Victoria Falls, considered one of the top ten wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a natural boundary dividing the upper and lower sections of the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River helps define the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, although the river itself remains in a “no man’s land.” The falls were first discovered by a European, the explorer and missionary David Livingstone, in 1855. Livingstone named the falls Victoria after the reigning Queen of England at the time. Check out 4-Day Lower Zambezi Enchanting Safari

It’s important to note that African tribes had been living in the area for thousands of years before Livingstone’s arrival. Archaeologists have discovered fossils and tools indicating that early humans, such as Homo habilis, lived near the falls about 3 million years ago. These Stone Age people were eventually replaced by the Batoka, who were later joined by the Matebele and Makolo tribesmen. Their descendants still inhabit the area today.

The local tribes held a great fear of the falls, and few dared to approach them closely. Of all the local soldiers escorting David Livingstone, only two were brave enough to accompany him near the falls. This fear contributed to the falls remaining relatively unexplored by the local tribes. It was only after a railway line was constructed near the falls that they gained popularity among the local people.

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Facts About Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia

Why You Should Visit Victoria Falls

Visas between Zimbabwe and Zambia: To cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia, you will need to show your passport to the immigration officers. Inform them if you plan to stay for a day or longer. For a day trip, a double-entry visa is required. After completing the formalities, you will receive an exit stamp on your visa and proceed to the no man’s land. You can hire a taxi after crossing, but most prefer to walk the 1.6-kilometer stretch over the bridge to the other country’s border post. Here, you will need to present your passport again and pay for a one-day visa, which costs about $20. Always carry small bills.

Transport around the falls: You can hire private vans or taxis to travel from your accommodation to the falls or main towns. Hotels may assist with a vehicle or provide contacts for rentals. If you are crossing borders, you will likely need to hire another vehicle once you enter the other country due to restrictions on vehicle crossings. Changing cars near the bridge can be inconvenient, especially during the wet season.

Currency: The decline in the value of the Zimbabwean dollar makes it complicated to use while visiting. It is better to carry enough US dollars to avoid handling large local bills. Smaller US dollar bills are useful for tipping and small purchases. Credit cards are accepted most of the time but not always.

Different falls and viewing points: Victoria Falls is composed of five different falls: The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the Eastern Cataract Falls. There are nineteen viewing points, with fifteen located on the Zimbabwean side.

You will get wet: If you plan to view the falls from both countries or visit during the rainy season (when water levels are high), expect to get wet. The path along the waterfalls is drenched with mist, making it feel like a heavy downpour. Remember to bring a raincoat and umbrella.

The falls are located in national parks: Expect to encounter wild animals, especially on the Zimbabwean side. Elephants, baboons, mongooses, and other animals roam freely near the falls. There is no fence separating tourists from the park animals, making for exciting wildlife encounters. Be prepared.

Vaccinations: To visit Zimbabwe and Zambia, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is also recommended to be vaccinated against Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. Without a yellow fever vaccination card, you may not be allowed entry into either country.

How Long are Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia?

Victoria Falls, the largest mass of falling water on earth, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Standing twice as high as Niagara Falls in North America, the closest falls in size to Victoria Falls are the Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina. The mist from Victoria Falls can be seen from over fifty kilometers away, and the noise of the thundering water can be heard from forty kilometers away. This is why the locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” The falls have a combined width of 5,604 feet and a height of 354 feet.

How to Visit Victoria Falls

Seasonal Variations: During the rainy season, the intensity of the water and spray increases, making it difficult to see the full face and foot of the falls. In the dry season, when the floods subside, it becomes possible to observe the rocky face more clearly and explore the bottom gorges. One of the most famous sections of the falls is the “Devil’s Pool,” located at the edge where the water begins to drop. Many tourists take the risk of swimming in this particular section despite the danger of falling over the edge. This pool is only accessible between September and December (dry season) when the water current is less forceful. During the rainy season, all activities above the falls are suspended as the current becomes too dangerous.

Visitor Numbers and Political Climate: Victoria Falls receives over one million visitors each year. A safari in Africa should include a visit to this mighty natural wonder. Some believe the Zimbabwean side offers better viewing, but this is open to debate. Political tensions and international sanctions during the reign of Robert Mugabe led many tourists to start their tours from the Zambian side.

Things to Do in Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls offers a variety of exciting activities beyond just visiting the falls themselves. The falls are located within national parks on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, and other nearby parks offer opportunities to spot Africa’s iconic wildlife, including antelopes, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, leopards, zebras, primates, and birds. Whether you’re staying in Zambia or Zimbabwe, you can combine viewing the waterfalls with thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, zip lining, kayaking, fishing, boat cruises, canoeing, horseback riding, and nature walks. The best time for river activities on the Zambezi is when the water levels are low and the current is less strong. For waterfall viewing alone, visit during the wet season to witness the falls at their most powerful. Here are some activities to consider:

Seeing the Waterfalls and Walking Along Their Footpaths: The main attraction is, of course, the falls themselves. You can view them from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. In Zimbabwe, the falls are in Victoria Falls National Park, while on the Zambian side, they are part of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The Zimbabwean side offers the best views and more scenic walking paths through beautiful rainforests, where you can see four of the main sections of the falls: Horseshoe Falls, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the Devil’s Cataract. The Eastern Cataract, the second deepest part of the falls, is located on the Zambian side. Crossing the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia via the Victoria Falls Bridge is easy, but remember your passport and be prepared to pay a visa fee.

