Victoria Falls Safaris, Tours and Holidays

Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below.

The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges.

In 1851, Livingstone first heard of the great waterfall, but it was only in 1855 that he set out to visit it. He spent the night on Kalai Island a few kilometers upstream of the Falls, having come down the river by foot, and the next morning set off in a small canoe to approach the thundering smoke. He landed on the biggest island on the lip of the falls, now called Livingstone Island, and from there obtained his first view of the Falls.

Comparing Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

The Zambezi River forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is why Zambia and Zimbabwe share Victoria Falls, with roughly two-thirds of the Falls lying on the Zimbabwe side. Livingstone lies on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, while Victoria Falls Town lies on the Zimbabwe side.

The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls has 75% more viewing points, and gives an overall better perspective of the falls. In all seasons it is a great view, but if you are travelling at the end of Dry season then the Zimbabwean side is the side to pick since Zambia's views are particularly minimal.

Things to do at Victoria Falls Zambia – Zimbabwe

Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump is undoubtedly the most scenic bungee jump in the World. With the Victoria Falls themselves as the backdrop, and the mighty Zambezi River flowing beneath you, this is sure to be the greatest bungee jump you’ll ever experience.

White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best White-Water Rafting River in the world. A deep channeled, high-volume river, the Zambezi has class 3 – 5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools.

This enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet.

Helicopter Flights over Vic Falls

Zambezi Helicopter Company’s customized helicopters have specially designed ‘Bubble shaped’ windows perfect for panoramic viewing purposes which provide wonderful views and visibility from all seats… the ultimate photographic opportunity.

Flight of the angels

Enjoy a 15-minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.

Livingstone experience

Enjoy a 22-minute helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorges

Zipline, Gorge Swing & Flying Fox

Experience the adrenaline rush of traveling at a speed of 106 km, hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breath-taking beauty of the Zambezi water below!

Swim on the Edge of Victoria Falls

Splash in a rock pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls! This exciting and unique Vic Falls activity is definitely one of the best.

The Devil’s Pool activity is only done during the dry season (from about September to December) and/or when water levels are low enough for swimming.

Zambezi River Canoeing Trips at Vic Falls

There are a few good operators offering canoeing or kayaking trips on the Upper Zambezi, above Victoria Falls. You can also try more challenging river boarding, jet boating, and rafting options below the falls.

Victoria Falls Canopy Tours

This one is perfect for families in search of a milder adventure for kids and seniors. Explore a network of nine elevated slides and a bridge walkway suspended between platforms in the forest canopy. The canopy tour is great for soaking up views of the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of Vic Falls.

Abseiling at Vic Falls

One of the softer adventures at Victoria Falls is rappelling. Abseil 53m down Batoka Gorge! And take in the spectacular views of the Eastern Cataract of Vic Falls, with the Victoria Falls Bridge in the distance and boiling pot rapids below.

Zambezi River Sunset Boat Cruises above Vic Falls

One of the best things to do at Victoria falls Zambia-Zimbabwe is a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. If you’ve seen photos of the sunset boat cruise then you’ll know why this activity is a real gem. The setting is magnificent and the sunsets are spectacular, Keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks and in the shallows of the Zambezi.

Fishing safaris on the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is a premium African freshwater fishing destination. Although the area is most known for an abundance of Tiger fish, one of the world’s most prized freshwater fish, it is more than a Tiger fish hotspot.

Best time to visit Victoria Falls Zambia – Zimbabwe

Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April when the full power of the Falls can be experienced in all its glory. Due to the masses of spray rising from the fallen water, the full width of the Falls cannot be seen on foot. The aerial view at this time is spectacular, with clouds of spray rising high into the sky. As the floods abate the view of the Falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge, and in some places along the 1,7km width, no waterfalls at all. The delight of visiting the Falls in this season is the view of the impressive cliffs that form the Falls wall, and the magnitude of the abyss can be fully appreciated. Sobek and Safari Par Excellence do trips by raft to the base of the Falls in a low season called ‘the float of angels”.