Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and reached from the town of Livingstone, is a breathtaking destination famed for one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, thrilling adventures and abundant wildlife. Awe inspiring and adventurous, it captivates every visitor. The best time to visit is June to August, and two to three days let you experience the falls and activities.
Why Visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on earth, a breathtaking waterfall on the mighty Zambezi River, straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Among the largest waterfalls in the world, its immense curtain of falling water, thundering roar and towering spray, which gives it the local name meaning the smoke that thunders, create an awe inspiring sight. Combined with thrilling adventure activities and abundant wildlife, this magnificent wonder makes Victoria Falls an unforgettable, bucket list destination.
The area, reached from the town of Livingstone on the Zambian side or the town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side, offers far more than the falls, with white water rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, wildlife and more. Spectacular, adventurous and thrilling, Victoria Falls delivers unforgettable experiences. Whether you come for the magnificent waterfall, the adrenaline activities, the wildlife or the sheer natural spectacle, Victoria Falls offers an awe inspiring and thoroughly memorable experience in the heart of Africa.
Top Things to Do at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls offers the magnificent waterfall, adventures, river cruises and wildlife.
Marvel at the Falls
Marvelling at Victoria Falls itself is the essential experience, walking the paths and viewpoints along the edge to witness the immense curtain of water thundering into the gorge below, often amid clouds of spray and rainbows. Taking in the breathtaking scale and power of one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, from various viewpoints on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, is unforgettable. The magnificent falls, an awe inspiring spectacle of nature, are the undisputed highlight and the reason the destination is world famous.
Experience the Adventures
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s great adventure capitals, offering a thrilling array of activities, from white water rafting on the wild Zambezi rapids and bungee jumping from the famous bridge to zip lining, gorge swings and more. Experiencing these exhilarating adventures, testing your nerve amid spectacular scenery, is a highlight for thrill seekers. The incredible range of adrenaline activities makes Victoria Falls a paradise for adventure lovers and adds excitement to the natural wonder.
Take a River Cruise
A sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River above the falls is a wonderful and relaxing experience, drifting along the wide river, spotting wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and elephants on the banks, and watching a spectacular African sunset. Enjoying the peaceful beauty of the river, the wildlife and the golden sunset is a delightful contrast to the thundering falls and the adventures. The scenic sunset river cruise captures the serene beauty of the Zambezi and is a lovely highlight of a visit.
See the Wildlife
The area around Victoria Falls is rich in wildlife, with national parks nearby offering safaris and the chance to see elephants, hippos, and abundant animals, along with wildlife often seen along the river and even near the towns. Taking a safari or game drive in the nearby parks, or spotting wildlife on a river cruise, adds a wonderful safari dimension to a visit. The abundant wildlife of the region complements the natural spectacle of the falls and makes the destination even more rewarding.
Food You Must Try at Victoria Falls
The area offers local and African cuisine.
- Grilled meats and local barbecue.
- Sadza, a maize staple.
- Fresh fish from the Zambezi.
- African stews and dishes.
- Local and international fare at the lodges.
The Victoria Falls area offers hearty local cuisine, so be sure to try grilled meats and the maize staple sadza, sample fresh fish from the Zambezi, enjoy traditional African stews, and experience the local and international fare served at the lodges and restaurants.
Nature, Adventure and the Region
The heart of the destination is the magnificent Victoria Falls itself, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on earth, an awe inspiring natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. Set on the mighty Zambezi River amid a dramatic landscape of gorges and spray fed rainforest, the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bucket list sight. This extraordinary natural spectacle is the reason the destination is famous and the centrepiece of any visit.
Beyond the falls, the region offers a wealth of adventure and wildlife, from adrenaline activities on the Zambezi to safaris in the surrounding national parks, all set in beautiful African wilderness. Reached from the towns of Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the area is well set up for visitors. This combination of a magnificent natural wonder, thrilling adventures and abundant wildlife gives the destination its awe inspiring and exhilarating character as one of Africa’s great highlights.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
The Victoria Falls region offers more to explore.
