As the mighty Zambezi River crashes over a basalt rock ledge and drops 108 metres (354 feet) down into a powerful whirlpool, it forms the largest single sheet waterfall on the planet: the Victoria Falls. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which, aptly, means the ‘Smoke that Thunders’), the falling water's impressive roar can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. And on a wind-free day during high-water season, which runs from about February to July depending on the rain, a dazzling cloud of mist can float high above the Falls.
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Victoria Falls in Africa is the largest waterfall in the world, surpassing Niagara Falls and Iguazu Falls in volume, height and width. The cliffs are 1 708 metres (5 604 feet) wide, creating the longest curtain of falling water in the world at high water.
One of the most famous sights in Africa, they were ‘discovered’ in 1855, by British explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. He described his experience in his diary by noting, “No-one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England." Obviously, he wasn’t the first person to ever see the Falls, but he was the first European. The local people of the Zambezi Valley, known as the Tonga people, had lived around the Falls for centuries. They called the falls the Mosi Oa Tunya, which translates as ‘the smoke that thunders’. The Tonga people have their own folklore about the falls, believing that a giant creature dwells in the Zambezi River, and is called Nyami-nyami. David Livingstone renamed them Victoria Falls, after Queen Victoria, the monarch at the time in England. Today, the falls are known by both names, with the park on the Zambian side now called Mosi Oa Tunya National Park.
Since 1998, Go2Africa has been planning trips to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia for thousands of travellers from across the globe. Whether you’re looking for a lodge beside the Zambezi River amidst trees in Zimbabwe or a grand hotel where white-gloved waiters serve G&Ts on manicured lawns, Vic Falls caters to every style and budget. But knowing when to go and what to expect is important for planning your trip. Victoria Falls is part of the mighty Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Victoria Falls is the halfway point of the Zambezi Rivers’ journey from its source in North West Zambia, through Angola, along the border of Botswana and Namibia, before forming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. After falling over Victoria Falls, the Zambezi plunges down the gorge and empties into the Kariba Dam, before continuing its journey to Mozambique and the Cahora Bassa Dam, then finally into the Indian Ocean.
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The good news is, no matter which side you stay on, you can easily cross the border to explore the other or to undertake activities like white-water rafting, gorge swinging, bungee jumping, visiting Livingstone Island or having dinner on an old-fashioned train. This depends entirely on your vacation wishes.
Victoria Falls has never dried up completely, with media cropping images of the dry cliffs at low water. The spray kicked up by the river keeps the Victoria Falls Rainforest alive and flourishing all year round and ensures that it rains every day in the forest! Home to the incredibly unique Devil’s Pool, accessible by the brave at very low water. There are 19 Viewpoints, 1-15 in Zimbabwe and 4 in Zambia.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can easily get across the border via Victoria Falls Bridge. All you'll need is your passport and a double / multiple entry visa, which you can purchase at the border control (your guide or transfer agent generally expedites this for you). As about three quarters of Victoria Falls lie in Zimbabwe, the country has the lion's share of vantage points. Want to get really close to the cascades of water? Then head to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls.
Despite Zimbabwe's political instability, Go2Africa's safari partners on the ground - with whom we have long-established relationships - assure us that it's safe to travel in all the renowned national parks and important tourism destinations. Like almost everything else in Africa, the spectacle at the Falls is entirely dependent on rainfall. When you choose to travel will have a massive impact on your experience of the waterfall. Rain may vary from year to year.
Planning Your Visit: Key Considerations
When planning a trip to Victoria Falls, several key factors can significantly impact your experience. Here's what you need to consider:
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Best Time to Visit
The water levels at Victoria Falls really fluctuate depending on the season. But whether you go in the rainy season or the dry season, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience as there are pros and cons to both. The rainy season runs from November to April. Therefore, visiting in early January onwards can mean seeing the falls at their fullest capacity, and therefore, at their most spectacular. Some visitors do comment however that the spray from the tumbling waters can be so extreme that they couldn’t really get their cameras out.
July to November is the dry season, and the falls can be completely dry during this time, especially on the Zambian side. However, this is the better time to visit if you’re planning on swimming in the Devil’s Pool and visiting Livingstone Island, as the water levels are far safer and it is therefore open. If you visit in height of the rainy season, the Devil’s Pool will be closed as the water levels are too high and it’s far too dangerous to swim in.
The Zambezi River is usually low during December, rising steadily as the rain water starts to arrive from the Angolan highlands. Expert tip: October is the hottest month of the year in Vic Falls (around 34°C / 93°F), and one of the very best months for safari. The animals don't stray far from the little remaining water, but the Falls' water levels are at their very lowest and the Zambian side will the completely dry.
