Victoria Falls
The Ultimate Victoria Falls Guide: The Smoke That Thunders
Victoria Falls Travel Guide | Beyond Africa Safaris
Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya—"The Smoke That Thunders"—Victoria Falls is a force of nature that defies description. This is where the mighty Zambezi River, over 1.7 km wide, plunges 108 meters into the Batoka Gorge, sending a plume of mist 400 meters into the sky that can be seen 50 km away. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Victoria Falls is more than just a waterfall. It is the beating heart of adventure in Southern Africa. It's the perfect hub to launch a world-class safari into Botswana's Chobe National Park or Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. At Beyond Africa Safaris, we don't just book you a hotel. We curate a complete journey that harnesses the raw power of the Falls and connects it seamlessly to the wild soul of the African bush.
Welcome to Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders
Experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with Beyond Africa Safaris. From witnessing the awe-inspiring power of Mosi-oa-Tunya to launching unforgettable safaris into Botswana's Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, we curate complete journeys that harness the raw power of the Falls and connect it seamlessly to the wild soul of the African bush.
Famous For – Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders), adventure activities, gateway to Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park, breathtaking Zambezi River views, year-round spectacular scenery.
Perfect Safari Gateway
Victoria Falls is the beating heart of adventure in Southern Africa. It's the perfect hub to launch world-class safaris into Botswana's Chobe National Park or Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. Combine the awe-inspiring power of the Falls with unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa's premier safari destinations.
Complete Curated Journeys
At Beyond Africa Safaris, we don't just book you a hotel. We curate a complete journey that harnesses the raw power of the Falls and connects it seamlessly to the wild soul of the African bush. From Victoria Falls experiences to multi-country safari adventures, we create unforgettable tailor-made itineraries.
What to Do: The Top 5 Victoria Falls Experiences
Discover the essential experiences that make Victoria Falls an unforgettable adventure destination. From natural wonders to adrenaline-pumping activities, we curate the perfect itinerary for you.
Tour the Falls (Both Sides)
A non-negotiable. We arrange a guided tour on the Zimbabwean side to see the Main Falls and another on the Zambian side to walk the Knife-Edge Bridge and brave the spray.
Swim in Devil's Pool (Zambia)
The world's most thrilling infinity pool. This seasonal boat trip to Livingstone Island allows you to swim in a natural rock pool right on the edge of the cascading water. This sells out months in advance. We can secure your spot.
Take the "Flight of Angels"
The only way to comprehend the sheer scale of the Falls is from above. A 15-minute helicopter flight (usually from Zimbabwe) will give you the iconic photos you've dreamed of. For the brave, the microlight flight (Zambia only) is an open-air, wind-in-your-face experience.
Cruise the Upper Zambezi
A sunset "sundowner" cruise is a must-do. Relax on a luxury boat, G&T in hand, and watch for hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking on the riverbanks as the sun sets.
Conquer the Batoka Gorge (For Adrenaline Junkies)
White Water Rafting
Considered the best one-day rafting in the world. The rapids are biggest in the low-water season.
Bungee Jump
A 111-meter plunge from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge.
Gorge Swing & Zipline
A thrilling series of high-wire acts that have you soaring across the gorge.
vs. Where to Go: Zambia vs. Zimbabwe?
This is the most critical decision, and we make it easy for you. Here is the definitive breakdown from our safari experts.
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Town)
The View
Winner
You see 75% of the Falls, including the iconic Main Falls. Water flows year-round.
The Vibe
A bustling, compact tourist town. You can walk from many hotels directly to the Falls entrance.
Key Activities
Classic viewpoints, "Flight of Angels" Helicopter, High-Wire (Gorge Swing, Zipline), Bungee Jump, Lunar Rainbow.
Best For...
First-timers wanting the classic, panoramic view and the convenience of a walkable town.
Zambia (Livingstone)
The View
Closer, "knife-edge" views. You can walk right up to the cascade. The Eastern Cataract dries up in low season.
The Vibe
The "colonial" town of Livingstone is 11km away. Lodges are more spread out, many set in luxury on the river above the Falls.
Key Activities
Devil's Pool, Livingstone Island, Microlight Flights (open cockpit), Royal Livingstone Express (train).
Best For...
Adventure seekers wanting unique experiences like Devil's Pool and closer, more intimate views of the Falls.
The Expert Verdict: You Don't Have to Choose
The KAZA Uni-Visa (when available) makes it simple to cross the border and see both sides.
Our advice: We recommend you stay on the Zimbabwean side for the classic, year-round views and the vibrant town. We will then arrange a seamless day trip to the Zambian side for you to experience Devil's Pool (in season) or a Microlight flight. You get the best of both, with none of the hassle.
When to Go: High Water vs. Low Water
The "best" time to visit Victoria Falls is a trade-off. It all depends on the Zambezi's water levels, which dramatically change the experience.
High Water Season (February – June)
This is the "thunderous" season, just after the summer rains. The volume of water is staggering.
Pros:
- The Falls are at their most powerful and visually spectacular
- The "smoke" is at its peak
- The Zimbabwean side is magnificent
Cons:
- The spray is so intense you can be soaked in seconds
- It can be difficult to see the base of the Falls or take photos
- Devil's Pool is CLOSED
- White-water rafting is less dramatic ("low-run")
Low Water Season (August – January)
The water levels recede, revealing the sheer rock face of the gorge.
Pros:
- Visibility is excellent
- This is the only time Devil's Pool is OPEN (Zambia)
- White-water rafting is at its peak ("high-run")
- You can truly appreciate the geological scale
Cons:
- The Falls are less "thundering"
- The Zambian side (the Eastern Cataract) can dry up almost completely, becoming just a rock wall
The Beyond Africa Safaris Expert Tip
We love the "shoulder" months of June, July, and August. The water is still powerful enough to be awe-inspiring, but the spray is manageable, and most activities, including Devil's Pool, are beginning to open. It's the best of both worlds.
Best Time to Go: Best: Good:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Victoria Falls: The Highlights
Discover the extraordinary experiences that make Victoria Falls one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders and adventure destinations.
Sheer Scale
Witness the largest curtain of falling water on the planet.
Zambia vs. Zimbabwe
Experience the Falls from two different countries, each offering a unique perspective.
The Adventure Capital
Bungee jump, white water raft, gorge swing, and zipline in one of the world's most dramatic settings.
Devil's Pool
(Zambia side) Swim to the edge of the world's ultimate infinity pool during the low-water season.
The Lunar Rainbow
A rare natural phenomenon only visible on a full moon, best seen from the Zimbabwean side.
The Perfect Safari Hub
Victoria Falls is the gateway to Chobe, Hwange, and the Okavango Delta.
Victoria Falls In A Flash!
Top 10 Travel Tips For Destination: Victoria Falls
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