About Victoria Falls
If you know me, you know I have a huge love for waterfalls and if you are like me you absolutely must put Victoria falls on your list. If you want to have your mind blown you should make the trip to this monumental waterfall. If you want your jaw to drop this is the place. Victoria Waterfall borders between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Having also visited Iguazu Falls which borders between Argentina and Brazil I consider it a most similar cousin. However, even though Iguazu falls is wider it is split between 275 distinct falls and Victoria has the largest water curtain in the world. Victoria falls is born of the Zambezi River (the fourth largest river in Africa). It consists of 5 main waterfalls: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract.
my top tips
Visit both sides
I know for some it must be a pain with visas and requirements but if you made the trip out to this point why wouldn’t you go to both sides as they really have different vantage points and highlights to offer. At the time of visiting we had to pay $50 visa fee for Zambia and $30 visa fee for Zimbabwe, and it was totally worth it. Make sure your passport is stamped both entry and exit or you could have trouble when leaving at the airport.
75% of the falls can be seen on Zimbabwe side- even though there has been concern about safety in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls is very safe and caters to tourists. I would highly recommend going. Everything was in USD as the currency had collapsed when we went be prepared to pay at least $1 for everything even something as minor as a postage stamp.
Plan to splurge a little!
You of course can visit the falls for just the entry fee and walk around but there are so many options of different ways to see the falls and adventure activities to do.
Pick dry or wet season and maybe consider coming back for the other
Wet season is from February to May and will have the largest volume of water and the falls will be in their full glory but because of the water rapids you will not be able to raft and cannot swim in Devil’s Pool. If you want to see more wildlife or engage in watersports or dare to swim in Devil’s pool dry season. For Devil’s pool specifically is best to visit September through November.
getting to victoria falls
Flying is the best way to get here given how remote it is but you can get there via bus also or on organized tours. Our initial plan was to fly into Lusaka, Zambia and then take a bus to Livingstone. After our flight was cancelled and scheduled for 5 days later we knew we’d have to come up with alternate plan and that included flying into the Livingstone airport (LVI). The Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone airport) is 3 miles north of Livingstone. You can also fly into the Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) on the Zimbabwe Side and this airport is about 11 miles south of Victoria Falls.
getting around
Livingstone to the Falls
The town is about 11 km to the falls so you may need to hire a taxi to get you to the falls. We started our exploration with Devil’s Pool (no better way to jump in!) and got a taxi to Royal Livingstone Hotel where the tour left from. After the tour since we were on site we walked around to other viewpoints.
Livingstone to Victoria Falls
After exploring all we did on the Zambia side we did an official border crossing into Zimbabwe. We got a taxi to the crossing, but they can only go so far so they drop you off at the bridge. With all our bags we had to walk to border crossing get stamped out and then get stamped in and walked the 2nd part of the bridge and then caught a taxi on the other side.
Victoria Falls to the Falls
The entry to the park is very close to the town so we simply walked there and walked around. You will get more panoramic views of the waterfalls from the Zimbabwe side of the falls.
where to stay
You will likely stay in Livingstone on the Zambian side or Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. There are a number of different accommodations on each side. We stayed at hostels on both sides:
Zambian Side: Jollyboys Backpackers- great place with pool and hang out spot. Had a book exchange and wifi. We stayed in personal bungalow which was very cute!
Zimbabwe Side: Shoestrings Camp- we actually joined an overland camping safari here so we camped in a tent at this site for $5 a night.
Entry fees
Approximate costs for entry were $30 for international visitors on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of the National Park.
hours of entry
6 AM – 6 PM September through April and 6:30 AM-6 PM May through August on the Zimbabwe side and 6AM-6PM year-round on the Zambian side.
exploring the waterfall
Zambian side
On this side you will be able to get more up close to the waterfalls by doing adventures such as Devil’s Pool. You can walk along two main paths the Knifes Edge and Boiling Pot. You will primarily be looking at the Eastern Cataract which can be pretty dry between September through November and during peak flow views can be obstructed by mist. One advantage is you can watch the sunset over the falls at the first viewpoint and still have enough time to exit the park.
You should consider doing a Devil’s Pool. The tours include a boat ride to Livingstone Island and then the experience of being in Devil’s pool. There is a person there just to take photographs for you. You will get up close and personal with the waterfall. It honestly wasn’t as scary as one would think. It was incredibly cool to see people in Devil’s pool from the Zimbabwe side the following day.
Zimbabwe side
You will get a truly panoramic view of the falls to encompass its size on a grander scale. You will see numerous rainbows and be awed by how immense the waterfall is.
other things to do
Bungee Jumping
You can jump from the platform at the center of the bridge over the Zambezi. It is a 111 meter drop!
White water rafting
With rapids to levels of 5-6 it is considered one of the best places in the world to raft. If this is your desire, you will need to go when water levels are lower between July and February.
Flight above the falls
If you want to splurge you can do a helicopter ride over the falls. You can also do microlight flights. This is best way to get aerial view of the falls.
Sunset cruise
You can relax in the evening by taking a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and look out for hippos and enjoy the sunsetting.
book your trip
If you are a waterfall junkie like me, this needs to make it to the top of your bucket list. You will be awe inspired by nature and this marvelous waterfall. I just cannot wait to go back to see Victoria Falls again and partake in more of the activities that are available.
