packages include a demonstration run where you can see their acceleration up close. It is a highlight for photographers.
Midday: Elephant Encounter and Lunch
Spend time with the elephants and their handlers, learning about their diet, communication and individual personalities. Many guests choose a feeding and walking encounter. Lunch can be taken at Mukuni Big 5 or back at your lodge.
Afternoon: Mukuni Village Cultural Tour
A few kilometres further along the same road lies Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people and the seat of Senior Chief Mukuni. A local guide leads you through the village, explaining traditional homesteads, the role of the chieftainship and the Leya’s historic custodianship of the Falls. Visits often include the village school, traditional healers and craft markets selling wood carvings and baskets. Community fees from tours support local projects.
Evening: At Leisure
Return to your lodge to relax. Optional evening ideas include a traditional dinner with drumming and dance, or a quiet riverside meal under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner | Overnight: Livingstone lodge
Day 3: Rhino Walking Safari, Livingstone Island or Zimbabwe Side & Departure
Early Morning: Rhino Walking Safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia’s smallest national park, protects a small population of southern white rhinos under 24-hour armed guard. On a guided rhino walk, you track the rhinos on foot with a ZAWA (DNPW) scout, often getting within safe viewing distance. Along the way you may also see giraffe, zebra, impala, buffalo and elephant. A short game drive can be combined with the walk.
Late Morning: Choose Your Final Experience
| Option | Best Season | Why Choose It |
| Livingstone Island & Devil’s Pool | Roughly mid-August to January (low water) | Boat to the island at the lip of the Falls; swim in a natural rock pool at the edge (water levels permitting) |
| Livingstone Island Tour (no swim) | Roughly June to mid-August, and shoulder months | Stand where Livingstone first viewed the Falls |
| Zimbabwe Side of the Falls | Year-round | Widest panoramic views; best for photography in high water (KAZA Univisa or Zimbabwe visa needed) |
| Helicopter “Flight of Angels” | Year-round | 12–15 minute flight showing the full scale of the Falls and gorges |
Afternoon: Departure
After lunch, transfer to Livingstone airport for your onward flight, or continue to Kasane for a Chobe extension, about an hour’s drive via the Kazungula Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
How Much Does a 3-Day Victoria Falls & Mukuni Big 5 Safari Cost?
Costs depend on your accommodation level, group size and which activities you include. The figures below are indicative per-person estimates for 2026 and should be confirmed at the time of booking.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | US$60–150 | US$300–700 | US$1,200–2,500+ |
| Victoria Falls entry (Zambia) | US$20 | US$20 | US$20 |
| Guided Falls tour & transfers | US$40–60 | US$60–90 | Private, included |
| Zambezi sunset cruise | US$65–90 | US$90–120 | US$120–200 (luxury boat) |
| Mukuni Big 5 activities (lion + cheetah, elephant) | US$200–350 | US$300–450 | US$350–500 |
| Mukuni Village tour | US$20–40 | US$30–50 | US$40–60 (private) |
| Rhino walking safari | US$90–120 | US$100–130 | US$120–150 |
| Livingstone Island / Devil’s Pool | US$110–180 | US$120–200 | US$180–250 (lunch/high tea) |
| Estimated total per person | From ~US$750 | ~US$1,200–1,900 | US$3,000+ |
| What a Typical Package Includes
Airport transfers, 2 nights’ accommodation, meals as specified, guided Victoria Falls tour and entry fee, sunset cruise, Mukuni Big 5 activities, Mukuni Village tour, rhino walk with park fees, and an English-speaking guide. Usually excluded: International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks outside meals, optional activities such as bungee jumping or helicopter flights. |
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls & Mukuni
| Months | Water Level | What to Expect |
| January–March | Rising | Green season, afternoon storms, lush scenery; Devil’s Pool closes as water rises |
| April–June | Peak flow | Most dramatic volume and spray; views can be obscured by mist; excellent from the air |
| July–September | Medium, falling | Pleasant, dry weather; great balance of views and activities; peak tourist season |
| October–December | Low | Hot (often 35°C+); exposed rock on the Zambian side; Devil’s Pool open; best wildlife visibility |
For the classic Falls experience combined with comfortable conditions for lion and cheetah walks, June to August is hard to beat. If you want to swim in Devil’s Pool and see wildlife concentrated around water, aim for September to November, and book early morning activities to avoid the heat.
Getting to Livingstone
- By air: Livingstone’s Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) has direct flights from Johannesburg and Lusaka, plus regional connections. Travellers from East Africa typically connect via Nairobi, Johannesburg or Lusaka.
- Via Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (VFA): Fly into Victoria Falls Airport and cross the border by road (about 30–40 minutes) over the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- By road from Botswana: From Kasane, cross the Kazungula Bridge into Zambia; Livingstone is about an hour away.
