Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls offers some of the finest views of the falls and the little town of Victoria Falls remains safe and tranquil.

Overview

The Victoria Falls offers a dramatic scenic contrast and change of pace from your safari experience. Certainly it is a sight not to be missed. Especially when the Zambezi river is in full flow (from March to June/July). Indeed, at this time, over a mile of unbroken surging water plunges into the Zambezi gorge below.

The Victoria Falls lies right on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Each country offers a different viewing perspective. Towards the end of the dry season from late September to January, the spectacle is best seen from the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls. As the Zambian side dries up considerably. (Though they are changing the amount of water that the hydro power takes from the river on the Zambian side. So this may improve in future.)

A host of tours revolve around three separate delights: the Victoria Falls itself, the magnificent Zambezi River and the surrounding Zambezi National Park.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Wide variety of activities on offer from your standard walking tours of the falls to adventure activities like bungee jumping, gorge swinging or the flying fox and ziplining; Helicopter or microlight flights over the falls. Then there is the Victoria Falls Canopy tour for the family, a network of slides, trails and rope bridges within the canopy of the Zambezi Gorge forest with spectacular views to Victoria Falls bridge and the rapids below.
  • The mighty Zambezi River itself has two characters. The gentle river above is perfect for sunset boat cruises and game viewing by canoe or fishing, whilst below the Falls is more adventurous for the adrenalin rush of white-water rafting.
  • Zambezi National Park is great for 4x4 game drives, horse ridging, walking safaris & fishing.
  • Elephant Camp offers elephant interactions activities or you can take part in their grooming and feeding activities.
  • Further afield is the wildlife haven of Chobe National Park for a day safari trip, but we suggest staying a night or two in Hwange Game Reserve instead which is an easy 2 hour road transfer south from Victoria Falls.

Explore the Victoria Falls map

When to visit Victoria Falls

 

November to March

Summer in Victoria Falls

This is not an ideal time for Victoria Falls, especially in November & December, as the flow of water over the Victoria Falls is low. However the Zimbabwe side is the better side to see the Falls if you do visit then. Early summer is also the time that you can visit Livingstone Island (on the Zambian side) Plus, as the summer rains continue, the flow over the Victoria Falls increases dramatically.
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AVG RAINFALL 162 mm
MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉
MIN TEMP 19 ℃ / 66 ℉
 

April to May

Autumn in 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 would 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”
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AVG RAINFALL 53 mm
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 55 ℉
 

June to mid-August

Winter in Victoria Falls

Traditionally 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 of the Falls and thus it is easier to photograph.
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AVG RAINFALL 2 mm
MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉
MIN TEMP 6 ℃ / 43 ℉
 

Mid-August to October

Spring in Victoria Falls

Temperatures heat up quickly in September and October prior to the start of the summer rains. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts becoming noticeably less as the dry season continues. But it is still strong on the Zimbabwe side. However somewhere in August, Livingstone Island (on the Zambian side) opens for visitors for the drier months of the year.
TALK TO US
AVG RAINFALL 48 mm
MAX TEMP 34 ℃ / 93 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

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South Africa & Victoria Falls Adventure

Our South Africa & Victoria Adventure trip is ideal for anyone who's keen for some adventure whilst on holiday. We've included a number of active excursions in Cape Town and Victoria Falls so that...

WHEN Apr - Oct
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM $ 4,125
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Zimbabwe Safari Explorer

This 9 night safari offers four contrasting scenic areas of Zimbabwe. You begin with Victoria Falls and a private concession by the Zambezi River for some game-viewing by vehicle and boat....

WHEN Mar - Aug
DURATION 9 Nights
FROM $ 423
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Southern Africa Culture & Wildlife

This 12 night semi-escorted itinerary is ideal for those who are keen to get a well-rounded perspective on Southern Africa - not just the scenic highlights and stunning game-viewing - but also an...

WHEN Jan - Dec
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM $ 5,525
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Rovos Rail Victoria Falls to Pretoria Luxury train journey

This delightful three day train journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or vice versa) offers a relaxing interlude within a busy safari itinerary. It passes Hwange National Park where animals can...

WHEN May - Sept
DURATION 3 Nights
FROM $ 2,144
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Shongololo Express - Southern Cross Tour

This is an impressive panoramic 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls with excursions and stops at carefully selected locations.It visits South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

WHEN Jan - Dec
DURATION 11 Nights
FROM $ 6,256
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Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Combine Victoria Falls, with its dramatic scenery, and Chobe National Park in Botswana, for the ultimate safari experience!

WHEN May - Sept
DURATION 4 Nights
FROM $ 1,610
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Accommodation

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Victoria Falls

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Ilala Lodge is a friendly small hotel bordering the Victoria Falls National Park so the Falls are an easy walk away. There are 34 charming rooms set in spacious lawns with a pleasant pool, pool...

