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Victoria Falls: Africa’s adventure capital and the world’s largest waterfall
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning 'The Smoke That Thunders' in the local Lozi language. The Zambezi River gushes off a plateau nearly two kilometres wide and plunges into dramatic gorges 100 metres below, creating the single largest continuous falling curtain of water in the world. It straddles the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, with each country enjoying a unique vantage point.
During the high-water season, its mist creates shimmering rainbows and produces thick spray clouds that can often be seen kilometres away (the 'smoke'). Upstream, the Zambezi River is gentle, encouraging moments of reflection, before transforming into powerful rapids below the falls. Often referred to as Africa's adventure capital, Victoria Falls is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and action-packed experiences.
5 Reasons We Love Victoria Falls
Helicopter flights: Also known as the ‘Flight of Angels’, these scenic flights over Victoria Falls offer sweeping views of the dramatic gorges and towering spray.
Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool: Considered the ultimate natural infinity pool, Devil’s Pool and Angel's Pool, on Livingstone Island, are famous for their position on the edge of the Falls, where you can peer over the sheer drop below. It’s accessible from mid-August to mid-January.
White-water rafting: Rapids below the Falls offer some of the best white-water rafting in the world from August to early December.
The Victoria Falls bridge: Built in 1905, the bridge is a marvel of engineering, spanning the Second Gorge and home to iconic adrenaline activities, including the 111 metre-high bungee jump, gorge swinging, and ziplining high above the Batoka Gorge.
Zambezi River cruises: Go on a cruise upstream of the Falls, either at sunrise or sunset, when hippos surface with grunts and elephants wade in the shallows.
All you need to know about Victoria Falls
About Victoria Falls
Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls marks where the Zambezi River tumbles off a fractured basalt plateau and drops into gorges 100 metres below. Zambia lies on the northern and eastern sides (topographically slightly higher), while Zimbabwe is situated south and west, with around two-thirds of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side.
Upstream, the Zambezi flows across an almost flat basalt plateau in a shallow valley before transforming into powerful rapids below the Falls. The surrounding region includes Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe), Mosi-oa-Tunya NP (Zambia), and Victoria Falls NP on the Zimbabwean side, all of which are teeming with wildlife. Botswana's Chobe NP and Zimbabwe’s Hwange NP are also accessible via road from Victoria Falls, making it a central hub for exploring southern Africa.
Things to do in Victoria Falls
With a smorgasbord of natural, cultural, and gastronomic delights on offer and only a few days to enjoy them, deciding how best to spend one’s time can be something of a challenge! Check out our comprehensive list of things to do at Victoria Falls here, or see a few highlights below.
Aerial spectacles: Take the famous 'Flight of Angels' in a helicopter featuring specially designed bubble-shaped windows, or soar over the cascades in a microlight.
Thrill-seeking adventures: Experience one of the world's highest bungee jumps at 111 metres, plunge 70 metres in a zero-gravity gorge swing, or tackle the legendary white-water rapids of the Zambezi.
Exclusive edge encounters: During the low-water months of August to January, access Livingstone Island on the Zambian side to swim in the world-renowned Devil's Pool, hanging right over the 100-metre drop.
Serene safaris & cruises: Enjoy a gentle upper Zambezi canoe trip, a classic Big 5 open-vehicle game drive, or drift peacefully on a Zambezi sunset cruise complete with drinks and finger snacks.
Cultural & culinary Immersion: Dine at The Boma Restaurant for a vibrant evening of traditional cuisine, Shangaan dancing, storytellers, and interactive drumming.
What wildlife will I see at Victoria Falls?
Elephants, hippos and crocodiles are abundant throughout Victoria Falls, often seen in the shallows along the Zambezi River.
Visitors can track rhinos on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, are frequently spotted in the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe.
Giraffes, zebras and various antelope are easily spotted in nearby reserves such as Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, and can even be seen wandering through the grounds of certain lodges.
Almost 470 bird species can be seen, including rock pratincole, Schalow’s turaco, African finfoot and Pels fishing owl. Trumpeter hornbills can be heard at the Falls, their distinctive calls echoing through the forest.
Lodges and camps in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls boasts a diverse range of accommodation options across both Zimbabwe and Zambia, from riverside lodges to boutique hotels and lodges in Victoria Falls town and Livingstone.
Many lodges are situated along the Zambezi River, offering easy access to activities such as sunset cruises, guided tours of the Falls, and nearby national parks, including Zimbabwe’s Zambezi NP, Victoria Falls NP, and Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya NP. There are options to suit couples, families, and adventure-seekers alike.
Every property we select for your handcrafted journey meets our exacting standards for comfort, character, and service. Just as importantly, each lodge is deeply committed to protecting Victoria Falls wildlife, supporting local communities, and preserving the extraordinary ecosystems that make your safari possible.
Check out our Vic Falls safari ideas above to see some of the hotels, lodges and camps with proven track records that we regularly send our guests to.
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Why choose Africa Geographic to plan your safari?
