We're Open8am–6pm SAST
🇿🇦+27 74 315 5782
res [at] privatetourscapetown.com
WishlistPartner Portal
Zimbabwe · One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Victoria Falls

The Smoke That Thunders — One of the Seven Natural Wonders

Experience the world's largest sheet of falling water — 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres high — where adventure meets awe. Devil's Pool, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, sunset cruises, and the eternal thunder of 500 million litres per minute.

Best timeFebruary – MayWildlifeGateway to Hwange & ChobeThe falls1,708 m wide waterfallSafaris from$1,200 pp
Explore Victoria FallsPlan with a Concierge
Scroll to Explore
Our Luxury Safaris

Multi-Day Victoria Falls Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from a three-day getaway to the Smoke That Thunders to the eight-day Zambezi wilderness odyssey through Mana Pools. Guided falls tours, sunset cruises, gracious lodges and every transfer and detail crafted entirely around you.

Ultra-Luxury
8 Days · 7 Nights

Zimbabwe Wilderness — Mana Pools & Victoria Falls

The Smoke That Thunders and the Wildest River in Africa

From$6,450ppView Details
High-End Luxury
6 Days · 5 Nights

Falls & Wildlife Ultimate

Six Days of Thundering Falls and Untamed Wilderness

From$5,500ppView Details
Luxury
5 Days · 4 Nights

Adventure & Luxury Combo

Five Days of Adrenaline and Indulgence at the Falls

From$3,600ppView Details
Value Luxury
3 Days · 2 Nights

Victoria Falls Getaway

Three Days at the Smoke That Thunders

From$1,200ppView Details
The Beyond Africa Difference

We don't just *take* you to the falls. We help you *time* the thunder.

Victoria Falls — Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke That Thunders' — is Earth's greatest waterfall spectacle. The Zambezi River plunges 108 metres into a narrow chasm, creating a roar audible 40 kilometres away and a permanent mist cloud visible from space. This UNESCO World Heritage Site straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia, offering the world's most extreme natural experiences: swim in Devil's Pool at the edge of the abyss, bungee jump 111 metres into the gorge, raft Grade 5 white water rapids, or soar over the Falls in a helicopter 'Flight of Angels.' Combined with nearby Hwange and Chobe safaris, Victoria Falls is Africa's ultimate bucket-list destination.

Seven Natural Wonders1,708 m Wide Curtain400+ Bird SpeciesThe Adventure Capital of Africa
Destination overview

Why Visit Victoria Falls

A mile-wide, 108-metre curtain of falling water twice the height of Niagara — the largest sheet of falling water on Earth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beating heart of an adventure playground where the Zambezi meets big-game wilderness. Here is what makes it one of the great wonders of the world.

  • One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World — the largest sheet of falling water on Earth
  • Devil's Pool: swim at the precipice of a 108-metre waterfall (seasonal, August–January)
  • World's 3rd highest bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge (111m)
  • Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' over the Falls and Batoka Gorge
  • White water rafting — Grade 5 rapids below the Falls
  • Sunset cruises on the Zambezi with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles
The wildlife

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Big Five

Elephant

Zambezi National Park & sunset cruises — large breeding herds

Big Five

Lion

Hwange National Park (2 hours away) — 500+ lions

Big Five

Leopard

Zambezi & Hwange — elusive but present

Big Five

Buffalo

Large herds in Hwange and Chobe (day trip)

Rhino

Rare, but protected in Hwange

Hippopotamus

Abundant in the Zambezi River

Nile Crocodile

Zambezi River resident predators

African Fish Eagle

Iconic call along the Zambezi

400+ Bird Species

Including Pel's fishing owl, African finfoot, and rock pratincole

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define the Falls

Where the Victoria Falls story unfolds. Swim to the very lip at Devil's Pool, soar over the gorge on the Flight of Angels, ride Grade-5 rapids through the Batoka Gorge and toast the day on a Zambezi sunset cruise — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

3–4 hours

Devil's Pool Swim at the Edge

Swim to the very edge of Victoria Falls in a natural rock pool at the precipice of a 108-metre drop — one of the world's most thrilling natural infinity pools. Accessed via Livingstone Island (Zambian side), this seasonal experience (low water levels: August–January) is bucket-list-worthy. A natural rock lip prevents you from going over... in theory.

