Welcome to Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya; “The Smoke that Thunders.” From the Zimbabwe side, you enjoy the most reliable, breathtaking views of this foaming mile of water plunging into the gorge. Surrounding game reserves are alive with elephants, buffalo, hippos, and vibrant birdlife. You can raft, bungee, canoe, walk with lion cubs, or cruise at sunset, all while staying in luxurious lodges and exploring the local culture along the way.
The sight of Victoria Falls in full flow is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. A foaming mile of water crashes into a deep gorge to release a tower of spray – Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local language: the Smoke that Thunders.
It’s an iconic destination, easy to get to and rich in experience. Many Botswana and Namibia safaris end with a grand finale at Victoria Falls Zimbabwe; after all, Victoria Falls lies just 70 kilometres from Botswana’s world-famous Chobe River. And the most reliable all-year round views are from the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls.
Surrounded by game reserves, Victoria Falls lies at the heart of the southern Africa safari experience; hippos snort from the river upstream from the falls, elephants and buffalo gather at local waterholes and the birdlife is prolific. It is also Africa’s adventure capital, home to the world’s best one-day white-water rafting as well as bungee jumping and elephant-back safaris. You can go on game drives, explore the river by canoe, walk with friendly lion cubs and end the day with a sunset boat cruise. There are local communities to visit and get involved with too.
The Zambezi River is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia; Victoria Falls is thus ‘shared’ between the two countries. Adventure and safari activities are generally available on both sides of the river and it’s easy to get from one country to the other if you need to. A bridge connects the two sides and if you buy the excellent-value Univisa, you can cross the border as often as you like.
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is more developed than the Zambian side. The bustling town of Victoria Falls sits near the waterfall and several of its hotels are within strolling distance of the main viewing site. A town accessed by road or air, this is where you’ll find hotel accommodation as well as safari lodges located out of town on private reserves. The views of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side are more varied and extensive, and you’ll see water going over the falls throughout the year. You’ll also spot antelope, monkeys and birds in the local rainforest as you make your way between viewing points.
To see Victoria Falls in full flood, visit between February and May when an unbroken mile of water is roaring over the edge and sending a column of spray a thousand feet into the sky. But note that this is the late rainy season, when the malaria risk is highest and rain the heaviest. It’s also not the best time for safaris in Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
If you’re planning to combine a safari with Victoria Falls Zimbabwe then we suggest the long dry season from June to October. You’ll still get great views of water thundering over Victoria Falls as well as the best weather (cool and dry June to August; hot and dry September and October). It’s also the best time for game viewing across the region, coinciding with the lowest malaria risk.
The start of the rainy season is marked by hot and uncomfortable weather as well as some rain but Zambezi water levels are very low and much of Victoria Falls is dry, especially on the Zambian side.
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe lodges are set widely across the area and it pays to find out exactly where they are located. Several lie in the town of Victoria Falls itself, putting you at the heart of the action and within walking distance of the waterfall. Some lodges lie on the banks of the Zambezi River while others are found out of town in private game reserves and offer a genuine safari setting. You’ll also find some of the best value accommodations in the whole Victoria Falls region.
Accommodations are generally family-friendly and offer easy access to all the thrills and spills of Africa’s ‘Adventure Centre’; it’s also easy to cross over into Zambia if you’d like a look at Victoria Falls from that side or join an activity there.
Browse our recommended Victoria Falls Zimbabwe lodges for inspiration or simply contact us for more advice on which accommodation would best suit your needs and budget.
Set in Victoria Falls Town & close enough to the falls to see spray drifting through its gardens, Ilala Lodge is well-known for its friendly, home-from-home atmosphere. Choose from a range of air-conditioned rooms.
Our top-end choice for Victoria Falls, this safari lodge lies on a private reserve out of town & overlooks a magical landscape. It’s a great choice for romantic travel & the elephant encounter at the nearby sanctuary is an absolute must.
Situated along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, among towering indigenous trees and only 4 kilometres from Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls. The hotel introduces a new dimension of unparalleled luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort. Vast and unimpeded views of the Zambezi River are complimented by surrounding indigenous flora that encompass a tranquil, peaceful, and private sanctuary.
Batonka Guest Lodge is situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls. We offer 22 rooms, each with bathroom en suite and a balcony, all on ground level and overlooking a beautiful garden. The reception also serves as the information and activities booking desk, and a curio shop offers a selection of Zimbabwean art and craft as well as local memorabilia.
Located in the tranquil heart of Victoria Fall's residential area, Pioneers Victoria Falls is an owner run establishment only a short distance from the majestic falls. There is a wide range of activities in close proximity to the hotel including visiting the falls, river cruises, and white water rafting.
"Tsowa" means ‘new beginnings’, which is what you will find on this pristine island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River. A surreal place, set apart from the hectic world, the whispers of this majestic river are broken only by occasional calls of the African fish eagle. In a camp fringed by a beautiful forest, a soft path leads to a cluster of century old baobabs.
Old Drift Lodge is an exquisite retreat situated in the heart of Zambezi National Park, upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls. The lodge rests on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by 56,000 hectares of untouched natural beauty.
Easily accessible from Victoria Falls International Airport or overland from neighbouring Botswana, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe makes the perfect grand finale to a southern Africa safari.
The most popular combinations with Victoria Falls are with South Africa’s top travel destinations – Cape Town and the Kruger/Sabi Sands – as well as those in Botswana: the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Itineraries that include Namibia’s Sossusvlei dunes and Etosha National Park are also possible, as are tours that add on an Indian Ocean beach holiday. Travellers can look forward to a wide range of accommodations and activities at the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ and we’d recommended a 2-night stay.
Browse our itineraries below, each including a stay in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe and offering a wide range of experiences. If you’d like a tailor-made tour, simply let us know your needs and budget and we’ll be happy to put one together for you.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
Whether you open your tour with this world wonder or conclude with it, Victoria Falls makes an unforgettable addition to an African safari. A natural combination with Zimbabwe’s premier safari destinations – Hwange, Mana Pools and Matusadona – it is also accessible overland from Botswana and is easily reached by air from southern Africa’s travel hubs – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek and Maun (Okavango Delta). Below are the most popular travel combinations with Victoria Falls Zimbabwe but if you are planning to travel to East Africa, then Victoria Falls lies nicely within reach too – ask us how.
