Victoria Falls

Bungee Jumping

Leap 111 metres from the Victoria Falls Bridge into the Batoka Gorge — one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world. The bridge straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia with the spray from the falls as your backdrop.

White-Water Rafting

Tackle Grade 5 rapids on the Zambezi River through the Batoka Gorge below the falls. Widely considered among the best commercial rafting in the world, with rapids named "The Devil's Toilet Bowl," "Gnashing Jaws of Death," and "Oblivion."

Helicopter Flight of Angels

See the full scale of Victoria Falls from the air — the only way to truly appreciate its 1,708-metre width. Flights range from 13 minutes over the falls to longer options that extend over the Zambezi National Park and the gorges downstream.

Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Drift along the Zambezi River above the falls as the sun sets over the African bush. Spot hippo, elephant, and crocodile from the deck while enjoying drinks and canapes. One of the most relaxing ways to end a day at Victoria Falls.

Devil's Pool Swim

Swim at the very edge of the 108-metre drop on the Zambian side — a natural rock pool that forms when the water level drops between September and December. One of the world's most iconic natural swimming experiences (accessible from the Zambia side).

Gorge Swing & Zip Line

Swing 95 metres into the gorge on a full-body harness for an adrenaline rush that rivals the bungee. The zip line runs 425 metres across the gorge with the Zambezi River churning below — an exhilarating way to cross between the two countries.

African Elephant

Herds regularly walk through Victoria Falls town and drink from the Zambezi. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge waterhole attracts elephants daily.

Hippopotamus

The Zambezi River above the falls has one of Africa's highest hippo densities. Easily spotted on sunset cruises and upstream canoe trips.

Nile Crocodile

Large crocodiles inhabit the Zambezi and the gorges below the falls. Frequently seen basking on rocks during boat cruises.

Cape Buffalo

Buffalo herds graze in the Zambezi National Park adjacent to town. Occasionally wander into residential areas and hotel grounds.

Vervet Monkey

Common throughout Victoria Falls town and the rainforest trail. Keep belongings secure — they are bold and opportunistic.

Trumpeter Hornbill

One of over 400 bird species in the area. Their distinctive calls echo through the rainforest canopy along the falls viewing trail.

Best Time to Visit

Victoria Falls is spectacular year-round. Peak water flow occurs from March to June — the entire width thunders and the spray soaks you from every viewpoint. From July to December the water recedes, revealing the rock face and allowing clear photography from all 16 viewpoints. September to December is ideal for the Devil's Pool swim on the Zambian side. The Devil's Cataract on the Zimbabwe side flows powerfully all year. October and November are the hottest months, often exceeding 40°C.

Getting There

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is 18km from town. Direct flights from Johannesburg (1.5 hours), Cape Town (2.5 hours), and Addis Ababa. From Harare, domestic flights take 1 hour. The town is compact and walkable. Chobe National Park in Botswana is 80km away (1.5 hours overland via Kazungula). Internal charter flights connect to Hwange (30 mins) and Mana Pools (1.5 hours). From Zambia, walk or drive across Victoria Falls Bridge.

Visa & Entry

The KAZA UniVisa at US$50 is the smart choice for most Victoria Falls visitors — it covers unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, plus day trips into Botswana. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw at least 3 weeks before travel. Alternatively, Single Entry Zimbabwe visa is US$30. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond travel dates. Citizens of 118 countries can get a visa on arrival.

Park Fees

Victoria Falls Rainforest entry on the Zimbabwe side is US$50 per person for international visitors. The Zambian side (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park) is approximately US$20. During peak flow (March to June), bring a waterproof bag for electronics — the spray is intense. The Zimbabwe viewing trail has 16 viewpoints along the full 1,708-metre length and takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

Currency & Costs

All Victoria Falls activities, hotels, and restaurants price in US Dollars. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) accepted at most establishments. Carry small-denomination US cash (post-2006 notes) for markets and tips. Activities range from US$30 for a village tour to US$300+ for helicopter flights and rafting combos. Budget at least 3 full days to experience the falls and key activities.

Chobe Day Trip

Chobe National Park in Botswana is just 80km from Victoria Falls — one of the most popular day trips. Operators provide border transfer, a boat cruise on the Chobe River (incredible elephant and hippo sightings), game drive, and lunch for approximately US$150-200 per person. The KAZA UniVisa covers the Botswana day trip. Allow a full day. The Kazungula border can be busy, so depart early.

