Victoria Falls Travel Guide
Victoria Falls Travel Guide
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This comprehensive travel guide offers insights into the best times to visit, must-do activities, accommodation options, and safari extensions to make your trip unforgettable.
Highlights
- Witness the majestic Victoria Falls up close
- Accessible from both Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Year-round destination with seasonal variations
- Thrilling adventure activities for adrenaline seekers
- Proximity to top safari destinations like Chobe and Hwange National Parks
- Diverse accommodation options to suit all budgets
- Family-friendly and safe for all travellers
Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders," is a breathtaking waterfall located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spanning over 1.7 kilometres wide and plunging 108 meters into the Zambezi Gorge, it is one of Africa's most iconic natural attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences, Victoria Falls offers something for every traveller.
Exploring Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe vs. Zambia
The mighty Victoria Falls
Both the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls and Zambia's Livingstone provide access to the falls, each offering unique perspectives and experiences. Whether you're viewing the Main Falls from the broad rainforest trails in Zimbabwe or taking a dip in Devil's Pool on the Zambian side, each country offers different vantage points, seasonal highlights, and activity options. Most travellers opt to cross the border at least once to enjoy the best of both worlds.
- Offers panoramic views of approximately two-thirds of the falls
- Year-round water flow with peak visibility from June to September
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways and well-maintained viewpoints
- Closer proximity to the falls, allowing for immersive experiences
- Access to Livingstone Island and the seasonal Devil's Pool
- Best visited during low water levels (July to December) for optimal visibility
For a comprehensive experience, consider visiting both sides to fully appreciate the falls' grandeur.
Top Activities in Victoria Falls
Microlight flight over Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a hub for diverse activities catering to all interests. From high-octane adventures like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping to serene river cruises and cultural village visits, the area offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family holiday, or a solo backpacking trip, you'll find plenty to keep you inspired.
- Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge
- Whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River
- Gorge swinging and zip-lining across the Batoka Gorge
- Helicopter and microlight flights over the falls
- Devil's Pool swim (seasonal)
- Game drives in nearby Hwange and Chobe National Parks
- Walking safaris with experienced guides
- Birdwatching along the Zambezi River
- Horseback riding safaris
- Guided tours of local villages
- Traditional dance and music performances
- Visits to local markets and craft centres
- Historical tours of Livingstone and Victoria Falls towns
- Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River
- Guided rainforest walks with views of the falls
- Lunar rainbow tours during full moon nights
- Photography tours capturing the falls' beauty
Accommodation Options
The Elephant Camp West
Victoria Falls offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference. From historic colonial-era hotels and exclusive riverside lodges to mid-range guesthouses and lively backpacker hostels, the region caters to luxury travellers and budget-conscious visitors alike. Many accommodations also offer activity bookings, airport transfers, and in-house excursions for added convenience.
- Luxury Lodges & Hotels: Experience world-class amenities and exceptional service at establishments like The Victoria Falls Hotel and Royal Livingstone Hotel.
- Mid-Range Options: Comfortable stays with great value can be found at places like Ilala Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
- Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Affordable guesthouses in Victoria Falls town or Livingstone cater to budget-conscious travellers.
We recommend a minimum stay of two nights to fully explore the area and participate in various activities.
Safari Extensions: Chobe and Hwange National Parks
Elephants gather at a waterhole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Enhance your Victoria Falls trip with a safari adventure. The region's proximity to premier wildlife areas makes it easy to combine the drama of the falls with classic Big Five game viewing. Whether you prefer the elephants and waterways of Chobe or the remote wilderness of Hwange, safaris can be seamlessly added before or after your Victoria Falls stay.
Just an hour's drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe is renowned for its large elephant populations and riverfront game viewing.
Approximately two hours away, Hwange offers diverse wildlife and is Zimbabwe's largest national park.
Combining your visit to Victoria Falls with a safari provides a well-rounded Southern African experience.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls viewpoint
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but seasonal variations affect the experience. The volume of water flowing over the falls changes dramatically throughout the year, shaping not only the visual spectacle but also which activities are available. Understanding the seasons helps you time your trip to match your interests—whether that's high-drama scenery or low-season adventure.
The falls are at their most powerful, with impressive spray and thunderous flow. However, visibility may be limited due to mist.
Better visibility of the falls' geological formations, ideal for photography and activities like Devil's Pool.
Optimal balance between water flow and visibility, with pleasant weather conditions.
Practical Information
Planning a trip to Victoria Falls involves more than booking a flight and a room. Below are essential travel tips and local insights to help you make the most of your visit — from what currency to carry to street-savvy advice and how best to cross borders.
- The accepted currency in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) is the US Dollar.
- Bring cash in small denominations (especially $1 and $5 notes). Avoid $100 bills, which are difficult to change.
- Credit cards, especially Visa, are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores — but expect occasional connectivity issues and surcharges.
- Cash shortages are common in Zimbabwe, so do not rely solely on ATMs.
- South African Rand (ZAR) is also widely accepted, although USD is preferred.
- On the Zambian side, the official currency is the Zambian Kwacha, but US Dollars are generally accepted for tourist services.
- Currency exchange is available at Livingstone and Victoria Falls airports, as well as banks and bureaux de change in town.