Learning About the History of the Victoria Falls Bridge: The bridge connecting Zambia to Zimbabwe is an iconic structure completed in 1905. It took fourteen months to build and has undergone several renovations. You can learn about its fascinating history on the “Historic Bridge Tour,” which includes an opportunity to walk under the bridge to see the full depth of the Botoka Gorge and the rainbow formed by the falls’ mist, depending on the season.

Visiting the Knife Edge Bridge: Located on the Zambian side, this bridge is an excellent spot to visit during the rainy season. It takes you above the deepest gorge on the Zambian side, offering a close encounter with the flowing water and spray from the falls.

Exploring Livingstone Island and the Devil’s Pool: Livingstone Island is located on the Zambezi River just before the falls. The adventure begins with a boat ride through rocky channels to the small island, where you can tour and marvel at the falls and the river’s speed. Guides will explain the falls’ history and formation and show you the exact spot where David Livingstone stood in 1855. From the island, you can take a dip in the famous Devil’s Pool, accessible only during the dry season (late June to early March). This natural pool formed through slow erosion over thousands of years has a rocky edge that prevents you from being swept away by the current. Ropes are tied to swimmers for extra safety.

Things to Do in Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Chobe National Park: If you want to include an African safari experience along with your visit to Victoria Falls, consider Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana. After exploring the falls, a safari in Chobe is an excellent choice, as the park boasts the highest number of elephants in Africa. A tour typically includes both river and land safaris to see Africa’s Big Five animals in a standard tour van.

Market in Shearwater Village: Located on the Zimbabwean side, this market is perfect for buying local souvenirs. It is built to high standards to attract tourists.

Hwange National Park: The largest national park in Zimbabwe, Hwange covers about 15,000 square kilometers and is home to over 29,000 elephants, second only to Chobe National Park. Visitors can also see buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, lions, roan antelopes, sable antelopes, and endangered wild dogs. Reaching Hwange requires a two-hour drive.

Whitewater Rafting: The Zambezi River offers several grade 5 rapids, perfect for adrenaline junkies. Whitewater rafting here is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning views of the gorge and surrounding areas during calmer stretches. The activity’s duration depends on the season; high water levels during the wet season can make some rapids too dangerous.

Helicopter Flights: A 15-minute helicopter flight provides a bird’s-eye view of the falls, showcasing the cascades, mist, Batoka Gorge, and wildlife. A longer 25-minute flight offers even more spectacular views, especially interesting during the wet season when ground visibility is limited.

Sunset Boat Tours: A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing way to end your tour of the falls. These cruises, costing about $30, include snacks, drinks, and the chance to see baboons, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, vervet monkeys, and various birds. It’s a great way to capture beautiful photos of the river.

Bungee Jumping: Victoria Falls Bridge is renowned for its bungee jumping experience. Jumpers leap 111 meters towards the Zambezi River, with stunning views of the falls and surrounding areas. This thrilling activity costs $120 and should be booked in advance.

Steam Train Ride: For spectacular views of the falls, take a ride on a restored steam train. The train, furnished with comfortable chairs, lounges, and dining facilities, travels across the falls and into Zambezi National Park. The ride offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Gliding by Victoria Falls Bridge: For a less extreme adventure, glide along a 300-meter zip line from a platform on the Zambian side to the Zimbabwean side. This activity offers beautiful views of the falls and is suitable for young children under adult supervision.

Touring Nearby Towns: After visiting the falls, explore Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe. Livingstone, about 10 km from the falls, features preserved colonial architecture, coffee shops, cafes, local markets, souvenir shops, and nightclubs. The Livingstone Museum is a must-see for those interested in the history of the Scottish missionary and explorer.

Dining Out: Sample local traditional dishes in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, visit the Boma Restaurant, which serves game meat like impala and warthog, as well as Mopani worms, a local delicacy. The restaurant also offers vegetarian dishes, chicken, beef, fish, and pork, and features traditional performers who entertain guests with dance, storytelling, and African drumming.

Biking: Best done from the Zimbabwean side, biking tours cost about $80 and include a bike, helmet, and a local guide. The route passes through small towns, the border bridge, and along the Zambezi River, providing a great way to explore the countryside.

Walking by the Zambezi River: This activity, also best from the Zimbabwean side, allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the Zambezi River and its surroundings. The walk starts above the Devil’s Cataract and into Victoria Falls National Park, offering the chance to spot buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, hippos, and other primates near the riverbanks.

The Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

Choosing the Best Time: The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you would like to experience. If you wish to swim in the Devil’s Pool or take walks along the top of the falls, visit during the peak dry season between September and November. During the dry season, everything is more visible, and you can see the foot of the falls. The dry months between June and August are perfect for those who desire to go for a safari in one of the nearby national parks or those in Botswana.