When is the best time to see Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is spectacular every month of the year, but the experience varies dramatically by season. Peak water flow occurs from late March through June after the rainy season, when the entire 1,708-metre width is a thundering curtain of water and the spray rises over 400 metres into the air — so high it creates its own weather system. During peak flow the spray can drench you within minutes and obscure parts of the falls, but the sheer power is extraordinary. From July to December, the water gradually recedes revealing the dramatic rock face and geological formations underneath. September to December is the best time to see the falls with clear visibility from every viewpoint. The Zimbabwe side has a major advantage during the dry season because the Devil's Cataract is fed by the deepest channel of the Zambezi and flows powerfully year-round, even when other sections have slowed to a trickle.

Is the Zimbabwe side or Zambia side of Victoria Falls better?

Both sides of Victoria Falls are worth visiting, but the Zimbabwe side offers several clear advantages. The Zimbabwe rainforest trail runs the full length of the falls with 16 viewing points, giving you uninterrupted panoramic views of the entire 1,708-metre width — the Zambian side only offers views of roughly one-third of the falls. Critically, the Zimbabwe side includes the Devil's Cataract, which flows dramatically throughout the year because it sits on the deepest channel of the Zambezi. During the dry season from September to December, the Zambian side can dry up significantly while the Zimbabwe side remains spectacular. The Zambian side does offer the famous Knife-Edge Bridge walk and the Devil's Pool swim (seasonal, September to December). For the complete experience, visit both sides — the KAZA UniVisa at US$50 covers unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days.

What adventure activities are available at Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is the undisputed adventure capital of southern Africa with over 300 bookable activities. The signature experiences include bungee jumping from the 111-metre Victoria Falls Bridge — one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world — and Grade 5 white-water rafting on the Zambezi River through the Batoka Gorge, widely considered among the best commercial rafting on earth. Helicopter and microlight flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the falls, commonly known as the "Flight of Angels." Zambezi sunset cruises are a quintessential experience, gliding past hippos and elephants on the river above the falls. Other popular activities include zip-lining across the gorge, bridge swinging, jet boating, river boarding, abseiling, elephant encounters, lion walks, guided fishing trips, and cultural village tours. Wild Horizons is the major local activities provider with around 300 products covering everything from adrenaline adventures to serene nature experiences.

How do I get to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is the main gateway, located just 18 kilometres from town. Direct flights operate from Johannesburg (1.5 hours with South African Airways, Airlink, and Fastjet), Cape Town (2.5 hours), Nairobi (via Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways with connections), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). From Harare, domestic flights take approximately one hour. The town itself is compact and walkable — most hotels, restaurants, and the falls entrance are within a few kilometres of each other. Victoria Falls is also accessible overland from Kasane in Botswana (80 kilometres, roughly 1.5 hours including the Kazungula border crossing), making Chobe National Park an easy day trip or extension. From Zambia, you can walk or drive across the Victoria Falls Bridge. Internal charter flights connect Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park in 30 minutes and to Mana Pools in roughly 1.5 hours.

What accommodation options are there at Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls offers accommodation across every budget level, from backpacker hostels to some of Africa's finest luxury hotels. At the top end, the Victoria Falls Hotel — opened in 1904 and known as "the grand old lady of the falls" — offers colonial-era elegance with direct views of the bridge and spray. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks a busy waterhole where elephants, buffalo, and antelope drink daily. Stanley and Livingstone is a boutique luxury option on a private game reserve just outside town. Mid-range options include numerous lodges, guesthouses, and safari-style camps along the Zambezi and around town, typically ranging from US$150 to US$350 per night. Budget travellers can find backpacker hostels and guesthouses from US$20 to US$80 per night. The town is compact, so even budget accommodation puts you within easy reach of the falls and all activities. Book well in advance for peak season from July to October.

How much are Victoria Falls park fees and what do they cover?

Entry to the Victoria Falls Rainforest on the Zimbabwe side costs US$50 per person for international visitors (as of 2024), with reduced rates for SADC residents and Zimbabwean nationals. Children under 6 typically enter free. The fee gives you access to the full rainforest trail with all 16 viewpoints overlooking the falls — the trail takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to walk at a leisurely pace, though you can spend as long as you like. On the Zambian side, entry to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is approximately US$20 for international visitors. If you plan to visit both sides, budget for both entrance fees plus the KAZA UniVisa at US$50 which allows unlimited crossings. During peak flow from March to June, bring a waterproof bag or dry bag for your camera and phone — the spray is intense and will soak you thoroughly. Many visitors buy a rain poncho at the gate for a few dollars, though getting drenched is part of the experience.