Solo Travel at Victoria Falls: A Complete Guide for Independent Travelers

Traveling solo to Victoria Falls might seem daunting at first—it's Africa, it's remote, it's known for adventure activities that seem designed for groups. But here's the truth: Victoria Falls is actually one of the best destinations in Africa for solo travelers. The infrastructure is excellent, the backpacker scene is vibrant, the activities welcome solo joiners, and the experience of standing before one of the world's great natural wonders alone is profoundly moving.

This comprehensive guide covers everything solo travelers need to know about visiting Victoria Falls independently, from safety considerations and meeting other travelers to the best activities for solos and tips for making the most of your solo adventure.

Why Victoria Falls is Perfect for Solo Travelers

Before diving into the practical details, let's address why Victoria Falls works so well for independent travelers:

Established Tourist Infrastructure: Unlike more remote African destinations, Victoria Falls has decades of tourism development, meaning reliable services, English-speaking staff, and systems designed for international visitors.

Thriving Backpacker Scene: The hostels and backpacker lodges create natural social hubs where solo travelers easily connect with others.

Group Activities: Most activities operate on a group basis, so you'll rarely be alone even when traveling solo.

Compact and Walkable: Victoria Falls town is small and safe to explore on foot during the day.

Solo-Friendly Pricing: Many activities charge per person rather than per group, so you're not penalized for traveling alone.

International Crowd: You'll meet travelers from around the world, creating a diverse, welcoming atmosphere.

Safety for Solo Travelers

Let's address the primary concern: Is Victoria Falls safe for solo travelers?

The Reality

Victoria Falls (both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides) is generally very safe for tourists, including solo travelers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the tourism industry is well-regulated. However, like anywhere, you should take sensible precautions.

Safety Tips

During the Day:

• Victoria Falls town is safe to walk around during daylight hours
• Stick to main streets and tourist areas
• Keep valuables secure and don't display expensive items
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like craft markets
• Use registered taxis or hotel transfers rather than unmarked vehicles

At Night:

• Don't walk alone after dark—use taxis even for short distances
• Stick to well-lit, populated areas
• Keep your accommodation informed of your plans
• Travel with others when possible for evening activities
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption that impairs judgment

General Precautions:

• Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
• Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
• Don't carry large amounts of cash
• Be cautious about sharing detailed travel plans with strangers
• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation

Wildlife Safety:

• Baboons and monkeys can be aggressive—don't feed them or leave food visible
• Elephants occasionally wander through town—give them wide berth
• Follow all safety instructions in national parks and on activities

Solo Female Travelers

Victoria Falls is generally safe for solo female travelers, with many women traveling here independently without issues. However:

• Expect some attention and occasional unwanted advances (usually harmless but persistent)
• Dress modestly to minimize unwanted attention
• Be firm but polite when declining offers or advances
• Join group activities to meet other travelers
• Stay in reputable accommodations with good security
• Connect with other female travelers through hostel social areas

The backpacker hostels often have female-only dorms, providing additional comfort and security for solo women.

Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for solo travelers—it's your base, your social hub, and your safety net.

Top Hostels and Backpackers

Shoestrings Backpackers

• Long-standing favorite with solo travelers
• Excellent social atmosphere
• Bar and communal areas for meeting people
• Dorm beds: $15-25 per night
• Pool, kitchen, Wi-Fi
• Activity booking desk

Victoria Falls Backpackers

• Central location
• Young, social crowd
• Regular social events and activities
• Dorm beds: $18-28 per night
• Good security and facilities

N1 Hotel & Campsite

• Mix of camping, dorms, and private rooms
• More relaxed, less party-focused than other hostels
• Good for slightly older solo travelers
• Dorm beds: $15-20 per night

Benefits of Hostel Life for Solo Travelers

• Instant Social Network: Common areas, shared meals, and organized activities make meeting people effortless
• Shared Activities: Easy to find travel companions for activities and excursions
• Local Knowledge: Staff and fellow travelers provide tips and recommendations
• Cost Savings: Dorm beds are budget-friendly, and shared kitchens reduce food costs
• Safety in Numbers: Built-in community provides security and support

Private Accommodation Options

If hostels aren't your style, consider:

Budget Guesthouses ($40-70 per night):

• Pamarah Guest House
• Amadeus Garden Guesthouse
• Rainbow Hotel

These offer more privacy and quiet but less social interaction. Good for solo travelers who prefer solitude or are older/more introverted.

