Traveling with a toddler means slowing down and choosing activities that work for the whole family. Here is what we did, where we stayed, and what I would tell any parent planning the same trip.
Part 1 of 2: This post covers our four days at Victoria Falls, the first leg of a one-week Zimbabwe trip. We then went on to Hwange National Park and visited the Painted Dog Conservation, which I cover in Part 2. Toddler's Ultimate Hwange Experience
Quick Facts
- When: October 2025 (dry season)
- Who: Me and Reina, age 2
- Route: Blantyre, Malawi → Addis Ababa (overnight) → Victoria Falls, with Ethiopian Airlines
- Accommodation: N1 Hotel, in Victoria Falls town
- Length: 4 days in Victoria Falls, part of a 1-week Zimbabwe trip
- Did: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Flight of Angels helicopter, Victoria Falls National Park, The Boma, Vulture Culture Experience, The Big Tree, Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist’s Village, Bamba Tram
- Cost: Approx. USD 700 (accommodation and activities only)
In this post: Zimbabwe or Zambia? · Getting there and where we stayed · Day 1 · Day 2 · Day 3 · Day 4 · Parent tips · Was it worth it?
Zimbabwe or Zambia?
Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), can be seen from both countries. I chose Zimbabwe for a first visit because Victoria Falls National Park has a series of viewpoints, so you see the falls from different angles. It’s the best side for the panoramic view: you see the huge volume of water, hear the roar, and feel the mist.
The Zambia side is great for close-up adventures. You can walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge for a closer view of the Eastern Cataract, and thrill seekers can visit Devil’s Pool. That one isn’t suitable for young children.
Getting There and Where We Stayed
We flew from Blantyre, Malawi through Addis Ababa and stayed overnight before our morning flight to Victoria Falls with Ethiopian Airlines. An overnight layover is not a toddler’s idea of fun, but Ethiopian Airlines gave us a complimentary hotel stay, which made it much easier. Reina handled it well.
Our first surprise came before we even left the airport. Victoria Falls International Airport has indoor waterfalls and preserved wild animals on display, including lions and buffalo, and Reina was fascinated. We took so many photos that it was a while before we got on our way to the hotel.
Day 1: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
After a long journey, a sunset cruise was the perfect way to begin. The cruise took around 2 hours, with no walking, just sitting back on the Zambezi. Food and drinks were included, and depending on the season, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the river.
Day 2: Flight of Angels, the Falls Up Close, and The Boma
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Helicopter Ride
It was Reina’s first helicopter ride. She was a little afraid of the noise and held my hand tightly. Then she fell asleep.
Tip: Check the age limit before booking the helicopter ride, as some operators don’t take young children. Bundling activities saves money. I paid about USD 215 for the Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Flight of Angels, and a private Victoria Falls National Park tour, with hotel transfers included (park fees extra). For Reina, as she is still 2 years old, she got all these activities for free. 👧
Victoria Falls National Park
After the helicopter ride, another driver picked us up from our hotel and took us to the national park, which has a walking trail with 16 viewpoints of Victoria Falls. A private guide was included in our package tour, but I paid the $58 park entrance fee separately. Children under 6 enter for free.
Money tip: US dollars are widely used for tourism in Victoria Falls. Hotels, restaurants, activities, and many shops quote prices in USD, so it helps to carry small bills for tips and souvenirs.
I’m glad I brought the stroller, since she could rest and nap in it. The park is stroller-friendly, so I’d recommend bringing one if you’re visiting with young kids.
Dinner and Drum Show at The Boma
We ended our packed day with dinner at the Boma. When we arrived, a group of traditional dancers welcomed us, and we were handed traditional clothes to wear before entering the venue. Someone then came over to give Reina and me a mini face paint, which was a fun touch.
was happy to find a roasted pig, just like back home in the Philippines. I loved the food. Reina and I also tried the mopane worm, and it was actually good! We even got a certificate for it.
Once everyone had finished eating, the interactive drum show began, followed by more dancing. Each table has its own drums, so everyone can join in and play together. It was lively, entertaining, and a lot of fun.
After the show, the Boma took us back to our hotel, since hotel transfers are included. On the way, we saw a male buffalo by the side of the road. The roads are quiet, and it's normal for wild animals to roam around Victoria Falls town, so be extra careful and avoid walking around at night.
It was a long, packed day for Reina and me, from the Flight of Angels to Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls National Park) and then the Boma. It was tiring but so much fun, so we kept the next day slow and relaxed.
Day 3: Victoria Town, Shopping, Vultures, and Baobab Tree
A Slower Morning in Victoria Falls Town
After such a busy day, we took a slower morning. We started at Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist’s Village, which is very close to N1 Hotel. It has local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and carvings, and it’s a good place to pick up souvenirs.
I would highly recommend Mr. Ordinance. He was professional and friendly and clearly cared about his clients. He also made a short video of the trip, which is quite impressive.
