Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is a spectacular natural wonder located on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," meaning "The Smoke that Thunders," this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views and a wide array of activities for tourists. This article provides detailed tourist information, including maps, attractions, and travel tips to help you plan your visit to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls from space.
Understanding Victoria Falls
The satellite view and the map show Victoria Falls, a spectacular waterfall 108 m (355 ft) high and about 1.7 km (1 mile) wide. 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. When the Zambezi river is in full flood, usually between the end of February to end of May, the falls form probably the most impressive curtain of falling water in the world.
With a length of 3,540 km (2,200 mi) the Zambezi is Africa's fourth longest river and the largest African river flowing into the Indian Ocean. In the Lozi language, the waterfall is called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders). Since 1989 Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first European to see the Victoria Falls was the Scottish missionary and Africa traveler David Livingstone. “Scene so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight,” Dr. David Livingstone remarked of his initial impression of the falls, the first European to do so. Today, the Victoria Falls are one of Africa's major tourist attractions.
Read also: Unforgettable Zambian Adventure
Location and Access
Victoria Falls is situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, with two primary towns serving as gateways to the falls. Near the falls there are two towns.
- Livingstone, Zambia: Named after Scottish explorer David Livingstone, Livingstone is Zambia's main gateway to the Victoria Falls. The Zambian park is a 10-minute cab ride from Livingstone, the closest Zambian center to Victoria Falls.
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: The town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is also a hub for visitors to one of Africa's greatest wonder of nature. The Zimbabwean park is a 15-minute walk from Victoria Falls.
The nearest towns to the waterfall are Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Both towns have domestic airports with regular flight routes. For Livingstone, you can fly from Johannesburg, and for Victoria Falls, you can fly from Harare or Johannesburg.
Significant uncertainty appears to exist among travelers concerning the names and locations of towns in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The area features curio shops and markets, alongside a few galleries offering expensive art. Numerous booking agents are available for various activities, complemented by an information center, internet cafes (frequently lacking internet access), and several fast food establishments, in addition to a few casual dining restaurants. There is one large, well-stocked supermarket and butcher, as well as a couple of small convenience stores.
National Parks
The common natural wonder of Victoria Falls is protected in two different national parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.
From the map, you can make out the two national parks on either side of the Falls. The area surrounding Victoria Falls is also an amazing experience.
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- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia): The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park consists of the Zambian half of the World Heritage Site, it extends downstream from the falls and is 'twin' to the Zimbabwean Victoria Falls National Park. The Zambian part of Victoria Falls, offers a different visit. It is not possible to appreciate the power of the Main Falls (Zimbabwe viewpoint 6-12) but it is possible to admire the canyon in all its beauty. All in all, however, the canyon viewpoints on the Zambian side are magnificent!
- Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe): With an area of under 9 square miles (23.4 sq km), Victoria Falls National Park is even more compact than its adjacent Mosi-oa-Tunya. Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe is located upstream from Victoria Falls; it is home to a variety of larger animals including African elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, and leopards.
A game drive in Victoria Falls National Park offers a better chance of seeing animals, including zebras, giraffes, buffalo, eland, and impala. The park offers short game drives where visitors can encounter elephants, buffalo, white rhinos, elands, hippos, and other antelopes. Seeing animals isn’t the main draw, but it does enhance a trip to the park.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
When you choose to travel will have a massive impact on your experience of the waterfall. Like almost everything else in Africa, the spectacle at the Falls is entirely dependent on rainfall. Before planning a trip to Victoria Falls, carefully consider what time you'll be visiting!
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on your priorities:
- January through May: The falls are at maximum flow. It rains often and the view of the falls is often obstructed. When, however, it does not rain, it is possible to appreciate the full force of the falls. At this time it is easy to understand the original name of Victoria Falls: Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders. 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! High-water levels mean the current is too fast for water-based activities like swimming in Devil's Pool or rafting.
- June through August: The rainy season is over, but the falls are still full of water. The view from Zambia is sublime, but Devil’s Pool is inaccessible. The ‘sweet spot' for a good safari and great views is generally about July and August, which is also a very popular time to visit.
- September through December: The waterfalls are drier. Little water is seen in the Zambian part (especially in October and November). In compensation, it is possible to view the falls from Devil’s Pool. During low-water season, rafting is best between August and September. 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.
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.
