The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Victoria Falls

For the most impressive views, the best time to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe is February–July, when the water level is highest. Larger quantities of water mean more dramatic vistas, so if your main goal is to see the falls in all their glory, consider travelling during this half of the year. The water level usually reaches its peak around March–May.

If you want to combine your trip to Victoria Falls with a safari, the best time to visit Zimbabwe is May or June. This is also the best time to visit Zambia if you’re hoping for fantastic views of the falls and ideal safari conditions, as it’s the beginning of the dry season throughout the country.

That said, some activities are only possible from August to January, when the water level is low and currents aren’t as strong. For example, if you want to go rafting on the Zambezi River or swim in Devil’s Pool, you’ll need to visit during this half of the year. Just keep in mind that when the river is at its lowest, the Zambian side of the falls can be almost completely dry in places.

There are a few different ways to get to Victoria Falls, whether you’re flying directly to Zimbabwe or Zambia or coming from a nearby country. We often recommend including a trip to the falls as part of a longer trip. For instance, if you’re visiting South Africa, you can easily catch a flight from Johannesburg and arrive at the falls in less than two hours.

You can also reach Victoria Falls from Botswana, either by car or by light aircraft. Chobe National Park – known for its large population of elephants – is just over an hour’s drive away. And if you head north from Hwange, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, you can reach the falls in less than two hours as well.

When deciding how to get to Victoria Falls, remember that your destination will be either Livingstone, Zambia or the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The site is also often referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya: its original name, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ in local Indigenous languages. The name ‘Victoria Falls’ was bestowed upon it in 1855 by Scottish explorer David Livingstone as a tribute to Queen Victoria.

There are plenty of things to do in Victoria Falls, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or serene sightseeing. The most obvious activity is simply seeing the falls – either from afar to get a full grasp of their majesty, or up close to feel their immense power. The Zimbabwean side generally has better panoramic views, while the Zambian side is great for up-close encounters.

For the classic experience, check out the Devil’s Cataract (visible from the Zimbabwean side). You can also explore the town of Victoria Falls, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Thrill seekers should head to the Zambian side for an exhilarating walk along the Knife Edge Bridge and access to the heart-racing heights – and prime photo ops – of Devil’s Pool.

Other exciting activities include rafting, bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge, river cruises, boat trips to Livingstone Island and even ziplining over the Zambezi River. If you’re trying to decide between visiting Iguassu or Victoria Falls, one thing to consider is which of these activities you’re most interested in (and what else you’d like to do on your trip).

The first thing to think about when visiting Victoria Falls is which country you want to be based in. As mentioned above, both sides of the falls have their perks; it will mainly depend on what activities you’re interested in and what time of year you’re visiting. You can also cross the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia during your visit, as long as you have the right documentation. 

Make sure you set aside enough time to fully enjoy the falls and their surroundings. There are several viewpoints on both sides of the river, and you’ll also need time for excursions and activities. For example, visiting Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool takes several hours. We usually recommend spending at least two days, if not longer, at Victoria Falls.

Finally, there’s the question of accommodation. Some of the best hotels near Victoria Falls are within walking distance of the main attraction, while others are set a few kilometres away for a more secluded experience. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe if you’re travelling with children, while Zambia’s Royal Livingstone Hotel is an absolute icon of luxury just steps away from the rushing cascades.