  • Boat to Livingstone Island
  • Breakfast or lunch
  • Guided swim
  • Certificate
Enquire with a Concierge
13–25 minutes

Helicopter Flight of Angels

Soar above Victoria Falls in a helicopter for the ultimate aerial perspective. Named the 'Flight of Angels' by explorer David Livingstone, this breathtaking flight reveals the Falls' 1,708-metre width, the Batoka Gorge's zigzag canyons, and the Zambezi River's serpentine path. Choose 13-minute or 25-minute flights for extended views.

  • Helicopter flight
  • Pilot commentary
  • Window seat guaranteed
  • Park fees
Enquire with a Concierge
Full day

White Water Rafting (Grade 5)

Tackle the Zambezi's legendary white water rapids below Victoria Falls — considered among the world's best rafting destinations. Navigate Grade 5 rapids with names like 'The Devil's Toilet Bowl,' 'Oblivion,' and 'Stairway to Heaven.' Available year-round, with the most extreme conditions during low water (August–December).

  • Safety briefing & equipment
  • Professional guides
  • Lunch on the river
  • All rafting gear
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi

Drift peacefully upstream from the Falls aboard a sunset cruise, watching elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the riverbanks. Sip sundowners (gin & tonics, local beer, or champagne) as the African sun sets over the Zambezi. A serene counterpoint to the Falls' thunderous power — and the perfect way to toast another day in Africa.

  • Sunset cruise
  • Unlimited drinks
  • Canapés
  • Wildlife viewing
Enquire with a Concierge
More Zambezi Journeys

Extend Your Victoria Falls Adventure

The Falls are the perfect gateway to the wider Zambezi wilderness. Add the great elephant herds of Chobe, drift the wild lower river, or blend thundering spray with romance — each of these curated journeys leads to a full itinerary our concierge will tailor to you.

Victoria Falls & Chobe Honeymoon

7 daysFrom$5,500pp
Explore & Book

Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

5 daysFrom$2,500pp
Explore & Book

Zambezi Safari Experience

4 daysFrom$2,400pp
Explore & Book
Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

Browse Gray Line South Africa
Mosi-oa-Tunya · The Smoke That Thunders

The Smoke That Thunders

The local name is Mosi-oa-Tunya — the Smoke That Thunders — and it fits. At full flood the Zambezi hurls more than 500 million litres a minute over a 1,708-metre lip, sending spray 400 metres into the sky, visible for 50 kilometres. First recorded for the wider world by David Livingstone in 1855 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989, the falls are the thundering centrepiece of southern Africa's greatest adventure region.

The FallsDevil's PoolZambezi CruiseHelicopterWhite WaterBungee
Plan a Victoria Falls Journey
Photo gallery

Victoria Falls in Pictures

Victoria Falls cascading into the gorge
The thundering curtain of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls at golden hour
Golden light over the Falls and the Zambezi gorge
Rainbow over Victoria Falls
A rainbow arcing across the spray of the Falls
Elephants near the Zambezi River
Elephants gathering on the Zambezi floodplain
Elephant on a game drive near Victoria Falls
An elephant encounter on a Zambezi game drive
The perfect two-centre journey

Pair Victoria Falls with an Adventure

Victoria Falls is the perfect gateway to a great southern African journey. Add the elephant herds of Chobe, drift the waterways of the Okavango Delta, track leopard in Sabi Sands or the Big Five in Kruger — we'll weave it into one seamless itinerary.

Chobe National Park · Botswana

An hour away by road — combine the falls with Chobe's river and elephants.

Okavango Delta · Botswana

Fly on to the Delta for a water-and-wilderness safari after the falls.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Pair the falls with a South African private reserve — the bush-and-falls classic.

Kruger National Park

Easy flights link the falls with Kruger for a wider Southern Africa route.

