Why you should visit...
Victoria Falls
Peak Time
Feb - May
Best Time To Go
Year-round
Famous For
Waterfalls
Price Per Person Sharing
$500 - $2,500
Home Of
The Smoke of Thunders
Safaris that include Victoria Falls
Africa’s Ultimate Natural Wonder
Victoria Falls
Capturing Africa’s Majestic Waterfall and Surroundings
Get to Know Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a hub of adventure and culture. As a tourist, you can explore the lively Victoria Falls Town, which offers vibrant local markets, restaurants, and cultural experiences like traditional dance performances. The Victoria Falls Bridge, an engineering marvel, connects Zimbabwe and Zambia and is famous for its bungee jumping. Don’t miss the Livingstone Museum in Zambia, which delves into the history and exploration of the region. Whether you’re after adrenaline or a deeper understanding of the local culture, Victoria Falls offers something for every visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Victoria Falls!
Where is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls are part of the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. The town of Victoria Falls is on the Zimbabwean side, while Livingstone is on the Zambian side. Both offer access to the falls, with unique viewpoints and attractions on each side. Visitors can use the Victoria Falls map to navigate and explore both countries.
How to get to Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is accessible by air, road, and train. The Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia offer international flights from major cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation. Overland, you can drive or take a bus from nearby towns like Livingstone or Bulawayo. Train services, including luxury options, also connect tourists to Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, offering multiple entry points for visitors.
How expensive is a safari holiday to Victoria Falls?
The cost of a safari holiday to Victoria Falls, excluding flights, typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 per person for a 3-5 day trip. Budget options, including basic accommodations and a few activities, can cost around $1,000-$1,500. Mid-range packages with more comfortable lodges, guided game drives, and activities like helicopter tours or cultural tours range from $1,500-$2,500. Luxury safari holidays, which include stays at exclusive lodges like Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and premium activities, can cost $2,500-$3,500 or more.
Do I need a visa to visit Victoria Falls?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and whether you’re entering from Zimbabwe or Zambia. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for both countries. There is also the KAZA Univisa, which allows entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days. It’s important to check current visa regulations before your trip, as they can change. Make sure to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity, and you may also need to pay visa fees upon arrival.
What are the Victoria Falls safari and activity highlights?
Victoria Falls offers a variety of activities, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to wildlife safaris. Popular activities include bungee jumping, ziplining, and white-water rafting for thrill-seekers. For a more relaxed experience, you can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, embark on game drives to spot local wildlife, or visit the Livingstone Museum for a cultural experience. Helicopter or microlight flights provide stunning aerial views of the falls, while cultural tours offer insight into the local communities and traditions.
What is the history of Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), has been revered by local tribes for centuries. The falls were first introduced to the western world in 1855 by Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who named them after Queen Victoria. Since then, they’ve become a major tourist destination and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. The area has a rich cultural history, with surrounding communities maintaining their traditions while also benefiting from sustainable tourism initiatives.
High water vs low water – Why is this important?
High-water season (February to July) offers the most dramatic views of Victoria Falls, as the Zambezi River is at its fullest. The falls create a powerful mist, which can obscure visibility but enhances the sensory experience. Low-water season (August to January) reveals more rock formations and is ideal for adventure activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool or white-water rafting. Each season offers a unique way to experience the falls, depending on whether you’re seeking breathtaking views or adrenaline-fueled activities.
What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on your preferences. For those seeking the most impressive views of the falls, the high-water season from February to July is ideal, as the Zambezi River is at its fullest. For adventure seekers interested in activities like white-water rafting and Devil’s Pool, the low-water season from August to January is best, when water levels are lower, making these activities safer. The peak safari season from June to October also offers excellent wildlife viewing in the surrounding national parks.
What is the height and width of Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, standing at 355 feet (108 meters) high and stretching across 5,604 feet (1,708 meters), making it the largest curtain of falling water on earth. Its immense scale creates a mist that can be seen from miles away during the high-water season. The falls are twice as high as Niagara Falls and form part of the spectacular Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
