Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Stretching roughly 1.7 kilometers (just over a mile) across and plunging more than 100 meters into the gorge below, it is the largest curtain of falling water in the world.

Many people ask whether Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on Earth. The answer depends on how you define “largest.” It isn’t the tallest waterfall, and it isn’t the widest, but it is generally considered the largest based on the combined width and height of its uninterrupted sheet of water.

After spending several days exploring both Zimbabwe and Zambia, here are the things I wish I had known before visiting.

1. Victoria Falls sits between two countries

One of the most important things to understand before your trip is that Victoria Falls lies directly on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Many of the activities are split between the two countries, so make sure you research your visa options carefully before arriving.

Depending on your nationality and travel plans, you may need a multiple entry visa. Double check everything in advance so you don’t miss out on an activity.

2. Plan your activities carefully to avoid extra border crossings

Crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia can take time, especially during busy periods. We stayed on the Zimbabwe side, but the microlight flight and Devil’s Pool are both located in Zambia.

We booked our microlight flight in the morning and Devil’s Pool for lunch afterward, which meant we only had to cross the border once instead of making multiple trips back and forth.

3. Book the microlight flight and choose the 30 minute option

The microlight flight was my favorite experience at Victoria Falls and one of my favorite travel experiences ever.

If your budget allows, book the 30 minute flight. Seeing the falls from above is absolutely breathtaking, and you may even spot wildlife roaming below. I actually cried while flying over the waterfall because it was so beautiful.

4. Don’t skip the rainforest walk

It’s easy to focus on the adventure activities, but the rainforest walk is an absolute must. The trails offer some of the best viewpoints of the falls, and the mist creates an incredible rainforest ecosystem right beside the gorge.

Bring waterproof clothing because there is a very good chance you’ll get soaked.

We went at sunset (the park is open 6am-6pm!) We went at 4pm & walked around/took pictures for 2 hours. There was very few people there at this time! Most tour groups go in the morning.

5. Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Armchair are expensive but worth it

Swimming right on the edge of Victoria Falls is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that lives up to the hype.

It isn’t cheap, but between the views, the guides, and the lunch that’s included, we thought it was worth every penny.

6. Book your tours with AfroDawn

We had an amazing experience with AfroDawn. Isabella, one of the owners, was fantastic, and we especially loved having a female guide.

Having a guide also made the border crossings much easier and took away a lot of the stress of moving between the two countries.

7. Go white water rafting if you love adventure

Victoria Falls is home to some of the most exciting white water rafting in the world. The rapids in Batoka Gorge are legendary and make for an unforgettable day.

Be prepared, though. It’s physically demanding and definitely not for everyone. We ran out of time or I definitely would have added this on! I plan to come back to Victoria Falls and will definitely be doing this next time.

8. Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

The property overlooks a watering hole that regularly attracts elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. There’s also a free shuttle into town, which makes getting around incredibly easy.

9. Watch the vulture feeding at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Every afternoon, the lodge hosts a vulture feeding experience where dozens of birds swoop in overhead.

Even if birds aren’t usually your thing, it’s fascinating to watch and gives you a new appreciation for these important animals.

10. The Boma dinner show is touristy in the best way

The Boma Dinner and Drum Show was one of the most fun nights of our trip.

Expect traditional performances, drumming, dancing, and an enormous buffet. It’s definitely touristy, but sometimes the touristy experiences are popular for a reason.

11. Pack for both sunshine and spray

Depending on the season, you’ll likely need sunscreen and waterproof gear on the same day.

Quick drying clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your electronics are all worth bringing.

You can rent a rain poncho for $2-$3 before entering the rainforest walk! You will get wet and on heavy water flow days, you’ll get soaked!

12. The experience changes dramatically depending on the season

Victoria Falls looks completely different throughout the year. During high water season, the falls are thunderous and powerful, but the mist can make it difficult to see everything clearly.