PRICE (PPS) $ 230
RATING Premier
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Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Hotel

The Victoria Falls Hotel has the best location in town. Soak up the elegant Edwardian ambience as you sip cocktails on the terrace, which has a spectacular view of the 'smoke that thunders'. The...

PRICE (PPS) $ 210
RATING Luxury
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Victoria Falls

The Elephant Camp

The luxurious five star Elephant Camp lies in its own private concession near Victoria Falls. Sweeping views of the grasslands, the dramatic gorges and the spray of the Victoria Falls. Elephant...

PRICE (PPS) $ 445
RATING Luxury
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Victoria Falls

Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls

RATING Luxury
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Victoria Falls

Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge, speaks to the rich heritage of the area. It is a bush paradise that exudes an old world charm, admits modern luxuries. And is a symbol of the harmonic existence that can be...

PRICE (PPS) $ 475
RATING Luxury
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Victoria Falls

Zambezi Sands River Camp

Zambezi Sands River Camp is only a 60 minute road transfer from the vibrant town of Victoria Falls. It has a breathtaking spot within the Zambezi National Park right on the banks of the Zambezi...

PRICE (PPS) $ 578
RATING Luxury
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Loved Zimbabwe

"We really enjoyed the Zimbabwian people, very gentle, smiley people who wish you a good time and want you to love their country. Felt totally safe at all times. The abundance of activities – Walking safari. Canoeing the Zambezi. Fishing on the Zambezi. Sunset cruise. Bird and Butterfly drives. Private breakfast on the banks of the river – Tailor make it all to suit. " Mr & Mrs Leake, UK

Spectacular

"The Drakensberg mountains were spectacular. We most enjoyed Victoria Falls that literally took your breath away.  The river boat cruises at Livingstone were well worth it.  Also getting so close to the animals at Umlani in the Timbavati, even the lions and leopards. " Mr Martin Butler, UK

Experiences in Victoria Falls

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Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the classic activities of Victoria Falls. Though the sunset is a very romantic time to be on the river at sunset, this is a sociable rather than...

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Tour of Victoria Falls including Lunar Rainbow tours

The Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sights, sounds and, smell of nature’s supreme force. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for...

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Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls

The helicopter flights over Victoria Falls (colloquially known as the Flight of Angels) are a wonderful way to see the full majesty of the Victoria Falls – especially at low water times. The...

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Adrenalin adventure activities at Victoria Falls

For many years Victoria Falls has been an adventure capital of note with serious white water rafting, bunji-jumping and bridge swings on offer. More recently abseiling, gorge swings, ziplines and...

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Victoria Falls Canopy Tour & Highwire Activities

The Vic Falls Canopy Tour consists of 9 different slides, varying in length (with the longest being approximately 85m and the shortest being 40m) plus an exciting cable bridge walkway in the...

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White water rafting in the Zambezi at Victoria Falls

For years Victoria Falls has been associated with white water rafting, available on either side. The rafting takes you through some of the most exciting rapids in the world, alternating with...

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Bushtracks Express Steam Train

The Bushtracks Express offers a magical and romantic dinner as it runs along the track from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. This is a luxurious steam train harmoniously paired with modern...

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Microlight flights

The microlight excursions are a more adventurous way to see the Victoria Falls. As they offer a unique, uninhabited and literally breathtaking view of the Falls. And the spectacular gorge that...

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Elephant Art Safari in Victoria Falls

The first of its kind, the Elephant Art Safari in Victoria Falls gives you the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in an entirely unique way.

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Did you know
  • Moonbowa Rainbow at night during full moon
  • Size1,708 metres wide and 108 metres high

Victoria Falls Articles

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No longer Cinderella - Introducing Zambezi National Park

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of activity in this once sleepy backwater with a raft of new game lodges opening up. For years the Zambezi National Park was considered the...

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Victoria Falls vs Livingstone ? Choosing between the Zambia or Zimbabwe sides

Zimbabwe & Zambia – which side? You may wonder if there is a big difference between staying on the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls; i.e. the towns of Victoria Falls vs...

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Best Tours & Things to Do at Victoria Falls

  This post summarizes our top 14 things to do at Victoria Falls. Both on the Zimbabwe side and Zambia side at Livingstone. It doesn’t aim to cover ALL of the Victoria Falls tours on offer. But...

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Zimbabwe Attractions – 10 reasons to visit…

One in a series of blog posts where we attempt to highlight the distinguishing characteristics of a particular country in terms of its appeal to visitors. So here are my top (and highly...

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8 Cool Places to Pop THE Question

First a confession… my own engagement was not the most romantic of experiences. My friends were asked the question on the Rialto Bridge in Venice or by the Grand Canyon. My husband and I just...

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Weddings in Africa – some ideas

We have a few fast-track secrets that might mean that you can get the in-laws off your case and back to worrying about the speeches. A wedding in Africa can be any number of magical, romantic...

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Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Mari, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
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