Victoria Falls

One of the seven wonders of the world and referred to by locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke that Thunders), Victoria Falls is certainly a sight to behold. Add the warm and welcoming smiles, the bright African sunshine, the wilderness and wildlife and you'll certainly fall in love with Zambia and Zimbabwe.

As jaw-dropping today as it was to David Livingstone in 1855,  Victoria Falls straddles the borders of both Zambia and Zimbabwe and is, without doubt, a true blockbuster. Wider than Niagara and higher than Iguazu, Victoria Falls is the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.

The lion’s share of the falls are in Zimbabwe and it’s here that you’ll get the best idea of their sheer scale. Numerous vantage points run along the gorge inside Victoria Falls National Park including Devil’s Cataract, Danger Point and the show-stopping Main Falls. On the Zambian side, lookout points in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park provide alternative perspectives. Cross the exhilarating Knife-Edge Bridge, watch the water thunder over the edge at Eastern Cataract or, follow the path to the river’s edge for a glimpse of Boiling Pot, a massive whirlpool.

Book a helicopter flight and take to the sky for a bird’s eye view over the falls; or enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River watching for crocodiles, elephants and hippos wallowing in pools and lying on the river banks.

For a greater wildlife fix, consider spending a few days at Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Its rich variety of habitats provide fantastic game viewing opportunities.


Why visit Victoria Falls?
  • Stunning natural spectacle
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Thrilling wildlife & game experiences
  • Adventure capital of Africa
Essential facts about Victoria Falls
Local Time

GMT + 2 hours

Currency

Zimbabwe Dollar; Zambian Kwacha.

Travel information

Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe or Livingstone airport in Zambia are around 1.45 hours flying time from Johannesburg.

Best time to go

Your decision on which side of the falls you will stay will probably be dictated by the time of year you choose to travel, as the water flow varies according to the time of year. Generally, if you visit from mid January to May the Zambian side is preferable, but as the waters diminish from June to early January, the thundering waters are best see Hwange can be visited all year round.

Departure tax

Approximately USD25 payable locally.

Victoria Falls National Park entrance fee

There is a fee to enter the national parks on either side of the Zimbabwe/Zambia border in order to gain access to the Victoria Falls viewing platform. Currently the charges are USD35pp on the Zimbabwe side and USD25pp on the Zambian side.

Unmissable Experiences in Victoria Falls
Boma Dinner & Drum show with transfers excursion
Boma Dinner & Drum show with transfers

A dining and entertainment experience from Zimbabwe with traditional African food including starters, a barbecue buffet and enticing desserts. As you dine enjoy outstanding performances by singers and dancers and an energising interactive drumming show.

From £59

Flight of Angels excursion
Flight of Angels

On this 12-15 minute helicopter ride, available from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, your flight path takes you over the seemingly tranquil Zambezi River and gives a unique perspective of the Falls.

From £135

Bushtracks Express Steam Train Dinner Run excursion
Bushtracks Express Steam Train Dinner Run

An evening trip from Zambia aboard a classic steam train with fine dining. Travel through Dambwa Township and on up the Mulobezi Line, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River. As the sun sets travel through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Game Park watching for wildlife before returning to Livingstone. Also available on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. Please ask for details.

From £225 (including dinner)

Sunset Cruise excursion
Sunset Cruise

Sit back with a sundowner during a tranquil wildlife cruise along the Zambezi River above the Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Watch as animals such as hippo and crocodiles visit the water’s edge.

From £65 (including snacks)

Ra-ikane River Cruise excursion
Ra-ikane River Cruise

A two hour evening river cruise from Zimbabwe aboard the Ra-ikane, a small luxury cruise boat, named in tribute to one of the guides who led David Livingstone to Victoria Falls. Period decor, historic memorabilia, fine cuisines await you. High tea, snacks, imported drinks and wine are served on board.

From £75

Victoria Falls River Safari excursion
Victoria Falls River Safari

A unique wildlife experience from Zambia as you take a jet propelled boat for a 2 hour trip on the Zambezi River. As your boat weaves through the river’s numerous channels and islands you may encounter hippos, crocodiles and many types of wonderful birdlife.

From £95 (including snacks & local drinks)