Mosi-oa-Tunya: "The Smoke That Thunders"

Victoria Falls is a spectacular year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. The main factor that affects your visit is the Zambezi River’s water level, which determines how powerful (and how misty) the Falls will be.

From February to May, right after the summer rains, the Falls are at their fullest and most dramatic. Expect thundering water, powerful spray, and rainbows that fill the gorge. However, the mist can be so intense that visibility is sometimes limited, especially on the Zimbabwean side.

By June to August, the weather is cooler and drier, and the water levels begin to drop, revealing more of the rock face. This is a fantastic time for photography and sightseeing.

From September to December, the water level is at its lowest, particularly on the Zambian side which means you can enjoy a very different perspective of the Falls. During this period, the famous Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island are open for swimming, offering one of the most thrilling experiences in Africa.

Zimbabwe side: Fly into Victoria Falls International Airport.

• From Cape Town we recommend Airlink. Connections through Johannesburg are also possible.From Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) we 
• recommend Airlink or Fastjet.
• From Kruger (Kruger Mpumalanga National Airport) we recommend Fastjet. Connections through Johannesburg are also possible.

Zambia side: Fly into Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone.

• From Cape Town we recommend Proflight or Kenya Airways for direct flights. Connections through Johannesburg with Airlink are also possible.
• From Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) we recommend Airlink for direct flights.
• From Kruger (Hoedspruit, Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga National Airport), guests need to connect through Johannesburg.

You can also fly into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, then take a road transfer to Zambian lodges.

The short answer: both, if you can! Each side offers its own unique perspective and experience of the Falls, and together they give you the full picture of this incredible natural wonder.

From a viewpoint perspective, the Zimbabwean side generally offers the most expansive and dramatic views; about two-thirds of the Falls can be seen from here, with well-laid-out walking paths and viewpoints.

In terms of accommodation, both sides have excellent options ranging from luxury lodges to boutique hotels. Zambia has a few hidden gem riverside options a bit further up the river.

When it comes to the town experience, Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) is livelier, with more cafés, restaurants, markets, and shops, perfect for travellers who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Livingstone (Zambia) is quieter and more relaxed, offering a charming, laid-back and African feel.

As for activities, both sides are easily accessible from each other via the bridge, and most visitors choose to explore both. The Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island are exclusive to the Zambian side (open during low water months), while helicopter flights from Zambia are especially popular, as operators there control the airspace over the gorge and your scenic flights include an exhilarating gorge flight . On the Zimbabwean side, you’ll find the much-loved Bamba Tram. Both sides have excellent sunset cruises and game drives in nearby parks.

Victoria Falls is considered low-risk in terms of malaria, but there are still mosquitoes and disease risk in the region. It’s wise to use insect repellent, sleep under mosquito nets where provided, and check with a travel health clinic if prophylaxis is advised, given your exact route and time of travel.

Most travellers find that spending 2-4 days gives a good balance. See below for how much there is to do in the area.

There is so much more to discover in Zambia and Zimbabwe than just the iconic Victoria Falls.

Zambia destinations: Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park.

Zimbabwe destinations: Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba, and Matusadona National Park.

Botswana destinations: (Yes, Victoria Falls is only a short 40 minute drive away from the Botswana border)! Chobe National Park (Savuti region & Chobe Waterfront), Moremi National Park with the Okavango Delta.

Contact our consultants to help you arrange an unforgettable African safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe or Botswana.

• For the more adventurous, try swimming in Devil’s Pool, a natural pool right on the edge of the Falls. This is seasonal, when water is at its lowest between August and December (Zambia).
• Livingstone Island Tour, a view of the Falls like no other (Zambia)
• Seeing Victoria Falls by helicopter is the only way you can get a sense of the scale of this natural wonder. Pro tip: On Zambia’s side you can also fly in the river gorge, this is an amazing experience.
• Join a Zambezi River cruise during your Victoria Falls safari escape, which is a great way to watch an African sunset. See hippo & crocodile, and herds of elephants crossing the iconic Zambezi, all while sipping gin & tonics.
• Enjoy a sunrise experience on the famous Bamba Tram. This guided 90-minute trip will take you through the Zambezi National Park onto the iconic Victoria Falls suspension bridge with stunning views over the Victoria Falls at sunrise.
• Bushtracks Express Steam Train, Zimbabwe. Experience yesteryear’s elegance: a luxury steam train journey, sunset drinks on the Victoria Falls Bridge, and gourmet dining in tranquil wilderness.
• Enjoy a local lunch or dinner at Dusty Road in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
• Enjoy lunch and views over the river gorge from Lookout Cafe, Zimbabwe.
• Do a local village visit while in Zambia or Zimbabwe. These can include experiences like a visit to a local market, cooking lunch with a local family in the village, which is an unforgettable glimpse into local life.
• Enjoy catch and release tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi River. Pro tip: On the Zambian side you will be fishing in the Zambezi National Park; this is a much quieter part of the park with wildlife sightings possible. Dream moment: Catching a tiger fish while a herd of elephants are grazing on the banks of the river!
• Looking for a holiday package? Check out our Chobe & Victoria Falls safari
• Our Cape Town to Victoria Falls luxury tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Southern Africa.