LAST UPDATED: 4/12/23 – Visitor’s Guide to Victoria Falls

Before Dr. David Livingstone happened to cross paths with it during his explorations of Africa back in 1855, most of the Western world had no idea that Victoria Falls even existed. After seeing this stunning natural wonder for the first time, he nicknamed the Falls “the smoke that thunders” because of the thundering crash and clouds of drenching mist that the enormous amount of water falling into the Victoria Falls gorge creates.

After falling in love with its beauty, he formally named it after the British Monarch at the time, Queen Victoria. As I explain in this guide to Victoria Falls, the Falls are located on the mighty Zambezi River, which forms a natural border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. While it may not be the tallest or the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of water and is a natural wonder that every traveler should see with their own eyes.

While I know you probably want to start making plans to visit Victoria Falls right away, I would strongly suggest taking the time to research your trip first. This way, you can be sure to see and do everything that you want to do and have a trip that you will remember for a lifetime. One of the best ways to do that is to read this detailed guide to Victoria Falls.

In this guide to Victoria Falls, I am going to provide you will all of the information that you need to plan a successful trip to see this beautiful wonder of the world. I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you are able to see and do on your trip. 

I also outline all of the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are. With the information in my guide to Victoria Falls in hand, you can be confident that your trip to see the Falls will be a trip that you remember for a lifetime.

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you will want to make sure to take care of all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for your trip.   In addition, you will want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Zimbabwe and what currency they use so that you can plan any translation needs you might have for your trip and exchange currency before your trip if necessary.  I have included some of this key information in my guide to Victoria Falls below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

In order to assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Zimbabwe, I have included a link to my Zimbabwe Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements Guide for you to review below.  This guide will give you all of the information that you will need to meet the VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations for visiting Zimbabwe.

I have also outlined all of the vaccination requirements and recommendations for travel to Zimbabwe in the guide below. You will want to be sure to review this section of the guide thoroughly to ensure your health is protected during your visit.

In addition to this passport, VISA, and immunization advice, I have also included links to supplemental guides that I have created on why I recommend getting the Rabies pre-exposure vaccination before traveling internationally and how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito-borne illnesses when traveling. Even though Victoria Falls isn’t a high-risk area for malaria, it is still good to protect yourself just in case.

Packing Tips

Outside of taking care of the passport, visa, and immunization requirements so that you can get into Zimbabwe and don’t get sick, there is no more important pre-travel planning task than making sure you pack the right clothing and gear for your trip.  To help make sure you are properly packed and prepared, I have included links to some of my packing resources for you to review in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

Top Things to See and Do

While the top attraction that people visit Victoria Falls to see is undoubtedly the Falls itself, there are plenty of other incredible things to see and do in the Victoria Falls area. Whether you are visiting to see the falls and the area’s incredible landscapes, go on safari in the area’s many incredible wildlife parks and reserves, or just want to plan a relaxing stay, visiting Victoria Falls is certain to be an experience you will remember for a lifetime. In order to help ensure that you have all of the top sights on your itinerary, I have outlined the top ten things I would recommend seeing and doing while vising the city in my Guide to Victoria Falls below.

Visit Victoria Falls National Park

One of the best ways to view Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side is to visit the Victoria Falls National Park and walk the Victoria Falls footpath. In addition to offering a variety of different viewpoints of the falls from which to take photographs, the park is also home to the Dr. David Livingstone Statue.

While you aren’t able to get as close to the falls from the Zimbabwean side as you are from the Zambian side, the views of the falls from Zimbabwe are much prettier in my opinion because you get to see the largest parts of the waterfall. You have to pay to get into the park, so please be sure to check the official Victoria Falls National Park website for current rates before visiting.

Be aware, while large predators are rarely spotted inside Victoria Falls National Park, this is a wildlife park and wild animals do live there. Some of these animals can be dangerous to humans, so avoid being in the park before sunrise or after sunset. For information on which viewpoints to stop at during your visit, please refer to the map I have included in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

View Larger Map

See the Livingstone Statue

One of the ca n’t-miss spots to stop at within Victoria Falls National Park is the Dr. David Livingstone statue. If you aren’t familiar with who Livingstone was, this is a perfect way to get to know this infamous 19th-century British explorer a little better.

Livingstone was renowned for his explorations of Africa. Throughout his career, he made several trips to the continent to work as a missionary, explore the unknown interior of the continent, and most famously search for the source of the Nile River.

