The local name for Victoria Falls, Mosi oa Tunya, means the smoke that thunders, and standing before it you understand why. The Zambezi River, a kilometre and a half wide, throws itself over a cliff into a narrow gorge, sending up a column of spray that can be seen from miles away. It is one of the great natural wonders of the world, and it is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia, each of which offers a different perspective and a different kind of stay.
Victoria Falls is far more than a single viewpoint. It is a destination for adventure, for romance and for a few quiet days of Zambezi sunsets between safaris. It is also wonderfully easy to combine with game viewing in Chobe in Botswana, Hwange in Zimbabwe or the Zambezi valley, which makes it a natural addition to a southern African itinerary.
Experiences and activities
On the Zimbabwe side, a walk along the rim of the gorge brings you face to face with the main falls from a series of viewpoints, and the town of Victoria Falls offers a lively mix of restaurants, markets and old world hotels. On the Zambia side, you can stand close to the Knife Edge Bridge, and from Livingstone Island, in the right season, you can swim at the very edge of the falls in the natural pool known as Devil's Pool, a thrill that is only possible when the river is low.
A helicopter flight over the falls is the most spectacular way to appreciate their scale, with the gorge, the mist and the winding river laid out beneath you. A sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi, with elephants and hippos on the banks, is a gentle and very beautiful contrast. For those who want adventure, white water rafting, bungee jumping from the historic bridge, gorge swings and zip lines are available, and for those who prefer a slower pace, high tea at the colonial era Victoria Falls Hotel is a classic. Wildlife lovers can also take a day trip into Chobe National Park, known for its huge elephant herds, or stay at a private reserve such as Matetsi for walking and night drives.
Best time to visit
The falls change dramatically through the year. From about February to May the Zambezi is in flood and the falls are at their most thunderous, though the spray can be so heavy that views from the Zimbabwe side are partly obscured. From about June to August the flow is still strong, the weather is cool and clear, and views are excellent. From roughly September to December the water level drops, revealing more of the cliff face and making Devil's Pool possible on the Zambia side, though the falls are less voluminous. We help you decide what matters most to you, whether it is raw power, clear photographs or the chance to swim at the edge.
Getting there and around
Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Airport in Zambia both receive flights, most commonly from Johannesburg, with connections from Australia typically through Johannesburg.
By road. The two sides are connected by the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, and transfers between towns are short. Chobe National Park is roughly an hour and a half by road from Victoria Falls town, and a border crossing is involved, so we arrange the process in advance.
By charter and scheduled light aircraft. Helicopter flights over the falls are the best known aerial experience, and light aircraft charters connect the area with Hwange, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi valley. If you are combining Victoria Falls with a safari, we will advise on the smoothest routing.
Luxury lodges and camps
On the Zimbabwe side, The Victoria Falls Hotel is a grand, historic property with views of the bridge and the spray rising beyond the lawns, while Matetsi Victoria Falls offers a private reserve setting with a more intimate safari feel. On the Zambia side, The Royal Livingstone by Anantara sits on the banks of the Zambezi within walking distance of the falls, with zebra and giraffe wandering the lawns, and Tongabezi offers private riverside cottages and houses upstream, ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion.