- By road from Lusaka: About 470 km, roughly 6–7 hours on the T1.
Visas and Entry Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Zambia visa | Zambia has waived visas for many nationalities (including the UK, USA and most EU countries). Others can apply for an e-Visa or obtain one on arrival. Always check current rules for your passport. |
| KAZA Univisa | About US$50; covers Zambia and Zimbabwe (plus day trips to Botswana via Kazungula). Ideal if you plan to visit the Zimbabwe side. |
| Victoria Falls entry (Zambia) | About US$20 for international visitors; lower rates for SADC residents and Zambians |
| Victoria Falls entry (Zimbabwe) | About US$50 for international visitors |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if arriving from, or having transited through, a yellow-fever-risk country, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages |
| Travelling from East Africa?
Carry your yellow fever card in your hand luggage. Border and airport officials in Zambia routinely ask for it from travellers arriving from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. |
Where to Stay in Livingstone
| Tier | Lodge / Hotel | Why Stay Here |
| Luxury | The Royal Livingstone by Anantara | On the Zambezi within walking distance of the Falls; zebras and giraffes roam the lawns |
| Luxury | Tongabezi Lodge | Romantic riverside cottages; operates Livingstone Island tours |
| Luxury | Thorntree River Lodge | Inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; ideal for rhino walks |
| Mid-range | Avani Victoria Falls Resort | Direct access to the Falls; family-friendly |
| Mid-range | David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa | Riverfront pools and its own cruise boat |
| Mid-range | Waterberry Zambezi Lodge | Intimate, eco-friendly river lodge upstream |
| Budget | Victoria Falls Waterfront | Chalets, camping and riverside bar near the gorge |
| Budget | Jollyboys Backpackers | Sociable town-centre hostel with private rooms |
What to Pack
- Lightweight raincoat or poncho, quick-dry clothing and a waterproof phone/camera pouch
- Neutral-coloured clothes (khaki, olive, beige) for lion and cheetah walks; avoid bright colours and loose, flapping items
- Closed walking shoes with good grip for wet trails, plus sandals for the lodge
- Swimwear if visiting Devil’s Pool
- Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
- Warm fleece for June–August mornings and evening cruises
- Camera with a spare battery and memory card; binoculars for the cruise and rhino walk
- Passport, yellow fever card, travel insurance documents and US dollars in small notes
Health and Safety Tips
- Malaria: Livingstone is a malaria area. Consult a travel doctor about prophylaxis and use repellent at dusk.
- Follow handler instructions: During lion and cheetah walks, never crouch, run or turn your back unless told to. Children may face minimum age or height rules.
- Rhino walks: Stay behind your scout and keep quiet. Rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell.
- Devil’s Pool: Only go with the authorised operator, and only when the guides confirm conditions are safe.
- Heat: October and November are very hot. Drink plenty of water and schedule activities early.
- Money: US dollars are widely accepted; carry small notes. The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Victoria Falls and Mukuni Big 5?
Yes. Three days lets you see the Falls properly, enjoy the Mukuni Big 5 activities and add a rhino walk or Devil’s Pool without rushing. Add a day or two to include Chobe National Park in Botswana.
How far is Mukuni Big 5 from Victoria Falls?
About 3 km, on the road to Chief Mukuni’s palace, so it takes only a few minutes by car.
Can I see the wild Big 5 near Livingstone?
Not all five. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has white rhino, elephant and buffalo but no resident wild lions or leopards. For the full Big 5, extend to Kafue, South Luangwa, Hwange or Chobe.
Are there age limits for lion and cheetah walks?
Yes, operators usually set minimum ages or heights for lion walks for safety reasons. Confirm current rules when booking, especially if travelling with children.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better?
The Zambian side offers close-up thrills such as the Knife-Edge Bridge and Devil’s Pool, while the Zimbabwean side has broader views. With a KAZA Univisa you can easily see both.
When is Devil’s Pool open?
Usually from about mid-August to January, when the river is low enough. Exact dates depend on the year’s rainfall.
Can I combine this trip with an East Africa safari?
Absolutely. Many travellers pair it with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, or a Kenya or Tanzania safari, connecting through Nairobi, Johannesburg or Lusaka.
Book Your 3-Day Victoria Falls & Mukuni Big 5 Safari
From the thunder of Mosi-oa-Tunya to quiet footsteps beside a cheetah, this three-day journey delivers some of Southern Africa’s most memorable moments in a short, easy itinerary. Marriott Safaris Africa can arrange your transfers, lodges, activity bookings and guides, and tailor the trip to your budget, travel dates and comfort level with wildlife encounters.
| Ready to Plan?
Contact Marriott Safaris Africa to customise your Victoria Falls and Mukuni Big 5 safari, or extend it with Chobe, Hwange or a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda. Perfection Anytime. |