During one of his expeditions, he heard a roaring thunder in the distance and saw what he thought were plumes of smoke rising into the air. As he got closer, he became one of the first Westerners to ever set eyes on what he would later name Victoria Falls.

The waterfall was so huge and powerful that he nicknamed it “the smoke that thunders”. Today, the city of Livingstone, Zambia is named after Dr. David Livingstone and there are many monuments in his honor in the area. One of the most famous is this statue of him in Victoria Falls National Park.

Take a Cruise on the Zambezi River

While seeing Victoria Falls from the foot trail within Victoria Falls National Park is undoubtedly the best way to experience and photograph the falls, there are many other adventures available for you to enjoy near the falls as well.

One such adventure that I recommend every traveler experience is a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. You will be left speechless by the beauty of the river and the abundance of the incredible wildlife that lives both in and around it. There is a great chance you will see hippos or crocodiles in the river as you meander your way down this iconic river.

There is also a great chance you will see elephants, giraffes, and various species of antelope along the river’s banks, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled. Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing the sun set over this breathtaking landscape from your comfortable spot aboard the boat. It is truly an experience you will remember forever.

Go on Safari in the Zambezi National Park

While Victoria Falls is widely considered to be one of the most incredible landmarks in the world for good reason, there is a lot to see and do in the area outside of just visiting the Falls. One of the most popular activities that visitors enjoy during their visit is going on safari to see some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife.

I do strongly suggest that you plan enough time to explore some of the national parks and wildlife reserves outside of the Victoria Falls area. The most notable on this list would be Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange National Park to the South in Zimbabwe. However, if you don’t have a lot of time, that doesn’t mean you can’t go on a safari during your visit.

The incredible Zambezi National Park is located just outside of Victoria Falls and is home to four of Africa’s “Big Five” animals. This includes lions, cape buffalo, elephants, and leopards. If you are lucky, you might even spot the critically endangered African wild dogs. For more information on the Zambezi National Park, please check out the official Zimbabwe Parks website for details.

Go on Safari in the Livingstone Private Game Reserve

While the nearby Zambezi National Park is outstanding, it does not allow visitors the opportunity to see all of the “Big Five” animals of Africa. The one animal that you definitely won’t see when visiting is the rhinoceros. If seeing one of these beautiful creatures is on your bucket list, you are in luck.

The nearby Stanley Livingstone Private Game Reserve offers private safaris that give you a great chance of seeing the critically endangered southern black rhino. Unlike the national parks in Southern Africa, the private game reserves are privately owned and maintained. This creates additional conservation lands to help protect the beautiful wildlife.

If you would like more information, I would suggest checking out the Stanley Livingstone Private Game Reserve website. For those who would like to book a tour, there is a great Stanley Livingstone Private Game Reserve safari tour option available on Viator.com.

Go Rafting Down the Zambezi River

For travelers who are looking for a little bit more adventure than just seeing Victoria Falls, there are many incredible adventure travel opportunities that you can try in the area. One of the most popular of these activities is to take a whitewater rafting tour down the Zambezi River.

Your heart will be pounding as your tour group navigates the rapids of the Zambezi River, which is certain to be an experience you remember for a lifetime. Not only is the rafting incredible, but the opportunity to spot elephants and other wildlife on the banks of the river is a bonus you won’t find on many other whitewater rafting tours in the world.

If you are interested in booking a whitewater rafting tour during your stay in the Victoria Falls area, please be sure to check out my Recommended Tours and Excursions section of this guide to Victoria Falls below.

Try Bungy Jumping

Another adventure opportunity that you can try while visiting Victoria Falls is to go bungee jumping into the Zambezi River Gorge. If you are an adrenaline junky that loves to bungee jump, I can’t think of many places more beautiful to try the sport than at the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

There are two locations in which you can jump in the Victoria Falls area. The first is the Shearwater Bungee Jump at the Victoria Falls Bridge. This 364-foot jump off of one of Africa’s most iconic bridges is certain to be an adventure you remember forever.

The second bungee location is the Wild Horizons Lookout Cafe Bungee Jump, in which you jump 364 feet from a platform on the side of the river gorge. Like the bridge jump, it is a truly breathtaking landscape in which to enjoy the sport!

Swim to the Edge of the Falls at Devil’s Pool

Don’t get me wrong, you can get some absolutely spectacular views of Victoria Falls without getting wet. I have already outlined how the foot trail in the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side has some of the best viewpoints and the Knife Edge on the Zambian side lets you get very close to the edge of the Falls.

