Seven Natural Wonders
Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya — "The Smoke That Thunders." The world's largest curtain of falling water: 1,700 metres wide, 108 metres tall, and producing spray visible from 48 km away.
Zimbabwe side: best views·Zambia side: Devil's Pool·Bridge: on the border
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
1,708 m wide · 108 m tall · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Zimbabwe Side vs Zambia Side
Both sides offer extraordinary experiences — the choice depends on what matters most to you.
Zimbabwe Side
Victoria Falls Town
Wider viewing point — see 75% of the falls in a single walk
Rain Forest Walk gives closest access to main falls face
Best for photography — iconic viewpoints
More developed tourist town with better restaurants and hotels
Easy connection to Chobe NP (1 hour) and Hwange NP (2 hours)
Slightly drier views in the dry season when water volume is low
Visa required for some nationalities on entry to Zimbabwe
Currency: USD (primarily)Photography, viewing, accommodation variety
Zambia Side
Livingstone
Devil's Pool — swim at the edge of the falls (Aug–Dec only)
More adventure activities based from Livingstone
Better access to the gorge and the Eastern Cataract
More lush and green in peak flood season (Mar–Jun)
Livingstone named after David Livingstone — museum and historical town
Smaller portion of falls visible from Zambia side
Fewer luxury hotel options vs Zimbabwe side
Currency: ZMW or USDAdventure activities, Devil's Pool, gorge views
The KAZA Univisa ($50) covers both countries — recommended for visitors wanting to explore both sides.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
Water level changes dramatically throughout the year — affecting visibility, spray, and activities.
| Month | Water Level | Spray | Views | Devil's Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Rising | Medium | Good | |
| Feb | High | High | Partially obscured | |
| Mar | Peak | Maximum | Spray-obscured | |
| Apr | Peak | Maximum | Spray-obscured | |
| May | Falling | High | Good with spray | |
| Jun | Medium | Medium | Very Good | |
| Jul | Medium-Low | Low-Med | Excellent | |
| Aug | Low | Low | Best dry views | |
| Sep | Low | Low | Best dry views | |
| Oct | Rising | Low-Med | Excellent | |
| Nov | Rising | Medium | Very Good | |
| Dec | Rising | Medium | Very Good |
Things to Do at Victoria Falls
The falls are the centrepiece, but the adventure ecosystem around them is equally extraordinary.
Rainbow Falls Walk
$30–$50Walk the Rain Forest Trail (Zimbabwe) or Knife Edge Bridge path (Zambia) to viewpoints of the main falls. Best in high water season (Feb–May) when spray fills the air.
Both sides1–2 hoursEasy
Devil's Pool Swimming
$110Swim in a natural rock pool perched on the lip of the Victoria Falls — one of the world's most extraordinary experiences. Only accessible August–December when water level is low enough.
Zambia only3 hoursModerate (swimming required)
Helicopter Flight
$150–$200The 'Flight of Angels' helicopter tour offers aerial views of the full falls, gorge, and Zambezi River. 12–15 minutes. Operated from both sides. Unmissable for the full scale of the falls from above.
Both sides15 minEasy
White Water Rafting
$120–$150The Zambezi below Victoria Falls is one of the world's top white water rafting destinations. Grade 3–5 rapids. Half-day and full-day options. Not available at peak flood (Mar–May) when rapids are submerged.
Both sidesHalf or full dayStrenuous
Bungee Jumping
$160Jump 111 metres from the Victoria Falls Bridge (on the Zimbabwe–Zambia border) into the Batoka Gorge. One of Africa's most dramatic bungee locations. Open year-round.
Victoria Falls Bridge2 hoursExtreme
Sunset Cruise
$50–$90Sunset game cruise on the Zambezi above the falls. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants on the banks, and spectacular sunsets over the river. Drinks and canapés included. Operates year-round.
Both sides2 hoursEasy
Chobe Safari Day Trip
$150–$200Day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana (70 km, 1 hour). Includes game drive and boat safari on the Chobe River — Africa's highest elephant concentration. Combine visa required (KAZA Univisa covers Zimbabwe + Zambia + Botswana).
From Victoria Falls TownFull dayEasy
Lion Walk / Predator Encounter
$150–$250Walk with young lions in the bush — a controversial but popular activity in Victoria Falls. Several operators run this experience. These are captive-bred animals used for conservation breeding programmes.
Zimbabwe side2–3 hoursEasy
Combine Victoria Falls with a Safari
Victoria Falls is perfectly positioned as a gateway to three of Africa's best parks.
Chobe NP + Vic Falls
Botswana · 4–5 days total
Africa's highest elephant population. 70 km from Vic Falls — perfect 4–5 day combination.
Hwange NP + Vic Falls
Zimbabwe · 5–6 days total
Zimbabwe's largest park: 50,000 elephants + wild dogs. 2 hours from Vic Falls by road.
Okavango + Vic Falls
Botswana · 7–9 days total
Fly from Vic Falls to Maun for the Okavango. Africa's most exclusive safari combination.
Victoria Falls — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
Victoria Falls is on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia — the Zambezi River forms the border between the two countries at this point, and the falls straddle both nations. You can view and visit the falls from either side. Most visitors do a day trip to one or both sides. The Victoria Falls Bridge connecting the two countries sits directly downstream of the falls.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
It depends what you want: Best for volume and spray (peak flood): February–April. Best for views (falls visible, spray manageable): May–August. Best for Devil's Pool swimming (Zambia): August–December (low water). Best overall compromise: June–July — good water volume, views visible, manageable spray. November–December is good value with fewer tourists.
How many days do you need at Victoria Falls?
Two to three days is the sweet spot. Day 1: Falls walk + sunset cruise. Day 2: Adventure activity (white water rafting, helicopter, bungee) or day trip to Chobe NP. Day 3 (optional): Zimbabwe side + Zambia side comparison walk, or Hwange day trip. More than 3 days requires adding on a full safari (Chobe or Hwange) to fill the time meaningfully.
What is the Victoria Falls KAZA Univisa?
The KAZA Univisa ($50 USD) is a single tourist visa covering Zimbabwe and Zambia simultaneously. It also allows day trips into Botswana (Chobe). It's available on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) and Kazungula/Livingstone (Zambia). Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia) qualify. This makes it very easy to visit both sides and do a Chobe day trip on a single visa.
Can you combine Victoria Falls with a safari?
Yes — Victoria Falls is ideally positioned for multi-destination itineraries. Best combinations: Victoria Falls + Chobe NP (Botswana, 1 hour away, 3–4 nights), Victoria Falls + Hwange NP (Zimbabwe, 2 hours, 3–4 nights), Victoria Falls + Okavango Delta (Botswana, fly-in, 4–5 nights). These circuits are flown in and out of Victoria Falls Airport and take 5–9 days total.
Plan Your Victoria Falls Safari
Browse verified safari packages that include Victoria Falls with Chobe, Hwange, or the Okavango Delta from expert operators.