Best Things to Do at Victoria Falls (2026 Guide)

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a spectacle of such scale that David Livingstone, the first European to see it (in 1855), wrote that he had “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” The falls are 1.7km wide and 108m high, producing a permanent rainforest on the opposite bank from constant spray and a plume of mist visible from aircraft. The falls are most dramatic from February through May when the Zambezi runs at full flood; from September through November the river drops and the individual channels become more visible (and swimming in Devil’s Pool becomes possible). Both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides offer distinct views.

Best Time to Visit

The falls are a year-round destination, but timing dramatically affects the experience. February through May: maximum water flow — the falls are deafening, the spray creates a complete rainbow on sunny days, and you will be soaked on the viewing walkways (bring waterproofs). The volume is so great that some viewpoints are obscured by mist. June through August: high water season tapering off, excellent conditions, comfortable temperatures (cool dry season). September through November: low water — the individual falls become more distinct, and Devil’s Pool (swimming on the edge of the falls) opens for guided visits. December through January: the wet season begins, water rises.

Getting Around

Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe has a small airport (VFA) with connections to Johannesburg and domestic Zimbabwe. Livingstone Airport in Zambia (LVI) has connections to Johannesburg and Nairobi. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses between the two countries — Zimbabwean and Zambian visas are required separately (or the KAZA Univisa covers both). Within the falls area, taxis and organised tours cover all activity points. Chobe National Park in Botswana is 80km from Victoria Falls and easily accessible by organised day trip.

The Falls — Zimbabwe Side

The Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls National Park) provides the most comprehensive views of the main falls — a series of viewpoints along a 1km walkway through the rainforest gives perspectives from multiple angles. The Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Danger Point viewpoints are the essential stops. The Falls Bridge view, looking up the gorge with the falls in the background, is the most photographed angle. The helicopter flight over the falls (“Flight of Angels”) provides an incomparable aerial perspective and is one of the best 15 minutes available in southern Africa.

Adventure Activities

Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s premier adventure activity hubs. White-water rafting on the Zambezi Gorge involves Grade 5 rapids in one of the world’s premier river environments — a full-day experience that begins below the falls and runs through 23 major rapids. Devil’s Pool, accessible in low-water season (September-November) by swimming across from Livingstone Island on the Zambian side, allows swimming literally on the lip of the main falls — a terrifying and extraordinary experience requiring a licensed guide. Bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge (111 metres) is one of the most dramatic bungee locations in the world. Sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi, above the falls, combine hippo and crocodile sightings with sundowner drinks.

Chobe and Safari

Chobe National Park in Botswana, 80km from Victoria Falls, has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa — herds of hundreds regularly congregate at the Chobe River in the dry season (June-November). Day trips from Victoria Falls in 4WD vehicles and river boats are standard and provide excellent game viewing without multi-night safari costs. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, 100km east, is one of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves with the full “Big Five” — organised day trips or multi-night stays are available.

Practical Tips

• Bring a waterproof jacket and bag to the Zimbabwe viewpoints in high-water season — the spray genuinely soaks through most standard clothing and ruins unprotected cameras.
• The KAZA Univisa ($50) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia and is available at the border — worthwhile if crossing to see the Zambian side viewpoints or doing Devil’s Pool.
• Devil’s Pool bookings through Tongabezi or Livingstone Island Lodge must be made in advance; the season runs approximately September through January depending on water levels.
• Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) is more developed than Livingstone (Zambia) in terms of tourist infrastructure; both have a range of accommodation options from backpacker hostels to luxury lodges.
• USD is the main currency in Zimbabwe; the Zambian kwacha in Zambia. ATMs are available but cash is important for smaller purchases.