About Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of Africa, a magical place that lies on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The mighty falls is known in local legend as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In high season, the spray of the thundering waters can be seen for miles, a graceful mist hovering over the sheer basalt gorges. Sir David Livingstone is fondly quoted describing the enchanting cascading curtains as “”scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight ”.

Victoria Falls from the air

Victoria Falls Hotel Rainbow Spray

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Watering Hole

The mighty Zambezi River runs through the bordering towns of Livingstone, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The riverside towns are teaming with wildlife, and Victoria Falls offers Safari seekers incredible Big 5 and other wildlife encounter opportunities. Visitors to the falls can easily experience the view and activities from both sides, just a short taxi ride and border crossing away. It costs around US$20 to get from one side to the other by taxi, less any visa charge applicable. You will find taxi’s offering border transfers until around 8pm. The area of Victoria Falls is a relaxed tourist haven with activities and excursions to suit all tastes. The Victoria Falls area has earned its place as one of the top destinations to experience in Southern Africa. The falls itself boasts an impressive 1700 meters in length, with a drop of over 100 meters. A National Parks and World Heritage Site, the area is protected and conserved for future generations.

A true African Safari Experience, there are plenty of wildlife encounters to enjoy in the area. Here are our top 5 Victoria Falls wildlife experiences:

1. Walking with Lions: A conservation research site, visitors to the area may enjoy the unique experience of exploring the African bush, on foot, with adolescent lions!
2. Elephant Back Trails: Enjoy game viewing in the stunning reserves from a unique viewpoint – the back of an African elephant!
3. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Overlooking a spectacular watering hole, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers hide sits, guided walks, and nature trails within the wildlife reserve.
4. Chobe National Park: Roughly 2 hours from Victoria Falls, this is a spectacular game viewing experience on the world-renowned Chobe Delta.
5. Hwange National Park: 4 hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, it is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and offers large concentrations of animal and birdlife.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Sunset

Victoria Falls Main Falls

Falls at Sunset

Where to stay?

A top African Tourist Destination, Victoria Falls is boasting some of the finest Hotels in the Southern Hemisphere. Our top 4 luxury stays in the charming Victoria Falls include:

1. The Royal Livingstone Hotel and Spa
2. The Stanley and Livingstone
3. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
4. Victoria Falls Hotel

Where to eat?

Victoria Falls offers some unforgettable dining experiences. Here are our top 3 restaurants to enjoy:

1. Livingstone Room at Victoria Falls Hotel – Experience gourmet cuisine, old world charm, and silver service.
2. Palm restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel – A Contemporary dining experience in a relaxed and romantic setting.
3. The Rainforest Café – Set in the heart of the Victoria Falls Rain forest, with the thundering falls a backdrop.

What to see and do?

Well known as the adrenaline capital of Africa, Victoria Falls offers a huge variety of adventure experiences to enjoy. Here are our top 5 adrenaline pumping activities:

1. Bungi jump off the 111 meter bridge
2. Gorge swinging
3. Zip lines over the falls
4. White water rafting on the biggest commercial rapids in the world
5. Swim on the edge of the falls in Devils Pool

For the more sedate traveller, there are a number of relaxing excursions to try. Here are our top 8 recommendations:

1. Zambezi River Cruise
2. Rainforest Walks
3. Safari’s
4. Lunar Rainbow at the Falls
5. Elephant Interactions
6. Fishing
7. Golf at Elephant Hills Hotel
8. The Boma – Experience Traditional African Cuisine

River Lodge Activities

Zambezi Cruise

Rovos Rail

Is it safe?

Victoria Falls is a small but bustling tourist area, a popular destination for visitors from around the world. A friendly and happy atmosphere, there is little crime to report by tourists other than petty incidents of theft. Like any other destination visitors should always remain vigilant and careful with their belongings, particularly around any resident baboons!

What vaccinations will I need?

Victoria Falls is a Malaria zone, and travelers should come equipped with prophylactics for their stay. Currently, Zambia is flagged with a yellow fever warning, and travelers to this side of the falls must ensure they have the vaccination certificate on hand. Other than those main concerns, make sure the standard ones are covered with your GP.

What should I bring?

Apart from the usual packing essentials, here are our top 5 must haves when travelling to Victoria Falls:

1. Bug Spray
2. Binoculars
3. Waterproof bags for water activities
4. Portable torch
5. Mud-resistant shoes

When is the best time to go?

Victoria Falls is hot and wet in summer, cool and dry in the winter. From May to August the landscape is dry and bare, and the falls recede to their lowest. This is a good time of year for game viewing, because the bush veld is sparse with little cover for the wildlife. The summer months of September to April see heavy tropical rains, hot and humid temperatures, with lush green vegetation sprouting. The falls will reach their highest point in the summer months.

Victoria Falls is a year round attraction, with experiences to enjoy throughout the seasons. Popular with romantics, safari seekers, and adrenaline junkies, this enchanting destination captures the spirit of Africa at its finest.

Greatest Africa’s 10 night Luxury Southern Africa Tour starts in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town and ends in the Town of Victoria Falls. If you are travelling via the Cape, Greatest Africa offers private wine tours in the exquisite Cape Region, guided by boutique wine producer Richard Hilton, of Richard Hilton Vineyards.

Spray of the Falls