Vulture Feeding at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
This was the most unexpected activity of the trip. Every day, vultures gather at the lodge, which feeds them leftover meat scraps and bones from its restaurants as a supplementary food source. You see them circling above before they come down to feed, and it is quite a sight.
I had never thought much about vultures, but after this visit I wanted to know more. This Vulture Culture Experience is a conservation program that strives to protect endangered vultures while educating visitors about this remarkable bird. 
Why vultures matter: Vultures are nature’s clean-up crew. They clear away carcasses and help stop the spread of disease. When they disappear, the effects reach beyond the birds themselves, with long-term consequences for the environment and for people in Africa.
Their status: African vultures are considered the most endangered group of birds in the world. Of the 11 vulture species in Africa, four are now listed as critically endangered, including the white-backed and hooded vultures. Studies found that populations have been falling by between 70% and 97% over three generations.
What is killing them: Poisoning is the greatest threat, accounting for 61% of reported deaths. Some of it is accidental, but some is deliberate. Elephant and rhino poachers sometimes poison carcasses on purpose so that vultures can’t give away their crimes. Because vultures can spot a carcass from high above, their circling can reveal where a poached animal lies. So the birds that signal poaching are being killed for it.
Why feeding sites help: Supplementary feeding gives vultures a safe, clean food source. It also lets visitors see these birds up close and learn why they matter.
Reina was too young to understand the conservation story, but she loved watching the birds fly overhead and gather to feed. It’s a small way to introduce a child to wildlife and to why it needs protecting.
Tip: Feeding is around 1:00 PM, but check the current time. You don’t need to be a lodge guest to watch, and this activity is for free.
Dinner at Zulu Bistro Bar
We ended our day with dinner at Zulu Bistro Bar, which serves traditional Zimbabwean dishes. We ordered the cow’s head, and it tasted good. The meat was soft and tender, so Reina enjoyed it too. The best part was the live singing, which entertained everyone dining there.
Day 4: Bamba Tram, Victoria Falls Bridge, and Museum
Sunrise on the Bamba Tram
The Bamba Tram is a unique way to see Victoria Falls from the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is no passport or visa requirement, so you can visit the Zambian side without crossing the border formally. The experience lasts about 90 minutes, and we chose the sunrise run, which started at 6:00 AM.
Booking and cost: We booked through our hotel, and the Bamba staff collected the $75 fee at the hotel the day before the trip. Children under 3 travel for free, so Reina didn’t need a ticket.
- Wildlife corridor: We passed through an area where we saw a herd of buffalo.
- Victoria Falls rainforest: The tram continued through the rainforest toward the border.
- Victoria Falls Bridge: The tram stops on the bridge, where light refreshments are served.
- Rail and bridge museum: After the refreshments, we took a short walk to the museum.
Reina was still sleepy so early in the morning and kept yawning, but she enjoyed walking along the bridge. I loved the Bamba toasted bread and had a cup of coffee while taking in the view. The bridge is also where people do bungee jumping and zip lining. Some local vendors were selling souvenirs, and we bought small carvings of a hippo and a rhino.
Then we walked to the rail and bridge museum on the Zambian side to learn the history of the Victoria Falls Bridge. We also got a distant view of the bridge and the impressive Batoka Gorge.
Tip: Sunrise departure times can vary by season, so confirm the time when you book.
Off to Hwange
After the Bamba Tram, we went back to the hotel and took a short walk around Elephant’s Walk, which is close by, while we waited for our ride to Hwange. We had arranged the transfer from Victoria Falls through our accommodation, Gwango Heritage Resort. We shared the car with other tourists, and the trip took about 2 hours.
Reina slept most of the way. We made one short stop to buy food for lunch and stretch our legs. Once we reached the Hwange area, before we got to the hotel, we saw elephants and kudu along the road. It was a wonderful welcome to the park.
Tips for Visiting Victoria Falls with a Toddler
- Check age limits before booking the helicopter ride, as some operators don’t take young children.
- Bundle activities through your hotel to save money, and ask about free fares for under-3s.
- Bring the stroller for the park, which is stroller-friendly, but not for walking around town, where the roads are rough.
- Watch little ones on the boat, and bring water and familiar snacks.
- Carry small USD bills for tips and souvenirs.
- Don’t walk around at night. Wild animals roam around town.
- Confirm times for vulture feeding and the sunrise tram when you book.
- Bring more snacks than you think you need, and let your plans bend when your child gets tired.
Was Victoria Falls worth it with a toddler?
Absolutely. There were tiring moments, and a helicopter she was afraid of. But traveling with a child isn’t about the perfect itinerary. It’s about creating memories together.
I will always remember seeing that enormous waterfall from the helicopter while my little girl held my hand. Victoria Falls was one of my dreams, and I got to live it with my daughter. ❤️
If you are wondering whether you can visit Victoria Falls with a toddler, I hope this gives you the confidence to go. Bring more snacks than you think you need, and let your plans bend when your child gets tired.
Next up: From the falls we continued to Hwange National Park, where we went on safari and met the painted dogs for the first time. Continue to Part 2: Toddler's Ultimate Hwange Experience.
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