Lower water levels provide better visibility and make activities like Devil’s Pool possible.

We went in July and it was PERFECT! The falls were full but we still had great visibility. It was an excellent time to go.

13. Leave room in your itinerary

Weather can affect activities such as microlight flights and rafting, so it’s worth leaving yourself a little flexibility.

An extra day can make all the difference if plans change. Flights can be cancelled due to wind or the falls might not be visible due to heavy mist or fog.

14. Carry some cash

While most hotels and larger tour operators accept cards, cash is still useful for tipping, markets, and smaller purchases.

US dollars are widely accepted on both sides of the falls.

15. Stay longer than you think you need

Many people visit Victoria Falls for only one or two nights, but there’s far more to do than simply admire the waterfall.

Between river cruises, flights over the falls, safaris, rafting, cultural experiences, and incredible restaurants, you could easily spend four or five days here.

16. Stop at Lookout Café

Even if you don’t have time for another activity, make sure you visit Lookout Café. Perched high above Batoka Gorge, it has some of the best views in Victoria Falls.

It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink or a meal while taking in the scenery. One of the coolest parts is watching people bungee jump, zip-line, and swing across the gorge while you eat.

They also have a lot of unique local cuisine you can try like crocodile kebabs and a delicious Baobab cocktail!

The restaurant has a beautiful, upscale vibe. We went for sunset and it was perfect!

Whether you stop by for lunch, sunset, or just a quick drink, the views alone make it worth visiting.

Victoria Falls completely exceeded my expectations. Between soaring over the falls in a microlight, standing at the edge of Devil’s Pool, and watching elephants gather below our hotel, it quickly became one of my favorite places on the African continent!

Is Victoria Falls on your bucketlist?

Stay tuned for my next Botswana + Victoria Falls Wanderlust Group Trip!

• Botswana + Victoria Falls Wanderlust Group Trip Highlights 2026

The post Victoria Falls Travel Guide: 16 Tips for Visiting One of the World’s Greatest Natural Wonders appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

We had an epic 2 week in-depth trip across the most spectacular safari destinations in Botswana. Think untouched pristine wilderness, a truly wild African safari!

Scroll below to see photos and videos from our first ever Botswana Wanderlust Group Trip!

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe & Zambia

After an amazing 10 days around Botswana, we wrapped up our trip at the incredible natural world wonder: Victoria Falls!

The post Botswana + Victoria Falls Wanderlust Group Trip Highlights 2026 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

If you’re coming to Uganda for gorilla trekking, you can easily add on a visit to the Ugandan Pangolin Rescue Center!

Dedicated to rehabilitating rescued pangolins and returning them to the wild, the center offers a rare opportunity to learn about these extraordinary, elusive mammals while supporting their conservation. And often even getting to see these rare animals!!

Because every animal’s welfare comes first, sightings are never guaranteed but if you’re lucky enough to see one, it’s an unforgettable experience. We saw 3 when I went for the first time! They were SO cute and it was very fun to watch them run around, climb trees and interact in the tea fields. It was very fun to photograph them! They didn’t seem to mind us being there at all.

I was shocked to learn that Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals on Earth.

Sadly, they are targeted for their scales and meat despite international protections.

The Uganda Pangolin Rescue Centre is working tirelessly to rescue animals from the illegal wildlife trade, provide specialized care, and give them a second chance in the wild.

So your visit doesn’t just offer a glimpse of one of Africa’s most unique creatures (hello, a mammal with scales?!) it directly contributes to their survival. Let’s keep the pangolins from going extinct!

It’s free to visit but they do request a donation! Donations help fund veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the safe release of rescued pangolins back into protected habitats.

They also have a small shop where you can buy t-shirts, stickers or small wooden-carved pangolins.