Victoria Falls vs Other Destinations

Why Choose Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls stands apart — here's how it compares to other destinations.

FeatureVictoria FallsOther Destinations
Big FiveYes — all five roam hereVaries
Signature experienceOne of the Seven Natural Wonders ofLimited
WildlifeGateway to Hwange & ChobeFewer
Birdlife400+ speciesFewer
Standout appealDevil's Pool: swim at the precipice ofLess distinctive
OverallThe Smoke That Thunders — One of the Seven Natural WondersMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit Victoria Falls

High Water (Peak Flow)

Feb – May
★★★★★

Maximum flow, thunderous roar, massive spray — most dramatic views but you may get drenched

25–30°C, humid

Low Water (Devil's Pool)

Aug – Jan
★★★★★

Lower flow, Devil's Pool accessible, best for bungee/rafting, clearer views of rock face

25–35°C, hot & dry

Shoulder Season

Jun – Jul
★★★★☆

Medium flow, balanced experience, good visibility, fewer crowds

18–25°C, mild

Green Season

Nov – Mar
★★★★☆

Summer rains, lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, thunderstorms

28–35°C, rainy

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Victoria Falls Travel Tips

The practical details that make a trip to the falls effortless — gathered from years of crafting private Zambezi journeys for our guests.

High water vs low water

Feb–May the falls are at full flood — thunderous, but spray can obscure the view. Aug–Dec is clearer, with Devil's Pool swimming possible.

You will get wet

In high-water months the spray soaks everything. Bring a rain jacket or rent a poncho, and protect cameras and phones.

Two countries, one wonder

The falls straddle Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Zimbabwe side offers the widest views; a KAZA UNIVISA lets you cross to see both.

Adventure capital

Rafting, bungee, helicopter flips and gorge swings all run here. Book the big ones ahead and check which suit the water level.

Malaria zone

The falls region carries a malaria risk, highest in the wet season. Take prophylaxis and use repellent at dusk.

US dollars rule

Zimbabwe runs largely on US dollars — bring clean, newer notes in small denominations. Card acceptance is improving but patchy.

Location & Access

Getting to Victoria Falls

17.9328° S, 25.8307° E

Nearest Airports

  • Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) - Zimbabwe22 km from Falls — 20 minutes
  • Livingstone Airport (LVI) - Zambia10 km from Falls — 15 minutes
  • Kasane Airport (BBK) - Botswana100 km — 1.5 hours (Chobe day trips)

Driving Routes

  • Johannesburg1,500 km — 2-hour flight
  • Cape Town2,300 km — 2.5-hour flight
  • Hwange National Park200 km — 2.5 hours

Most international visitors fly via Johannesburg or Cape Town. Visa requirements vary: US citizens pay $50 for Zimbabwe single-entry e-visa. Zambia-Zimbabwe KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple entries to both countries — ideal for visiting both sides of the Falls.

Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Victoria Falls Lodges

From the grand colonial elegance of the historic hotels beside the bridge to intimate lodges perched above the Zambezi — the finest addresses at the falls, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★★$$$

Victoria Falls Hotel (Zimbabwe)

The 'Grand Old Lady' of Victoria Falls — colonial elegance since 1904, walking distance to the Falls

Historic Hotels Worldwide, Leading Hotels of the World

FromR 7,320per person, per night

★★★★★$$$$

Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara (Zambia)

Riverside luxury with zebras grazing on your lawn — 5-minute walk to the Falls on the Zambian side

Travel + Leisure World's Best, Condé Nast Traveler Top Resort

FromR 9,150per person, per night

★★★★★$$$$

Tongabezi Lodge (Zambia)

Zambia's most romantic lodge — open-fronted river cottages, floating sampan dinners, and barefoot luxury

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, TripAdvisor Top 25

FromR 12,810per person, per night

★★★★$$

Ilala Lodge Hotel (Zimbabwe)

The closest hotel to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side — value, location, and family-friendly

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice

FromR 4,575per person, per night

★★★★★$$$

The Elephant Camp (Zimbabwe)