Between February and July, the mighty Zambezi River is in full flood and the waterfall is at its most thunderous - usually peaking between March and April. Dazzling clouds of mist can float 400 metres (1 312 feet) above the Falls! As the early summer rains arrive in about November, so the current gains momentum and the water surges. High-water levels mean the current is too fast for water-based activities like swimming in Devil's Pool or rafting.
Low-water season runs from about September or October to about January when levels drop over the dry winter. Excellent visibility of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe and Zambia sides - lower water levels mean less spray and mist. As the early summer rains arrive in about November, so the current gains momentum and the water surges.
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I visited in November, which is the start of the rainy season. The falls were impressive on the Zimbabwe side, and we saw many majestic rainbows over the falls. We also didn’t experience too much spray at this time. On the Zambia side, the falls were mostly dry. However, I was able to swim in Devil’s Pool safely, which was an epic experience. The days in mid-November were hot and steamy, and we did experience some wet days as well as some sunny days. For us, this ended up being the perfect time to go. It’s worth noting that the drought, especially in Zambia has been quite severe in recent years meaning that the falls in general are less full than previously.
Visa Requirements
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe require nearly all foreign nationalities to have a visa to enter. There is the option of a single entry visa to either country (approx USD $30-50 depending on nationality), but you can also get the KAZA visa (also known as a UniVisa). This enables the holder to freely travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well do a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana through the Kazungula border. It is valid for 30 days and allows unlimited border crossings. I highly recommend getting this.
You can get the KAZA visa on arrival at the following points of entry: Victoria Falls airport, Livingstone airport, Harare airport, Lusaka airport or at the Kazungula land border at Botswana. You need to specify your preference for this visa and provide $50 in US dollar bills. Many of these border ports also offer card payments, but on the off chance that this isn’t working on the day you arrive, I recommend bringing the US dollars in cash to be on the safe side. The KAZA visa is available to around 65 nationalities, including the UK, the US, Australia, Canada and most EU countries.
Zimbabwe vs. Zambia: Which Side to Choose?
The very first thing to do when planning a trip is to decide which side of Victoria Falls to visit. As the falls straddle both Zimbabwe and Zambia, most visitors can head to both the sides (visa dependent), but you will need to choose one side to call your base. Zambia is the side I chose to stay on, and the nearest large town is called Livingstone, named after the British explorer, David Livingstone. One downside of staying on the Zambia side, is that you’ll need to use a taxi each time you want to visit the Victoria Falls from your hotel, whether it’s nearby or in Livingstone town centre.
As about three quarters of Victoria Falls lie in Zimbabwe, the country has the lion's share of vantage points. Want to get really close to the cascades of water? Then head to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls.
The entry to the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park is really just a gate near the border. Entry to the park costs around US $20 dollars and a visit can take 3-4 hours as some of the hiking paths are steeper here. Top tip: If you stay at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort or the Royal Livingstone Hotel, you can enter the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park for free, unlimited times throughout your stay. There are several hiking routes to follow within the park, all of which are clearly marked and you can also pay for the service of a local guide too. These routes all offer the chance to see the Falls from several different angles, including from right at the bottom, and at the side. If you visit the Zambian side in the rainy season, you can get completely drenched.
Livingstone, the nearest major town, is a nice place to spend a couple of days with some great dining spots and accommodation. As the Zambian side has only a quarter of the falls, it could be said that the viewpoints this side are less spectacular than on the Zambian side. Unlike the Zambian side, you can walk from Victoria Falls town centre to the entrance to the falls in a couple of minutes. Zimbabwe is home to the Victoria Falls National Park, which was more organised and structured than on the Zambia side. It had a proper welcome centre, souvenir shop and lots of signage and information on the falls.
Most importantly, Zimbabwe has the more impressive viewing opportunities of the Falls, and the water flows year-round. The most spectacular views can be seen at Devil’s Cataract, Danger Point, and the show-stopping Main Falls, which is the largest single sheet of water in the world. Entry to the park on the side costs US $30 per person and a full visit to Zimbabwe side takes around 2-4 hours. There are clearly marked hiking routes, and scenic vantage points dotted around the park. These give greater perspective of the Falls, rather than the close up immersive (and drenching) experience of the Zambian side in rainy season.
Fortunately, it is really simple to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe if you have the KAZA visa. The easiest way is to walk from one side to the other, including enjoying the bridge crossing on foot as the views are spectacular. On both sides, the walk from each entry to the respective national parks to the actual passport-stamping border crossing is around 10 minutes or so. Then you need another 15 minutes to walk the length of the bridge. The bridge is also shared with cargo too, so as you approach the bridge in either direction, you’ll see a long line of trucks and lorries waiting to cross.
