Victoria Falls

Getting there

By Air
A small number of day-to-day commercial flights connect to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia from Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka. These flights duration ranges from 35 minutes to an hour. On arrival in Livingstone or Victoria Falls airports you will be road transferred for short trip lasting 15 – 25 minutes to your wonderful accommodation destination entwined in with one Africa’s most remarkable landscape.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

During March and April when the volume of water going over Victoria Falls is at its greatest, you are hard pressed to hold a conversation above the sound of the water, and even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky, be prepared to get a soaking… rain coats and umbrellas are on hand, and don’t be embarrassed about using them! It is also good idea to take protective covering for your camera. The level of the Zambezi River changes with the season and during November and December, the waters are at their lowest, thus turning the spectacle into a trickle, and making for some interesting geology. Even ‘off season’ the Falls are fascinating, you get to see the true extent, and on the Zambian side in particular, you can actually walk, and even swim, not to mention picnic, at the top of the Falls.

The summer months are generally hotter with temperatures often exceeding 36°C and the short afternoon thunderstorms often make way for magnificent sunsets. This is the time of year where you can get your tan on at your poolside hotel. The winter months are characterised by long sunny days with cold nights where warm clothes will be needed. Swimming isn’t really recommended at this time of year, unless cold water temperatures are your thing.

Medical Considerations

Victoria Falls is situated within a high malaria risk area, and anti-malaria safeguards ought to be consulted with your personal medical practitioner when you are scheduling your tour to Southern Africa. Further than that, make sure that all your regular vaccinations are up to date.

Health & Safety

Petty crime does take place in Livingstone and Victoria Falls as centres are now lively tourism focal points. Make sure that your valuables are secure on your person if you make stop over at curio markets or crowded areas. Should your hotel room not be equipped with safe, you may request hotel secure your valuable during stay.

Transfers from the airport to your hotel or lodge will be typically be in private air-conditioned vehicles. This is also the case for transfers to the various activities that you will partake in while staying at the Victoria Falls. If you opt for a day excursion to Chobe, the above will apply as well. Once you reach Chobe, however, you will transfer to an open 4×4 game drive vehicle for the duration of the safari in Chobe. Sunset cruises are conducted in boats of varying sizes. All are well equipped to enjoy the the magic of a sunset over the mighty Zambezi River.

As Zambia’s entry to the Victoria Falls and the surrounding Zambezi region, Livingstone has something for everyone – romantics, adventurers, adrenalin junkies and explorers – with specialist tour operators.

White Water Rafting

Due to the fluctuating water levels of the Zambezi, there are high and low water seasons at different times of the year.

In the rafting world, the Zambezi River rafting is classified as class 5 (high volume) out of 6 – 1 being the tamest and 6 being commercially not raftable. With rapids named Stairway to Heaven, The Terminator, Oblivion, The Washing Machine, Judgement Day, Devils Toilet Bowl and Oblivion, you get an idea of what to expect.

High water rafting begins in mid-January and ends in August. Sometimes, however, if the water level is too high, rafting will close as a safety concern during the months of April and May. High water rafting goes from rapid number #10 to #25 as the water rise they start putting in at #14. These trips are full day from 8h30 to 15h30.

Low water rafting starts in approximately August through to January and this is when the river is at its wildest. Half day trips go from either rapid #1 to #10 (morning trip – 7h30 to 14h00) or #10 to #25 (afternoon trip – 10h15 to 17h30). Full day trips take you through #1 to #25 from 7h30 to 17h30. The difference between this activity and the one offered in Zimbabwe is that in Zambia, there is no hike out of the Batoka Gorge but a cable car takes you out the gorge instead which is a huge bonus for some people.

Riverboarding

Riverboarding on the Zambezi River is done in combination with white water rafting. The rafting takes place in the bigger rapids and then river boarding is done in the smaller rapids of the river. In these smaller sections, you will get out of the raft and play around – surf the river, ride the whirl pools and squirt.

Much like the rafting, riverboarding has half day and full day trips. High water trips begin in mid-January and end in August. During high water, full day trips begin at 8h30 from rapid number 14 to 25 and then rapids #10 to #25 at 15h30. In the low water season, riverboarding trips start in August through to January. Depending on the rainfall received, they may start in mid July if the water is already low enough. Half day trips go from either rapid #1 to 10 (morning trip – 7h30 to 14h00) or #10 to 25 (afternoon trip – 10h15 to 17h30). Full day trips take you through #1 to 25 from 7h30 to 17h30.

The difference between this activity and the one offered in Zimbabwe is that in Zambia, there is no hike out the Batoka Gorge but a cable car takes you out the gorge instead.

Bungee Jumping

Surely jumping 111 meters off the Victoria Falls Bridge has to be one of the most challenging, terrifying, crazy things to do. I have not built up the courage yet but from all accounts…. It’s a must do. If you are not brave enough to do this alone, you can always try to convince a buddy to leap with you and do the tandem jump. First timers normally do a standard head first dive, but the more experienced try all sorts of flips, backflips and inward tucks, some even with a bicycle or kayak. Pre-booked and paid bungee jumpers are entitled to a full refund up until they sign the indemnity form on the bridge and start to strap up, you are then past the point of no return.

Bridge Slide

Of all the bridge activities, the bridge slide is certainly the tamest one. People of all ages can do it from toddlers to old-timers. It does provide a bit of an adrenalin rush, not enough for you to question all of you life choices, but enough to make you want to do it again. You will need to cross the Victoria Falls Bridge to where The Bridge Cafe is located. Once you’ve checked in and signed all your paperwork, you are strapped into your harness and walk up to the platform on the Zambian edge of the Batoka Gorge. You can choose to go at it alone or in tandem. NOTE that children from 4 to 13 years of age must go in tandem with a guardian.

The zipline goes for 300 metres over the Zambezi River rapids in the Batoka Gorge below giving you a spectacular view of the Zambezi River and gorge before you are gently brought over to the Victoria Falls Bridge. Then you take a short walk under the bridge to the Zimbabwean edge of the Batoka.
Bridge Swing
Your harness is attached to a rope, the rope is attached to the middle of a cable that runs across the full width of the gorge.

Once you are all set, you stand on a platform on the edge of the Victoria Falls bridge, say a quick prayer and jump off – How crazy is that, you jump off and free fall for about 0m straight towards the rocks and river below, then as the rope becomes taught you will start to arc and thankfully swing away from the river you were hurtling towards fractions of a seconds ago. Although it looks like the most insane thing to do, everyone who does it, is on such a high afterwards.

With the bridge swing, you can go at it alone, or you can do it with a partner and scream together as you take the 80 meter plunge…then once you’ve swung through the gorge, take in the sight of the Batoka gorge and the mighty Zambezi river below while you both get pulled up to the Victoria Falls Bridge.

PLEASE NOTE: This activity is NOT suitable for persons who are either pregnant, epileptic, hypertensive or have a previous back injury.

Devils Swim

It is an awesome once in a lifetime experience and the operation is extremely well managed and run, with safety being a high priority.

When the water level of the Zambezi is too high, the island is completely closed, so neither the “Island Tour” or the “Devils Swim” are open (see below). As the water level drops, the “Island Tour” opens but the water is still too high to swim in the Pools. As the water level drops even further, first the “Angel Pool” then the “Devil Pool” opens allowing both the “Island tour” and the “Devils Swim” to be done. This happen in reverse when the river is rising. The activities remain the same price regardless of whether both activities are done or not. You can do the Island Tour and it is not compulsory to Swim in the Devils Pool, it is an personal choice.

Livingstone Island Availability – The Livingstone Island tour is seasonal and can only be done when the water level of the Zambezi River is low enough to allow safe access to Livingstone Island. This is from approximately late June to early March.

Angel Pool Availability – Approximately mid July to late August and early January through till mid February

Devils Pool Availability – The Devils swimming Pool is available for an even shorter period as the water level has to be really low to allow for safe swimming. Although variable every year this is normally from late August to early January.

The Name – As the name suggests this is the island from which David Livingstone first witnessed the Falls in November 1855. From here he lowered a length of calico with a bullet attached as a weight to measure the depth of the Falls.

The Elephant Cafe Experience

An elegant fine-dining restaurant built in the vicinity of an elephant sanctuary, the Elephant Cafe is exactly what its name suggests. This award winning freshly built establishment offers guests a chance to interact with the gentle African elephant, and then enjoy unique and wild flavours sourced locally in a gourmet meal. The elephants at Zambezi Elephant Trails are hand-reared, the older ones rescued from severe droughts and culling exercises done years ago, while the younger ones came from the wild or have been born into the herd. The tented open cafe is set on a wooden deck, elevated on stilts over the Zambezi River itself, and comfortably seats up to 24 people.