However, if you want to get some out-of-this-world views of Victoria Falls, there is no better way to do that than at Devil’s Pool. This strangely becalmed 10-foot feet natural pool with a rock lip makes it relatively safe to swim right up to the edge of the Falls and peer over.

There are tours you can book to visit Devil’s Pool, which involves swimming across the Zambezi River with a guide to Livingstone Island, where you can then access the pool. Obviously, swimming to the Devil’s Pool is only safe during the low-water periods during the dry season, so if this is something that you would like to do when you visit Victoria Falls, I would make sure to plan your visit between the months of June and December.

Devil’s Pool is on the Zambian side of the Falls, so if you are staying on the Zimbabwean side, you will need to cross over the Victoria Falls bridge and pay the VISA fee in order to take this tour. For more information on the Devil’s Pool tours available, please check out the Recommended Tours and Excursions section of this guide to Victoria Falls below.

Cross the Bridge Between Zimbabwe and Zambia

Why see Victoria Falls from just one side when you can easily see it from both sides? This natural wonder of the world is unique because it sits on the natural border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

While a majority of the Falls are located on the Zimbabwean side, there are some very unique and incredible viewing opportunities on the Zambian side as well. I have already covered the amazing foot trail in the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, as well as the Knife Edge and Devil’s Pool in Zambia.

If you are staying in Victoria Falls and want to experience the Falls from Zambia or you are staying in Livingstone and want to see the Falls from Zimbabwe, going back and forth between the countries couldn’t be easier. You will need a VISA to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia and then back, so you can either pay the $50 USD for a KAZA UniVisa at the border or pre-pay for your VISA by purchasing a Zimbabwe e-VISA and a Zambia e-VISA online ahead of time.

Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Falls

While the views of Victoria Falls from the ground are spectacular, seeing this natural wonder of the world from the air is a whole different level of beauty. It is very hard to really appreciate the scale and the power of Victoria Falls unless you can see the Falls in their entirety.

The only way to do that is to get up in a helicopter and fly over it. For those travelers who are up for the adventure, you will be happy to know that there are helicopter tours available that will fly you over Victoria Falls.

In fact, on some tours, they also fly over the rest of Victoria Falls National Park, so you also have the opportunity to spot elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife from the air. It is a spectacular experience that you will never forget. For more information on Victoria Falls helicopter tours, please see the Recommended Tours and Excursions section of my guide to Victoria Falls below.

How to Get There

If you are planning on visiting Victoria Falls, there are several different ways that you can get there, depending on what else you are planning to see and do during your trip. If you are coming to the area primarily to visit the falls, the easiest way to get to Victoria Falls is to fly into the Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), which is located just outside of the city.

You can also fly directly into the area by flying into the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) on the Zambian side. For those who are planning on going on safari in Botswana and would like to take a side trip to visit the falls, you will probably be flying into the Kasane International Airport (BBK) in Botswana. You can then arrange a day tour to Victoria Falls from your lodge in Chobe National Park or the other wildlife parks and reserves in Botswana.

The same can be said for travelers who will be visiting Zimbabwe to go on safari in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. If you are planning on spending the majority of your time around Hwange, you may find it more convenient to fly into and out of the Hwange National Park Airport (HWN) and then arrange transportation to Victoria Falls for a day trip. For more information on where these parks and cities are located in relation to Victoria Falls, please see the map I have included in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

View Larger Map

Choosing a Side to Visit

What many people who haven’t visited the area don’t realize is that Victoria Falls sits along the border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia and can easily be visited from both countries. The good news is, you don’t need to choose between a side. You can easily pass between the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls by using the Victoria Falls bridge.

All you will need is your passport and a double\multiple entry VISA (which you will need to pay for at the border). Which side of the falls you choose to use as your base of operations will depend greatly on what else you plan on seeing and doing during your visit to the area.

The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls has by far the best view of the falls. Three-quarters of the waterfall is in Zimbabwe, and the Victoria Falls National Park footpath offers a plethora of incredible viewpoints from which to view the falls.

You will actually feel the tremors of the falls thundering into the canyon below your feet as you wander thru the mist-filled rainforest along the path. This incredible footpath makes the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe an absolute must-see destination when in the area.

While the Zambian side of the falls may not offer as many good viewpoints, you are able to get much closer to the falls on the Zambian side. On the Zambian side, you are able to walk along paved paths at the edge of the waterfall and cross a stomach-turning Knife-Edge bridge that crosses over the falls. During high water season, the experience is absolutely exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

And for those who are really adventurous, you are even able to swim up to the Devil’s Pool, which sits right at the precipice of the falls during low water season. From here, you can peek your head over the falls and into the canyon below. If you love adventure, it is hard to top this incredible travel experience!

