A Beginner’s Guide to Victoria Falls Facts | Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, known for its immense curtain of falling water and the mist it creates, earning it the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke that Thunders”. The falls are a major tourist destination, with national parks on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides offering different viewing experiences and activities.
The Zambezi River cascades over a basalt rock ledge, plunging 108 meters (354 feet) into a formidable whirlpool, creating the biggest sheet of falling water on Earth: Victoria Falls. Historically referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the ‘Smoke that Thunders,’ the waterfall’s formidable roar may occasionally be detected from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. On a calm day during the high-water season, which typically spans from February to July depending on rainfall, a brilliant mist can ascend above the Falls. This is an extraordinary natural marvel that every safari enthusiast should encounter at least once.
Since 2021, we have been organising excursions to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia for thousands of travellers worldwide. Vic Falls accommodates all preferences and financial plans, whether you seek a lodge adjacent to the Zambezi River among forests in Zimbabwe or an opulent hotel where white-gloved attendants serve gin and tonics on meticulously maintained lawns. Understanding when to depart and what to anticipate is crucial for organising your journey. We have assembled all our expert recommendations in this convenient introductory guide to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Tours & Holidays
Guided Victoria Falls Tours & Holidays: When measured by the sheer volume of pouring water, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of Africa’s greatest and most-visited attractions. It is traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke that Thunders.”
The area is also renowned as Africa’s Adventure Capital, since you can take to the river in a canoe or white-water raft, fly over the Falls in a helicopter or microlight, or get your heart pumping by bungee jumping off a historic bridge.
Popular Victoria Falls and safari combinations are:
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park for aquatic safaris and incredible game viewing.
- South Africa’s Cape Town and Kruger National Park to indulge in world-class cuisine and encounter Africa’s iconic Big 5.
- Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools National Park to witness elephants up-close and see rare wild dog.
- Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks for night game drives and Africa’s best walking safaris.
Is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
Victoria Falls is a component of the formidable Zambezi River, delineating the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The waterfall spans the border between Zimbabwe to the west and Zambia to the east, and is readily accessible from either nation through Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia.
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe vs Zambia
Zimbabwe side
- Iconic view of the Main Falls
- Water flowing most of the year at varying degrees of strength
- Most hotels are within walking distance of the waterfall
- Explore Victoria Falls Town and its markets for iconic soapstone sculptures
- A classic ‘tourist town’ with restaurants, bars and backpackers
- Historic hotels with traditional high tea in the afternoon
Zambia side
- Exceptionally close-up waterfall viewing
- Swimming in Devil’s Pool during low-water season
- Visit Livingstone Island when water levels permit
- Romantic riverside lodges
- Go game viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Livingstone is more of a ‘business town’ and home to the Livingstone Museum
The positive aspect is that regardless of your chosen side, you may effortlessly traverse the border to discover the opposite side or engage in activities such as white-water rafting, gorge swinging, bungee jumping, visiting Livingstone Island, or dining on a vintage train. Your Africa Safari Expert will coordinate all transfers and activities; simply ensure your passport is prepared for the border crossing.
Is Victoria Falls the World’s Biggest Waterfall?
It is the biggest waterfall in the world, with a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 ft). Angel Falls in Venezuela is taller but not wider. It’s 1.5 times broader and twice as tall as Niagara Falls, yet there are beautiful national parks on both sides, unlike Niagara.
Scottish adventurer Dr. David Livingstone saw the Falls for the first time in 1855. At the time, he had no idea that they would be certified as the world’s largest waterfall, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and a World Heritage Site.
Not much has changed since mankind found Mosi-oa-Tunya thousands of years ago. The view you see now is the same amazing view that Livingstone and everyone else who was lucky enough to see the Falls saw.
| Water Levels | Weather | |
| Spring (Sep-Oct) | Sep: Lower Oct: Lowest |
Hot and dry |
| Summer (Nov-Apr) | Dec-Jan: Rising
Feb-Apr: High |
Hot and rainy |
| Autumn / Fall (May-Jun) | High | Warm and dry |
| Winter (Jul-Aug) | Jul: High
Aug: Lower |
Warm and dry |
The high-water season lasts from February to July. Get ready to get soaked and see the Falls at their best. From around August to January, the water level is low. This is the perfect period for things like white-water rafting and swimming in Devil’s Pool.