If you're looking to stay within easy walking distance of the waterfall, then Zim is a good option. If you're looking to stay a little further away from the hustle and bustle, then head for the Victoria Falls Zambia side. Whichever side you choose (why not both?), it's virtually impossible not to have fun in Vic Falls.
Getting There
The easiest and main way to get to the Victoria Falls is by plane, either to Livingstone airport in Zambia (code: LVI), or to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe (code: VFA). It’s useful to know that Livingstone airport is also known as Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport. Also, you can fly directly from Livingstone to Nelspruit in South Africa on SA Airlink which is super handy for visiting Kruger National Park.
I would highly advise flying into the airport on the side of the Victoria Falls you plan on staying in. Travelling from one side to the other from an airport means needing three taxis: one from airport to the border, one across the bridge, and one from the other border to your accommodation.
From Livingstone airport to the town centre or most hotels/lodges, a taxi is the main form of transport and takes only 10-15 minutes. I booked my taxi in advance through a local company, which I highly recommend. Expect to pay around USD $10. Book your Livingstone airport transfer in advance here. Victoria Falls has the same above flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Nairobi as well as also to Windhoek on Air Namibia and internally to Harare on Air Zimbabwe. Again, a taxi is the best way to travel from Victoria Falls airport to the town centre. It’s a bit further, taking around 20-25 minutes and average journeys cost USD $15. You can book your transfer in advance here.
Another option is by bus, with several companies connecting other Southern African cities with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia. A slower, but more scenic way to travel to Victoria Falls is by train. One route is to arrive in the Zimbabwe side from Pretoria in South Africa on the luxury Rovos Rail, which takes three days. Alternatively, you can travel from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe by train to Victoria Falls (approx 12 hours), or Lusaka to Livingstone. This is one way to have a real adventure, that’s for sure! Finally, if you’re coming from Botswana, you need to head to Kasane, a border town that’s also very close to Chobe National Park. Here you can easily jump in a shared taxi to Livingstone and Victoria Falls.
Activities and Experiences Around Victoria Falls
There's a good reason why Vic Falls is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa'.
As a visit to see the Falls on either side of the border may only take an afternoon, I’m sure you’re wondering what else there is to do in the area. It might seem strange to travel so far purely for one sightseeing opportunity that only takes a few hours to see - but actually, there’s so many other things to do on both sides of the border. Visiting the Victoria Falls is only the start of the adventure!
Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool
During the low-water season, head down the footpath that leads to the Boiling Pot: a massive whirlpool at the base of the waterfall. Devil's Pool is probably the most extreme infinity pool in the world. This natural rock pool sits at the very edge of Victoria Falls, only accessible when water levels are at their lowest, from about August to December. Given that a slippery rock barrier and your guide are the only things stopping you from going over the Falls, taking a dip here can turn into quite an adrenalin-filled experience.
If you visit when this is open, it’s a must-do activity. An activity like no other, you can swim to the edge of the falls AND look over the edge. Don’t panic - the ledge is pretty wide, and the natural pool you swim in is away from the current.
You'll have to reserve a spot on a boat that leaves for Livingstone Island from the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia. It's a short boat ride to the island - the location where David Livingstone first set eyes on the sublime waterfall and famously articulated his encounter as, ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels on their flight'. Expert tip: There is nothing infallible about sitting on the edge of one of the world's highest waterfalls, so please listen to your expert guides who understand the water levels and currents.
Tours used to depart from the Royal Livingstone Hotel but now they leave from a new designated area at the Livingstone Island Launch Site. After a thorough safety briefing, you jump in a speed boat to Livingstone Island. We sped past hippos and crocodiles all resting in and around the water. It was just amazing.
The tours all come with a meal included, and all are run by the Tongabezi Lodge, who run Livingstone Island. The breakfast tour costs USD $110, the lunch tour is USD $175 and the high tea afternoon tour is USD $150. I recommend doing the morning breakfast tour. This means the height of the sun at this time gives you the highest chance of having a rainbow appear whilst you’re in the Devil’s Pool. Visiting the Devil’s Pool is only available on the Zambia side. So if you’re on the Zimbabwe side, you will need to cross the border well in advance.
White Water Rafting
One of the most popular activities to do in Victoria Falls is to go white water rafting. For some people, this activity is a major bucket list tick. Perhaps as much as seeing the Falls themselves. White water rafting is one of the most exhilarating activities to do in Victoria Falls, and gives a totally different perspective.
The activity excursion takes around 4 hours from the safety briefing to the return. It costs on average USD $120 a person but make sure to go with a reputable company. White water rafting is available on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides. Known as the wildest white-water in the world, a rafting adventure on the Zambezi River is an adrenaline rush not to be missed. During low-water season, rafting is best between August and September.