Pangolin Fun Facts

1. Pangolins are the only mammals covered in large, protective scales. Their scales are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails and hair.
2. When threatened, pangolins curl into a tight ball, using their tough scales as armor to protect their soft undersides.
3. Pangolins have long, sticky tongues that can be longer than their bodies. They use them to catch ants and termites.
4. A single pangolin can eat millions of insects each year, making them important for controlling insect populations.
5. Pangolins have no teeth. Instead, they swallow small stones and sand that help grind up food in their stomachs.
6. Despite their armored appearance, pangolins are excellent climbers, and some species spend much of their lives in trees.
7. Other species are burrowers, digging deep tunnels where they sleep during the day.
8. Pangolins are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
9. Baby pangolins are called pups. They often ride on their mother’s tail or back when she travels.
10. Pangolins are generally solitary animals, coming together mainly to mate.
11. They are among the most heavily trafficked wild mammals in the world, threatened by illegal hunting and habitat loss.
12. All eight pangolin species are protected under international trade agreements, and conservation efforts are focused on reducing illegal trade and protecting their habitats.

We had so much fun photographing these cute little guys!!

Impossibly Cute!

Pangolins are fascinating animals that play a vital role in their ecosystems by naturally controlling insect populations, making them important for healthy forests and grasslands. I also happen to think they are pretty adorable!!

The Pangolin Rescue Center was just 15 minutes from our hotel in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! So we stopped by before checking into our hotel the night before gorilla trekking!

I host totally unique, custom, luxury trips to Uganda with my company Wanderlust Group Trips every summer. Stay tuned to join an upcoming trip!!

More on Uganda:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Where Conservation Comes to Life in Uganda
• Exploring Lake Mburo National Park: Walking Safaris in Uganda
• Add this unique wildlife experience to your Uganda bucket list: Shoebill Safari
• 20 Photos To Put Uganda On Your Bucket List
• Uganda Wanderlust Group Trip Highlights 2024 – Week 1

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If you’re coming to Uganda, then you’ve got to make time to visit Yimba Fashions in Kampala!

Here you can get custom-made clothing from authentic African fabrics tailored specifically for you. You can design it from scratch or use Pinterest (or my pictures here!) as inspiration. If you don’t know what kind of style you’d like, they have tons of examples from past customers!

As they say at Yimba:

Each item is custom-built for you, by you, with love in Uganda.

Operating as both a bespoke tailoring service and a youth empowerment project, 100% of their profits go directly to Yimba Uganda, funding vocational training in tailoring, fashion design, hairdressing, and cosmetology to equip disadvantaged youth with income-generating skills.

And the impact they are making in Uganda is profound. It’s really inspiring, and when you stop by and hear the story in person, it’s quite emotional!

This charity is changing countless lives all across the country. So you’ll get an amazing and totally unique souvenir or outfit while giving back. It’s fashion for a great cause!

The Yimba Fashion tailors can even come to your hotel and measure you to be sure your fit is exact! Or even better, stop by their location in Kampala & get a tour. You’ll be able to hear all about this amazing cause and the impact it’s having on the lives of young women in Uganda.

Here’s a few of the pieces that I’ve had made at Yimba Fashions over the years.

“Yimba Fashions is your go to place in Uganda for unique, custom tailored clothing made from authentic African fabrics. Getting a piece made by the talented tailors at Yimba Fashions allows you to have a unique experience in Uganda and take not only a memory home, but a piece of clothing that you can cherish for life.

We produce custom clothing and accessories for men, women and children and focus on bringing your unique creations to life.

Custom clothing is traditionally cut from a pattern specifically crafted for an individual client, and so to differs from ready-to-wear, which is factory made in finished condition of standardized sizes.

The advantages of going custom speak for themselves, both in terms of fit and style. You can’t get any better fit than something made specifically for you. You also get to dial in every little detail of your preferred look, starting with fabric and pattern, with virtually unlimited choices. This process allows you to consider the many aspects of the piece or pieces of clothing you will take home with you right down to even the finest detail.”

