Victoria Falls Travel Guide: 16 Tips for Visiting One of the World’s Greatest Natural Wonders
Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Stretching roughly 1.7 kilometers (just over a mile) across and plunging more than 100 meters into the gorge below, it is the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
Many people ask whether Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on Earth. The answer depends on how you define “largest.” It isn’t the tallest waterfall, and it isn’t the widest, but it is generally considered the largest based on the combined width and height of its uninterrupted sheet of water.
After spending several days exploring both Zimbabwe and Zambia, here are the things I wish I had known before visiting.
1. Victoria Falls sits between two countries
One of the most important things to understand before your trip is that Victoria Falls lies directly on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Many of the activities are split between the two countries, so make sure you research your visa options carefully before arriving.
Depending on your nationality and travel plans, you may need a multiple entry visa. Double check everything in advance so you don’t miss out on an activity.
2. Plan your activities carefully to avoid extra border crossings
Crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia can take time, especially during busy periods. We stayed on the Zimbabwe side, but the microlight flight and Devil’s Pool are both located in Zambia.
We booked our microlight flight in the morning and Devil’s Pool for lunch afterward, which meant we only had to cross the border once instead of making multiple trips back and forth.
3. Book the microlight flight and choose the 30 minute option
The microlight flight was my favorite experience at Victoria Falls and one of my favorite travel experiences ever.
If your budget allows, book the 30 minute flight. Seeing the falls from above is absolutely breathtaking, and you may even spot wildlife roaming below. I actually cried while flying over the waterfall because it was so beautiful.
4. Don’t skip the rainforest walk
It’s easy to focus on the adventure activities, but the rainforest walk is an absolute must. The trails offer some of the best viewpoints of the falls, and the mist creates an incredible rainforest ecosystem right beside the gorge.
Bring waterproof clothing because there is a very good chance you’ll get soaked.
We went at sunset (the park is open 6am-6pm!) We went at 4pm & walked around/took pictures for 2 hours. There was very few people there at this time! Most tour groups go in the morning.
5. Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Armchair are expensive but worth it
Swimming right on the edge of Victoria Falls is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that lives up to the hype.
It isn’t cheap, but between the views, the guides, and the lunch that’s included, we thought it was worth every penny.
6. Book your tours with AfroDawn
We had an amazing experience with AfroDawn. Isabella, one of the owners, was fantastic, and we especially loved having a female guide.
Having a guide also made the border crossings much easier and took away a lot of the stress of moving between the two countries.
7. Go white water rafting if you love adventure
Victoria Falls is home to some of the most exciting white water rafting in the world. The rapids in Batoka Gorge are legendary and make for an unforgettable day.
Be prepared, though. It’s physically demanding and definitely not for everyone. We ran out of time or I definitely would have added this on! I plan to come back to Victoria Falls and will definitely be doing this next time.
8. Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The property overlooks a watering hole that regularly attracts elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. There’s also a free shuttle into town, which makes getting around incredibly easy.
9. Watch the vulture feeding at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Every afternoon, the lodge hosts a vulture feeding experience where dozens of birds swoop in overhead.
Even if birds aren’t usually your thing, it’s fascinating to watch and gives you a new appreciation for these important animals.
10. The Boma dinner show is touristy in the best way
The Boma Dinner and Drum Show was one of the most fun nights of our trip.
Expect traditional performances, drumming, dancing, and an enormous buffet. It’s definitely touristy, but sometimes the touristy experiences are popular for a reason.
11. Pack for both sunshine and spray
Depending on the season, you’ll likely need sunscreen and waterproof gear on the same day.
Quick drying clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your electronics are all worth bringing.
You can rent a rain poncho for $2-$3 before entering the rainforest walk! You will get wet and on heavy water flow days, you’ll get soaked!
12. The experience changes dramatically depending on the season
Victoria Falls looks completely different throughout the year. During high water season, the falls are thunderous and powerful, but the mist can make it difficult to see everything clearly.
Lower water levels provide better visibility and make activities like Devil’s Pool possible.
We went in July and it was PERFECT! The falls were full but we still had great visibility. It was an excellent time to go.
13. Leave room in your itinerary
Weather can affect activities such as microlight flights and rafting, so it’s worth leaving yourself a little flexibility.
An extra day can make all the difference if plans change. Flights can be cancelled due to wind or the falls might not be visible due to heavy mist or fog.
14. Carry some cash
While most hotels and larger tour operators accept cards, cash is still useful for tipping, markets, and smaller purchases.
US dollars are widely accepted on both sides of the falls.
15. Stay longer than you think you need
Many people visit Victoria Falls for only one or two nights, but there’s far more to do than simply admire the waterfall.
Between river cruises, flights over the falls, safaris, rafting, cultural experiences, and incredible restaurants, you could easily spend four or five days here.
16. Stop at Lookout Café
Even if you don’t have time for another activity, make sure you visit Lookout Café. Perched high above Batoka Gorge, it has some of the best views in Victoria Falls.
It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink or a meal while taking in the scenery. One of the coolest parts is watching people bungee jump, zip-line, and swing across the gorge while you eat.
They also have a lot of unique local cuisine you can try like crocodile kebabs and a delicious Baobab cocktail!
The restaurant has a beautiful, upscale vibe. We went for sunset and it was perfect!
Whether you stop by for lunch, sunset, or just a quick drink, the views alone make it worth visiting.
Victoria Falls completely exceeded my expectations. Between soaring over the falls in a microlight, standing at the edge of Devil’s Pool, and watching elephants gather below our hotel, it quickly became one of my favorite places on the African continent!
Is Victoria Falls on your bucketlist?
Stay tuned for my next Botswana + Victoria Falls Wanderlust Group Trip!