- Visa costs vary depending on your nationality and are payable in USD at the border (cash only).
- Prices and visa policies can change at short notice, so we strongly recommend checking with us before you travel.
- Determine whether you need a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa — especially if you're visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia, or taking a day trip to Botswana (e.g. to Chobe).
- The KAZA Univisa (valid for Zimbabwe, Zambia, and day-trips to Botswana) is a great value, but availability of stickers at border posts is not always guaranteed.
- South African passport holders do not need a visa for either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
- Victoria Falls is generally safe for tourists.
- Street vendors are part of the local experience and will often approach tourists to sell handmade curios — sometimes quite persistently.
- Polite but firm responses usually work best. Be prepared for friendly banter and bargaining.
- Vendors may not have change for large bills, so keep plenty of low-denomination USD on hand for purchases and tips.
- Be cautious with valuables and use hotel safes where available.
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) are each about a two-hour flight from Johannesburg.
- Note: Flights to Vic Falls typically depart in the morning from Johannesburg. If you're arriving in Johannesburg in the afternoon (for example, from Kruger Park or Cape Town), you'll need to overnight there before continuing your journey.
- Direct international flights are also available from Cape Town, Nairobi, and occasionally Windhoek and Addis Ababa, depending on seasonal schedules.
- Private road transfers between Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Chobe, and Hwange are easy to arrange.
Our Take on Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is an unmissable destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, the falls provide an unforgettable experience.
We have personally visited and vetted numerous lodges, hotels, and activities in the area. Our firsthand knowledge allows us to tailor recommendations to your preferences and ensure a memorable trip.
Plan Your Victoria Falls Adventure Today!
Contact us to create a personalised itinerary that includes the best of Victoria Falls and beyond.
For more information on seasonal variations and water levels, check out our detailed guides:
When is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?
This month-by-month travel calendar helps you choose the ideal time to go based on Zambezi River water levels, weather patterns, available activities, and wildlife experiences. Whether you're planning a photography trip, an adventure holiday, or a relaxing escape, this guide helps you make the most of your visit.
Zambezi River Water Levels: How They Affect Your Visit to Victoria Falls
Depending on the season, the water levels can either shroud the view in mist or reveal the gorge's bare rock walls. Understanding how the Zambezi River rises and falls throughout the year will help you time your visit for the best views, thrilling activities, or that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
Victoria Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This comprehensive travel guide offers insights into the best times to visit, must-do activities, accommodation options, and safari extensions to make your trip unforgettable.
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. In addition to this wonderful African experience, the lodge is only 4 km away from the Victoria Falls rainforest.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
The Victoria Falls Hotel is the 'grande dame' of the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe. Established in 1904, royalty, celebrities and statesmen have visited the hotel to enjoy its tranquillity, elegance and privacy. More than a century old, the hotel combines its historical, Edwardian charm with modern comfort and convenience. It has its own private path leading to the beautiful Victoria Falls (15-minute walk) and offers a variety of activities to provide its guests with an unforgettable African experience.
The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls
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. It's an eight-minute walk to the Falls and all the fun and activities on offer at Victoria Falls are a stone's throw away.
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. The hotel is only 7km away from the breathtaking Victoria Falls and offers modern and stylish accommodation, great cuisine and a variety of exciting activities.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Royal Livingstone is a luxury, 5-star, colonial style hotel resort on the banks of the Zambezi river, on the Zambian side of the Falls.
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. The lodge is about 15 kilometres upstream from the breathtaking Victoria Falls and offers an extensive range of African experiences and activities.
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. It offers warm Zambian hospitality, sweeping views over the Zambezi and luxury safari trips.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Previously known as the Zambezi Sun, the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort is a family-friendly hotel resort, and the closest hotel to the falls on the Zambian side.
The Elephant Camp
With beautiful panoramic views of the towering column of spray rising from the Victoria Falls, The Elephant Camp is the ideal intimate, peaceful retreat. Situated 10 km from the Falls on its Zimbabwean side, The Elephant Camp offers 12 exclusive, luxury tented suites and plenty of opportunities to get up close with the Wild Horizons elephants.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest and most popular game reserve; arguably the best safari destination in Zimbabwe. There is a wide variety of habitats and vegetation types, including dry Kalahari-type bushveld, mopane shrubland, acacia savanna, huge open grasslands, vast wetlands and teak forests. This diversity attracts a variety of wildlife, making Hwange an excellent choice for an African safari. It's also close to Victoria Falls and the two destinations can easily be combined in one safari itinerary.
Kasane town - gateway to Chobe
Chobe National Park
The Chobe National Park is one of the most popular game reserves in Botswana. Situated in the far north of Botswana, Chobe includes the Savute and Linyanti regions which are known for high concentrations of lion and elephant. However, Chobe is best known for the Chobe River floodplain, where herds upon herds of animals gather in the dry season between June and October. The game reserve is most easily accessed from Kasane, a town just to the east of the park on the banks of the Chobe River, close to the border with Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls.
Elephant Hills Resort
The Elephant Hills Resort offers four star accommodation that overlooks the distant Zambezi River, as well as the majestic Victoria Falls. On the Zimbabwean side, just 4 km from the famous Falls, it offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy including an 18-hole golf course, guests can experience Africa in comfort and style.
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