The experience starts with a 20-minute cruise up the Zambezi River. You will be picked up by transfer vehicle from your lodging, and taken to the jetty where a small jetboat will be waiting for you to take you to the Elephant Cafe, 10kms upstream from the Victoria Falls. Alternatively, you can take a game drive option through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can see different kinds of game along the way.

Upon arrival, you will meet some of the rescued elephants and some of the younger ones which were born at the sanctuary. Spend some time feeding and playing with them while you hear stories of their lives. You will be invited to the tented cafe for another once-in-a-lifetime experience – a fine-dining affair with unique meals prepared using wild ingredients infused with local Zambian foods. A champagne cocktail kicks off the dining experience.

Rhino Walking Safari

Just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls facing the Zambezi National Park on the other side of the Zambezi River, lies the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to buffalo, impala, zebra, giraffe, warthog and the endangered white rhino.

On a rhino walk, you get to come close to the amazing and sadly highly endangered white rhino. The trip starts with a drive into the national park, where you will be transferred into a safari vehicle and meet the guides and trackers, who will have come out earlier to look for the rhinos. After a briefing on what to expect, safety and how to have a memorable encounter, you will be driven to the area where the trackers would have located the rhino.

From a distance, you get to interact with the rhino and take pictures. The guide gives insight to the rhino and other wildlife in the area that you meet during the walk, as well as the flora and spoor found during your safari. After two hours of getting to know the area, drinks and snacks will be served at a picnic site reserved for you.

Victoria Falls Canoe Safari

The Upper Zambezi River is a beautiful place for canoeing, with stunning vegetation such as ebonies, water berries, palms and a tremendous variety of acacia. The canoe trails are operated in Zambia, but they take you down the Zambezi, zigzagging on the boundary between two countries with views of the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, and the Mosi oa Tunya National Park in Zambia.

Victoria Falls canoe safaris on offer on the Zambian side are the ½ day, full day and overnight trips – where the evening is spent in tents by the riverside and a delicious meal and cool drinks are enjoyed under the beautiful African skies.

Zambezi River Fishing

Above the Victoria Falls is a calmer portion of Zambezi River where one can go and have en exciting experience fishing for Tiger fish. These elusive fish require a bit of skill to catch as they are quite aggressive – which is part of the thrill. Also, they can grow as big as 33lb (15kgs) so you could be in for a big fight.

The Zambezi River has over 75 fish species but the most sought-after of these is the Tiger Fish. You can also find African Pike, Barbel, Upper Zambezi Yellow fish, Bream or Tilapia while on your fishing trip. Spinners and lures are the most common method of catching these fish although using light tackle, a fly and a fly-rod is becoming very popular and brings an extra dimension to a very exciting sport.

The Zambezi is real Africa so there is no getting away from the fact that Hippos and Crocodiles live in these waters in profusion. Experienced guides however know exactly how to avoid these animals and let them be, so that both man and animal can enjoy this magical place. So don’t let these dangers stop you from going rather make sure you go only with someone who knows what they are doing.

Chobe National Park

The Chobe Riverfront is the most accessible being situated close to the town of Kasane which has an international airport. Good tar roads link Livingstone in Zambia. The ease of access and prolific wildlife attracts many people, so it does get very busy especially in the high season July to September. Its locality only 90kms from Victoria Falls also adds to its popularity as many visitors to the natural wonder of the world will incorporate at least a day trip if not more to the Chobe River.

The Chobe National Park established in 1968 covers 11700 square kilometres and is situated in the northern most part of Botswana. Encompassing swamps, floodplains and woodlands it is the third largest Park or Reserve in the country after Kgalagadi Transfontier Park and the largest of them all the Central Kalahari Game reserve.

Victoria Falls Tour

On the Zambian side of the falls, the tour is shorter as only 30% of the Falls are viewable from Zambia but it is still very much worth the visit as the perspectives are quite different to Zimbabwe. The tours are available 7 days a week and last about 2 hours.

On a guided Victoria Falls tour, you will learn how this magnificent world wonder was formed. You will also learn about the people who lived here over a century ago, and those that came to discover its existence and shared it with the world.

A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Knifes Edge bridge and the Lookout Tree.

A Lunar Rainbow

The lunar rainbow is best seen at times of high water (April to July) when there is sufficient spray to create the moonbow effect. This spectacle is best witnessed in the early hours after moonrise, before the moon rises too high to create a moonbow that is visible to the ground-based observer.