Wearing Yimba Fashion pants and a matching headband while rhino tracking in Uganda!

If you’re lucky enough to meet my friend and the founder Anne Marie, she’s an incredible human with such a big heart! Typically she’ll be the one showing you around if you pop in for a tour.

Outfit inspiration for your visit to Yimba Fashions

Each year, I host a group trip in Uganda with my company Wanderlust Group Trips! We always stop at Yimba Fashions to support and get amazing custom clothing. Here are some of the fabulous outfits my friends have gotten! It’s not just female clothing either!!

It helps if you have an idea of what you want them to make when you go in for your tour/experience. Feel free to get inspiration from the photos below!

These pant sets are sooo comfy!!

And how cute are the matching his & hers fits?!

The cutest mother/daughter duo in their Yimba outfits!!

More on Uganda:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Where Conservation Comes to Life in Uganda
• Exploring Lake Mburo National Park: Walking Safaris in Uganda
• Add this unique wildlife experience to your Uganda bucket list: Shoebill Safari
• 20 Photos To Put Uganda On Your Bucket List
• Uganda Wanderlust Group Trip Highlights 2024 – Week 1

Yimba Fashions

The post Must-do in Uganda: Yimba Fashions- Custom clothing for a great cause! appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Welcome to Uganda, a hidden gem of unparalleled beauty in the heart of Africa.

This enchanting country, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, boasts stunning landscapes, luxurious lodges, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

And for me personally, it’s one of my all-time favorite destinations.

From the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can trek alongside majestic gorillas, to the lush Kibale Forest, home to playful chimpanzees, Uganda is so diverse and beautiful. I go back every single summer and the country never fails to amaze me!

If you want to join me one summer, stay tuned on my Wanderlust Group Trips Instagram page.

Here are some photos to inspire your trip!

Read: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Where Conservation Comes to Life in Uganda

Read: Exploring Lake Mburo National Park: Walking Safaris in Uganda

Read: Add this unique wildlife experience to your Uganda bucket list: Shoebill Safari

The post 20 Photos To Put Uganda On Your Bucket List appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

As an avid wildlife lover, Borneo had been on the top of my bucket list for quite some time! After traveling to Uganda multiple summers in a row for gorilla trekking, I was looking for another incredible primate encounter.

Imagine drifting down a jungle river, the sounds of the rainforest all around you, spotting wild orangutans swinging through the trees and then watching them up close at feeding platforms.

It’s raw, it’s magical, and it’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

If you’re planning your own trip, here are my biggest tips to make the most of it.

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 1.⁠ ⁠Book a Houseboat Safari

Skip the day trips—this is one experience where you’ll want to fully immerse yourself. I highly recommend booking a houseboat safari. We went with a company called Local Guides and stayed on a boat named Milo—just two of us (myself and Tessa) and a crew of four. I cannot recommend this company enough!

It was so special and unique. Our crew Yuni, Eddy, Damias and El were SO wonderful!

We knew we would love the wildlife and the scenery but we were not expecting to love the food so much!! Everything our chef Yuni cooked was incredible. Fresh, flavorful, and way beyond what you’d expect in the middle of the jungle. We loved having our bed on the boat and sleeping with the fresh air. Each night Eddy would come add the mosquito net to our bed so we could comfortably sleep outside without worrying about mosquitos.

The bathrooms are definitely more rustic, but still totally manageable. And yes, there’s a shower. Which felt great after getting sweaty walking to the platforms!

But the real magic is the river cruising experience itself: sitting at the front of the boat, wind in your hair, cruising past lush jungle while spotting wildlife along the riverbanks. It’s peaceful, surreal, and something I’ll never forget.

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 2.⁠ ⁠Avoid Fruiting Season: (Which is June to September)

Timing matters more than you might think. If you visit during fruiting season, orangutans are less likely to come to the feeding platforms because they have plenty of food in the wild. Many websites will say this a good time to come for orangutans but if you’re specifically visiting the national park with feeding platforms, they have enough food in the wild during fruiting season.

