Victoria Falls

Why Visit Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls sits on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia in Southern Africa. Here, the Zambezi River drops into a narrow basalt gorge with extraordinary force. It’s listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a place where water, gravity, and geology create something that feels ancient and electric at once.

As the world’s largest waterfall, it stretches for roughly 1,700 metres, with a recorded maximum depth of 108 metres. It’s known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the Smoke That Thunders”, with the Falls sending mist hundreds of metres into the air, visible from many kilometres away.

What Makes Victoria Falls Extraordinary:

• Dual-Country Access: Experience the Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia
• Multiple Viewpoints: Helicopter flights, guided walking tours, and Zambezi River cruises
• Safari Add-on: Game reserves are located on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the Falls, so wildlife viewing forms part of any visit to the region
• Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities: Gorge swings, microlighting, white-water rafting, and swimming in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the Falls 

Why Choose Victoria Falls for Your Luxury Safari

Luxury travel here becomes part of a broader conservation story. The lodges we recommend support ranger patrols, anti-poaching efforts, and local community projects that protect this ecosystem.

Southern Africa Safari Circuit Benefits

• Seamless Connections: Only two hours from Botswana’s Chobe National Park
• Multi-Country Journeys: Direct flights to Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the Okavango Delta
• Conservation Impact: Your stay funds protection programmes
• Private Access: Hwange National Park is nearby

One of the main reasons guests come to Victoria Falls is that they can experience so much in a short stay. 

You’re able to see the Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia, each offering unique perspectives. On the Zimbabwean side, you get the most expansive view of the full curtain of water, whereas Zambia brings you closest, right to the edge of the Falls at viewpoints like Knife Edge and Devil’s Falls. 

When to Visit Victoria Falls

Timing your visit to Victoria Falls isn't about finding the single "best" season. Instead, it’s about choosing the mood of the Falls that suits you.

The Zambezi’s seasonal rise and fall create two distinct experiences, each with its own appeal.

High-Water Season (February to July)

As the largest sheet of falling water in the world, it truly takes your breath away when it is in full flow – usually in April.

Highlights

• Peak Power: Towering spray visible from kilometres away
• Rainbow Displays: Constant rainbows arching through the mist
• Cooler Temperatures: The weather is not as hot during this time of year
• Safari Sightings: This period overlaps with the peak safari season from June onwards, making it ideal for combining the Falls with nearby national parks

Practical Tip: When the Falls are in full flood, you could get drenched during your guided rainforest walk in Zimbabwe. So, bring a rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry. It’s part of the fun! 

Best for: River cruises, scenic flights, and dramatic wildlife and waterfall viewing

Low-Water Season (August to January)

Low water transforms the Falls into a different kind of marvel. It unlocks experiences inaccessible during high flow, particularly on the Zambian side.

Highlights

• Unique Activities: Access to Devil’s Pool and Cataract Island Pools (subject to water levels)
• Adventure Activities: Iconic white-water rafting on the Zambezi River
• Wildlife Viewing in Neighbouring Reserves: Excellent through October as animals concentrate at water sources

Weather Note: October to November temperatures exceed 30°C with afternoon thunderstorms

Best for: Swimming in Devil’s Pool and Cataract Island Pools, white-water rafting

Peak Safari Season Integration (June to October)

June to October offers dry, sunny days and reliable wildlife viewing, making it the perfect time to pair Victoria Falls with a broader safari.

Prime Lodges for Victoria Falls Safaris: Matetsi River House Private Villa, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Old Drift, Toka Leya Camp, Thorntree River Lodge, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Lodge, all positioned for exceptional wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River.

Our Travel Experts will find the perfect time, place to stay, and activities that match your unique interests.

What to Do in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls offers far more than a spectacular waterfall, though that alone is worth the journey. The region offers plenty of adrenaline, wildlife, culture, and quiet moments that are entirely yours.

Viewing the Falls from Both Sides

Zimbabwe Side: Panoramic views from rainforest trails in Victoria Falls National Park, where you walk the Falls’ full length. 

Zambia Side: Up-close encounters from Knife Edge walkways, plus seasonal access to Livingstone Island (when water levels permit).

Unique Activities

• Swim in the Devil's Pool/Cataract Island Pools (subject to seasonal water levels)
• Lunar rainbow tours as the Falls glow under full moonlight (occasional)
• Under-the-spray walks during the later dry season from October to December
• White-water rafting on world-famous rapids
• Bungee jumping from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge
• Helicopter flights, microlight tours, zip-lining and the Flying Fox

Note: Private helicopter flights and special access experiences are subject to availability.

Safari and Wildlife Activities

The Victoria Falls region offers rich wildlife encounters beyond the waterfall.

Local Wildlife Encounters:

• Game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya and Victoria Falls National Parks
• River safaris and Zambezi sunset cruises with hippos and crocodiles
• Guided walking safaris
• Day trips to Chobe National Park or Hwange National Park for Big 5 sightings

Cultural and Conservation Activities

This area’s communities have deep historical and ancestral ties to the Zambezi. Village visits reveal daily life along the Zambezi, while the Livingstone Museum traces a regional history that includes archaeological evidence of early human occupation by hunter-gatherers, dating back millions of years.

Cultural touchstones: Victoria Falls Town markets for soapstone sculptures, conservation programme visits, traditional high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, and village dinners with local communities.

Planning Your Victoria Falls Adventure

How to Get to Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is easily accessible, with airports serving both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Primary routes:

• From Johannesburg: Daily 90-minute flights to both airports
• From Kruger National Park: Direct two-hour flights
• From Cape Town: Direct flights available
• Regional Hubs: Connections from Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, and Ethiopia

Seamless Logistics and Transfers

We handle every detail. Private transfers connect airports, lodges, and borders with expert drivers who navigate varying road conditions. Please note that night driving isn't recommended due to road conditions.

Regional Connections: Regional links include a two-hour transfer to Kasane in Botswana for Chobe or Delta combinations. Helicopter transfers are available when needed and subject to availability.

Where to Stay in Victoria Falls

Accommodation ranges from elegant colonial-style hotels to secluded lodges on private stretches of the Zambezi. 

Zimbabwe Side: Victoria Falls River Lodge, Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, Matetsi River Lodge, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls Island Lodge, and more luxury safari stays.

Zambian Side: Royal Chundu River Lodge, Royal Chundu Island Lodge, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Royal Livingstone, Tongabezi Lodge, Thorntree River Lodge, and many more. 

Integration with Regional Destinations

The Falls' central location is ideal for multi-country journeys. These countries pair beautifully with Victoria Falls for a Southern Africa adventure:

• Botswana: Chobe's elephant herds and the Okavango Delta
• Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park's predator-rich plains
• South Africa: Cape Town and Kruger National Park

Visa and Entry Requirements

Please note that visa regulations change often. But you don’t have to worry about a thing, as your Travel Expert will ensure all details are up to date.

How Long to Stay

Minimum stay: Two nights for the essentials (Victoria Falls viewing, a river cruise, and leisure exploration)

Recommended: Three to four nights for relaxed pacing and additional activities like a visit to Devil's Pool or day trips

Let's start planning your Victoria Falls adventure. With our first-hand knowledge, connections, and commitment to conservation, we'll ensure your visit is tailored entirely to your needs.