Victoria Falls, Zambia: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & When to Visit

Victoria Falls, Zambia: The Ultimate Guide to Africa’s Smoke That Thunders

Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders, is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall lies on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the Zambian gateway being the historic town of Livingstone.

The falls are approximately 1.7–2 kilometers wide and drop about 108 meters at their highest point. During the high-water season, enormous volumes of water plunge into the Batoka Gorge, creating the spectacular mist and roar that gave the falls their local name.

Zambia Travel

But Victoria Falls is much more than a waterfall. A visit can combine helicopter flights, walking tours, canoe safaris, wildlife viewing, white-water rafting, Devil’s Pool, bungee jumping, cultural experiences and luxury riverside accommodation.

For travellers planning a Zambia safari, Livingstone is also an excellent place to combine Victoria Falls with Zambia’s national parks.

Best Things to Do at Victoria Falls

There is enough to do around Victoria Falls to fill several days. Your choice of activities will depend on whether you are looking for adventure, wildlife, culture, relaxation, or luxury.

Take a Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls

A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls is one of the best ways to understand the enormous scale of the waterfall.

From the air, you can see the Zambezi River approaching the Falls, the entire curtain of falling water, the Batoka Gorge, and the surrounding landscape.

The aerial perspective is particularly valuable during high water, when spray can make some viewpoints on the ground difficult to see clearly. Helicopter flights are weather-dependent.

Zambia Safari

Best for: couples, photographers, honeymooners, and first-time visitors. Helicopter vs microlight

For an even more adventurous aerial experience, visitors can take a microlight flight. Zambia Tourism describes flights of approximately 15 or 30 minutes departing from Maramba Aerodrome in Livingstone.

Visit Devil’s Pool

Devil’s Pool is perhaps the most famous adventure activity on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. It is a naturally formed rock pool on the edge of the Falls near Livingstone Island. During suitable low-water conditions, visitors can enter the pool with qualified guides and look over the edge of the Falls. This activity is seasonal and water-level dependent. Official tourism information gives the usual operating period as roughly mid-August to mid-January, although actual opening and closing dates depend on river conditions.

Important: Devil’s Pool should only be visited as part of an authorised guided experience when conditions are declared safe. It is not an activity visitors should attempt independently.

Explore Livingstone Island

Livingstone Island sits on the Zambezi River directly at the top of Victoria Falls and provides an extraordinary viewpoint.

The island is accessible by boat and operates seasonally according to river conditions. Depending on the season and package, visitors can combine the island experience with Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Pool, meals or refreshments. Livingstone Island

The island is also historically significant because it is associated with David Livingstone’s 1855 encounter with the Falls.

See Victoria Falls from the ground.

No Victoria Falls itinerary is complete without walking through the rainforest and viewpoints on the Zambian side. Key viewpoints and features include:

• Eastern Cataract
• Knife-Edge Bridge
• Boiling Pot
• Main Falls viewpoints
• Zambezi River
• Victoria Falls Bridge

The Knife-Edge Bridge is particularly spectacular because visitors can experience the spray and see the Falls from a dramatic angle. The path to the Boiling Pot provides a view from deeper within the gorge.

During high water, expect to get wet. A waterproof jacket or raincoat is highly recommended.

Go on a Victoria Falls safari.

One of the great advantages of staying in Livingstone is that you can combine the waterfall with a wildlife safari.

The nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park includes a wildlife section where visitors can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, and other wildlife.

One of its most important attractions is its population of white rhinoceros, which can be tracked on foot with trained guides and wildlife personnel.

This makes a Victoria Falls + safari combination particularly attractive for travellers who want both waterfalls and wildlife without travelling to a distant national park.

Canoeing on the Zambezi River

A Zambezi canoe safari provides a slower and more peaceful alternative to the adrenaline activities around the Falls.

Depending on the route and season, canoeing allows visitors to explore the upper Zambezi, observe birds, and potentially encounter wildlife along the riverbanks.

Canoe safaris are particularly attractive to travellers who enjoy nature, photography, and wildlife rather than extreme adventure. Zambia Tourism lists canoeing and canoe safaris among the activities available around Victoria Falls.

White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi

For serious adventure seekers, the Zambezi white-water rafting experience is one of the region’s major attractions.

The rapids below Victoria Falls include challenging Grade 5 sections. Rafting seasons change according to water levels, with low-water rafting generally offering access to the more intense lower sections of the gorge. Visit Victoria Falls: Rafting is highly seasonal and should always be booked with a reputable operator.

