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Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the world’s great natural wonders and an easy two- or three-night add-on to a Southern African safari. The Zimbabwe side has the most viewpoints; the Zambia side offers Devil’s Pool in low-water months. Visit February–July for thundering spray or August–December for clearer views.
Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research
- Best for
- Bucket-list scenery, adventure, safari add-ons
- Best time
- Feb–July (high water); Aug–Dec (clearer views, Devil’s Pool)
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 nights
- Getting there
- Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (VFA), Livingstone (LVI) or Kasane (BBK)
- Pairs well with
- Botswana, South Africa, Hwange
Why visit Victoria Falls?
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders,’ the falls are a curtain of water about a mile wide plunging into a narrow gorge, with spray visible from miles away at peak flow. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Beyond the view, the falls make a superb base: sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi, helicopter flights, white-water rafting and easy access to Chobe National Park in Botswana make this one of the best short stops in Africa.
Should you stay on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls town) faces most of the falls, with a rainforest trail of viewpoints; it is the best side for the classic panorama year-round. The Victoria Falls Hotel, open since 1904, overlooks the gorge and bridge.
Zambia (Livingstone) sits beside the eastern cataract and gives access to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. The Royal Livingstone, within walking distance of the falls, and lodges along the upper Zambezi offer a quieter, more secluded feel.
You can visit both sides on one trip. Crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge involves border formalities, and the KAZA UniVisa has historically simplified this for eligible nationalities; confirm availability and your entry requirements before travel.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
Water levels follow the Zambezi’s rainy season upstream. Flow builds from around February and peaks around April and May, when spray can drench you and obscure the view. June and July offer a balance of strong flow and visibility.
From about August to December the flow drops, and by October and November parts of the Zambian side can be almost dry while Zimbabwe still has water. Low water is the season for Devil’s Pool and the best white-water rafting.
What are the best things to do at Victoria Falls?
Two full days lets you see the falls properly and add one or two signature experiences.
- Walk the rainforest trail on the Zimbabwe side, ideally once in the morning and again in the late afternoon for rainbows.
- Take a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi, where hippos and elephants are often seen.
- Fly over the falls by helicopter, known as the ‘Flight of Angels,’ to grasp the full scale of the gorges.
- Visit Livingstone Island and, in season, swim at the lip of the falls in Devil’s Pool with a licensed guide.
- Raft the Batoka Gorge rapids at low water, or take afternoon tea on the terrace of the Victoria Falls Hotel.
How do you combine Victoria Falls with a safari?
The falls sit at the heart of the KAZA conservation area. Botswana’s Chobe riverfront is roughly 90 minutes away by road, and the Okavango Delta is a short light-aircraft flight via Kasane. Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools, and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, are also within reach. Most travelers spend two or three nights here at the start or end of a safari.
Victoria Falls highlights
Devil’s Pool
Livingstone Island, Zambia · roughly mid-August to mid-January
A natural rock pool at the edge of the falls, open only at low water on licensed guided visits. Seasonal and weather-dependent; book ahead.
Rainforest trail
Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe
A path of viewpoints facing the main falls through spray-fed rainforest; bring a raincoat in high-water months.
Flight of Angels
Helicopter flights
A short helicopter flight reveals the zigzag gorges and the full width of the falls.
Zambezi sunset cruise
Upper Zambezi River
Drinks on deck as the sun drops behind the river islands, with hippos close by.
Chobe day trip
Botswana · about 90 minutes by road
A morning boat safari and afternoon game drive among Chobe’s elephant herds, back in time for dinner.
ExploreAfternoon tea at The Victoria Falls Hotel
Zimbabwe
Classic high tea on the terrace, with views of the bridge and the rising spray.
Explore Victoria Falls
Frequently asked questions
Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zimbabwe or Zambia?
When is Devil’s Pool open?
Do you need a visa for Victoria Falls?
How many days do you need at Victoria Falls?
Is there malaria at Victoria Falls?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.