Quick Answer
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders') is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a mile wide and 350 feet high on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Approach from Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe). Hotels start from $145/night. February to May has peak water flow, October has the dramatic low water views.
Explore Victoria Falls in Detail
Find Hotels in Victoria Falls
Hotel listings for Victoria Falls are currently being updated.
Top Tours in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Guided Walking Tour (Both Sides)
Guided walking tour of the Zambian side viewpoints in the morning, border crossing, and the Zimbabwean side in the afternoon. KAZA UniVisa assistance.
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Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island Tour
Boat to Livingstone Island, swim across to Devil's Pool at the very edge of the falls, and breakfast or lunch on the island. October-December only.
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Zambezi Sunset Cruise with Open Bar
Upper Zambezi River sunset cruise on a small boat with open bar, snacks, and guaranteed hippo, crocodile, and elephant sightings on the riverbanks.
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The experiences travelers come back to Victoria Falls for, year after year.
Itineraries for Victoria Falls
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Victoria Falls in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Victoria Falls for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Victoria Falls with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Victoria Falls
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Victoria Falls at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
Best months to visit Victoria Falls: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is the rare natural wonder that everyone’s seen photos of and still gets overwhelmed by in person. The falls are a mile wide, 350 feet high, and at peak flood in March drop 11 million liters of water per second over the edge. You’ll hear it from a kilometer away.
Most visitors approach from Livingstone in Zambia (less developed, cheaper, more authentic) or Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe (more polished, better infrastructure, more activities). Both have value and you can cross the border on foot for the day on a $50 KAZA UniVisa. The Zambian side gets you to the very edge of the falls, including the famous Devil’s Pool swim (only October-December at low water, you literally swim to the edge of the falls). The Zimbabwean side gives you the panoramic views of the entire 1,700-meter rim, with the Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The Victoria Falls Bridge between the two countries is the bungee jumping spot (111 meters, one of the world’s most scenic). White water rafting through the Batoka Gorge below the falls is some of the best in the world, with grades 5 rapids August-December (low water). Helicopter flights over the falls ($150 for 12 minutes) are worth it. Beyond the falls, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has rhinos, elephants, and zebras. Sunset Zambezi River cruises are a defining experience with hippos in the water. Chobe National Park in Botswana is a day trip for elephant herd viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Victoria Falls
How much do hotels at Victoria Falls cost?
Budget guesthouses and lodges start at $40/night. 3-star hotels run $145-$240. 4-star resorts are $240-$450. Luxury 5-star like Royal Livingstone, Tongabezi, or Victoria Falls Hotel are $500-$1,500/night. Many lodges include meals and activities.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
February through May has peak water flow and the most thunderous spectacle (you'll also get drenched by spray). June through August has good flow with clearer views. September and October are low water with dramatic views of the rock face but Devil's Pool is open. November starts the rains.
How many days do I need at Victoria Falls?
Three days minimum: a day for each side of the falls and a day for activities (rafting, helicopter, or game drive). Four to five days lets you add Chobe in Botswana or a Mosi-oa-Tunya safari. Pairs well with a Kruger or Cape Town extension.
Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?
Both Livingstone and Victoria Falls town are very safe for tourists. Activities are well-regulated. Petty theft is rare. The bigger risks are activity-related: rafting and bungee jumping have inherent dangers. Standard precautions in town and you're fine.
What area should I stay in?
Livingstone (Zambia) for cheaper rates, more authentic feel, and direct access to Devil's Pool. Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) for more polished infrastructure, easier walking, and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. River lodges upstream of the falls for the safari atmosphere and Zambezi views.
How do I get around Victoria Falls?
Taxis between Livingstone airport, the falls, and town are about $20-30 each way. The border bridge is 1 km walk from Livingstone falls entrance. Most hotels include transfers and arrange activities. Rental cars are unnecessary unless you're driving onward.
What food should I try in Victoria Falls?
Nshima (cornmeal porridge) with kapenta (small dried fish) at any local restaurant, crocodile tail at the Boma Restaurant, biltong and game meat (impala, kudu) at most lodges, sadza in Zimbabwe, and a high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel's veranda with the bridge view.