The Ultimate Victoria Falls Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)

Packing for Victoria Falls requires strategic thinking. You're heading to a destination with dramatic seasonal variations, multiple climate zones (from river mist to hot savanna), diverse activities (from elegant dinners to muddy rafting), and weight restrictions on regional flights. Pack too much and you'll pay excess baggage fees; pack too little and you'll miss essential items unavailable locally.

This comprehensive packing guide breaks down exactly what to bring based on your travel season, planned activities, and travel style—plus what you can safely leave at home.

Universal Essentials (Pack Regardless of Season)

Documents and Money

Critical Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Visa documentation/money ($50 USD Zimbabwe, $50 Zambia, or $50 KAZA UniVisa)
• Travel insurance documents
• Vaccination certificates (Yellow fever if required)
• Flight confirmations
• Accommodation confirmations
• Activity booking confirmations
• Emergency contact information
• Copies of all documents (digital + physical)

Money:

• US Dollars cash (widely accepted, ATMs unreliable)
• Small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20 bills)
• Credit cards (backup option)
• Hidden money belt or pouch
• Emergency cash separate from main supply

Pro Tip: US dollars should be newer bills (2006+). Damaged, marked, or older bills often rejected.

Technology and Electronics

Essential:

• Smartphone with international plan/SIM card
• Camera (see photography section below)
• Universal power adapter (Type D/G for Zimbabwe/Zambia)
• Portable power bank
• All charging cables
• Headphones
• E-reader or tablet

Backup:

• Extra memory cards
• Extra camera batteries
• USB drive with document copies
• Voltage converter if needed (220V standard)

Health and Safety

Medical:

• Prescription medications (full supply + extra)
• Malaria prophylaxis (essential in wet season)
• Anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium)
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
• Antihistamine (for allergies, insect bites)
• Motion sickness medication (for flights, boats)
• Antacids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Band-aids and basic first aid supplies
• Hand sanitizer
• Personal hygiene items
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses + spare pair

Sun Protection:

• High SPF sunscreen (30+ minimum, 50+ recommended)
• After-sun lotion/aloe vera gel
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses with UV protection (essential)
• Wide-brimmed sun hat

Insect Protection:

• DEET-based repellent (30%+ concentration)
• Permethrin spray for clothing
• Mosquito net (if camping or budget accommodation)
• Anti-itch cream

Seasonal Packing Variations

High Water Season (February-June)

Special Considerations:

• HEAVY spray at falls
• Afternoon thunderstorms common
• Humid conditions
• Cooler temperatures in June

Must Pack:

• Waterproof jacket (high quality, not just "water-resistant")
• Waterproof pants or rain pants
• Waterproof bag for electronics
• Umbrella (compact, sturdy)
• Quick-dry clothing
• Extra ziplock bags (multiple sizes)
• Waterproof phone case
• Absorbent towel/shammy
• Mold-preventing products

Clothing Strategy:

• Light, quick-dry fabrics only
• Avoid cotton (stays wet)
• Synthetic or merino wool
• Multiple changes (things stay damp)
• Warm layer for June (cool evenings)

Low Water Season (September-December)

Special Considerations:

• Intense heat (Nov-Dec especially)
• Minimal spray at falls
• Dust from dry conditions
• Afternoon storms starting December

Must Pack:

• Extra-high SPF sunscreen (will use more than expected)
• Multiple hats (you'll wear constantly)
• Light, breathable clothing (maximum)
• Extra water bottle
• Cooling towel
• Electrolyte packets
• Lighter rain jacket (December only)

Clothing Strategy:

• Lightest possible fabrics
• Light colors (cooler than dark)
• Maximum breathability
• Loose fit better than tight
• Consider moisture-wicking specifically

Shoulder Season (January, July-August)

Special Considerations:

• Variable conditions
• Some rain possible
• Moderate temperatures
• Balanced conditions

Must Pack:

• Light rain jacket (multipurpose)
• Layers for temperature variation
• Sun protection (still essential)
• Quick-dry options
• Versatile clothing

Activity-Specific Packing

Water Activities (Rafting, Devil's Pool, River Cruising)

Essential:

• Swimwear (at least 2 sets)
• Quick-dry shorts
• Rash guard or swim shirt
• Water shoes or sport sandals (Tevas, Chacos)
• Dry bag for personal items
• Towel (quick-dry microfiber)
• Waterproof camera/GoPro
• Secure sunglasses strap

For Rafting Specifically:

• Old sneakers (will get destroyed)
• Clothes you don't mind ruining
• Secure hat strap
• Wetsuit rental included (don't pack)

Safari Activities

Essential:

• Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige, brown)
• Long-sleeved shirts (sun and insects)
• Long pants (sun and insects)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Binoculars
• Camera with telephoto lens
• Quiet clothing (no rustling fabrics)

Avoid:

• Bright colors (esp white, red, orange)
• Strong perfumes/colognes
• Noisy jewelry
• Blue/black (attracts tsetse flies)

Adrenaline Activities (Bungee, Gorge Swing, Zipline)

Essential:

• Comfortable athletic wear
• Secure, closed-toe shoes
• Hair ties (long hair)
• Remove all jewelry
• Empty pockets
• GoPro with secure mount
• Clothes you can move freely in

Leave Behind:

• Loose items
• Valuable jewelry
• Anything you'd regret losing

Upscale Dining and Hotels

Essential:

• One smart-casual outfit
• Dress shoes or nice sandals
• Light sweater/jacket (air conditioning)
• Modest evening wear

Guidelines:

• Victoria Falls Hotel: Smart casual minimum
• Most restaurants: Casual acceptable
• Safari lodges: Smart casual for dinner
• Daytime: Always casual

Photography Equipment

Essential Camera Gear

Must Have:

• Camera body (DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality compact)
• Wide-angle lens (essential for falls)
• Standard zoom lens (24-70mm or similar)
• Extra batteries (at least 2 spares)
• Multiple memory cards (more capacity than you think)
• Lens cleaning kit
• Rain cover for camera
• Dry bags for equipment

Highly Recommended:

• Telephoto zoom (for wildlife, 70-200mm or 100-400mm)
• Polarizing filter (cuts glare, enhances colors)
• ND filter (for long exposures of water)
• Tripod or monopod
• Remote shutter release
• Lens hood

Optional:

• Drone (check regulations, register if required)
• Action camera (GoPro)
• Extra camera body (backup)
• Flash/external lighting

Protection:

• Waterproof camera bag
• Silica gel packets (humidity control)
• Lens caps and body caps
• UV filters for lens protection

Smartphone Photography

If Using Phone Primarily:

• External lenses (wide-angle, telephoto)
• Gimbal stabilizer
• Waterproof case
• Portable lighting
• Phone tripod mount

Clothing Breakdown

Upper Body

Essential:

• 4-6 T-shirts (mix of regular and quick-dry)
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts (sun/insect protection)
• 1-2 button-down shirts (smart casual)
• Light fleece or sweater (evenings, air conditioning)
• Rain jacket (season-appropriate)
• Swimwear (2 sets)

Optional:

• Tank tops (hot weather)
• Dress shirt (upscale dining)
• Hoodie (comfort item)

Lower Body

Essential:

• 2-3 pairs shorts (quick-dry)
• 2 pairs long pants (1 light, 1 convertible)
• 1 pair smart-casual pants/skirt
• Underwear (7-10 pairs, quick-dry)
• Socks (regular + hiking if needed)

Optional:

• Swimsuit cover-up
• Leggings/base layers
• Belt

Footwear

Essential (Choose 3 of these):

• Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
• Sport sandals (Teva, Chaco) for water + casual
• Flip-flops for showers/pools
• Sneakers/trainers

Optional:

• Dress shoes for upscale dining
• Additional casual shoes

Pro Tip: Break in all shoes before trip. Blisters ruin adventures.

Accessories

Essential:

• Sun hat (wide brim, secure strap)
• Sunglasses (UV protection, secure strap)
• Bandana or buff (multipurpose)
• Daypack/backpack (20-30L)
• Reusable water bottle (at least 1L)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Travel towel (quick-dry microfiber)

Optional:

• Watch
• Light scarf
• Travel pillow
• Eye mask and earplugs

Toiletries

Bring From Home

Essential:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
• Body wash/soap
• Razor and shaving cream
• Moisturizer (climate is dry)
• Hair products
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers

Available Locally:

• Basic toiletries (but expensive)
• Sunscreen (but may not be high SPF)
• Insect repellent (available but bring preferred brand)

Special Considerations

For Women:

• Birth control
• Menstrual products (full supply)
• Hair ties
• Makeup (minimal, humidity is high)
• Jewelry (minimal, valuable pieces best left home)

For Men:

• Electric razor (easier in limited water situations)
• Extra shaving supplies
• Cologne (avoid on safari)

What NOT to Pack

Leave These at Home

Clothing:

• ❌ Camouflage clothing (illegal in Zimbabwe!)
• ❌ Heavy jeans (too hot, slow to dry)
• ❌ Formal wear (unless specific event)
• ❌ Expensive jewelry
• ❌ White clothing (shows dirt, attracts insects)
• ❌ Too many clothes (laundry available everywhere)

Gear:

• ❌ Hair dryer (provided at most hotels)
• ❌ Beach towel (hotels provide)
• ❌ Guidebooks (use digital versions)
• ❌ Fancy luggage (dusty conditions)
• ❌ Valuables you'd regret losing

Miscellaneous:

• ❌ Drone (without proper permits)
• ❌ Excessive cash (risk of theft)
• ❌ More than 2 weeks of clothes (laundry available)
• ❌ Full-size toiletries (heavy, available locally)

Luggage Strategy

Bag Selection

Main Luggage:

• Soft-sided duffel or backpack (better for small planes)
• Avoid hard-sided cases (difficult on safari vehicles)
• Neutral colors (shows less dirt)
• Good quality wheels/straps
• TSA-approved locks

Daypack:

• 20-30L capacity
• Comfortable straps
• Multiple compartments
• Waterproof or rain cover
• Secure zippers

Organization:

• Packing cubes (game-changer!)
• Compression bags for bulky items
• Ziplock bags (various sizes)
• Separate bag for dirty laundry
• Small bag for valuables

Weight Considerations

Check Airline Limits:

• International flights: Usually 23kg (50 lbs) checked
• Regional/charter flights: Often 15-20kg (33-44 lbs) including carry-on
• Soft bag weight limits strict on small planes
• Excess baggage fees expensive

Packing Light Strategy:

• Wear bulkiest items on travel days
• Choose multipurpose items
• Plan to do laundry (available everywhere)
• Share items with travel companion
• Ship excess items home if needed

Shopping Locally

What's Available in Victoria Falls

Easy to Buy:

• Basic toiletries
• Sunscreen (though may not be preferred brand/SPF)
• T-shirts and casual clothing
• Souvenirs
• Snacks and drinks
• Batteries
• Basic medication

Limited/Expensive:

• Electronics
• Specialized gear
• High-quality outdoor equipment
• Specific brands
• Prescription items

Craft Markets:

• Handmade souvenirs
• Wood carvings
• Paintings
• Jewelry
• Textiles
• Negotiation expected

Final Packing Checklist

One Week Before Departure

• [ ] Check all electronics work
• [ ] Test camera equipment
• [ ] Start taking malaria prophylaxis
• [ ] Break in any new shoes
• [ ] Photocopy all documents
• [ ] Check passport validity
• [ ] Purchase any missing items
• [ ] Arrange travel insurance

Three Days Before Departure

• [ ] Check weather forecast
• [ ] Adjust packing list accordingly
• [ ] Print all confirmations
• [ ] Download offline maps
• [ ] Notify bank of travel
• [ ] Check flight status
• [ ] Arrange airport parking/transport
• [ ] Pack any frozen gel packs

Day Before Departure

• [ ] Final pack
• [ ] Weigh luggage
• [ ] Charge all devices
• [ ] Print boarding passes
• [ ] Prepare carry-on
• [ ] Set out travel clothes
• [ ] Secure home
• [ ] Confirm rides

Carry-On Must-Haves

Never Check These:

• Passport and documents
• Money and cards
• Prescription medications
• Valuables
• Electronics
• Camera gear (ideally)
• One change of clothes
• Essential toiletries (3-1-1 rule)
• Phone chargers
• Sunglasses

Specialized Packing Lists

Budget Travelers

Focus on:

• Multipurpose items
• Quick-dry clothing (wash in sink)
• Shared accommodations (ear plugs!)
• Self-catering supplies
• Reusable items (water bottle, utensils)
• Minimal toiletries

Luxury Travelers

Can Rely On:

• Hotel amenities (toiletries, towels, robes)
• Laundry services
• Airport transfers (less worry about luggage)
• On-site equipment rental
• Concierge purchases

Still Bring:

• Specific preferred items
• Medications
• Special dietary needs
• Personal electronics
• Important documents

Family Travel

Additional Items:

• Children's medications
• Snacks (lots!)
• Entertainment (tablets, books, games)
• Comfort items
• Baby supplies if applicable
• First aid additions
• Hand wipes
• Plastic bags

Solo Travelers

Safety Additions:

• Door wedge or portable lock
• Whistle
• Extra security for valuables
• Copies of documents separate from originals
• Emergency contact card
• Headlamp (hands-free safety)

Ready to Pack for Victoria Falls?

With this comprehensive packing list, you're prepared for any activity, any weather, and any situation at Victoria Falls. Remember: when in doubt, pack light—you can buy or borrow almost anything you forget, but lugging around excess baggage makes every day harder.

Continue planning your adventure:

• Browse All Activities - See what you'll be packing for
• Best Time to Visit - Seasonal packing guidance
• Weather Guide - Detailed climate information
• Photography Guide - Camera gear recommendations
• Contact Us - Questions about what to bring

Pack smart, travel light, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!