For more information on what you can expect from each side of the falls, please refer to the summary of the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of Victoria Falls that I have included in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

Visiting the Falls from Zimbabwe Side

• Incredible views of the main falls
• You can see a majority of the water flowing over the falls at varying degrees of strength throughout the year
• Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the falls
• You are able to explore Victoria Falls town and its iconic market
• Victoria Falls town is a classic tourist town with a wide assortment of restaurants and bars
• The Victoria Falls Hotel, the most historic hotel in the Falls area, is on this side
• See the critically endangered black rhino at Stanley Livingstone Private Game Reserve

Visiting the Falls from Zambia Side

• Amazingly close waterfall viewing
• The ability to swim to the fall’s edge at Devil’s Pool during the low-water season
• You are able to visit Livingstone Island when water levels permit
• There is a wide assortment of romantic river-side lodges
• Incredible game viewing at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• The city of Livingstone isn’t as tourist-oriented and is mostly comprised of businesses

Best Time to Visit

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when planning your trip to see Victoria Falls is the time of year you plan your visit. Not only will the time of year impact the type of weather can expect to have during your visit, but it will also have a big impact on what you can see and do at the falls.

Depending on the time of year, Victoria Falls will either look like a wall of raging water or several smaller waterfalls flowing into a large canyon. Victoria Falls is absolutely breathtaking at full capacity during the wet season, but it can also be fun to visit when the water levels aren’t as high as you can safely get closer to the falls. In this section of my guide to Victoria Falls, I outline what you can expect to see and safely do at Victoria Falls and what type of weather to expect throughout the year.

Average Temperature (°F)

The weather in Victoria Falls is typically very warm throughout the year, but it can get incredibly hot between late September and mid-December. During this time of year, daytime high temperatures can reach into the 90s (Fahrenheit) and it can feel much hotter in the sun. If you don’t do well with heat, you may want to avoid visiting during this time of year.

While temperatures can be much cooler during the winter period of late May thru early August, it can get rather cool at night. If you are planning to visit at this time of year, you will want to bring a light jacket with you to wear during the evenings.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

For those who are planning on going on safari while visiting, or have a lot of activities planned outdoors, you will also want to consider the average rainfall that Victoria Falls gets throughout the year. During the wet season, which lasts between late November and mid-March, the area gets quite a bit of rain.

However, during the winter months of May thru the beginning of September, the area sees very little rainfall. During this time of year, the wildlife is much easier to spot while on safari because there is less vegetation to obstruct your view. However, near the end of the dry season is when Victoria Falls is furthest from its peak volumes.

January to March

If you are looking for good travel deals, then January is likely your best time to visit Victoria Falls. Even though it is the height of summer, the water level of the Zambezi is still relatively low. This makes it not the ideal time to see the falls, but you can find some great rates on the luxury Victoria Falls lodges. This is also the ideal time to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River as water levels are starting to rise, but they aren’t near their peak.

If you want to see Victoria Falls reaching its maximum capacity, I would suggest waiting until late February. Without a doubt, this is the best time to view and photograph the falls. The waters of the Zambezi will be plummeting down into the gorges and the mist from the falls creates some of the most beautiful rainbows you will ever see.

However, February thru May is one of the worst times to go on safari in nearby Hwange National Park and the parks and game reserves of Botswana such as Chobe. The heavy rainfall from the previous months will mean lush vegetation in the parks, which makes spotting animals much more difficult.

By March, the water levels of the Zambezi and the volume of water going over the falls are at their apex. In fact, there is so much water going over the falls during this time of year that you can hear the waterfall from miles away. You can still go white water rafting during this time of year, but the high water levels of the Zambezi River can make it a terrifying experience if you aren’t an experienced rafter.

April to June

When the calendar hits April, summer comes to an end in Victoria Falls. With the end of summer, the temperatures start to drop a bit. With lower temperatures and water levels of the Zambezi River still relatively high, this is one of the best times to visit Victoria Falls. However, because of the high volumes of water flowing over the falls, the strong mist in the air can make it difficult to see the entirety of the falls. One of the best ways to get around this is to book a helicopter tour and view this iconic landmark from the air.

Starting in May, the dry season in Victoria Falls begins. This is when nighttime temperatures really start to drop, so make sure you pack a jacket and long pants if you decide to visit during this time of year. With very comfortable daytime temperatures, this is undoubtedly the best time of year to visit if you want to avoid the heat.