- The nearby national parks and their wildlife.
- The mighty Zambezi River and its islands.
- Both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls.
- Safaris in Botswana and the wider region.
The nearby national parks with their wildlife, the islands and waters of the Zambezi, and both sides of the falls make rewarding excursions, while the region also connects to safaris in Botswana and the wider wonders of southern Africa.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
June to August is generally considered the best time to visit, offering a good balance, with the falls still full and powerful from the rains but the spray not yet at its most overwhelming, and pleasant, dry weather good for wildlife and activities. The water flow is highest around March to May, most dramatic but with heavy spray, while later in the year the flow is lower and some activities like swimming near the edge become possible. For a great overall experience, the months around June to August are ideal.
How to Reach Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is well connected for such a remote wonder, reached via airports on both the Zambian side, near Livingstone, and the Zimbabwean side, at the town of Victoria Falls, with flights from regional hubs like Johannesburg and Nairobi. The two towns, and the two sides of the falls, are linked by the famous bridge across the gorge. Within the compact towns, taxis, transfers and tours help you get around and reach the falls and activities. Getting to Victoria Falls is straightforward via the regional air network.
Where to Stay at Victoria Falls
The area offers a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges and hotels, some with stunning river or falls views, to comfortable mid range options and budget stays, in both Livingstone in Zambia and the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Both sides offer good bases, close to the falls and activities, each with its own character. Choosing a well located stay in either Livingstone or the town of Victoria Falls, according to your preference, helps you make the most of a visit to this spectacular destination.
Planning Your Trip
Victoria Falls rewards two to three days to marvel at the magnificent falls, enjoy the adventures, take a river cruise and experience the wildlife. See the falls from the viewpoints, consider visiting both sides, choose your adventure activities, and enjoy a sunset cruise. Time your visit for a good water level, bring waterproofs for the spray, and check the border arrangements if crossing between the two countries. With its natural spectacle and adventure, Victoria Falls offers an awe inspiring experience.
Practical Travel Tips
- Marvel at the magnificent falls from the viewpoints, bringing waterproofs.
- Consider visiting both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.
- Experience thrilling adventures like rafting or the bungee jump.
- Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
- Time your visit for a good water level, ideally June to August.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Victoria Falls famous for?
Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is famous as one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, an awe inspiring natural wonder on the Zambezi River, along with its thrilling adventure activities and abundant wildlife.
How many days do you need at Victoria Falls?
Two to three days let you marvel at the magnificent falls, enjoy the adventure activities, take a river cruise and experience the wildlife. This allows time to see the falls, perhaps from both sides, and enjoy the range of experiences.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zambia or Zimbabwe?
Both sides offer spectacular views and their own advantages, and many visitors see both, linked by the famous bridge. The Zimbabwean side offers broad panoramic views, while the Zambian side, near Livingstone, allows closer access to parts of the falls.
What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
June to August offers a great balance, with the falls still full and powerful but the spray manageable, and pleasant dry weather. The water flow peaks around March to May, most dramatic but with heavy spray, while it is lower later in the year.
Is Livingstone the same as Victoria Falls?
Livingstone is the town on the Zambian side from which Victoria Falls is reached, while the town of Victoria Falls sits on the Zimbabwean side. Both serve as gateways to the magnificent falls, which straddle the border between the two countries.
Final Thoughts
Victoria Falls is a breathtaking destination where one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on earth, thrilling adventures and abundant wildlife come together in awe inspiring, exhilarating style. Marvel at the immense curtain of thundering water and rising spray, feel the adrenaline of rafting or the famous bridge, drift along the Zambezi at sunset and encounter Africa’s wildlife. Spectacular, adventurous and unforgettable, the smoke that thunders offers a bucket list experience, one of the greatest natural wonders in all of Africa and a highlight of any journey through the continent.