From June to October, safari season is at its busiest. This is a great time to go on a safari and see Victoria Falls at the same time. Keep in mind that the waterfall will be dryer the later you go. July and August are usually the best months for a fantastic safari and spectacular views. This is also a very popular time to travel. Make sure to book your reservations well in advance.
During the high-water season, more than 481,386 cubic meters (17 million cubic feet) of water fall over the edge per minute. That’s approximately 200 times more than an Olympic swimming pool, or 12,000 pools in an hour!
Which Side is Best: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
This all depends on what you want to do during your vacation. Both sides have great views of the waterfall, but your choice of activities and where you want to stay could affect your choices.
Victoria Falls Bridge makes it easy to get across the border if you want the best of both worlds. All you need is your passport and a double or multiple entrance visa, which you can get at the border check (your guide or transfer agency usually helps you with this). This implies that you can easily take a day excursion to see the Falls from the other side of the border if you’re staying on the Zambian side.
Which Side Has the Best Views?
Zimbabwe has the most places to see Victoria Falls because around three-quarters of it is in Zimbabwe. You may walk along the walkways in Victoria Falls National Park, which wind through the jungle and out to views on the edge of the gorge where you’ll see the beautiful Main Falls crashing down into the rocky chasm below, shaking the ground beneath your feet.
Want to get incredibly close to the waterfalls? After that, go to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. During high-water season, you can walk along the paved trails on the edge of the waterfall and cross the Knife-Edge Bridge, which is very exciting and will get you wet. The trek is about 100 meters (328 feet) above the gorge.
During the low-water season, take the footpath that goes to the Boiling Pot, which is a huge whirlpool at the bottom of the waterfall. Look up and be amazed at how big this natural wonder is!
Is it Safe to Travel to Zimbabwe?
Even though Zimbabwe’s politics are unstable, our long-term safari partners on the ground tell us that it’s safe to visit to all the famous national parks and other significant tourist spots. The parks bring in money from tourists, and the people of the country won’t let anything happen to them.
Zimbabwe is one of the best places in Southern Africa to go on a big game safari. The guides there are some of the best in Africa, and they know how to show you the best game.
Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls
The Best Time Visit Victoria Falls is during the high water season from January to early May, when the Zambezi River is at full flow. For the average holiday traveller, Victoria Falls provides an absolutely awesome experience, whilst for the adventure-seeker, this is the best time for white water rafting on the Zambezi.
That being said, Victoria Falls makes a fantastic year-round destination thanks to its mild winters, hot summers, and enviable location straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe. It will come as no surprise that a journey to Victoria Falls is a prominent feature on many of our favourite Tours.
Summer runs from October to April, during which time it gets quite hot – up to around 30°C. Evening and night temperatures drop to approximately 14°C. Dramatic thunderstorms may light up your afternoons, while the summer rains wash through the area between November and March.
Winter is from May to September/October. The days are mild and largely dry and sunny – around 20°C, with the temperature at night drops and can sometimes get as cold as 5ºC.
Take a look at our calendar for When To Visit Victoria Falls and find out more about what impact Zambezi water levels have on your visit to Vic Falls.
Getting To & Around Victoria Falls
Getting To & Around Victoria Falls is actually quite easy. The town of Victoria Falls and the Falls themselves are within walking distance of each other – as you arrive the ever present “smoke” from the Falls very quickly orientates you as to the lay out of the town. The Falls are literally situated at the end of the main road into town.
Plane: The Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is 11 miles south of the city and the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) is located three miles north of the city across the border with Zambia. If you land at the Victoria Falls Airport, you can get to town by taking a private transportation provided by your tour operator. If you land at the Livingstone Airport in Zambia, you will have to take a private transportation provided by your tour operator from the Livingstone Airport.
Car: Victoria Falls is 68 miles away from Hwange and 270 miles away from Bulawayo, and the roads are not well maintained. If you decide to rent a car at Livingstone Airport to drive to Victoria Falls, keep in mind that you will have to pay taxes and insurance at the border as well as obtain a temporary import permit for the car.