If you are planning on visiting Victoria Falls and the parks and game reserves of Botswana, including the infamous Chobe National Park, the best times of year to visit are from June to August. The dry season means there is less vegetation to obstruct your views of animals and the shrinking water holes mean the animals need to congregate near the Chobe River. This makes it much easier to find and spot wildlife. It is also a good time to visit Victoria Falls as well. Even though this is the start of the dry season, the volume of water flowing over the falls is still greater than it is at the end of the dry season.

July to September

Even though the month of July is in the middle of the dry season at Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River is no longer at full volume, it can still be a great time to visit the falls. For instance, this is the time of year when the infamous lunar rainbow makes its incredible appearance at Victoria Falls. The mild daytime temperatures also make daytime safaris at Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park much more enjoyable.

Starting in August, the temperatures in Victoria Falls start to increase again. This means that early morning and evening safaris in the surrounding parks aren’t quite as chilly. There is still very little rainfall, so it is a great time to see the falls, go on safari, and try some outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting or Devil’s Pool swim tour.

The month of September is the start of spring in Victoria Falls and is undoubtedly the best time of year to visit the falls if you are planning on going on a safari at one of the surrounding wildlife parks. The temperatures are not too warm, but they are warm enough to make early morning and evening safaris very enjoyable.

This is the month of the year when spotting difficult-to-see wildlife such as the elusive leopard is easiest because of the sparse vegetation. However, the later in September you visit, the dryer Victoria Falls will be. This is why I think late August and early September are the optimal times to visit when combining a visit to Victoria Falls with a safari experience.

October to December

In my opinion, one of the worst times of year to visit Victoria Falls in October. Not only is this the hottest month of the year, but the water level of the Zambezi River is at its lowest level. This means that the water flowing over Victoria Falls is at its least remarkable level.

The wet season officially kicks off again in November, and during this time of year, you can expect to see the first spring rains in Victoria Falls. However, don’t expect the water level of the Zambezi River to rise too quickly in November as it takes time for the rainfall to travel from the Angolan Highlands down to the river.

If you are into bird watching, November is the best time of year to spot many of the migratory birds that start arriving in Victoria Falls. There are some stunning bird species and this is one of the best times of year to spot them.

By December, it is nearing the height of the wet season in Victoria Falls. The daytime temperatures are still very hot and you can expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The water level of the Zambezi River is starting to rise and this is the last month for a while that you will be able to safely go whitewater rafting on the river. The migratory birds are also still around the falls thru December, so bird watching continues to be very good.

Where to Stay

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to see Victoria Falls is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.  So not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there. 

Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.  If you are starting to plan your trip to Zimbabwe and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my guide to Victoria Falls below for you to review.  As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

View Larger Map

Where to Eat

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do.  What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when they are there.  Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive.

However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.  This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret.  To help you decide on some restaurants in Victoria Falls to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

Victoria Falls Restaurant Recommendations

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price
Wild Horizons Lookout Cafe	Cafe, International, Healthy	$$-$$$
The Three Monkeys	Bar, Pizza, International	$$-$$$
Livingstone Room at Victoria Falls Hotel	European, Veggie Friendly, Vegan Options	$$$$
Stanley’s Terrace	African, European, Veggie Friendly	$$-$$$
Shearwater Cafe	Bar, Cafe, International	$$-$$$
The Rainforest Cafe	Cafe, International, Grill	$$-$$$

Recommended Tours and Excursions

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Victoria Falls area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my guide to Victoria Falls below.

In addition to the plethora of wonderful tours and activities that I have linked to above, I would strongly recommend considering a safari while visiting the Victoria Falls area. Victoria Falls is situated in close proximity to a number of incredible national parks and wildlife reserves in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia.

Two parks that I would strongly recommend are Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, which is a few hours South of Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park in Botswana, which is located just an hour to the West. For more information on how to plan a safari at these parks, including which tours to book, please see my detailed guides linked below.

Photo Gallery

One thing that Victoria Falls is not in short supply of is amazing things to photograph. I was able to capture a lot of great photographs while touring Victoria Falls, and I have included some of my favorites in a gallery in my guide to Victoria Falls for you to review below.

If you would like to view some more of my top photos from this trip, as well as photos from some of my many other travel adventures, make sure you are following me on Instagram as well!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe to My Adventures!

Let Me Help You Save On Your Next Adventure!

‘Start Exploring Today’ Merchandise Available Now!