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Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that attracts travelers worldwide. This large waterfall is a great destination for both nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to plan your perfect trip to Victoria Falls. Discover the best time to go, what to pack, where to stay, how to get there, and an array of exciting activities to enjoy. Read on and start exploring Victoria Falls!
Table of Contents
What is Special About Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi–oa–Tunya (“The smoke that thunders” in Batonga), is renowned for its immense size, powerful cascades, and breathtaking beauty. The falls create a mesmerizing display of mist, rainbows, and dramatic landscapes, making it one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. It is also considered the largest waterfall in the world by volume, rivaled only by Iguazu Falls.
The surrounding area is home to a rich array of wildlife, such as elephants, zebras, hippos, and diverse bird species.
Where is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is located in southern Africa, serving as a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is situated on the Zambezi River. The falls are easily accessible from the towns of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia.
How to Get to Victoria Falls
Getting to Victoria Falls is convenient and accessible, offering various transportation options:
Fly to Victoria Falls
Many international airlines operate flights to Victoria Falls Airport, making it the most convenient option. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the town of Victoria Falls through a short transfer. There is also an international airport in Livingstone, in case you want to visit the Zambian side.
Travel by road
If you want a more budget-conscious option, you can fly to Lusaka and then take a bus to Livingstone. The bus ride will take about 7 hours, but this option will be much cheaper than flying directly there.
NOTE: You could also fly to Harare and then take a bus to Victoria Falls, but the bus ticket will be much more expensive and the trip will take longer. It’s better to just fly to Zambia.
Take a luxury train
If you prefer your trip to Victoria Falls to be an adventure in itself, you should consider taking a luxury train. The Rovos Rail is a 3 or 4 night journey from Pretoria, South Africa, all the way to Victoria Falls. This trip will take you through Bulawayo and Matobo National Park, along with various other cities on the way to Victoria Falls.
What to Do around Victoria Falls
While there is plenty to see and do around Victoria Falls, here are our recommended top 5!
Go white water rafting
For adrenaline junkies visiting Victoria Falls, white water rafting is a great option. Brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure as you navigate the powerful rapids of the Zambezi River. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you conquer thrilling drops and challenging twists. With experienced guides and top-notch equipment, white water rafting in Victoria Falls promises an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you with lasting memories of adventure and excitement.
Bungee jump over the Zambezi River
For the ultimate adrenaline rush in Victoria Falls, nothing beats a bungee jump over the Zambezi River. Take a leap of faith from the impressive Victoria Falls Bridge and experience the thrill of freefalling towards the roaring river below. There is only one company that conducts this jump, and you will need to make sure to take your passport with you.
Go on a safari to Chobe in Botswana
Victoria Falls is only about a one-hour drive from the border of Chobe National Park in Botswana. This is one of the largest national parks in Africa! It is famous for containing the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, along with lions, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and many species of antelopes. There are several tour companies that will take you to Chobe from Livingstone for a day trip or up to several nights.
Experience a Zambezi River cruise
A Zambezi River cruise is another great activity to consider while in Victoria Falls. Once you step aboard a the boat and set sail along this iconic river, you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. You can enjoy a tranquil sunset cruise or choose a daytime adventure, soaking in the beauty of the Zambezi while enjoying the view of the falls.
Microlight over the falls
One of the most exhilarating activities in Victoria Falls is taking a microlight flight over the falls. This activity is only available on the Zambian side of the falls through Batoka Sky. I booked the 15-minute flight and was able to fly around the falls twice. I also saw a pod of hippos and a couple of elephants in the Zambezi River! This was my favorite activity that I did in Victoria Falls.
You can watch a video of my flight below.
Microlight Flight Video
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, during the high-water season. The falls are at their most spectacular during this period, offering a breathtaking display of cascading water. You can witness the sheer power and grandeur of the falls up close. The increased water flow creates a shower of mist and the appearance of rainbows around the falls.
However, if you want to experience the Devil’s Pool, you will have to visit during the low-water season. From September to December, the water level is low enough for a natural rock formation to become accessible. This formation, known as the Devil’s Pool, is located right at the edge of the falls, and allows you to peer over the edge to the gorge below!
What to Bring to Victoria Falls
Here are some of the essentials to bring to Victoria Falls:
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (This is especially useful if you will be crossing the Zambian-Zimbabwean border on foot.)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Binoculars (for viewing the wildlife near the falls)
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof camera
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Camping equipment if you plan on staying in the nearby national parks overnight
Where to Stay Around Victoria Falls
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay around Victoria Falls. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have. In general, I recommend staying in Livingstone, as it is cheaper with more options for lodging, restaurants, and nightlife.
If you are on a budget, Fawlty Towers is a great option. I stayed here for a few nights and paid about $10 USD/night. This is a great place to meet other travelers, as well as relax by the private pool. It is also centrally located near several restaurants and bars.
If you want to stay right on the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls Waterfront is the most economical option. This hotel provides an option for guests to sleep on beds inside a tent for around $40 USD/night. This is the best way to stay on the banks of the Zambezi for budget travelers.
For a truly luxury experience, consider staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. This resort is conveniently located near Victoria Falls and the border with Zimbabwe. If you want to relax on your balcony while admiring the falls, this is the place to be.
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Victoria Falls, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Ensure your gear is waterproof
Prepare to get wet! The spray from Victoria Falls can be intense, so bring a raincoat or waterproof gear to keep yourself dry and protect your camera or electronics. I recommend bringing a Ziploc bag for your phone to protect it from the water.
2. Make sure that you use the local currencies
If you are visiting Victoria Falls from Livingstone, you should carry Zambian kwacha with you. This will ensure that you do not get overcharged by vendors or taxi drivers who hope that you do not know the correct conversion rate. In Zimbabwe, however, it is normal to use American dollars. The Zimbabwean dollar is not widely used, and due to extreme inflation, becomes devalued each day.
3. Determine the appropriate visa for your trip
If you plan to cross the border solely to see Victoria Falls and not engage in any other activities or stay overnight, it’s important to know the visa requirements for the specific country you’re entering. I met a few travelers who were annoyed to find out that they overpaid for a certain visa, when the visa that they were required to get was actually cheaper! Click here for more information about the different visas available.
4. Explore the surrounding area
Victoria Falls is not only located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, but also near the borders of Namibia and Botswana! This makes it a great location for visiting national parks, going on a wildlife safari, or participating in activities like bungee jumping or white water rafting.
5. Try some local delicacies while you are there
There are some unique delicacies that you can try on both sides of the border. For those who are looking for something exotic, you can try some kudu stew or crocodile kebabs at Cafe Zambezi in Livingstone. If you want something more traditional, try some mopane worms or kapenta, which are very small, very tasty freshwater fish.
Definitely need to try the microlight when I go!
You won’t regret it! I just did the 15-minute flight. That was what the pilot recommended as well.