Victoria Falls & Livingstone

The Victoria Falls offers thundering falls, dramatic beauty of the Zambezi River and a bevy of adventurous river & land activities such as microlight flights, white-water rafting, and swims to the edge of the Falls.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ideally April to mid-September

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Victoria Falls, Zambia – Nature’s Thunderous Masterpiece

Taking photos at sunset of Victoria Falls There’s a reason Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. And on the Zambian side, you get a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular views of the Victoria Falls. With thrilling activities like microlight flights, white-water rafting, and swims to the edge of the Falls (yes, really), Livingstone offers a wild yet wonderfully accessible add-on to your Zambia or Botswana safari.

The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya – the Smoke that Thunders. One look (and listen), and you’ll understand why. The region offers thundering falls, dramatic beauty of the Zambezi River and a bevy of adventurous river & land activities.

Victoria Falls Activities on Zambian side

One of our favourite excursions is to enjoy a champagne breakfast, lunch or high tea on the Livingstone Island tour which lies on the edge of the Falls.

Devil's pool on Livingstone Island ZambiaSuch as trips to Livingstone Island with an optional swim to the famous Devil’s pool. Not a name of a cocktail bar - though you’ll deserve one afterwards - but a natural rockpool that lets the brave peer right over the edge of the Victoria Falls. (Only possible during the low water period of Sept to December)

To gain an overall impression of the Victoria Falls, we recommend the helicopter ‘Flight of Angels’. For the truly daring, why not try a Microlight flight or bungee jumping? Goosebumps guaranteed — and not just from the wind.

Above the Falls, the Zambezi river is wide and gentle. The perfect place for languorous sunset boat cruises or gentle canoeing trips. Or you can opt to take a thrilling jet boat ride up to Elephant Cafe, for an elephant interaction and lunch.

However below the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi river’s character changes with several magnificent roaring rapids through a 7 km gorge. Here the adventurous can enjoy serious white-water rafting.

Victoria Falls Zambia African Queen sunset boat cruiseAnd at the end of the day, take a languorous Zambezi sunset cruise and watch and listen to hippos grunting their goodnights as the sky turns gold.

Where to stay in Livingstone?

Your options are simple. You can either stay at one of the various lodges in Livingstone or near to the Falls. Note that only the Avani Victoria Falls resort hotel is near enough to walk to the Falls. The other option is to stay at one of the many riverside lodges upstream from the Falls. Here you enjoy the Zambezi river with sundowner boat cruises  and visit the Falls as one of various activities.

Best time to visit Victoria Falls on Zambia side?

Wondering when’s the best time to visit Victoria Falls? June to August typically offers the best mix of strong flow and clear visibility, but each season has its perks — we break it down for you below

Curious about Victoria Falls Zambia versus Zimbabwe?

The Zambian side offers thrilling proximity (such as the Devil’s Pool), while Zimbabwe often boasts broader panoramic views. We help you choose which side works for you. But it is easy to combine both.

Here’s out take:

Victoria Falls vs Livingstone: Zambia or Zimbabwe side?

You’ll never forget the thunder of the Falls before you see them, or the cool mist on your face that feeling of standing on the edge of the world.

Let’s get you there. Start planning with Cedarberg

Why We Love It

  • Sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi river.
  • Excursions to Livingstone Island on the edge of the Falls (only possible from Zambian side).
  • Helicopter flights.
  • White-water rafting in the lower Zambezi river gorge.
  • Dinner on the Royal Livingstone steam train.
  • Visits to Chief Mukuni’s village.
  • Range of soft adventure & adrenalin activities: bungee-jumping, abseiling, gorge-swinging, horse-riding.
  • Visit Chobe National Park in Botswana as a day safari.

When to visit Victoria Falls & Livingstone

Lower water flow on the Zambian side

Early on the Victoria Falls flow is low on the Zambian side as it’s affected by a hydro-electric plant. On the plus side, you can easily view the pools from the Zimbabwe side. And this is the time to see Livingstone Island and swim across Devil’s Pool. (Due to the lower water flow, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer in November.) As the summer rains continue, the flow over the Victoria Falls starts to increase and consequently trips to the island stop. Early in the season, you can still visit Livingstone Island and this is the easiest time to swim across to the small rock pool at the very edge of the Falls. Due to the lower water flow, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer in November. Trips to the island stop as the water flow starts increasing again at the start of the summer rains. As the summer rains continue, the flow over the Victoria Falls increases dramatically.
AVG RAINFALL 141 mm
MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉
MIN TEMP 19 ℃ / 66 ℉
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Peak Flow of Victoria Falls

The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its maximum which means exciting viewing experiences. But not great photos as your camera can get soaked! In April the flow may be so great that you almost don’t get to see the full majesty of the Falls as the mist from the spray is all-pervasive. This problem gradually eases during May. Note that the paths around the Falls will be very slippery and some sections are marked “at your own risk”.
AVG RAINFALL 15 mm
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 55 ℉
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Best time to visit Victoria Falls

In many ways, this is the best time to see the Victoria Falls. The flow of water is still very strong, but the spray is less so that you can see all the Falls in their majesty. The flow start dropping as August continues, But Livingstone Island opens up.
AVG RAINFALL 1 mm
MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉
MIN TEMP 6 ℃ / 43 ℉
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Lower Flow but Devil’s Pool opens

Temperatures heat up quickly in September and October prior to the start of the summer rains. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls becomes noticeably less as the dry season continues. However now you can boat over to Livingstone Island. From mid-September (depending on water levels), you can do the Devils’ Pool swim to the small rock pool at the very edge of the Falls. You need to be a very strong swimmer in September and early October, but it becomes much easier later into October & November.
AVG RAINFALL 48 mm
MAX TEMP 34 ℃ / 93 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉
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Download our Insiders guide to the best Victoria Falls Tours

Comprehensive Guide to all the Tours, Activities on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of Victoria Falls with Up-to-date Pricing Get our Free Guide here
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Victoria Falls Zambia | Top Livingstone Hotels & Activities
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Madeleine Baldwin

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Madeleine, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH