Explore Victoria Falls with a baby on a world travel journey. From misty rainbows to wild trails, here’s how we did it from the Zambian side.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Events
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey
We were staying at Fawlty Towers Backpackers in Livingstone, a relaxed and friendly place perfect for families. One of the best perks? They run a free daily shuttle to Victoria Falls at 10 a.m.. No early alarms, no stress. We got to sleep in, make breakfast, and ease into our big adventure.
Julie made us homemade burgers with ingredients we picked up from Shoprite the night before. Nothing like a juicy burger first thing in the morning — it set such a positive tone for the day.
After breakfast, we packed up: raincoats for everyone, including Sweetie. A Korean couple we met told us the mist at the falls feels like standing in a thunderstorm. They weren’t exaggerating. I debated taking the DSLR, but in the end, I tucked it inside a plastic bag just in case. (That bag ended up being a lifesaver.)
On the way to the falls, we could already spot mist rising from the trees, like smoke from a hidden fire. And above it all — a rainbow. Even before seeing the falls, we were filled with that childlike excitement.
Events
At the entrance, the fee was simple: $20 per adult, and babies get in for free. We brought our passports but didn’t need them — unless you’re planning to cross over into Zimbabwe, they’re not required.
There are four main walking trails on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls:
- Upstream Trail: You get to see the calm, wide Zambezi River just before it drops.
- Danger Point: This one lives up to its name. You’re face-to-face with the thunderous falls.
- Boiling Pot: The place where all that water churns and crashes together.
- Photographic Trail: Offers the best views for photos — especially on a clear day.
We followed the trails in order, starting with the Upstream. At first, it was quiet — just the sound of wind and birds. But then the roar started. That sound… it builds and builds until you feel it in your chest.
And then came the rainbow. No, not just a rainbow — a double rainbow. The mist exploded upward where the water plunged 100 meters down, and sunlight turned it all into color.
Sweetie stood right at the edge, gripping the railing, switching her gaze between the rushing water and the colorful sky. I couldn’t stop watching her little face soaking it all in.
We made our way to Danger Point next. The closer we got, the wetter we became. What started as mist turned into full-on sideways rain. I zipped the DSLR inside my jacket and tightened Sweetie’s hood. Still, we were all soaked within minutes — and loving every second of it.
At the lookout points, the views were unreal. Sheets of water, spray flying up like reverse rain, and beams of light catching every drop. We even crossed a narrow bridge, slipping and laughing, holding tight to the railings and to each other.
And somewhere in that moment, wrapped against my chest, Sweetie fell asleep.
As we headed back, the wind shifted again and the spray came hard. I pulled Sweetie tighter and we made our way through the rainforest paths, spotting plants we’d never seen before. It was like walking through a living dream.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Bring full rain gear
Raincoats for everyone — even Sweetie. The falls are spectacular, but expect to get completely soaked. A waterproof cover for your baby carrier is a must. - Protect your gear
A large plastic bag kept our DSLR safe. Anything not waterproof will be drenched within minutes near Danger Point. Ziplock bags help too. - Stick to the safest paths
Some trails are slippery from moss and constant mist. We took it slow and held Sweetie close. If you’re carrying your baby, watch your step and keep both hands free when possible. - Use a baby carrier
Forget strollers here — the terrain is wild, uneven, and often muddy. Our soft-structured baby carrier let us hike, explore, and even let Sweetie nap while walking. - Keep snacks sealed and out of sight
There are baboons in and around the park. They’re not shy. We saw one try to unzip someone’s backpack. We fed Sweetie before the park and didn’t bring visible food inside.
Local Travel Tips
- Stay at Fawlty Towers Backpackers
Their daily 10 a.m. shuttle to Victoria Falls is free and super convenient. It gave us time to rest and eat before heading out. - Timing matters
Go mid-morning to see rainbows in the mist, especially on sunny days. But be ready — that’s also when the sun is strongest and the mist the wildest. - Entry process is simple
It cost us $20 per adult, and they didn’t check passports. Just make sure you’re not planning to cross into Zimbabwe unless you’re carrying your documents. - Don’t rush
Even though the trails aren’t super long, we spent hours taking it all in. With a baby, your pace is slower anyway — embrace it. Every pause is a new view. - Photo spots
The Photographic Trail really does offer the best angles with less mist. Save your camera battery and energy for that section if you’re limited.
Travel Reflections
I still remember when we were in Korea, planning this world travel adventure. On the list of places I hoped to show Sweetie someday, Victoria Falls was high up — but it always felt like a dream. And then suddenly, there we were. Standing right at the edge of the earth, watching water pour into a gorge too deep to see the bottom of. It felt unreal.
Sweetie holding the rail, staring at a double rainbow while water roared around us — that moment is carved into my memory. This wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about sharing the wonder of the world with the little human we love most.
I also found myself quietly reflecting on the history behind this place. There stands a statue of David Livingstone, credited by colonial history as the one who “discovered” the falls. But of course, people have lived here for centuries. The falls were never lost — they were part of local life, spirit, and survival. The loudest thing here isn’t the waterfall. It’s the silence of the stories that weren’t written.
We left the park soaked, happy, exhausted, and totally alive. And Sweetie? She woke up from her nap with a big smile — like she’d just had the most peaceful dream in the loudest place on Earth.
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