Victoria Falls
!Victoria Falls Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders), Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World…
Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders), Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring waterfall on the Zambezi River creates the world’s largest sheet of falling water, with a width of 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) and a height of 108 meters (354 feet).
Why Visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls isn’t just a waterfall—it’s an experience that engages all your senses:
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See the massive columns of spray visible from kilometers away
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Hear the thunderous roar of 500 million liters of water crashing down per minute
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Feel the mist that creates a perpetual rainfall in the surrounding rainforest
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Taste the pure water droplets that shower visitors on the walkways
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Smell the fresh, earthy scents of the rainforest nurtured by constant moisture
Essential Experiences
Main Falls Viewpoints
The Zimbabwean side offers the most comprehensive views of Victoria Falls, with about 75% of the falls visible from the network of viewing paths and platforms. Follow the paved walkway through the rainforest for 16 spectacular viewpoints including:
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Cataract View: The first glimpse of the falls
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Devil’s Cataract: The lowest section of the falls with a 70-meter drop
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Main Falls: The highest and most impressive section
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Danger Point: Experience the raw power up close
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Rainbow View: Often displaying magnificent rainbows on sunny days
Practical Information:
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Open daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Allow 2-3 hours for the full walking trail
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Entry fee: $30 USD for foreign visitors
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Raincoats available for rent at the entrance (highly recommended during high water season)
Adrenaline Activities
Victoria Falls is southern Africa’s adventure capital:
White Water Rafting
Navigate the Zambezi’s Grade 5 rapids on a half or full-day adventure. Best conditions during low water season (August-December).
Price range: $120-150 USD
Bungee Jumping
Plunge 111 meters from Victoria Falls Bridge with views of the falls during your jump.
Price: $160 USD
Helicopter Flights
Take a “Flight of Angels” for spectacular aerial views of the falls and surrounding landscape.
Price range: 330 USD depending on duration
Zip Line & Gorge Swing
Fly across the gorge or experience a 70-meter free fall followed by a pendulum swing.
Price range: $75-120 USD
Wildlife & Cultural Experiences
Sunset Cruise
Sail the upper Zambezi for wildlife sightings and spectacular sunsets while enjoying drinks and snacks.
Price range: $55-85 USD
Elephant Encounter
Interact with rescued elephants in a responsible sanctuary setting with educational component.
Price: $150 USD
Livingstone Island Tour
(Zambian side) Visit the island where David Livingstone first viewed the falls. In low water season, swim in Devil’s Pool at the edge of the falls.
Price range: $150-175 USD
Boma Dinner & Drum Show
Experience traditional foods and vibrant cultural performances at this popular dinner theater.
Price: $45-55 USD
When to Visit
Victoria Falls changes dramatically with the seasons:
High Water Season (February to July)
High Water Season (February to July)
The falls are at their most powerful, with maximum water flow typically in April and May. Expect to get drenched on the walking paths, with some viewpoints obscured by heavy spray. The sheer volume and force of the falls during this time is incomparable.
Best for: Experiencing the falls at their most dramatic, photography of the massive spray column, rainbows
Transitional Periods (January-February, July-August)
Transitional Periods (January-February, July-August)
Water levels are moderate, offering a balance between impressive water flow and visibility of the rock face.
Best for: Balanced experience with good photography without excessive spray
Low Water Season (September to December)
Low Water Season (September to December)
Water flow is significantly reduced, especially in October-November when parts of the falls (particularly on the Zambian side) may dry up completely. However, this allows you to see the full geological structure and the impressive gorge.
Best for: Clear views of the falls’ structure, swimming in Devil’s Pool (Zambian side), white water rafting
Where to Stay
Victoria Falls Town offers accommodation for all budgets:
Luxury
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The Victoria Falls Hotel (colonial elegance)
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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (overlooking waterhole)
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Ilala Lodge (closest to the falls)
Mid-range
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Shearwater Explorers Village
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Pioneers Victoria Falls
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Bayete Guest Lodge
Budget
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Shoestrings Backpackers
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Victoria Falls Backpackers
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Victoria Falls Rest Camp & Lodges
Practical Information
How Much Time to Spend
How Much Time to Spend
Minimum: 2 days to see the falls and do 1-2 activities
Recommended: 3-4 days to fully experience the falls and surrounding attractions
Extended: 5+ days if including Hwange National Park or other nearby destinations
Border Crossing
Border Crossing
A KAZA Univisa ($50 USD) allows visitors to move between Zimbabwe and Zambia, making it easy to see both sides of the falls. Available on arrival for eligible nationalities.
Budget Tips
Budget Tips
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Visit the falls early morning to avoid crowds
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Self-guided town tour and market visits are free
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Rainforest Cafe at the falls entrance offers good-value meals
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Some hotels offer shuttle services to the falls, saving on taxi fares
Getting There
Getting There
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By air: Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) has connections to Johannesburg, Harare, and other regional hubs
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By road: Comfortable buses connect from Bulawayo (6 hours) and Harare (12 hours)
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From Zambia: Easy border crossing from Livingstone
Beyond the Falls
While Victoria Falls is the main attraction, don’t miss these nearby experiences:
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Victoria Falls Bridge: Walk across for perspectives of the gorge (passport required)
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Victoria Falls Snake Park: Educational facility with various reptile species
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Zambezi National Park: Just upstream from the falls, offering game drives and river safaris
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Elephant’s Walk Shopping Centre: Local art galleries and craft workshops
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Old Drift Cemetery: Historical site from the early colonial era
Wildlife Safety: Victoria Falls town has free-roaming wildlife, particularly elephants and warthogs. Keep a safe distance, never approach animals, and be cautious when walking around town, especially at night.