Bungee Jumping From Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Batoka Gorge and provides one of Africa’s most famous bungee-jumping locations.

The commercial bungee jump is approximately 111 meters and gives participants a spectacular view of the gorge and surrounding landscape. Zambia Travel

Because the bridge sits between the two countries, travellers should carry the appropriate travel documents when accessing the bridge area.

Visit Zimbabwe’s Side of Victoria Falls

One of the best ways to make your Victoria Falls holiday more complete is to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The two sides offer different perspectives of the same waterfall.

The Zimbabwean side generally provides extensive viewpoints across the main waterfall system, while the Zambian side offers attractions such as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool during suitable water levels.

A cross-border day trip can therefore add considerable value to a Zambia itinerary.

Travel tip: Border requirements can change, so confirm current visa and entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Feed Vultures at Victoria Falls

A unique wildlife experience available in the Victoria Falls area is vulture feeding.

At Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, visitors can observe vultures being fed as part of a conservation-focused experience. This provides an opportunity to learn about vultures, their ecological importance, and the threats facing these important scavengers.

For wildlife enthusiasts, this is an interesting addition to the traditional waterfall experience.

Visit the David Livingstone Memorial

For travellers interested in history, the David Livingstone Memorial is worth adding to a Livingstone itinerary.

David Livingstone became associated with Victoria Falls after seeing the falls in 1855. Zambia’s official tourism information notes that the memorial site can be accessed through Mansa Road and commemorates the explorer’s connection with the region.

There is also a David Livingstone statue on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, facing the Falls.

Luxury Accommodation at Victoria Falls

For travellers looking for a luxury Zambia safari, Livingstone has several high-end hotels and safari lodges.

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. This is one of the most iconic luxury properties on the Zambian side. Its riverside position provides a strong Victoria Falls experience, with an elegant hotel setting and access to the falls.

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & SpaLocated on the Zambezi River, this luxury safari lodge combines accommodation, river views, spa facilities, and access to Victoria Falls activities.

Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi is another established luxury option on the Zambezi, particularly suited to couples, honeymooners, and travellers looking for a private safari-lodge atmosphere. Livingstone Tourism lists it among the area’s luxury accommodation options.

Royal Chundu

Royal Chundu is an exclusive luxury lodge on the Zambezi and can work particularly well for travellers combining Victoria Falls with a luxury Zambia safari.

Best Mid-Range Accommodation in Livingstone

Livingstone also has comfortable accommodation for travellers who want good facilities without the price of a luxury safari lodge.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Avani Victoria Falls ResortA convenient full-service option close to the Falls, suitable for families, couples and travellers who want a comfortable base for activities.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers Guest House. Fawlty Towers offers a mix of private rooms and dormitory accommodation, making it useful for travellers with different budgets. It also has an activities office and can arrange local excursions. Livingstone Tourism

Victoria Falls Waterfront

Victoria Falls Waterfront. Located on the Zambezi upstream from the Falls, the Waterfront offers a relaxed riverside setting and is useful for travellers interested in combining accommodation with river-based activities.

Best Budget Accommodation Near Victoria Falls

Travelling on a smaller budget does not mean missing out on Victoria Falls.

Jollyboys Backpackers

Jollyboys Backpackers is a well-known backpacker-style option in Livingstone, suitable for independent travellers and younger adventure travellers.

Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia

Victoria Falls Backpackers ZambiaAnother budget-oriented option for travellers who want to spend more of their budget on activities and less on accommodation.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers Guest House: Fawlty Towers is particularly versatile because it offers both private rooms and dormitory accommodation. Its current tourism listing also notes airport transfers and Victoria Falls shuttle services. Livingstone Tourism

Livingstone officially offers accommodation ranging from luxury hotels and riverside lodges to guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, camping, and backpacker hostels. Zambia Tourism

How to Get to Victoria Falls, Zambia

The main gateway for the Zambian side is Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone.

The airport serves Livingstone and Victoria Falls tourism and has domestic connections within Zambia. Zambia’s tourism authority identifies Livingstone as one of the country’s principal international tourism gateways.

Flying to Livingstone

Travellers can connect through major regional hubs and then fly to Livingstone. Depending on the current airline schedule, connections can include the following:

• Lusaka
• Johannesburg
• Addis Ababa
• Nairobi
• Other regional gateways

Because airline schedules change, travellers should check current flight schedules when booking.

Flying to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Another option is to fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) on the Zimbabwean side and then cross the border into Zambia.

