Victoria Falls: Introduction
The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is widely considered to offer the best panoramic views of the falls, as approximately two-thirds of the waterfall, including the magnificent Main Falls and the deepest section, are viewed from this side. The main highlights are concentrated within the Victoria Falls National Park and the surrounding areas near the town of Victoria Falls (known as 'Vic Falls').
A two-night stay is recommended for Victoria Falls, in order to give visitors the opportunity to explore the town with its many attractions and activities. Visitors can enjoy exploring in and around Victoria Falls, as well as day-tripping into Zambia and Botswana due to the close proximity.
This plunging curtain of water creates clouds of water vapour that rise high above it, giving it its nickname, the Smoke that Thunders, called Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local language. Visitors can walk along the footpaths and watch as millions of litres of water plummet into the Zambezi River below, however, one does stand the chance of getting soaked at this close range and raincoats are on offer to keep onlookers dry.
Locate the Victoria Falls
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone Town (Zambia) both have international airports. These are serviced by several flights a day from various destinations. Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone Airport (Zambia) are the closest to the Falls themselves. But, you can also fly into Kasane Airport (Botswana), and take an hour long road transfer into Victoria Falls town (this road transfer does involve a border crossing). This is an important initial decision.
Flights into Zambia are sometimes cheaper than the flights into Zimbabwe, however higher prices for accommodation and activities, can balance the sums. Plus, if you are staying in Zimbabwe, you need to factor in the transfer fees and the time it takes to cross the border.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the summer rains, when you'll see the world's largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume. The tricky thing about visiting Victoria Falls is that the most impressive spray doesn't coincide with peak safari season in nearby Chobe in Botswana or Hwange in Zimbabwe. Some activities, like swimming in Devil's Pool and certain sections of white-water rapids, are also far too dangerous to undertake when the water is at its highest and fastest.
We don't recommend visiting the Falls at the end of the dry winter season – October through November – when the water level is lowest, and the weather is very hot and humid. Low-water season guarantees you'll have panoramic views (no misty spray) on both sides of the Falls, but the Zambian side (about one quarter of its width) may have dried up completely and all you'll see is bare rock face. Water flow on the Zimbabwean side is permanent but ebbs and flows in volume with the rainy season.