Outside of fruiting season, they rely more on the platforms—meaning you’ll have a much better chance of seeing them up close at the feeding stations.

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 3.⁠ ⁠Most travelers do 3 days/2 nights but we did 4 days/3 nights

Most people opt for a 3 day/2 night boat trip, but we chose 4 days/3 nights and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Why? More time with the orangutans, more chances to see different individuals, and more time to simply enjoy being on the river. It’s also incredibly relaxing. I read two full books while we were there (which I feel like I never have time to do with my busy schedule!), and it felt like the perfect balance of adventure and downtime.

We also went on a night walk through the jungle, walked through a local fishing village (I loved this!) and could have added on some more walks or canoeing if we wanted to.

And the 4th and final day we disembarked by 9am so it really felt more like 3 days total.

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 4.⁠ ⁠Manage Expectations at Feeding Platforms

If you’ve done gorilla trekking before, this will feel very different.

Gorilla treks are intimate (usually just a handful of people.) At the feeding platforms in Borneo, it’s more of a shared experience. We often had 30 or so tourists at a time.

There are rules to stay quiet, but realistically, there may be families with kids or people talking louder than they should. It can be a little frustrating in the moment, but honestly—it didn’t take away from how special the experience was overall. Seeing orangutans in their natural environment is still absolutely incredible.

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 5.⁠ ⁠Book Early—Boats Sell Out

There aren’t unlimited houseboats, and the best ones get booked up quickly. If this is a must-do on your trip (and it should be), plan ahead and secure your spot early.

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 6.⁠ ⁠Arrive Early to the Feeding Platforms

The walk to the platforms is easy. Usually about 30 minutes and totally flat. There is no big hike to reach the orangutans. So if the feeding was at 2pm, we’d dock and start walking in at 1pm. Then we could leisurely walk through the forest, take pictures and arrive at the platform early.

Sometimes the orangutans were already there just waiting in the trees or sitting on the platform before the official feeding time. By arriving early, we got front-row, unobstructed views and had time to photograph them before the crowds showed up.

It felt like a completely different experience compared to arriving later.

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 7.⁠ ⁠Pack Bug Spray (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

You’re deep in the rainforest so bugs are part of the deal. A good bug spray is essential, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes come out. It makes the experience way more comfortable.

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 8.⁠ ⁠Wear Lightweight Clothing

Borneo is hot, humid, and sticky. Think breathable, lightweight fabrics that dry quickly.

You’ll be much more comfortable on the boat and during excursions. Pack a fan to use throughout the day. If you book with Local Guides, one was provided and super useful.

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 9.⁠ ⁠Timing Your Trip Matters (April Was Perfect for Us)

June and July are peak season, which means more crowds and higher demand for boats.

We went in April, and it felt like the sweet spot. We had great weather, fewer people, and an overall more relaxed experience. If you have flexibility, shoulder season is definitely worth considering. It’s possible you could have more rain in April but May would also be a great time to go!

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10.⁠ ⁠Come Prepared—There Are No Stores Once You’re On the Boat

The food onboard was amazing, and we definitely didn’t need extra snacks or meals. But if there’s anything specific you want, bring it with you or stop at a grocery store before boarding.

For example, we brought a few iced coffees because we weren’t sure what the coffee situation would be like. The crew happily stored them in the cooler for us.

Once you’re on the boat, that’s it. There are no shops, no snack stops. The feeding stations are very rural and don’t have markets or places to buy anything.

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11.⁠ ⁠Bring Cash to Tip the Crew

Wages in Indonesia are relatively low, and the crew works incredibly hard to make your experience special.

We tipped about 15% of the total cost of the tour because we truly loved our guides and crew. There were four staff members, and we divided the tip to give to each person individually, which felt more personal.