This can be particularly convenient for travellers who want to spend time on both sides of Victoria Falls.

By Road

Livingstone is connected by road to other parts of Zambia and neighbouring countries. Travellers can also arrange private transfers from the Zimbabwean side or other regional destinations.

For a safari itinerary, private road transfers are often useful because they allow the operator to coordinate airport pickup, accommodation, border crossing, and activities.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?

There isn’t one single “best” month for everyone. The best time depends on whether you want to see maximum water volume, have clear views, swim in Devil’s Pool, go rafting, or combine Victoria Falls with wildlife viewing.

February to May: High-Water Victoria Falls

This is when the Zambezi reaches its strongest flow following the rainy season. The Falls become extraordinarily powerful, with enormous volumes of water and spectacular clouds of spray. Zambia Tourism identifies approximately March to June as the prime flood period.

Experiencing the Falls at full force

The downside is that the spray can become so heavy that some viewpoints are obscured.

June to July: Excellent Balance

For many travellers, June and July provide an excellent compromise.

There is still substantial water in the falls, but visibility can be better than during the peak flood period. The weather is also generally pleasant.

This period is particularly attractive for a first-time visitor who wants to combine Victoria Falls with a Zambia safari.

August to October: Adventure Season

As water levels fall, activities such as Devil’s Pool become possible when conditions are declared safe.

The Falls may look less powerful from some viewpoints, but the lower water level reveals more of the rock formations and gorge.

This is also an excellent period for combining Victoria Falls with a traditional wildlife safari because the dry season generally improves wildlife visibility.

Zambia Tourism identifies the lower-water period as the time when activities such as Devil’s Pool and rafting become possible, subject to actual river conditions.

• Devil’s Pool
• White-water rafting
• Clearer viewpoints
• Wildlife safaris
• Adventure activities
• November to January: Low-Water and Green Season

Water levels can become very low on the Zambian side, particularly toward the end of the dry season.

This period can offer excellent conditions for some activities, although the exact appearance of the falls varies considerably by year and section of the waterfall.

Devil’s Pool may remain available into January depending on water levels.

Victoria Falls: Which Month Should You Choose?

• Maximum waterfall power: March–May
• Best balance of water & visibility: June–July
• Devil’s Pool: Usually Aug–Jan, water-level dependent
• White-water rafting: Seasonal; commonly best in low-water periods
• Wildlife safari: May–October
• Birdwatching: Wet/green season
• Photography: February, June–July
• Cooler safari weather May–August
• Adventure activities: August–October

The Livingstone Tourism Association recommends experiencing the Falls in both high-water and low-water seasons if possible because the character of the waterfall changes dramatically.

How Many Days Do You Need at Victoria Falls?

For a first-time visitor, 3 nights / 4 days is a good minimum.

Suggested 4-Day Victoria Falls Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Livingstone

Day 2 – Victoria Falls

Day 3 – Adventure & Wildlife

Day 4 – Zimbabwe or Departure

Choose the Zambia side for:

• Livingstone Island
• Devil’s Pool
• Zambian safari experiences
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• White-rhino tracking
• Luxury Zambezi lodges
• Easy combination with a Zambia safari

Choose the Zimbabwe side for:

Extensive Falls viewpoints

Victoria Falls town

Additional waterfall perspectives

Zambezi National Park

Vulture-feeding experience

A different perspective of the same natural wonder

The two sides complement one another rather than compete.

Why Add Victoria Falls to a Zambia Safari?

Victoria Falls works exceptionally well as the beginning or end of a Zambia safari holiday. A classic itinerary could combine:

• Waterfalls
• Walking safaris
• Big-game viewing
• Luxury safari lodges
• Zambezi River experiences
• Adventure activities
• Cultural experiences

For travellers flying into Zambia, Livingstone can also serve as a convenient gateway for a southern Zambia itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Victoria Falls Is More Than a Waterfall

Victoria Falls is one of those destinations where one attraction becomes an entire travel experience.

You can begin the morning walking through the mist of Mosi-oa-Tunya, fly over the Falls by helicopter, track white rhinos in a nearby national park, canoe along the Zambezi, swim in Devil’s Pool when conditions permit, cross into Zimbabwe, watch vultures being fed, and finish the day with a sunset cruise.

Whether you are planning a luxury Zambia safari, honeymoon, family holiday, adventure trip, or African safari, Victoria Falls and Livingstone offer an exceptional combination of nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure.

For the ultimate experience, plan at least three nights in Livingstone and combine Victoria Falls with Afoyo African Safaris.