Victoria Falls 4-day Itinerary
Multiple countries
Where to go and what to see in Victoria Falls to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
Bucket list experience:
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’.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Multiple countries
Where to go and what to see in Victoria Falls to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
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.
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
Victoria Falls
$25 | Rating 4.69 / 5 [36 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Victoria Falls
$80 | Rating 4.18 / 5 [16 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Victoria Falls
$80 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [7 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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:
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 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 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, 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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Livingstone, Southern Province, South Africa[0 miles]
Appreciate the true scale of the Falls from above, with helicopter and microlight flights.
Best for ages: 10+ | £150 | 1.5 hours
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
Zimbabwe[0.4 miles]
A historic bridge over a famous gorge sets the scene for one of the most impressive and famous bungee jumps on the planet. Seriously white-knuckle aerial adventure.
Best for ages: 18+ | £130 | 2 hours
Zimbabwe[1.2 miles]
Paddle down the mighty Zambezi, spotting birds and big game including hippo, elephant and crocodile.
Best for ages: 12+ | £120 | 5 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.