David Livingstone – “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight….”
Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "The Smoke That Thunders," is located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are one of the world's largest and most famous waterfalls, with a width of 1,708 meters and a height of 108 meters. The Zambian side of the falls offers a unique and intimate experience, often regarded as less commercialized compared to the Zimbabwean side.
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls provides several vantage points for viewing the magnificent water cascade. Knife-Edge Bridge is one of the most popular spots, which offers spectacular views of the Eastern Cataract, Main Falls, and Boiling Pot. During the rainy season, from February to May, the water flow is at its peak, creating an impressive spray that can be seen from miles away. However, from September to December, the dry season allows for better visibility of the rock formations and access to the Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool right at the edge of the falls.


Victoria Falls in Zambia offers a unique and enriching travel experience, combining the awe-inspiring beauty of the falls with a range of activities and accommodation options. Visitors can explore the falls from various viewpoints, engage in thrilling adventure activities, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Additionally, Victoria Falls serves as an excellent gateway to some of Zambia’s best safari destinations, allowing travelers to experience the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that the country has to offer. Whether it’s a luxury stay, a mid-range lodge, or a budget-friendly campsite, there is something for everyone at Victoria Falls, making it a must-visit destination in Zambia.
The Victoria Falls Bridge, another iconic structure, connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and provides panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding gorge. This bridge is also the starting point for several adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and zip-lining.








Victoria Falls offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury lodges and bed and breakfast guest houses to budget-friendly self-service accommodations, visitors can find suitable lodging that compliments their experience of visiting the falls.
Luxury Lodges
For those seeking luxury, several high-end lodges provide comfortable stays with stunning views of the Zambezi River and the falls. TONGABEZI LODGE, ROYAL CHUNDU, and TOKA LEYA, by Wilderness Destinations, are both located upstream of Victoria Falls and offer luxurious suites, cottages, and houses with private decks overlooking the river.
These luxury lodges located on the outskirts of Livingstone provide personalized service, gourmet meals with fine dining, spa treatments, and various activities such as sunset cruises and guided tours of the falls. Helicopter flights over the falls, wildlife safaris, and walking safaris are available at the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Royal Chundu is Zambia's first and only Relais & Châteaux property.
Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges
Mid-range accommodation options include THORNTREE RIVER LODGE, which is also conveniently located on the outskirts of Livingstone. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, this lodge offers well-appointed rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with river views. Guests can enjoy river cruises, fishing trips, and visits to the falls.
Victoria Falls is not just about viewing the magnificent waterfall; there are numerous activities that visitors can engage in to make their trip more memorable.
Viewing the Falls
The primary activity at Victoria Falls is exploring the various viewpoints to appreciate the scale and beauty of the waterfall fully. Walking trails in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer different perspectives of the falls, including the Knife-Edge Bridge, the Lookout Tree, and the Falls Bridge. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and geology of the falls.
Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers, Victoria Falls offers several adrenaline-pumping activities. Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is popular, providing an exhilarating free fall with stunning views of the gorge below. Zip-lining across the Batoka Gorge offers another exciting way to experience the falls from a different angle.
White-water rafting on the Zambezi River is another adventurous activity. The river offers some of the best rapids in the world, and rafting trips range from half-day to multi-day excursions. They provide an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts.
River Cruises and Fishing
For a more relaxed experience, visitors can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. These cruises offer an opportunity to enjoy the serene beauty of the river, spot wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, and witness stunning sunsets. Fishing trips on the Zambezi are also popular, with the river being home to various fish species, including the famous tiger fish.
Cultural Experiences
Visiting local villages and markets provides insight into the culture and traditions of the Zambian people. Tours of nearby villages allow visitors to learn about traditional lifestyles, customs, and crafts. The Maramba Market in Livingstone is a bustling place where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
Victoria Falls serves as an excellent gateway to some of Zambia’s best safari destinations. Combining a visit to the falls with a safari offers a diverse and enriching travel experience.
One of Zambia’s premier safari destinations, South Luangwa National Park is known for its rich wildlife and excellent game viewing opportunities. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Walking safaris, pioneered in South Luangwa, offer a unique way to explore the park and get up close to nature.
To connect Victoria Falls with South Luangwa, visitors can take a domestic flight from Livingstone to Mfuwe, the main gateway to the park. Speak with your Safari Guru Africa Travel Specialist about packages that combine a Victoria Falls visit with a safari in South Luangwa, providing a seamless travel experience and enjoying the hospitality at a complementing safari lodge, such as CHINDENI BUSHCAMP or TIME + TIDE’S CHINZOMBO.
Situated along the banks of the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is known for its canoe safaris, which allow visitors to glide along the river and observe animals such as elephants, buffalo, and hippos from a unique perspective. Game drives and walking safaris are also popular activities in the park.
Traveling to Lower Zambezi from Victoria Falls typically involves a flight from Livingstone to Lusaka, followed by a charter flight or road transfer to the park. Lodges, such as ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE and TIME AND TIDE CHONGWE and CHIAWA CAMP are the perfect choice to include both Victoria Falls and Lower Zambezi, making it easy to combine the two destinations.
Kafue National Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, offers a remote and unspoiled safari experience. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species. Boat cruises on the Kafue River and game drives are popular activities in the park.
Connecting Victoria Falls with Kafue National Park can be done via a flight from Livingstone to Lusaka, followed by a charter flight to the park. Kafue’s top luxury safari destination is SHUMBA CAMP, located in the heart of Busanga Plains.
Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa Plain National Park is known for its annual wildebeest migration, one of the largest in Africa. The park offers a pristine wilderness experience, with opportunities to see wildebeest, zebras, lions, and hyenas. The best time to visit Liuwa Plain is during the dry season, from May to October, when the wildlife is most concentrated.
To reach Liuwa Plain from Victoria Falls, visitors can take a flight from Livingstone to Lusaka, followed by a charter flight to the park. Due to its remote location, visiting Liuwa Plain often requires careful planning and coordination with tour operators, so contacting an Africa Travel Specialist about ideas and planning is always best.
Further Reading: Why use an Africa Travel Specialist and Zambia Travel Requirements.
Looking for some travel inspiration? Dive into Safari Guru Deon's recent trip highlights on Instagram!
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