The Victoria Falls are one of the few places on earth where this natural phenomenon occurs regularly and where it can be witnessed with ease. And yet many people visit the Falls without knowing of this natural phenomenon but it is one of the most impressive sights of Victoria Falls.

Just like its day-time equivalent, the lunar rainbow or ‘moonbow’ is created as light is refracted by water particles in the air, ever-present from the spray of the Falls.

Flights over the Falls

Experience the Flight of Angels, an unforgettable helicopter flight with breathtaking views of the mighty Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and the lush Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

With Batoka Sky, adventurers can choose from 15 minute, 22 minute and 30 minute Victoria Falls helicopter flights. We also offer Gorge Liftouts, because after White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River, the best way to return to Livingstone is by helicopter. It is an exhilarating finish to your river rafting experience, which saves you an exhausting two hour walk! Another incredible experience offered by Batoka Sky is the Gorge Picnic at Bobo Camp; a delectable lunch at rapid 21 accompanied by stunning aerial views over the Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge.

Zambezi Cruises

Going on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi is an absolute must when you visit Victoria Falls. The beauty of the luscious bush and vast Zambezi River is such a peaceful experience. Not only do you get to take in the sights, but during a sunset cruise, you most certainly will see the river regulars such as the hippo, crocodile and elephants, to name a few. Sunset is the time when a lot of the animals converge for their last drink of the day.

There are a number of cruise boats options that do sunset cruises in Zambia; the African Queen and African Princess, are amongst the most popular vessels. They are comfortable luxury boats that set off from the Royal Landing jetty at 16h00 during winter and 16h30 in the summer months. Transfers are provided from the Day Activity Centre to the jetty.

While you sip on delicious cocktails and freshly made snacks, the boats will take you around the different islands on the Zambezi. The cruise boats do not go closer than 4km from the edge of the Victoria Falls but you will be able to see the rising spray from the safety of the vessel. The duration of a single trip is about 2 hours.

Steam Train Tours

The Dinner trip aboard the Royal Livingstone Express is a combination of a fine dining experience and a sight-seeing journey. Complete with a smart dress code, passengers have a classy adventure to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the gorgeous African sunset and marvel at the sight of the largest waterfall in the world, before heading back along the newly refurbished Mulobezi railway line to Livingstone town in a most beautiful and romantic steam train. This activity brings a whole new meaning to the word indulgence!

The Steam Train has scheduled runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays (although trips for other days of the week can be arranged), and starting in March 2018, the schedule will also include Mondays. Guests are picked up from the Day Activities Centre at the Royal Livingstone Hotel at 16h00 and transferred to the Bushtracks siding. After the photo opportunities of this exquisite steam train, it’s time to board – drinks and snacks are served soon after. The locomotive makes its way to the Victoria Falls Bridge from the siding. Along the way, guests will likely spot a few of the large herbivores such as elephants and impala. After 20 to 30 minutes on the bridge, it’s time to head back into Zambia and make the switch to the Mulobezi line which runs parallel to the Zambezi River.

Quad Biking

Discover the splendid scenery surrounding Batoka Gorge and Livingstone on a small, robust and reliable four-wheeled quad bike. Quad bikes are notorious for having little impact on ecosystems and are therefore the ideal way of exploring this beautiful landscape, without harming it, so that many other visitors may enjoy the same untouched elegance of the areas day after day, year after year.

Quad biking in Zambia is open to beginners, novices and very experienced riders. Visitors may ride at their own pace, taking in spectacular views of wildlife offered. All quad biking trips are supervised by a qualified guide. Guides will train visitors on a training track before departure so that they are comfortable on the vehicle before attempting their chosen routes. Protective clothing and helmets are provided for your safety. The best time for visitors to go on their quad biking adventures, is between April and November. Zambia has a long dry season between these months and if you are a beginner, it will be easier to control the quad bike.

Victoria Falls Day Trip to Zimbabwe

From the hotel in Livingstone, guests are transferred to the border with Zimbabwe. After border formalities, you take a ride through the centre of town to the entrance of Victoria Falls National Park. Here, you will see the awesome “Big Tree” and get the chance to take photographs. Then you will take a ride to the Victoria Falls themselves, where you will receive a guided tour.

