🇿🇼Zimbabwe / Zambia·Africa
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders — the world's greatest waterfall and ultimate African adventure
dest.flightsFrom
£649
dest.hotelsFrom
£120/per night
dest.budgetPerDay
£180
dest.avgTemp
26°C
dest.bestTime
July to September (peak flow and dry season)
dest.safety
7.5/10
dest.about Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World — and standing at the edge of the gorge as 500 million litres of water per minute thunder into the abyss below is an experience that defies description. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke That Thunders', the falls straddle the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and are almost twice the height of Niagara. Beyond the falls, the Zambezi River offers world-class white-water rafting, sunset cruises with elephants on the bank, and some of Africa's finest safari lodges just a short drive away.
dest.topHighlights
The Falls Themselves
1,708 metres wide and 108 metres tall — the largest curtain of falling water on earth. The spray creates a permanent rainbow visible from 50km away
Devil's Pool
Swim in a natural infinity pool on the very lip of the falls — one of the world's most thrilling natural swimming holes, accessible July to January
Zambezi White-Water Rafting
Grade 5 rapids through the Batoka Gorge — consistently rated one of the world's top white-water rafting experiences
Sunset Zambezi Cruise
Watch hippos, crocodiles, and elephants from a sundowner cruise as the African sun melts into the river — pure magic
Chobe National Park Safari
A 90-minute drive to Botswana's Chobe — home to the world's largest elephant population and extraordinary big-five game viewing
Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee
Bungee jump 111 metres from the historic 1905 bridge directly above the gorge — one of the most dramatic bungee locations on the planet
Victoria Falls dest.inPhotos
Victoria Falls — the world's largest curtain of falling water
The spray and rainbow that give the falls their legendary mystique
Elephants on the Zambezi at golden hour
Victoria Falls Bridge — bungee jump above the gorge
dest.thingsToDo Victoria Falls
- Stand at the Main Falls viewpoint and feel the spray on your face
- Swim in Devil's Pool on the lip of the falls (Jul–Jan)
- White-water raft Grade 5 rapids through the Batoka Gorge
- Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi with hippos and elephants
- Day trip to Chobe National Park for big-five game viewing
- Bungee jump 111m from Victoria Falls Bridge
- Microlight flight over the falls at sunrise
- Walk the rainforest trail through the mist on the Zambian side
dest.weather Victoria Falls
dest.bestMonthsToVisit July to September (peak flow and dry season)
5-dest.day Victoria Falls dest.itinerary
Arrive Victoria Falls
- ·Fly via Johannesburg
- ·Check in to lodge
- ·Sunset Zambezi cruise
- ·Dinner at The Boma
The Falls
- ·Main Falls viewpoint at sunrise
- ·Rainforest trail (Zimbabwe side)
- ·Cross to Zambia — Zambian viewpoints
- ·Devil's Pool swim (seasonal)
Adventure Day
- ·White-water rafting Grade 5 Batoka Gorge
- ·Victoria Falls Bridge bungee or zip line
- ·Lookout Café lunch with gorge views
- ·Microlight flight at sunset
Chobe Safari
- ·Early morning drive to Chobe National Park (90 min)
- ·Morning game drive — elephants, lions, leopards
- ·Chobe River boat safari
- ·Return to Victoria Falls
Departure
- ·Final Zambezi walk
- ·Curio market for souvenirs
- ·Transfer to VFA airport
- ·Fly home via Johannesburg
dest.whereToEat Victoria Falls
The Boma — Dinner & Drum Show
African Buffet & Cultural Show · Victoria Falls Town · $$$
Lookout Café
International with Gorge Views · Above the Gorge, Zimbabwe · $$
Jungle Junction
Casual African & International · Victoria Falls Town · $
The Old Drift Lodge Restaurant
Fine Dining, Bush Setting · Zambezi National Park · $$$$
dest.practicalInformation
dest.visaRequirements
Most nationalities including UK, EU, US, Australian, and Canadian citizens can obtain a KAZA Univisa on arrival for USD $50, covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia — ideal for crossing the border. Single-entry Zimbabwe visas are USD $30. Check current requirements at your government's travel advisory before booking.
dest.gettingAround
Victoria Falls town is small and walkable. Taxis and transfers are readily available for the short trip to the falls (10 min). Day trips to Chobe (Botswana) and Livingstone (Zambia) are easily arranged through your hotel. The nearest airport is Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), served by direct flights from Johannesburg (1h) and connections from London via Joburg.
dest.currency
USD (widely accepted in Zimbabwe)
dest.timezoneLanguage
GMT+2 · English, Shona, Ndebele
dest.frequentlyAskedQuestions
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
July to September is peak season — the dry season means the gorge is accessible, wildlife is concentrated at waterholes, and the weather is perfect. The falls are at maximum flow February to May (spectacular but misty). June to August offers the best balance of flow and visibility.
Zimbabwe or Zambia side — which is better?
Zimbabwe gives you the best panoramic views of the full width of the falls. Zambia gives you closer access to the spray and Devil's Pool (in season). Most visitors do both — the KAZA Univisa covers both countries for USD $50.
Is Victoria Falls worth the long flight from Europe?
Absolutely. Victoria Falls is one of those rare places that exceeds every expectation. Combine it with a Chobe safari and a few nights in Cape Town and you have one of the greatest trips on earth. Most visitors say it's the best holiday they've ever taken.