Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders", is one of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls mark the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River drops into a series of deep basalt gorges.
Victoria Falls is not the tallest waterfall on earth, but at about 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres high, it forms the largest single curtain of falling water on the planet. At the peak of the rainy season, around 500 million litres of water pour over the edge every minute, sending clouds of spray and rainbows high into the sky.
The Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first European to see the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria. Today they are one of the top bucket-list sights in Africa, and an easy add-on to a gorilla safari in Uganda.
Victoria Falls at a Glance
| Location | Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River |
| Size | About 1,708 m wide and up to 108 m high |
| Gateway towns | Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) |
| Best time | February to May for full falls, August to December for Devil's Pool and rafting |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 3 nights |
| Combine with | Chobe National Park, a Zambia safari or gorilla trekking in Uganda |
Where Is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls lies on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Zimbabwe sits to the west and south, and Zambia to the east and north. You can visit from Livingstone in Zambia or from Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe, and both towns have international airports.
The falls are also close to other great safari areas. Chobe National Park in Botswana is a short road transfer away, and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is about two hours by road.
Zambia or Zimbabwe: Which Side of Victoria Falls Is Better?
Both sides offer superb views, and the best choice depends on what you want from your visit. Many travellers see both, crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge on a day trip with their passport and the right visa.
The Zimbabwe Side
Most of the falls' viewpoints face the Zimbabwe side, so this is where you get the widest panoramic views. Paths through the rainforest in Victoria Falls National Park lead to gorge-edge lookouts facing the Main Falls.
The Zambia Side
The Zambia side gets you closer to the water. In high water season you can cross the Knife-Edge Bridge through the spray, and in low water season you can walk down to the Boiling Pot below the falls. Zambia is also the only side for Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
- February to May (high water): the falls are at their most powerful, with huge spray clouds. Views can be partly hidden by mist, and you will get soaked.
- June to August: a good balance of strong flow and clearer views, with pleasant, dry weather.
- September to December (low water): less water on the Zambia side, but the best time for Devil's Pool, white-water rafting and clear photos of the rock face.
Top Things to Do at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is often called the adventure capital of Africa. Here are the experiences our guests enjoy most.
1. Guided Walk Along the Falls
A guided walk is the best way to start. Your guide leads you through the rainforest to the main viewpoints, explaining the history, geology and wildlife of the falls. Morning and late afternoon give the best light and rainbows.
2. Swim in Devil's Pool
From the Zambia side, guided trips go to Livingstone Island, where Livingstone first viewed the falls. In the low water season, roughly August to January, you can swim in Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool right on the edge of the falls. A rock lip holds swimmers back, but always follow your guide's instructions, as access depends on water levels.
3. Zambezi Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi is a relaxed way to end the day. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the riverbank and birds such as the African fish eagle, with drinks and snacks on board.
4. Helicopter Flight of Angels
A short helicopter flight over the falls, known as the Flight of Angels, shows you the full size of the gorges and the Zambezi winding through them. It takes its name from Livingstone's famous description of the falls.
5. White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
The rapids below the falls are among the most famous one-day rafting trips in the world, with some Grade 5 sections. The best rafting is usually in the low water months, from about August to December, and trips may stop when the river is too high.
6. Bungee Jump, Zipline and Gorge Swing
For thrill-seekers, the Victoria Falls Bridge offers a 111-metre bungee jump over the Zambezi. Nearby, you can fly across the gorge on a zipline or take the gorge swing, with a free fall before the swing begins.
7. Microlight Flight
A microlight flight is a more open-air alternative to the helicopter, giving you wide views over the falls and gorges from a small two-seater aircraft.
8. Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi
Calmer stretches above the falls are perfect for a guided canoe or kayak trip, gliding past islands and riverbank wildlife at an easy pace.
9. Day Trip to Chobe National Park
Botswana's Chobe National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds and boat safaris on the Chobe River. Day trips run from both Livingstone and Victoria Falls Town. Remember to bring your passport for the border.
10. Game Drives Near the Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe offer game drives close to the falls, with chances of seeing elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and white rhinos on the Zambia side. Learn more about the African Big 5 animals.
11. Sunset Steam Train
A vintage steam train runs from Victoria Falls Town onto the Victoria Falls Bridge at sunset, with drinks and dinner served on board. It is a memorable, old-style way to see the gorge.
12. High Tea and Local Food
The Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe is famous for afternoon tea on its terrace, with views of the bridge. For local flavours, look for restaurants serving Zambian and Zimbabwean dishes and live cultural performances.
13. Cycling and Curio Shopping
Guided bike tours follow the Batoka Gorge and pass a giant baobab tree, while local markets sell wood carvings, stone sculptures, baskets and textiles made by local artisans.
How Long Should You Stay at Victoria Falls?
Two to three nights is ideal. That gives you time to see the falls from both sides, enjoy one or two activities such as a sunset cruise or Devil's Pool, and take a day trip to Chobe.
Plan Your Victoria Falls Trip With Tulambule
We arrange Victoria Falls trips from the Zambia side, often as part of a wider Zambia safari or a multi-country holiday. Popular combinations include:
- Victoria Falls with a Chobe day trip
- Victoria Falls with a safari in South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda followed by Victoria Falls
Pairing the falls with a Uganda gorilla safari is a favourite. You meet the mountain gorillas of Bwindi first, where a gorilla permit costs US$800, then fly south to relax at the falls. Travellers from Uganda can see our holidays from Uganda and multi-destination holidays.
Visa rules for Zambia and Zimbabwe change from time to time, so we confirm the latest requirements for your passport when you book. For more on Zambia, visit Zambia Tourism.
FAQs About Victoria Falls
Which country is Victoria Falls in?
Victoria Falls lies on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can visit from Livingstone in Zambia or from Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe.
Is Victoria Falls the biggest waterfall in the world?
It is the largest single sheet of falling water in the world, at about 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres high. Angel Falls in Venezuela is taller, but much narrower.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
February to May shows the falls at full power. August to December is best for Devil's Pool, rafting and clearer views of the rock face.
Can you swim at Victoria Falls?
Yes. In the low water season, roughly August to January, guided trips from the Zambia side take visitors to swim in Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island.
Can I combine Victoria Falls with a Uganda safari?
Yes. Many travellers do gorilla trekking in Uganda first, then fly to Livingstone for the falls. We can plan the whole trip, including flights, permits and hotels.
