It's called Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders.

When you stand at the edge of Victoria Falls for the first time, you understand why. The sound arrives before the sight: a deep, resonant roar that builds as you approach, accompanied by a plume of spray visible from kilometres away. Then the gorge opens, revealing a full kilometre of falling water, the largest curtain of water on Earth.

Victoria Falls is a full-body experience. It will drench you. It will silence you. It will almost certainly leave you standing there longer than you intended.

Often combined with a Zimbabwe safari, Victoria Falls is one of Africa's most iconic destinations and the perfect complement to the country's wildlife-rich national parks.

Zimbabwe Side or Zambia Side: Which is Better?

Both countries share the falls, and there are passionate advocates on either side of the river.

Our view? For the most complete experience, visit from the Zimbabwe side.

The viewing path follows much of the falls' full width, from the Eastern Cataract through to the Main Falls, offering sweeping panoramic views that are difficult to match elsewhere. During high-water season, particularly between February and May, the spray can be so intense that you'll be soaked within minutes.

The Zambian side offers a different perspective, with closer viewpoints and access to the famous Devil's Pool, a natural infinity pool perched on the edge of the falls during lower water levels.

If time allows, we often recommend experiencing both.

Activities at Victoria Falls

The Falls Themselves

Allow at least half a day for the falls walk. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a waterproof bag. Sunrise and late afternoon offer the best light and the thinnest crowds.

Zambezi Sunset Cruise

One of Africa's great sundowner rituals. Board a houseboat or private vessel and drift upstream as the hippos emerge, elephants arrive at the banks, and the sky turns to fire. With a cold drink in hand, this is safari at its most civilised.

Many of our guests combine Victoria Falls with Mana Pools National Park following the Zambezi River upstream from one of Africa's greatest natural wonders into one of its wildest safari destinations.

White Water Rafting

The Zambezi below the falls is among the world's premier white-water runs. Grade 5 rapids with names like 'The Terminator' and 'Oblivion' aren't for the nervous, but for those who lean into adventure, this is an unforgettable half-day.

Bungee Jump

The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and from its midpoint, you can bungee 111 metres into the gorge with the falls thundering beside you. We won't pretend we've all done it. But those who have are unanimous: extraordinary.

Helicopter Flights

The Flight of Angels, helicopter circuits over the falls, offers the perspective that photographs can't capture. Seeing the full 1,708-metre width of the falls from above, the rainbow arcing through the spray, and the deep slash of the gorge below is simply unmissable.

"Victoria Falls is the ultimate add-on. I always tell guests: you're flying in through Johannesburg or Nairobi, add two nights at the falls at either end of your safari. Two nights are enough to do it justice without rushing. It bookends the trip perfectly." - Jo Cooper, BHS Guide

Where to Stay

Victoria Falls offers a range of exceptional places to stay, from contemporary luxury lodges in town to private safari camps tucked along the Zambezi River.

For a truly unforgettable stay, we love Matetsi Victoria Falls, where private riverfront suites, exceptional guiding, and understated luxury combine to create one of Southern Africa's finest safari experiences.

Set along a private stretch of the Zambezi River, Matetsi offers the perfect balance between safari, river, and access to the Falls themselves, all while feeling wonderfully secluded and deeply connected to the landscape.

For travellers looking to combine Victoria Falls with wildlife viewing, Matetsi also pairs beautifully with Zimbabwe's premier safari destinations, including Hwange National Park and Mana Pools.

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: Year-round, although February to May offers maximum water volume and dramatic spray. Lower water levels from August to December provide clearer viewpoints and access to Devil's Pool.
• Visas: The KAZA UniVisa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia and is an excellent value for travellers exploring both sides of the falls.
• Currency: US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
• Getting There: Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) has direct connections from Johannesburg and regional hubs across Southern Africa.

Most BHS itineraries include Victoria Falls as either the beginning or end of a journey, often paired with Mana Pools, Hwange National Park, Botswana's Chobe region, or our broader Zimbabwe safari experiences.

FAQs About Victoria Falls

Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zimbabwe or Zambia?

Both sides offer incredible experiences, but the Zimbabwe side provides the most complete panoramic view of the Falls. Zambia offers more intimate viewpoints and access to Devil’s Pool during low water season.

What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is a year-round destination. February to May offers the highest water volume and most dramatic spray, while August to December provides clearer views and access to activities like Devil’s Pool.

How many days should you spend at Victoria Falls?

We usually recommend two to three nights. This gives enough time to experience the Falls themselves, enjoy a Zambezi sunset cruise, and add a few adventure activities without rushing.

What activities can you do at Victoria Falls?

Popular activities include guided Falls tours, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, helicopter flights, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, and wildlife viewing along the river.

Can you swim at the edge of Victoria Falls?

Yes. Devil’s Pool, located on the Zambia side, allows guests to swim right at the edge of the Falls during low water season, typically from around August to December.

Is Victoria Falls suitable for families?

Absolutely. While some adventure activities have age restrictions, many experiences, including the Falls walk, river cruises, cultural visits, and wildlife encounters, work very well for families.

Where is the best place to stay at Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls offers everything from luxury river lodges to boutique hotels in town. For a more exclusive experience, riverside properties like Matetsi Victoria Falls offer privacy, exceptional guiding, and easy access to the Falls.

Can Victoria Falls be combined with a safari?

Yes, very easily. Victoria Falls pairs perfectly with Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South African safari itineraries, making it one of Africa’s best pre- or post-safari experiences.

Add Victoria Falls to Your Safari

Victoria Falls works beautifully at the start or end of any southern or East African safari itinerary. We include it in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia combinations regularly. Let's build it into yours.

For more information or to begin planning your journey, contact us at hello@bhs-safari.co.