Rainy Season Pros and Cons: The rainy season also has its advantages and disadvantages. During the rainy season, one can witness the full force and flow of the waterfalls, but expect to get soaked from the mist falling as rain at the different viewing points. Visibility is poor, making it more difficult to take good photos, and swimming or walking close to the edge of the falls is dangerous. However, the rainy season offers the unique opportunity to witness a moonbow, a rainbow formed by the mist and the light of the full moon. Victoria Falls is one of the few places in the world where one can witness this phenomenon.

Recommended Visiting Time: For the best experience, visit between June and July. During this time, the rains have stopped, and water levels are still impressive enough not to affect overall visibility.

How to Reach Victoria Falls

Flights and Transfers: If you are already in Africa, you should be able to get direct flights to Zimbabwe or Zambia. International travelers from Asia, Europe, or America will most likely require connection flights. Taxis can be arranged once you arrive in either of the two countries, but your hotel should ideally arrange airport transfers.

Guidance and Visa Requirements: Once at your hotel, ask for guidance on how to hire a taxi to the falls. Note that you will need a visa before entering any of the countries unless you are from a country where visas are waived. If you plan to view the falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia, you will need multiple visas or a special visa (known as the Kaza Univisa) which allows access to both countries for 30 days. Recent government changes have made the process of acquiring a Zimbabwean visa more relaxed. Check with your embassy’s website for current visa requirements for Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Victoria Falls Packing List

Clothing: Bring appropriate clothing, especially if traveling during the wet season. A waterproof jacket is essential to protect you from the mist from the falls. While jackets can be acquired at visitor centers, it’s advisable to bring a good one from home.

Footwear: Shoes with good grip are necessary. While converse shoes may be sufficient during the dry season, waterproof boots are better for the wet season or if you plan to get close to the falls without getting your feet wet.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is important during the drier months as temperatures can get high. If you are accustomed to cold winters in Europe or North America, you will need good sunscreen to protect you from the direct sun.

Insect Repellent: Zambia and Zimbabwe are malaria zones. While most insects are harmless, mosquitoes are a concern as they cause malaria. They are especially active during August and June. Despite taking anti-malaria drugs, mosquito bites can be annoying. Bring a good insect repellent, and wear long-sleeved trousers and shirts.

Waterproof Bag: A waterproof bag will protect your electronic gadgets like phones, laptops, and music players from getting soaked by the mist.

Waterproof Camera: To take the best photos of the falls, bring a good quality camera. It can be difficult to take good photos during the rainy season with mist all over the place. A waterproof camera will help you capture stunning images despite the challenging conditions.

Where to stay while at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a popular travel destination with several accommodation facilities offering both budget and luxury suites. These accommodations are mostly built in the form of cottages, huts, chalets, or villas, and many are within walking distance of the falls, providing amazing views of the River Zambezi. The hotels offer high-quality services with professional staff and can include visits to the falls and game drives in nearby national parks.

Shoestrings Backpacker Lodge

Shoestrings Backpacker Lodge offers budget facilities in the form of dorms and private tents. While not high-end, the rooms are satisfactory for budget travelers and particularly backpackers. The atmosphere is what makes it special, with bars frequented by tourists and locals on weekends. This lodge is ideal for budget travelers looking to mingle with locals and have fun.

Shearwater’s Explorer Village

Shearwater’s Explorer Village caters to budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. The facility includes camping spots for backpackers, self-contained tented rooms, and high-quality cottages. Amenities include a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool, making it a versatile option for different types of travelers.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel, located on the Zimbabwe side, was the first hotel built in the area in 1904. It is an opulent, ultra-luxury hotel that has hosted prominent guests, including royals. Despite its colonial-era origins, the hotel offers modern comforts with beautiful settings. The 2013 renovation upgraded the quality further, with over 200 luxurious rooms of different categories. Families can choose the stable signature rooms with private wings, a lounge, and a courtyard. Amenities include air conditioning, excellent Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a spa, cafes, a bar, and a poolside restaurant. Babysitting services are available for those traveling with toddlers and children.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers the opportunity to spot wild animals like elephants and antelopes, as it is close to a major animal watering hole in Zambezi National Park. The rooms are comfortable, spacious, and suitable for children. The lodge is very close to the waterfalls, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers.

Zambezi River Lodge

Located on the Zimbabwean side and on the banks of the River Zambezi, Zambezi River Lodge has 83 rooms with amazing river views and a giant swimming pool. From the outside dining deck close to the river, guests can expect to see warthogs, hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and vervet monkeys roaming near the hotel lawns or riverbanks.

Other Hotels in the Area

Other notable accommodations include:

• The Kingdom at Victoria Falls: Known for striking African-style cottages.
• Elephant Camp: Features private plunge pools and visiting elephants.
• Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge
• Elephant Hills Resort
• Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls
• Masuwe Lodge
• Ilala Lodge Hotel
• Batonka Guest Lodge
• Gorges Lodge
• Cresta Sprayview Hotel
• Little Gorges Lodge