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12.⁠ ⁠Pack Pajamas You’re Comfortable Lounging In

The sleeping area is open and doesn’t have any doors, so while you’ll likely change in the bathroom, you’ll also be hanging out in your sleepwear during breakfast or relaxing on the boat.

Bring something you feel comfortable wearing around others.

Tessa and I opted for cute jungle-themed matching pajamas we bought on my India group trip!

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13.⁠ ⁠Bring Simple Bathroom Slippers (Optional but Worth It)

We grabbed a pair of hotel slippers from our stay the night before and used them as “toilet shoes.”

The bathroom is very basic, and since the shower and toilet share the same space (and you flush with a bucket), the floor is often wet.

It’s clean water, but having disposable hotel slippers made it much more comfortable to go in and out of the bathroom.

Not essential, but we were very glad we had them.

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14.⁠ ⁠Stay at the hotel Mercure Pangkalan Bun the night before your boat trip

We stayed at Mercure Pangkalan Bun the night before our tour, and it was the perfect start.

Great rooms, amazing breakfast, solid room service, and even very affordable massages. They also let us check in early at 7am and added breakfast for just $20 total, which was such a nice bonus after traveling.

Highly recommend it as your pre-safari base.

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15.⁠ ⁠Pack Light

The boat is small, and space is limited.

We each brought just a small backpack, and it was more than enough. You don’t need many clothes, and the company provides essentials like fans and umbrellas.

If you’re traveling with larger luggage, consider leaving it at your hotel (like Hotel Mercure) and just bringing what you need for the safari. It makes the whole experience much more enjoyable without clutter.

An orangutan safari in Borneo is one of those rare travel experiences that feels both adventurous and very relaxing.

Between the slow pace of river life, the thrill of spotting orangutans, and the peaceful jungle surroundings, it’s a trip that stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re even thinking about it, go. You won’t regret it.

And stay tuned for a possible Wanderlust Group Trip here in the future!

orangutan safari borneo

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If you thought the Maldives was a just a boring, resort destination costing a you a fortune for an overwater bungalow, think again!

Yes there are bungalows that cost $10,000 + a night but the magic of the Maldives happens in the ocean! It’s some of the clearest, bluest water you’ll ever see.

The wildlife encounters are UNREAL. And the scuba diving is some of the best in the world. And if you stay on local islands, you can visit the Maldives at a fraction of the price you might expect!

Traveling the Maldives truly changed my life in a way no other country has ever before. It’s where I fell in love with scuba diving, free diving and all the ocean wildlife that I am now obsessed with!

I cannot recommend traveling here enough. Here’s 20 photos to inspire your trip!

If this looks like fun, join my next Maldives group trip! Stay tuned for all upcoming trips here.

The post 20 Photos To Put The Maldives On Your Bucket List appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

After two incredible group trips to Jordan, I was so excited to bring this trip back for a third time.

Scroll through the videos and photos below to see what we got up to!

The post Jordan Highlights With Wanderlust Group Trips 2025 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

After celebrating Holi in Udaipur in 2025 for the first time, I knew I had to come back again! So for the second year in a row, I offered a custom, boutique Holi group trip so travelers could experience this amazing (but overwhelming!) festival in a fun, safe way!

Udaipur is truly my favorite city in India, there is a reason I keep coming back!!

Watch the recap of my past India group trips!

More on India:

• INDIA: 10 Frequently Asked Questions Answered

The post Celebrating India’s Holi Festival of Colors in Udaipur with Wanderlust Group Trips appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Although this was a shorter trip (just 6 nights!), we saw and did SO much around Sri Lanka.

A full-length and in-depth Sri Lanka group trip is definitely in the works!! So stay tuned on the Wanderlust Group Trips Instagram account or my WeTravel page if you’re interested!

Scroll to enjoy some of the photos we captured during our trip!

Read: 10 Reasons to Join A Wanderlust Group Trip

The post Sri Lanka with Wanderlust Group Trips appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.