After seeing the Victoria Falls, its time to see the arts and crafts from the local people at the Craft Village. You will get the chance to do some shopping for original, hand-made curios and gifts. At about 12h30, you will be taken to a hotel for lunch. After lunch you will be taken to the Spencer Creek Crocodile Ranch and the Zambezi Nature Sanctuary where you will learn about the Nile crocodile and see other animals kept at the sanctuary.

Victoria Falls Bridge Tour

The Cape to Cairo railway line was the vision of English-born businessman, mining magnate and politician Cecil John Rhodes. The Railway line pushed northwards at incredible speed but the Zambezi Gorge presented a huge natural barrier that they had to overcome if it was to continue on towards Cairo.

The Victoria Falls Bridge built in 1904-5 was to span this gorge, it was designed by Mr. George Hobson of Sir Douglas Fox and Partners. At the insistence of Rhodes it was to be positioned so that the spray from Victoria Falls would fall on the carriages as they crossed over the bridge.

In May 1903 Rhodesia Railways awarded the contract for the construction of the bridge to The Cleveland Bridge Company of Darlington, England for a price of £72,000 pounds sterling.
The entire bridge was fabricated in Darlington, England and then shipped to the port of Beira, Mozambique and then transported by rail to Victoria Falls. It is one of the many outstanding achievements that the bridge, built in England, could be fitted together so perfectly more than 8,000km away in the heart of Africa.

This is just a snippet of the history surrounding this bridge and how it was built so early in the 1900’s. At the time of it’s construction it was the highest railway bridge in the world. After the Visitors Centre walk is completed, there is an “optional” physical under the Bridge tour, where you get the rare opportunity to walk on the catwalks used in the original construction of the Bridge.

Mukuni Village Tour

A tour to the Mukuni Village is a 3 hour eye-opening, educational and inspiring activity. With a population of about 5000, Mukuni is a real village with real Leya people living their lives. During the tour, you will learn about their livelihoods, culture, and see Chief Mukuni’s Palace. You can also pre-arrange to have a taste of the traditional food and beer.

David Livingstone Museum Tour

The museum formally known as the David Livingstone Memorial Museum is located just 10kms from the Victoria Falls entrance on the Zambian side, on the main Mosi-oa-Tunya Way, in the heart of in Livingstone town.

This museum is the oldest and largest of all the national museums in Zambia, managed by the National Museums Board of Zambia. It houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr. Livingstone, including authentic maps and personal effects and diaries in the Livingstone section. It provides insight into the cultural heritage and history of Zambia and the region in its Archaeology gallery (human evolution and cultural development of the Zambian people), the Ethnographic and Art galleries (exhibits of the different cultures of Zambia), the History gallery (the story of the Bantu people who migrated from the north of Zambia, up to the time Zambia got it’s independence). Outside the museum is a monument to the explorer.

Should I take a raincoat?

It depends on the season to which you visit the Victoria Falls, it is very useful to shield yourself and/or your equipment (namely camera) from getting drenched, especially if the falls are particularly flowing strongly. But don’t fret if you forgot to bring this because (at least in Zambia) they do hire out ponchos.

Which country offers a better view of the falls?

Each is dissimilar and distinct in its peculiar way. In our opinion, given that Zimbabwe has the bulk of the falls it has therefore a slight edge over Zambia and compounded by that in the dry the Zambia waterfall is non-existent.

Which country offers better accommodation options?

Zimbabwe has a larger range of accommodation within walking distance of the falls since most of the lodges and hotels lie in or around Victoria Falls town. There are two options a short walk from the Zambian side of the falls. Zimbabwe accommodation rates are slightly more priced than Zambia.

How long is the drive from the airport to the hotels and lodges in the area?

The drive is about twenty to thirty minutes on a general basis.

Is white water rafting safe?

The safety record is remarkable. It is, however, advised that this pursuit only be embarked on by those who are physically fit.

During which months can Devil’s Pool be visited?

The months cover May to September are ideal and safe if you are intent to visit the Devil’s Pool.

What is the ideal duration for a visit to the Victoria Falls?

Three nights and two full day are adequate to see and experience your selected top pick activities.

What is the finest property in the area?

The properties on the Zambia side are generally very good as most belong to hotel chains and those that are family owned and managed also have their service levels on the ball.

Will I have mobile reception and access to the internet?

Yes, though connectivity is not swift.

What other regional destination can be visited?

The most well-liked regional destination near the Victoria Falls is Botswana’s Chobe National Park.