Attractions and Activities
Victoria Falls and its nearby areas offer some of the amazing experiences of the world. There's so much to do in Victoria Falls!
Read also: Best Time for Victoria Falls
Viewpoints
The Zimbabwean part of Victoria Falls offers, in my opinion, the best views. Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Park offers as many as 16 viewpoints.
- The first is dedicated to Livinsgtone, the English explorer who discovered Victoria Falls in 1855, according to European biography (the falls were, of course, already well known to locals).
- The first six viewpoints are devoted to the Devil’s Cataracts.
- From the seventh to the twelfth viewpoints it is possible to appreciate the Main Falls.
- From the thirteenth to the sixteenth viewpoint it is possible to appreciate the eastern part of Victoria Falls.
My favorite Victoria Falls viewpoints are numbers 1, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Viewpoints 1 through 12 are little dependent on the season: in the dry season (including late November, when I visited Victoria Falls) I was able to admire an incredible spectacle. In the last four viewpoints, however, the water was actually more scarce.
Devil's Pool
The Victoria Falls dry period allows you to visit the incredible Devil’s Pool, on the Zambia side of the falls. 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.
One must be at the landing stage that leads to Livingston Island. A ten-minute boat ride takes you to the island. Here you walk relatively close to the edge of Victoria Falls until you reach the infamous Devil’s Pool. Here you jump into a natural pool (with nibbling fish and an occasionally annoying current) that literally overlooks Victoria Falls…from a whopping 110 feet above! The Devil’s Pool season generally runs from September to January. In the other months there are two other natural pools: Angel’s Pool and Rock’s Pool.
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.
The Victoria Falls dry period allows you to visit the incredible Devil’s Pool, on the Zambia side of the falls (VIDEO). This tour lasts three hours and includes a lunch, breakfast or snack (depending on the time of booking). The cost of this experience ranges from $125 to $200, and it is unforgettable! The GreenSafaris company takes care of everything..
Victoria Falls Bridge
The Victoria Falls bridge represents the union of these two states, which share the honor of hosting one of the world’s best-known natural wonders. This bridge was built in 1905, the brainchild of Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia, as an area that included the southern part of Zambia and the northern part of Zimbabwe was called). Rhodes had the idea of connecting Cape Town to Cairo with a long rail line: the project foundered due to the outbreak of World War I. However, the idea gave us this magnificent railway bridge connecting Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to Livingstone, Zambia.
There is the option of viewing the bridge from Zimbabwe’s and Zambia’s Victoria Falls Parks, walking across it, or participating in a guided tour that tells the story of the bridge (it is quite an adrenaline-pumping tour, as you walk attached to carabiners). The Victoria Falls Bridge is also home to one of the world’s most famous bungee jumps: the drop is about 110 meters.
Other Activities
There's a good reason why Vic Falls is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa'.
- Ultralight Flight: Seeing Victoria Falls from the top of Devil’s Pool was a magical moment. I well decided, therefore, to visit Victoria Falls: I decided, therefore, to visit Victoria Falls with an ultralight flight! The ultralight flight takes about 15 minutes. I chose to do the flight on the Zambian side, with the Livingstone’s Adventures company.. It was a sublime experience! There is the possibility of having the same experience in Zimbabwe, and by helicopter.I was delighted with my flight (cost about 150 euros) by ultralight in Zambia!
- Rafting: Other experiences worth mentioning include rafting and bungee jumping. These can be booked from either Zimbabwe or Zambia. The rafting, as far as I have been told, is beautiful and pretty badass: it lasts more than half a day and the rapids reach the fifth level of difficulty…out of five! 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.
- Sunset Cruise: Another option is to go on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River while listening to a guide tell stories about the area’s folklore and mythology. A lovely way to relax and savour the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa's fourth-longest river. Upstream of the falls, the water is flat and calm, great for canoeing or a sunset cruise.
- Steam Train Dinner: One of the best ways to spend a Tuesday or Friday night in this town is to have dinner on board the Bushtracks Express, a restored steam train from the 1920s that operates along a section of the “Cape to Cairo” railway. Cecil Rhodes, a British colonialist, constructed the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1905, and the railroad passes through Victoria Falls National Park. Dress up and head out to the steam train that takes fine dining to a new level.
