Our Guide To Visiting Victoria Falls

Few natural wonders on Earth command attention quite like Victoria Falls. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this immense curtain of water thunders into the Zambezi Gorge with a force that can be felt long before it’s seen. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”, the falls are more than just a breathtaking sight; they’re a gateway to adventure, wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of mist-soaked viewpoints, adrenaline-fueled activities, or peaceful river cruises at sunset, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit to one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Where is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it one of the few major natural wonders shared by two countries. On the Zambian side, the closest city is Livingstone, while Victoria Falls Town lies just across the border in Zimbabwe, only a short distance from the falls themselves.

How To Get There

For most travellers, the easiest way to reach Victoria Falls is by flying into Livingstone International Airport, which is the closest major airport. From here, you can easily cross the border into Zimbabwe, allowing you to experience the falls from both sides. Be sure to check visa requirements in advance, particularly if you plan to cross the border.

There is also an airport in Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwe side. While convenient for some itineraries, it is typically slightly further from accommodation and activities. In practice, we usually plan flights based on how Victoria Falls fits into your wider travel itinerary.

From Livingstone, a taxi to the falls takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately USD $20. Most hotels are happy to arrange transport for you. Alternatively, guided tours are widely available and often include pick-up from your accommodation.

If you’re staying in Victoria Falls Town, the journey is even shorter. In fact, many visitors choose to walk to the falls from the Zimbabwe side, making it one of the most accessible viewpoints.

Zambia vs Zimbabwe

One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether it’s better to view Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe. The short answer? Both. With two or three days, it’s easy to visit each side and enjoy the best of what they offer.

That said, each country provides a slightly different experience. Zimbabwe offers the most comprehensive views, with around 75% of the falls visible from its network of viewpoints. This makes it the better choice if your main priority is seeing the falls in all their scale and drama.

Zambia, on the other hand, is ideal for travellers looking to go beyond the viewpoints. This side is home to unique experiences such as Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island, which allow you to get closer to the falls than almost anywhere else in the world.

If these Zambian excursions are a key part of your itinerary, we recommend staying on the Zambia side and visiting Zimbabwe on a day trip to minimise border crossings. Ultimately, where you base yourself will depend on how Victoria Falls fits into your wider travel plans.

How Big Is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls boasts the world’s largest curtain of falling water, stretching approximately 1,708 metres wide and plunging up to 108 metres at its highest point. To put this into perspective, it is roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls. While there are taller waterfalls, such as Angel Falls, none match Victoria Falls in terms of the sheer area it covers. It’s no wonder this breathtaking spectacle is considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

The Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls

The time of year you visit Victoria Falls can greatly affect your experience. The rainy season is typically the best time to go, as the increased rainfall boosts the water flow. From February to May, the falls are at their most powerful and spectacular. While Victoria Falls is impressive year-round, the flow is usually lower toward the end of the dry season.

How Much Time Do I Need For Victoria Falls?

For simply visiting and viewing Victoria Falls, we recommend allowing at least three nights, taking travel time into account. This gives you plenty of opportunity to experience the falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.

However, the area offers much more than just the falls. With nearby national parks for game drives and a range of adventure activities available, you could easily spend a week exploring the region.

Top Activities In Victoria Falls & Nearby

There are many different ways in which you can experience Victoria Falls and lots to do in the nearby areas too! Here are some of the top activities we’d recommend looking into.

Activities at Victoria Falls:

• Guided Tour – One of the easiest ways to get a good experience of Victoria Falls. Most tours will pick up and drop off from your hotel, take you to the best viewing places and will have plenty of information about the falls ready for you as well as answering any questions you may have.
• Helicopter Ride – For most, Victoria Falls is a once in a lifetime trip, so you might as well make the most of it and see the falls from all angles. A helicopter is a fantastic way to see the majesty and scale of the falls. An alternative way to see Victoria Falls from the sky is via a microlight flight.
• Devils Pool & Livingstone Island – If you come to Victoria Falls at the right time of year (typically between August and January) you can go for a swim like no other. Devils Pool sits at the top of Victoria Falls and is safe to enter during these months. If you’re brave enough you can even have a peer over the edge!
• Bungee Jump – For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can bungee jump at Victoria Falls from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Not only is this a chance to bungee in spectacular surroundings, but also the only place to bungee jump on an international border! There’s also the bridge slide and bridge swing available if you’re looking for an alternative adrenaline rush!
• White Water Rafting – Did you know that the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is often recognised as one of the best and biggest grade 5 white water rafting in the world?
• River Cruises – Dinner and Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are highly popular in the area and a great way to wind down and relax after a day visiting the falls. There are many options available, so it’s worth looking into which is best for you.

Activities in Livingstone:

• Livingstone Museum – The oldest museum in Zambia! With exhibits showcasing collections highlighting Zambian archaeology, history, culture and natural history. It is also renowned for its collection of David Livingstone letters and memorabilia.
• Royal Livingstone Express – This is a train ride like no other! Fine dining on a steam train through the Zambezi region. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, foodie or just love beautiful scenery, this train ride is going to have something for you!
• Livingstone Railway Museum – Learn more about the local railway history, including the building of the Victoria Falls Bridge!

Activities in the wider area:

• Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – Between Livingstone and Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Named after the local name for the falls which translates to “The Smoke That Thunders”. It’s a great place for a game drive with the chance to see White Rhinos.
• Visit Mukuni Village & Markets – If you’re looking to get an insight into Zambian culture and traditions then we’d highly recommend a trip to Mukuni Village. Most tours will also stop at the local craft markets, a great place to buy authentic souvenirs for your trip.

National Park & Entrance Fees

There are fees to enter Victoria Falls on both sides of the border. The current fee on the Zimbabwe side is $50 USD per day for international visitors and $20 USD per day for the Zambian side. It is worth checking the fees before travelling as they are subject to change.