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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Straddling the border of Zambia & Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water – an incredible spectacle that sees the entire 1.7km span of the great Zambezi River tumble off a vertical ridge, sending clouds of mist into the surrounding forest.

First ‘discovered’ by David Livingstone in 1855, Victoria Falls – at a whopping 108m high – it is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet.

From the raw power of summer floods to the delicate cataracts of the dry season, it’s impossible not to be awed and humbled by Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the ‘smoke that thunders’.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

You can admire the Falls from either from either Zimbabwe or Zambia, independently or with a guided tour.

Zambia offers the spectacular Knife Edge Bridge, and the best views of the Eastern Cataract and Boiling Pot, while the Zimbabwean side has the benefit of year-round water.

The rainforest paths on the Zimbabwean side are especially attractive. Guided tours add depth and context to your visit, while night tours are offered at full moon to admire spectacular ‘moonbows’ – a glowing, night-time rainbow.

The Lookout Café offers beautiful views of the Batoka Gorge from the spacious terrace.

When to do it

The Falls are most majestic when the Zambezi is flooding (March-May). Between September and November, the Zambian side can dry out to a trickle. The Zimbabwe-side runs all year.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Guided Tour of the Falls

Guided Tour of the Falls

Victoria Falls

Enjoy a good two hour tour in the rain forest ,the Victoria Falls National Park - spectacular views of the famous waterfall in world. In fac...

$25 | Rating 4.69 / 5 [36 ratings]

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Victoria Falls Walking Tour

Victoria Falls Walking Tour

Victoria Falls

Explore Victoria Falls on a 2-hour walking tour in the morning or afternoon, and discover one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, a ...

$80 | Rating 4.18 / 5 [16 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Sunset Cruise & Guided Falls Tour Combo

Sunset Cruise & Guided Falls Tour Combo

Victoria Falls

A sundowner Cruise with a Guided Tour of the combination. A tour that will begin on day arrival with a Sunset Cruise chill on the Zambezi ri...

$80 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [7 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[0.9 miles]

A five-star hotel with an unrivalled Falls location, luxury rooms and modern facilities… at a price.

Official star rating:

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[1.7 miles]

Cosy boutique hotel with an authentic African feel, right on the doorstep of the Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[1.7 miles]

A historic hotel – Victoria Falls’ grand dame – that combines classic charm with unrivalled location, steps from the Falls.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe[4.1 miles]

Modern safari-themed lodge offering easy access to the falls, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[0.3 miles]

This small island in the centre of the flow offers a mind-blowing picnic spot – right on the edge of the 103m-high Falls. A lucky (crazy) few can sign up for a dip in the small lagoon sitting right on the lip.

Best for ages: 12+ | £115 | 2 hours

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Experience

Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1 miles]

With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours

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Lookout Cafe
Experience

Lookout Cafe

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[1.3 miles]

This popular cafe, running by the reliable Wild Horizons, has a unrivalled location on the edge of Batoka Gorge. The outdoor terrace has stunning views. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner often with local specialities on the menu, like game meats and crocodile.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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The famous afternoon tea stand with sweet treats
Experience

Afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[1.7 miles]

Dating back to 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel occupies a dramatic promontory above the Batoka Gorge. It’s a view best enjoyed over the decadent platters served for afternoon tea, a much-loved tradition.

Best for ages: 14+ | £15 | 1-2 hours

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Golf course next to the Zambezi river with hippos in the water
Experience

Golf at Elephant Hills

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[3.3 miles]

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours

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Round-ups that include this experience