Walk with semi-wild elephants in a private concession — intimate, ethical elephant experiences

National Geographic Unique Lodges

FromR 11,895per person, per night

★★★★$$

A'Zambezi River Lodge (Zimbabwe)

Affordable riverside accommodation with Falls access — great value for backpackers and budget travellers

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

FromR 3,294per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

Experience the world's largest sheet of falling water — 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres high — where adventure meets awe. Devil's Pool, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, sunset cruises, and the eternal thunder of 500 million litres per minute.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

the largest sheet of falling water on Earth

Devil's Pool: swim at the precipice of a 108-metre waterfall (seasonal, August

January)

World's 3rd highest bungee jump

World's 3rd highest bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge (111m)

Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' over

Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' over the Falls and Batoka Gorge

White water rafting

Grade 5 rapids below the Falls

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Victoria Falls, Answered

Which side is better: Zimbabwe or Zambia?

Zimbabwe offers the best views with 16 viewpoints along 2 km of paved paths, capturing 75% of the Falls' face. Zambia offers closer access to the Falls' edge, Devil's Pool access, and a more intimate experience. Most visitors see both sides using the KAZA UniVisa ($50), which permits multiple entries to both countries.

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

February to May offers peak water flow — the most dramatic, thunderous experience with massive spray (bring rain gear). August to January offers lower water, Devil's Pool access, better visibility of the rock face, and ideal conditions for bungee jumping and white water rafting. There's no 'bad' time — each season offers unique experiences.

Is Devil's Pool safe?

Yes, when visiting with official Livingstone Island tours (operated by Tongabezi). The natural rock lip prevents swimmers from going over the edge. However, it's not risk-free — strong currents exist, and the Zambezi can be unpredictable. Follow all safety instructions. Devil's Pool is only accessible when water levels are low (August–January).

How much time do I need at Victoria Falls?

2–3 days is ideal. Day 1: Walk the Falls, sunset cruise. Day 2: Helicopter flight, bungee jump or Devil's Pool. Day 3: White water rafting or Chobe day trip. Many travellers combine Victoria Falls with Hwange (2.5 hours) or Chobe (1.5 hours) for a 5–7 day safari and Falls adventure.

Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Most nationalities require a visa. US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens can obtain an e-visa ($50 single-entry, $70 double-entry) or visa on arrival. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) permits multiple entries to both Zimbabwe and Zambia, valid for 30 days — ideal for seeing both sides of the Falls.

Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?

Yes, Victoria Falls town (both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides) is safe and tourism-focused. Stick to main streets, avoid walking alone at night, and use registered taxis or hotel transfers. Zimbabwe has had economic challenges, but the Victoria Falls tourist zone is stable, professional, and welcoming.

Can I do a day trip to Chobe from Victoria Falls?

Yes, Chobe National Park in Botswana is 100 km (1.5 hours) from Victoria Falls. Day trips include a morning river cruise and afternoon game drive to see massive elephant herds, hippos, and buffalo. Operators handle border crossings (bring your passport and KAZA UniVisa if possible).

What should I bring to Victoria Falls?

Rain jacket or poncho (you'll get drenched from spray), waterproof camera bag, sturdy walking shoes with grip, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife, and a dry bag for electronics. If visiting Devil's Pool, bring swimwear, towel, and a GoPro for underwater shots.

Is malaria present at Victoria Falls?

Yes, Victoria Falls is in a malaria zone. Prophylaxis is recommended year-round. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants at dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets (provided at all lodges).

How do I book Devil's Pool?

Devil's Pool is operated exclusively by Tongabezi Lodge via Livingstone Island tours (Zambian side). Book directly through Tongabezi or authorized operators. Tours run August–January when water levels are low. Prices are $155–$185 per person, including boat transfer, breakfast/lunch, and guided swim. Book weeks in advance during peak season.

Your safari, your way

Ready to start planning your Victoria Falls journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Victoria Falls journey around you — every flight, every transfer, every falls tour and every detail taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
Plan My Victoria Falls JourneyBrowse Every Victoria Falls Journey
Chat