Meeting Other Travelers

One of the joys of solo travel is the freedom to connect with other travelers on your own terms.

Where to Meet People

Hostel Common Areas: The easiest place to meet fellow travelers. Spend time in communal spaces, join group meals, participate in hostel-organized activities.

Activity Tours: Most activities involve groups, providing natural opportunities to meet people:

• White water rafting groups bond quickly through shared adventure
• Sunset cruises have social, relaxed atmospheres
• Guided Falls tours bring together travelers of all types
• Safari trips create shared experiences and conversation

Restaurants and Bars:

• Shoestrings Restaurant and Bar (backpacker central)
• Lookout Café (sunset spot)
• The Boma (cultural dinner experience)
• In Da Belly (casual, social atmosphere)

Craft Markets: Browsing the markets often leads to conversations with other travelers.

Victoria Falls National Park: Strike up conversations with other visitors at viewpoints—shared awe is a great icebreaker.

Tips for Connecting

• Be open and approachable—smile, make eye contact
• Ask questions: "Where are you from?" "What have you done so far?" "Any recommendations?"
• Suggest joining up for activities: "I'm thinking of doing the sunset cruise tomorrow, want to join?"
• Share meals—cooking together in hostel kitchens is naturally social
• Join hostel pub crawls or organized social events
• Use social media and travel apps to connect with others in the area
• Don't be shy—most solo travelers are looking to meet people too

Balancing Social Time and Solitude

Remember, solo travel doesn't mean you have to be social all the time. It's perfectly fine to:

• Spend time alone when you need to recharge
• Skip social events if you're not feeling it
• Explore independently even when others invite you along
• Have meals alone with a book
• Take solo walks and reflection time

The beauty of solo travel is the freedom to choose your level of social interaction.

Best Activities for Solo Travelers

Activities That Welcome Solo Joiners

Most Victoria Falls activities operate on a group basis, making them perfect for solo travelers:

Excellent for Solos:

1. White Water Rafting ($140-165)

   • Full-day group adventure
   • Instant bonding through shared experience
   • No single supplement
   • Great for meeting active travelers

2. Sunset/Dinner Cruises ($55-95)

   • Relaxed, social atmosphere
   • Easy conversations with other guests
   • Beautiful setting for meeting people
   • Various price points available

3. Guided Falls Tours ($25-40)

   • Small group tours
   • Shared learning experience
   • Good for all ages and fitness levels
   • Easy to join conversations

4. Bungee Jumping ($160-170)

   • Individual activity but group atmosphere
   • Shared adrenaline creates camaraderie
   • Great stories to share afterward
   • No single supplement

5. Village Tours ($25-50)

   • Small group cultural experiences
   • Shared learning and interaction
   • Good conversation starter with other travelers

6. Helicopter Flights ($150-320)

   • Shared flights (4-6 passengers)
   • Spectacular experience to share
   • No single supplement for standard flights

Activities to Consider Carefully

Microlight Flights ($170-310)

• One passenger per aircraft
• Incredible experience but you'll fly alone
• Still worth it for the thrill and views
• Can coordinate with other travelers to fly simultaneously

Private Tours

• Significantly more expensive for solo travelers
• Consider joining group tours instead
• Only book private if you specifically want solitude

Multi-Day Safaris

• Chobe safari and Hwange safari often have single supplements
• Try to join group departures to avoid extra costs
• Some operators offer shared accommodation options

Solo-Friendly Activity Combinations

The Social Solo Package:

• Day 1: Guided Falls tour (meet people)
• Day 2: White water rafting (bond through adventure)
• Day 3: Sunset cruise (relaxed social time)
• Day 4: Bungee or gorge swing (shared adrenaline)

The Balanced Solo Experience:

• Day 1: Self-guided Falls exploration (solo reflection)
• Day 2: Village tour (cultural group experience)
• Day 3: Helicopter flight (spectacular solo/group experience)
• Day 4: Dinner cruise (social evening)

Managing Costs as a Solo Traveler

Solo travel can be more expensive than traveling with companions, but Victoria Falls is relatively solo-friendly:

Where You'll Pay More

• Accommodation: Dorm beds avoid single supplements, but private rooms cost the same whether one or two people
• Transfers: Sharing taxis and transfers with others saves money
• Food: Cooking for one is less economical than sharing meals
• Some safaris: Multi-day trips may have single supplements