"Everything was seamless, professional and prompt… we saw Victoria Falls from a helicopter, and in my opinion, were treated like royalty at every turn. If you have the opportunity to experience what this country has to offer, do yourself a favor and take it. And let Africa Geographic guide you, you will not be sorry."
"Another thoughtfully curated trip by Africa Geographic to meet all requests of family including wondrous sights, exciting activities, great mix of accommodation, expert guiding, and animals, such animals! … Victoria Falls ... truly awe-inspiring. Again, expert organising meant we visited the falls at the right time for the best views . . ."
"Travelled to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls through Africa Geographic Travel. Accommodation and activities were booked through them and I was most happy with everything. My son and I experienced deluxe accommodation at Stanley Safari Lodge and delicious food and fantastic service."
Wish you were here?
Frequently asked questions
Tour of the Falls
Livingstone Island and the Devil's Pool
Zambezi sunset cruise
Helicopter flight – the ‘Flight of Angels’
Microlight flight over the Falls
White water rafting
Bungee jump
Chobe day trip
Big 5 game drive
Canoe trip on the upper Zambezi River
Walking safari
Horse riding
Bird-watching
Canopy tour
Zipline (foofie slide)
Gorge swing
Flying fox
Curio and craft shopping
The Boma Restaurant
Siduli Hide game viewing
Bicycle tour of Victoria Falls
Read more about things to do in Victoria Falls
The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience, as water levels in the Zambezi River vary throughout the year.
The Falls are at their most powerful and dramatic from February to May (peaking in April), with dense spray rising high into the air. However, visibility can be limited due to the volume of mist.
From August to January, water levels have dropped, exposing more of the rock face and offering clearer views of the Falls, particularly from the Zambian side. This is ideal for activities that require access to the edge of the Falls.
Which side is best?
Zimbabwe offers grand panoramic scenery.
Zambia delivers intimate, adventurous encounters.
Both sides showcase the breathtaking majesty of Victoria Falls in different ways.
Visiting both sides is highly recommended, with the walk across the historic bridge a highlight in itself.
Zimbabwe: panoramic grandeur
Offers sweeping views of Victoria Falls from elevated viewpoints.
Visitors can see most of the Falls’ front face in one spectacular panorama.
Key highlights include the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Victoria Falls National Park.
The Devil’s Cataract and Main Falls impress with their immense scale, vertical drop and thunderous power.
Well-developed infrastructure and guided tours make visiting comfortable and informative.
Best for travellers wanting the classic, wide-angle view of the Falls.
Zambia: close to the action
Provides a more immersive, up-close experience of the Falls.
Visitors can appreciate the fine details of the cascading water and rugged cliffs.
Knife-edge Bridge offers dramatic spray-filled encounters near the Eastern Cataract.
Devil’s Pool delivers an adrenaline-filled experience right on the edge of the Falls.
Zambia is the only access point for the Boiling Pot trail below the Falls.
The wilder, less-developed environment creates a more natural and wildlife-rich atmosphere.
Read more about which side is best, Zimbabwe or Zambia
Yes, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and it’s possible to cross between the two on foot via the Victoria Falls Bridge with a simple visa arrangement.
The Zimbabwean side offers more extensive viewpoints and maintains water flow throughout the year, while the Zambian side provides a closer, more immersive perspective and access to experiences such as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool during low water months.
Victoria Falls sits at the centre of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) conservation area, making it an ideal hub for a multi-destination safari. Popular combinations include Victoria Falls with Hwange National Park (1–2 hours by road), a Chobe day trip from Botswana (2 hours by road), or a fly-in safari to Mana Pools or the Okavango Delta. It also connects easily by air with Cape Town and South Africa's Kruger area. Your Africa Geographic consultant can design a seamless itinerary.
Elephants are abundant throughout the region, and visitors can track rhinos on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Zambezi National Park offers opportunities to see large predators, such as lions, leopards, and African wild dogs, while the broader area is home to nearly 470 bird species.
Along the Zambezi River, hippos gather at the water’s edge, and birdlife is particularly active, especially during river-based activities such as cruises and canoe safaris.
Victoria Falls is accessible by air via Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia, with regular connections from major Southern African hubs.
It is also well connected to nearby safari destinations, with short flights or road transfers linking it to areas such as Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, making it a convenient addition to a broader safari itinerary.
Yes. The Falls themselves, Zambezi National Park game drives, canoe trips, and the canopy tour are all family-friendly. The minimum age for some adrenaline activities (bungee jump, white-water rafting) is higher, but there is no shortage of alternatives for younger travellers. Several lodges in the area offer dedicated family suites and child-friendly programmes.
Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, can obtain a visa on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone Airport (Zambia). If you plan to cross the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia – which is strongly recommended – the KAZA UniVisa (USD 50) covers multiple entries into both countries for up to 30 days. Your Africa Geographic consultant will confirm the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.
You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 105 days before you travel.
Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.
Click here to schedule a no-obligation call with one of our Safari Experts or fill in our 2-minute form with your questions. Our team of experts are here to help! Whether you’re curious about the best time to travel, want to hear first-hand about an experience or need help planning your safari.
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