Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this colossal waterfall offers an unparalleled spectacle of nature and a thrilling array of activities for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply seeking awe-inspiring beauty, Victoria Falls has something for you. To help you plan your unforgettable adventure, here are the top 10 things to do in and around this magnificent wonder, covering both sides of the Zambezi River. Which one is better? Find out more for yourself!
1. Witness the Majesty from Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe)
The Zimbabwean side often gets the nod for the most panoramic views of the Falls. The Victoria Falls National Park boasts numerous viewpoints along well-maintained paths, offering diverse perspectives of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Prepare to get misted – especially during high water season (February to May) – it’s all part of the immersive experience!
2. Brave the Knife-Edge Bridge (Zambia)
On the Zambian side, the Knife-Edge Bridge in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a thrilling, up-close encounter with the eastern cataract of Victoria Falls. During high water, the sheer volume of spray here is immense, creating ethereal rainbows and an exhilarating, drenching experience. It’s an unforgettable walk right at the edge of the thundering water.
During the dry season (typically August to January), when water levels are low enough, you can swim in a natural rock pool right at the edge of the Falls on the Zambian side. With a natural rock lip preventing you from going over, it’s a truly exhilarating and unique photo opportunity. Access is via Livingstone Island tours.
3. Stay at The Royal Livingstone by Anantara (Zambia)
The Royal Livingstone by Anantara is the closest accommodation to the Victoria Falls. As a guest you will have pristine views right from your room, and be able to walk to the Falls anytime of the day through a private access. Also, at the hotel, you will see free roaming resident giraffes and zebras that don’t seem to be spooked by humans walking around. Some of them moved in during the pandemic and had babies on the property, so this is as much as a home to them, as your stay here for the next few nights. Not just that, you will see impala, baboons, and hippos right outside your door, even though this is not a safari lodge. This may be the only Spa in the world where you can get a massage overlooking the Zambezi River, wildlife, and the spray of Victoria Falls.
There are multiple restaurants at the hotel serving locally-inspired cuisine with unparalleled views of the Zambezi River. Grab a cocktail at the instagram-worthy Travelers Bar, and head in to the Lounge where you can admire the paintings of Sir David Livingstone, hand-drawn maps of his African travels, and an array of artifacts and books that inspire a sense of adventure. Have dinner of African mezzo, kudu stew, and malva pudding at the open-air Kubu Deck with an orange sunset over the Victoria Falls.
Make sure to book a breakfast at the hotel’s Jetty, so you can watch a special sunrise over the Falls. It’s super quiet at this time, except for the grunting of hippos, who are all around you. You can see the mist rising above the Victoria Falls, as you sip on your cappuccino. A dedicated server will bring you your breakfast order right on to your private table at The Jetty.
4. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River (Zambia)
A quintessential Victoria Falls experience! Glide along the tranquil Zambezi River above the Falls as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Many cruises include drinks and snacks, providing a perfect, relaxing end to your day.
6. Soar Above the Falls with a Helicopter Tour (Zimbabwe)
Gain a breathtaking aerial perspective of Victoria Falls, the winding Zambezi River, and the surrounding national parks with a 12-minute long “Flight of Angels” helicopter tour. See the sheer scale of the Falls, the gorge, and the incredible landscape from a vantage point few get to experience. It’s a splurge, but worth every penny for the unforgettable views.
7. Fly in a Micro Plane (Zambia)
An alternate and more thrilling aerial experience is on a two-seater micro flight. The open-air scooter style vehicle looks a bit funky, but is super smooth and safe. You will sit behind the captain, and soar into the skies for about 20 minutes. Below you can see the National Park, Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi River. I was able to spot elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles from above. The best part of this experience is that there are no windows and doors to block your views!
7. Bungee Jump or Zip Line at Victoria Falls Bridge (Zimbabwe)
For the ultimate leap of faith, take the plunge from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Dropping 111 meters with the thundering Falls as your backdrop is an experience reserved for the truly fearless. Alternately, take a Canopy Tour gliding through the rainforest in a series of zip lines. You will get a variety of different vantage points – from above, below and within the canopy itself. Experience forest bird life, which can include the Knysna and Purple crested Turaco (Lourie) and Peregrine Falcons. There’s also a bar/ restaurant onsite where you can enjoy the views from.
9. Attend a Boma Dinner and a Show (Zambia)
At the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, you can visit a Zambian village recreation that is open to visitors each night. Be greeted by storytellers in village huts, djembe drummers and Ngoni dancers, colorful arts and crafts, and learn about the ways of everyday life. The local village hosts will tell you insightful details about womanhood, marriage, connection to wildlife, and the spiritual world. You can also learn to weave baskets and have your face painted in African traditions.
There’s a huge buffet showcasing authentic Zambian cuisine including Pan African staples and game meat grilled over coals. The evening at Mukuni Boma culminates with a series of energetic cultural performances and guests are encouraged to join in.
10. Encounter Wildlife on a Safari Drive
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe offer fantastic safari opportunities near Victoria Falls. On the Zambian side, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. In Zimbabwe, nearby Zambezi National Park offers a chance to spot the Big Five in a stunning riverside setting.
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In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, stay at Mbano Manor, the first luxury boutique hotel opened by an African female. The exclusive villas at the Manor are beautifully designed and decorated with African art. There’s a quaint restaurant where you can book High Tea in the forest. The property itself is surrounded by national park, so don’t be surprised to hear elephants at night from the tranquility of your fenced-in Manor.
Planning Your Victoria Falls Adventure
The nearest international airport is Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. From there you will need to cross the border to get into Zambia. Most hotels will arrange pick up and transfer, but it may be easier to use a tour operator, such as Enchanting Travels, to help coordinate taxis, guides, hotels and tours. With the introduction of the KAZA visa program, you can hop in an out of the countries multiple times for a low one time visa fee of $50.
When planning your trip, consider the time of year. High water (February-May) offers the most powerful flow and spray, while low water (August-January) allows for activities like Devil’s Pool and clearer views from the base of the Falls.
Whether you choose to base yourself in Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe, an unforgettable adventure awaits. Get ready to be thunderstruck by the raw power and beauty of Victoria Falls!