Money-Saving Strategies

• Stay in hostels: Dorm beds eliminate single supplements
• Share transfers: Coordinate with other travelers for airport/activity transfers
• Cook together: Team up with hostel mates for shared meals
• Book group activities: Most activities charge per person with no solo penalty
• Find activity partners: Split costs for private transfers or tours
• Travel in low season: Better deals on accommodation and activities

Sample Solo Budget

Budget Solo Traveler (per day):

• Accommodation (hostel dorm): $20
• Food (mix of self-catering and eating out): $25
• Activities (averaged): $50
• Transport and misc: $10
• Total: $105 per day

Mid-Range Solo Traveler (per day):

• Accommodation (budget guesthouse): $60
• Food (mostly eating out): $40
• Activities (averaged): $80
• Transport and misc: $15
• Total: $195 per day

Practical Solo Travel Tips

Before You Go

• Book first night accommodation in advance: Arrive with a plan
• Research visa requirements: Some can be obtained on arrival, others need advance planning
• Get travel insurance: Essential for adventure activities
• Inform someone of your plans: Keep a friend/family member updated on your itinerary
• Join online travel communities: Facebook groups for Victoria Falls travelers can provide connections

While You're There

• Keep your phone charged: Essential for safety and navigation
• Buy a local SIM card: Staying connected is important for solo travelers
• Establish routines: Regular check-ins with accommodation or friends back home
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is
• Be flexible: Some of the best experiences come from spontaneous plans with new friends
• Document your journey: Photos and journal entries are especially meaningful when traveling solo

Dealing with Loneliness

Even outgoing solo travelers sometimes feel lonely. If this happens:

• Spend time in hostel common areas
• Join a group activity
• Video call friends or family back home
• Treat yourself to a nice meal or experience
• Remember that feeling lonely is normal and temporary
• Use the time for reflection and personal growth
• Connect with other travelers online or in person

The Solo Travel Mindset

Embrace the Freedom

Solo travel at Victoria Falls offers unique freedoms:

• Set your own schedule and pace
• Choose activities based solely on your interests
• Change plans spontaneously without consulting anyone
• Spend as much or as little time at each attraction as you want
• Have profound personal experiences without distraction

Push Your Boundaries

Traveling solo to Victoria Falls is an opportunity for personal growth:

• Face fears (literally, if you do the bungee jump!)
• Develop self-reliance and confidence
• Practice social skills and meeting new people
• Learn to be comfortable with yourself
• Create your own adventure narrative

Stay Present

Without travel companions to distract you, solo travel allows deeper engagement:

• Truly absorb the majesty of the falls
• Have meaningful conversations with locals and other travelers
• Notice details you might miss in a group
• Reflect on your experiences in real-time
• Be fully present in each moment

Solo Travel Success Stories

Many solo travelers report that Victoria Falls was a highlight of their journeys:

• The solo traveler who met lifelong friends while white water rafting
• The woman who conquered her fear of heights with the bungee jump
• The backpacker who found unexpected community in a hostel
• The photographer who captured perfect shots without group pressure
• The adventurer who discovered that solo travel is empowering, not lonely

Your story will be unique, but Victoria Falls provides the perfect setting for solo travel success.

The Bottom Line

Solo travel at Victoria Falls is not only feasible—it's fantastic. The destination combines spectacular natural beauty, excellent infrastructure, a welcoming backpacker scene, and activities perfectly suited for independent travelers. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or attempting your first solo trip, Victoria Falls offers the right balance of adventure, safety, social opportunities, and personal space.

Yes, you'll have moments of loneliness. Yes, you'll sometimes wish you had someone to share experiences with. But you'll also have moments of profound personal connection with one of the world's great natural wonders, you'll meet incredible people from around the globe, you'll surprise yourself with your courage and capability, and you'll return home with stories, photos, and memories that are entirely your own.

Solo travel at Victoria Falls isn't about being alone—it's about being free. Free to create your own adventure, free to meet whoever crosses your path, free to face your fears or simply sit in awe before the thundering waters. It's about discovering that you're capable of more than you thought, that the world is full of friendly people, and that some experiences are even more powerful when you face them on your own terms.

So pack your bag, book that hostel bed, and get ready for the solo adventure of a lifetime. Victoria Falls is waiting, and you don't need anyone's permission or company to answer its call. The falls thunder for everyone—including you, solo traveler. It's time to go.

Ready to plan your solo Victoria Falls adventure? You've got this. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—and that step is yours alone to take.