Victoria Falls is a mile-wide curtain of water plunging into a gorge, its spray rising high into the sky. On the Zambian side, you’re closest to the roar: walk to Devil’s Pool, track rhino, or raft the Zambezi’s rapids. Days end in lodges along the river, where sunsets light the spray gold. With easy access to Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, Victoria Falls makes the perfect grand finale to any southern African safari.
It’s called Mosi-oa-Tunya – the Smoke that Thunders – in the local language. And for good reason: in full flow, Victoria Falls sends the Zambezi River crashing into an abyss, its plume of spray visible from 30 miles away.
Victoria Falls Zambia lies at the heart of the southern Africa safari experience. It makes the grand finale to a safari in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and of course in Zambia itself, home to two of the region’s best game reserves – the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks.
Easy to access by road or air, Victoria Falls Zambia delivers some of Africa’s biggest and most diverse adventures. It is home to the world’s best one-day white-water rafting as well as bungee jumping and canoe safaris. You can go on 4X4 game drives, track endangered white rhino, and walk with friendly lion cubs. Several lodges give you the chance to visit local villages and contribute to their community projects too.
Victoria Falls Zambia is characterised by accommodation set on the banks of the Zambezi. The nearest town and airport – Livingstone – is 30-minute drive away. Some lodges sit within walking distance to the falls; other lodges are a 20-minute drive. It’s on the Zambian side of the river that you’ll find arguably the best honeymoon lodges and private villas as well as great family accommodation.
Travellers should note that the Zambezi River is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia; Victoria Falls is thus ‘shared’ between the two countries. The views of Victoria Falls from the Zambia side are dominated by the Main Falls which dries up almost entirely in the late dry season. Visitors can however access both the bottom of the gorge and infamous Devil’s Pool from the Zambian side.
Activities are available on both sides of the river and it’s easy to get from one country to the other via the famous bridge that connects the two sides. Buy the excellent-value Univisa and you can cross the border as often as you like.
Visit between February and May to see Victoria Falls in full flood. A mile of water hurtles over the edge with an earth-shattering roar and sends a cloud of spray a thousand feet into the sky. However, this is the late rainy season when the risk of malaria is at its highest. Rain can also be heavy at this time – subsequently, it’s also not the best time for safaris in Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
If you’d like combine a classic game viewing safari with a visit to Victoria Falls Zambia, then the best time is during the long dry season from June to October. You’ll enjoy the best weather (mild and dry from June to August; hot and dry in September and October). It’s the best time for game viewing across the region as well as presenting the lowest malaria risk.
Note however that by September the Zambezi water levels are low; much of Victoria Falls dries up, especially on the Zambian side where there may be almost no water going over in October and November.
The Zambian side of the Zambezi River has accommodation ranging from deluxe hotels within earshot of the waterfall to honeymoon hideaways on private islands. You’ll also find family-friendly lodges complete with kids’ menus and child minders. And if it’s a multi-generational family or a group of friends, then there’s a selection of private villa accommodation.
Victoria Falls Zambia lodges tend to be located on the banks of the Zambezi River. Several are within walking distance of the waterfall (and give their guests free entrance to the viewing sites) while others are set a 20-minute drive away. These latter accommodations are very exclusive and quiet – perfect for privacy and relaxation.
Accommodation across the board offers access to the wide range of activities at Victoria Falls: sunset cruises, cultural tours, scenic flights and all sorts of adventure pursuits – bungee jumping, white-water rafting and walking with lions. The more intimate lodges offer private dinners, picnics and personally guided tours.
Browse our recommended Victoria Falls Zambia lodges below or simply contact us for advice on which accommodation is best suited to your needs and budget.
Six private houses and five river cottages nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, accommodating two to five guests each. Enjoy luxury, romance and many activities whilst being spoiled by your private valet.
It’s a 45-minute drive to Victoria Falls from Waterberry, ideal for travellers who want to explore the Zambezi River away from the crowds. There’s a wide range of in-house activities & it’s also well equipped for families with children.
You can walk to Victoria Falls from this air-conditioned, colonial-style hotel, set on the river overlooking the spray from the falls. Complete with gym, swimming pool, spa & family facilities, it’s a larger accommodation than most but retains a personal touch.
Make Victoria Falls tours and safaris a part of a classic southern Africa safari. Easily accessible from Livingstone’s International Airport, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ easily fits into safari itineraries in Zambia, neighbouring Botswana, and even Namibia and South Africa. Fly in to Livingstone, transfer by road to your lodge and settle back with a drink accompanied by the roar of Victoria Falls.
Zambia’s two heavyweight parks make one of the best combinations for a Victoria Falls. The South Luangwa National Park is famous for its densities of big game, predators and guided walking safaris; the Lower Zambezi National Park offers safari adventures by boat, canoe, 4X4 and on foot.
Closer to Victoria Falls Zambia lies Botswana’s Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s greatest elephant population as well as big cats, wild dogs and excellent birdlife. And the Johannesburg-Livingstone flight means travellers can have all the thrills of South Africa – the Kruger and Sabi Sands, Cape Town and the Garden Route – and end with a grand finale at Victoria Falls.
Browse our recommended Victoria Falls tours and safaris, each including a stay on Zambia’s side of the Victoria Falls. If you’d prefer a more personalised approach, simply contact us for a tailor-made quote based on your needs and budget.
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!
Victoria Falls Zambia makes the perfect beginning or ending to a southern African safari. It’s a familiar combination with Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks but it’s also close to Botswana’s Chobe River and easily accessed by air from travel hubs – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek and Maun (Okavango Delta). We’ve listed our most popular southern Africa travel combinations with Victoria Falls Zambia below.
If you are planning to travel to East Africa, then Victoria Falls works just as well. Contact us for more information.