360° Victoria Falls – The Devil's Pool | National Geographic
Planning Your Trip
Visa Requirements
A visa is needed to enter Zimbabwe: the cost of a single entry is US$30; double entry, on the other hand, costs US$45. Viewing the falls from both sides means that you need to secure access to Zimbabwe and Zambia. From our experience, the best way to do so is through a Kaza Visa. It is a single Visa permitting entrance to both countries.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in campsites in the Zambezi National Park and in the numerous resorts and hotels in and around the towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
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.
Here are some accommodations to consider:
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, adjacent to the Zambezi National Park, forms a large open-plan treehouse among the indigenous trees. From here, guests can enjoy luxury accommodation, as well as a spectacular view of the African bushveld and wildlife.
- David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa: David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa is a luxurious five-star hotel, situated on the banks of the great Zambezi River in Zambia.
- A'Zambezi River Lodge: A'Zambezi River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The lodge is a stone's throw from the Zambezi National Park, and is also the only hotel in Victoria Falls with a jetty site and river frontage.
- Thorntree River Lodge: Thorntree River Lodge, situated in the Mosi Oa Tunya (Smoke That Thunders) National Park in Zambia, provides luxury accommodation in an area known for its abundant wildlife. Each modern tented suite sits right on the river bank with uninterrupted views over the Zambezi.
- Tongabezi Lodge: The unique Tongabezi Lodge is tucked away in ebony trees on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream of Victoria Falls in Zambia. This exclusive lodge is ideal for an intimate romantic getaway.
- Ilala Lodge: Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to majestic Victoria Falls. Dine al-fresco at their award-winning restaurant while watching the spray from the Falls and its thundering.
Currency and Costs
Costs in Victoria Falls are high, even for a European. Entry to the Zimbabwean park costs $50, a rafting trip costs about $150, a night in a double room costs about $100…in short, it’s not a cheap destination. US dollars are universally accepted but South African rands, euros and pounds sterling are also welcome. Personally, I have always used credit cards, except when taking cabs to go from Zimbabwe to Zambia and vice versa.
Sample Itinerary
To best visit Victoria Falls, I recommend devoting two days and three nights.
- Day 1: Visit to Zimbabwe Park in the morning. Afternoon visit to Victoria Falls Bridge, with optional historical tour.
Transportation
Zimbabwe and Zambia are separated by a bridge, built in the early 20th century (it was supposed to connect Cape Town to Cairo). There are two kilometers of No Man’s Land between the Zimbabwean and Zambian borders. I recommend bringing dollars in cash to pay for the cab that takes you from one border to the other.
Combining Victoria Falls with Other Destinations
Victoria Falls can serve as a base for a visit to the Chobe, a beautiful park where you can see the big animals in Botswana! The majestic Victoria Falls, straddling the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, is within easy reach of Botswana's Chobe National Park, making it effortless to combine these two world-famous destinations into one unforgettable safari experience. 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.
Hwange, Zimbabwe's biggest national park, is about 104km (65mi) from Vic Falls and famous for its vast numbers of buffalo and elephant herds.
Combine three of Southern Africa's top destinations-Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Kruger National Park-on this expertly crafted flexible 12-day adventure. This mid-range itinerary can be fully customised to suit your needs: adjust the order of destinations, extend or shorten your stay at each location, and select accommodations to match your budget or wishlist.
Additional Tips for Travelers
- Be Fair: 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.
- Support Local Artisans: 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.
- Learn Basic Etiquette: 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.
- Sustainable Choices: 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.
Choosing Sides: Zimbabwe vs. Zambia
Zimbabwe and Zambia: which is the best place to see Victoria Falls? For me it is a 9.5-9.5 tie, on a scale of 10. From Zimbabwe you admire the falls at their best, from Zambia you experience them, especially from Devil’s Pool! I give 10 to Iguazu Falls, which I still consider one of the most beautiful natural monuments in the world!
Choosing sides: Zimbabwe offers breathtaking views of the Main Falls, while Zambia offers a broader range of accommodations and activities along the Zambezi River.
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.
Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Zambezi River |
| Local Name | Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders) |
| Height | 108 meters (355 feet) |
| Width | 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) |
| Best Time to Visit | Varies depending on desired activities and views; generally, June-August for balanced views and activities |
| Activities | Viewpoints, Devil's Pool, rafting, bungee jumping, sunset cruises, steam train dinners, ultralight flights |
| Nearby Parks | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia), Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe), Chobe National Park (Botswana) |
| Airports | Livingstone Airport (Zambia), Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) |
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