Wondering what to do when you have four spare days, a couple of kiddies to keep entertained and one of the world’s great natural wonders on your bucket list? The answer writes itself. A long weekend in Victoria Falls truly ticks every box, from adventure and wildlife to good food and enough downtime to actually feel like a holiday.

The beauty of basing yourself at Ilala Lodge Hotel is location. Our hotel sits within a 5-minute stroll of the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park, a short walk from the main street’s shops and restaurants, and close enough to the falls that you can hear them from your room.

With us, you are not just near Victoria Falls, you are in the thick of it, and this itinerary makes the most of that!

DAY 1: FRIDAY

Arrive, settle in, and find your feet

14:00: Check in at Ilala Lodge Hotel. Take time to settle into your room, step onto your balcony, and get your bearings. If you listen carefully, you may already be able to hear the falls.

15:30: Head up Livingstone Way, the main road through town. It’s an easy, flat walk with craft markets, curio shops, and local galleries lining both sides. A good excuse to stretch legs after a journey and pick up a souvenir or two. The street is safe, walkable, and gives you a real feel for the town. Check out this useful map of town before setting off.

17:30: Rest, swim, or let the kids run loose in the garden. The lodge grounds are peaceful and well-shaded – a good spot to decompress before the weekend’s activities begin.

19:00: Dinner at Cassia Restaurant. Ask for a table on the terrace if the evening is warm and enjoy our magnificent golden shower trees and the spray of the falls above the treeline.

20:00: Turn in early in preparation for your adventures in the morning!

DAY 2: SATURDAY

Your first proper look at the falls

This is the day the falls take centre stage. We think that Victoria Falls is best experienced more than once during a stay; no two viewings are the same.

07:00: Early breakfast at Cassia Restaurant. The kitchen opens early and a morning meal on the terrace, with the birds giving it their all, is a lovely way to start the day.

08:00: Walk to Victoria Falls National Park, just five minutes from our front gate. Buy your entry tickets at the gate and set off along the cliff path. April is peak flow season, so expect to get wet; bring a light rain poncho and keep cameras in a dry bag. The mist at this time of year is spectacular, and rainbows form throughout the morning as the sun rises.

There are 16 viewpoints along the cliff path, and with children in tow, you don’t need to rush. Linger at popular favourites like Danger Point, Devil’s Cataract and Rainbow Falls and take in the full width of the falls from the far end of the path. Allow at least two hours. (You can also grab a milkshake or a snack afterwards at the Rainforest Café inside the park.)

10:30: Walk back to the hotel and enjoy our amenities for the remainder of the morning.

12:30: Lunch at Cassia Restaurant.

14:00: Pool time, a nap, or sit with your bird book and binoculars in the hotel gardens. The lodge grounds are regularly visited by warthog, vervet monkeys, and occasionally larger wildlife like elephants skimming the border fence.

16:30: Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Our hotel activities desk can arrange a Ra-Ikane River Cruise for you via our sister hotel, Palm River Hotel, a few kilometres up river from the Falls. There are regular shuttles running between the two properties, making this a convenient and glorious addition to your itinerary. An hour and a half on the river at dusk, with hippos wallowing in the shallows and elephants coming down to drink, is one of the finest ways to end a day in Victoria Falls.

19:30: Dinner in town or back at Cassia Restaurant. Victoria Falls has a few vibey restaurants if you’d like to explore beyond the hotel. Check out our blog post on The 10 Best Restaurants in Victoria Falls.

DAY 3: SUNDAY

Adventure time…

Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s great adventure destinations. Whether your family leans towards wildlife or thrills (or a mix of both) there is no shortage of ways to spend your Sunday. The hotel’s activities desk can arrange and book everything on your behalf. For a full breakdown of what’s on offer, see our guide to activities in Victoria Falls.

Some family favourites to consider:

• A morning game drive into Zambezi National Park, where elephant, buffalo, giraffe and lion can be spotted just minutes from town.
• A helicopter flight over the falls, often called “the flight of angels,” for a bird’s-eye view of the full width of Mosi-oa-Tunya. Spectacular at peak flow.
• River activities or high wire activities for older children and adults looking for a proper adrenaline hit. (Hello, bungee jumpers!) Note: The river runs at high volume in April, so check with operators which rapids are open.

07:00: An early start followed by the adventure activity of your choice.

11:00: Back at the lodge, a lazy late morning by the pool is well-earned. Order a poolside drink to settle your nerves and let the sounds of the falls wash over you.

13:00: Lunch at Cassia Restaurant. Try our daily specials, which often feature locally sourced ingredients or something the chefs are particularly excited about.

15:00: Return to Victoria Falls National Park for a second visit. The afternoon light is different from the morning, and you’ll notice things you missed on your first visit.

17:30: Evening at leisure. This is your last night in Victoria Falls – what do you feel like doing?

DAY 4: MONDAY

A slow morning and a leisurely farewell

Don’t rush your Monday. A long weekend away should end as gently as it begins. Check-out is typically at 10am, but you can ask the front desk about leaving your bags at the front desk while you enjoy one final swim or drink at the Pool Bar.

07:30: Take your time over breakfast, order a coffee, sit in the garden, and enjoy the morning.

09:00: Take one last stroll through town, if time allows. This is your last chance to pick up any mementos you may have missed on day one.

10:00: Check out. The hotel’s team can arrange airport transfers and onward logistics if need be. Whether you’re heading back to Johannesburg, on to Kasane for a Chobe safari, or across the bridge to Livingstone, the team will make sure you leave smoothly.

Good to Know

• Victoria Falls sits at the meeting point of four countries – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia – making it an ideal hub from which to explore the wider region.
• If you’re planning to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, or take a day trip to Chobe in Botswana, the KAZA Univisa is highly recommended. Valid for 30 days, it covers multiple entries between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Available at Victoria Falls Airport and the Kazungula border post.

Stay With Us

Ilala Lodge Hotel fills quickly over school holidays and public holiday weekends – we recommend booking early to secure your rooms and activities.

To book your family stay, browse our accommodation options and contact our reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com. You could also opt to book directly via our online booking platform.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family for a getaway you won’t soon forget!