Rafting during high-water season usually runs from January to July, but the river will be closed if the levels are too high and dangerous. The rule of thumb is: any activity on the water is best when water levels are at their lowest, otherwise the current is too strong.
Bungee Jumping and Gorge Swinging
Another epic experience, this is one of the most famous places in the world to do a bungee jump. The fall is a 111m drop, and you plummet straight down to the Zambezi River. The location of the bungee jump is on the Victoria Falls Bridge between both border crossings. It costs around USD $160 per person. Imagine a giant swing, 120m (393ft) above the water.
Helicopter Flight Over the Falls
Desire something a little more exhilarating than a helicopter? I would particularly recommend doing this if you visit in the rainy season, so you can see the true magic of the falls from the sky. I haven’t done this, but I wish I had. It can be done from either the Zambia or Zimbabwe side, and costs around $150 for a 15 minute flight. Known as the ‘Flight of Angels', this thrilling flip over the waterfall is a definite bucket-list activity.
Day Trip to Chobe National Park
Full day-trips to Chobe, Botswana's elephant kingdom, are available from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. You will have to go through border control, so don't forget your passport. Once again, your Africa Safari Expert can make all the arrangements. This day trip is surprisingly easy. Especially now thanks to the KAZAvisa, which permits day trips to Chobe from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
CHOBE DAY TRIP
We spent a full day in Chobe. This was inclusive of a straight forward border crossing at Kazungula, a morning game drive, a delicious lunch and an afternoon boat drive on the Chobe River. I couldn’t recommend this day trip more, and it cost around US $150 per person, or £100. Make sure to read my full guide on how to do a day trip to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls here.
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
Departing from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides, this is probably one of the better value activities on offer at the Victoria Falls. A lovely way to relax and savour the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa's fourth-longest river. The cruise departs in the late afternoon and offers the chance to get up close to wildlife, particularly hippos. Often these boat companies have unlimited snacks and drinks too.
The Royal Livingstone Express
Dress up and head out to the steam train that takes fine dining to a new level. This iconic 1920s steam train traverses from Livingstone to Victoria Falls, offering an opulent five-course evening dinner service. The train runs along part of Cecil Rhodes’ ‘Cape to Cairo’ railway. Around sunset, the train stops in the middle of the Victoria Falls Bridge to show the full view for around 30 minutes. Here guests can disembark to take photos of the sunset over the falls.
You can book this activity directly through the Royal Livingstone Express site here. The train departs every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm from Livingstone.
Other Activities and Attractions
- Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe's biggest national park, is about 104km (65mi) from Vic Falls and famous for its vast numbers of buffalo and elephant herds.
- Victoria Falls Hotel: The ‘Grand old Lady of the Falls', is renowned for afternoon teas and scrumptious snacks served daily. Head to Stanley's Terrace for the famous afternoon teas and scrumptious snacks served daily. A delightful setting with superb views of Victoria Falls Bridge, enjoyed by the British royal family during their visit in 1947.
- Local markets: Get a taste of local life and a chance to shop at colourful markets in this bustling tourist centre.
Navigating Local Customs and Practices
Zimbabweans are born story-tellers and Victoria Falls Town has numerous young men who will ask you to buy their wooden, metal or stone artefacts. Zimbabwe's economy is very fragile and unemployment is still very high. If you are sure you have no intention of buying anything, don't visit the Open Market or stop at the stalls outside the entrance to the Falls.
Africans appreciate people who say ‘hello' before asking questions or demanding a price. It is best to say, ‘Hello, how are you?', listen to the answer before getting into the business of negotiating a price. Be fair: is it worth haggling over USD5 or USD10 which means a lot to someone living in Zimbabwe?
The traders know what you've paid for your holiday and that your camera may be worth more than they make in several months. At the Open Market, start at the back of the row as these traders have the least footfall and make the least sales. Be wary of buying non-sustainable timber or hardwoods - deforestation and habitat destruction are realities in Africa.
Enjoy the experience: despite their tough circumstances, most Zimbabweans are friendly and know that they rely on tourists for their livelihoods. US dollars are universally accepted but South African rands, euros and pounds sterling are also welcome. Some street traders are happy to swap items of value - like razor blades, clean clothes, pens, shoes and toiletries - for their wares. If you're flying directly home, consider getting a bag of items together, even if it's just to donate to a trader.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing Victoria Falls is an unforgettable adventure, blending the raw power of nature with thrilling activities and rich cultural encounters. Whether you choose to stay on the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, or both, the memories created here will last a lifetime. By planning your trip carefully, respecting local customs, and choosing ethical tour operators, you can ensure a rewarding and responsible travel experience.
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