Victoria Falls Safari Guide: Which Side, When to Go and What to Do
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border. We live and work beside it in Livingstone.
Whether you have one day or a full week, this guide helps you choose a side, pick your season, budget your trip and plan the best activities.
Victoria Falls at a glance
The short answers first. Everything is explained in more detail below.
LocationZambezi River, on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border
Nearest airportsLivingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
VisaKAZA UniVisa, US$50, covers both countries plus Botswana day trips
Best for viewsZimbabwe side, which faces most of the Falls
Best for activitiesZambia side: Devil’s Pool, Knife-Edge Bridge, the Boiling Pot
High waterFebruary – May
Low waterAugust – December
Recommended stay2–3 nights
Zambia or Zimbabwe: which side should you visit?
It is the question almost every first-time visitor asks. The honest answer: each side gives you a genuinely different experience.
Zimbabwe side
- The widest panoramic views, facing most of the waterfall
- Good flow year-round, even in the driest months
- Best for photographs in the low-water season
- More hotels and a larger tourist town
Zambia side
- Close-up views, right in the spray
- Devil’s Pool in the low-water months
- The Knife-Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot trail
- Rhino tracking in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Quieter, with fewer crowds
Our recommendation: with one day, choose by season. Go to Zimbabwe in the dry months (July – November), when Zambia’s viewpoints can thin out, and Zambia in the wet months (February – May) for the most dramatic spray. With two or three days, see both; the KAZA UniVisa makes crossing easy.
When to visit Victoria Falls
The Falls change dramatically through the year. Choose between raw power and clear views, and plan around seasonal activities like Devil’s Pool.
Swipe sideways to see every month.
| What to expect | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full flow and heavy sprayBoth sides | Good | Good | Good | Good | ||||||||
| Balance of flow and clear viewsBoth sides | Good | Good | ||||||||||
| Devil’s Pool (roughly mid-August to January)Zambian side, Livingstone Island | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | ||||||
| Reliable panoramic viewsZimbabwean side | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Rhino trackingMosi-oa-Tunya National Park | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Chobe day trips and sunset cruisesLivingstone | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
When it happens
Guide’s tip: at peak flow, the spray can be so heavy that you see more mist than water, and you will get soaked. For the best of both, June and July offer strong flow with clearer views.
Top activities at Victoria Falls
Our most popular experiences, all bookable with Brightpath. Every one can be combined into a single itinerary.
Victoria Falls Tour: Zambia Side
WhereZambia
Guided viewpoints, the Knife-Edge Bridge and the story of the Falls.
Rhino Game Drive Safari
WhereMosi-oa-Tunya National Park
A half-day safari to track southern white rhinos.
Devil’s Pool
WhereLivingstone Island, Zambia
Swim at the very edge of the Falls, in the low-water months.
Popular activities such as Devil’s Pool and white-water rafting can sell out in peak season, so book ahead.
How much does a Victoria Falls trip cost?
Budgets vary with how long you stay and what you do. A rough guide for a solo traveller, excluding international flights:
| Trip style | Typical budget | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Day visit | From around $150 – $250 | Falls entry and one activity |
| 2–3 night stay | Around $400 – $700 per person | A Falls tour, one adventure activity and one wildlife activity |
| Falls and Botswana | Add $150 – $300 per day | A Chobe or Okavango extension, depending on lodge style |
Park entry fees are charged separately and change from time to time, so confirm current rates before you travel. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to five-star riverside hotels.
Where to stay on the Zambian side
Livingstone has something for every budget, from riverside luxury to comfortable town hotels.
| Hotel | Style | Why stay here |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Livingstone Hotel | Luxury | Riverfront, within walking distance of the Falls |
| David Livingstone Hotel | Luxury | Riverside setting on the Zambezi |
| Victoria Falls Waterfront | Mid to upper range | River views and great sunsets |
| Maramba River Lodge | Mid-range | Where the Maramba River meets the Zambezi |
| Chrisma Hotel | Mid-range | A convenient base in Livingstone town |
Visas: the KAZA UniVisa explained
If you plan to see both sides, ask for the KAZA UniVisa when you arrive. It is one visa for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Cost: US$50
- Validity: 30 days, with multiple crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Botswana: covers day trips into Botswana through the Kazungula border, such as a Chobe safari
- Where to get it: on arrival at the main airports and the Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders, or online through Zambia’s eVisa system for some Zambian entry points
- Eligibility: around 65 nationalities qualify; check the current list before you travel
Crossing between the two sides
With a UniVisa, crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge is easy and common, even in one day. The bridge itself is a great viewpoint and home to the bungee jump.
Allow roughly 15–30 minutes for each border post, more in peak season. Carry US dollars in cash for visa fees; card machines are not always reliable at land borders.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages, and you should carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Add Botswana to your Victoria Falls trip
Chobe National Park is about an hour from Livingstone, and the UniVisa covers a day trip across the Kazungula border. Many travellers start at the Falls and continue into Botswana for Chobe, Savuti and the Okavango Delta.
Popular combinations
- Victoria Falls and a Chobe day trip
- Victoria Falls, Chobe and the Okavango Delta
- Victoria Falls and South Luangwa
- Victoria Falls, Chobe and Namibia’s Zambezi Region
What to pack
- A dry bag for your phone and camera; the spray soaks everything
- Quick-dry clothes and a light rain jacket or poncho
- Walking shoes with grip, as paths get slippery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- US dollars in small notes for visas, tips and some activities
- A reusable water bottle
Safety and health
- Both sides are considered safe for tourists, especially with licensed guides and operators
- Malaria is present; ask your doctor about prevention before you travel
- Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water
- A yellow fever certificate may be required, depending on where you travel from
- Baboons and warthogs roam even in town; keep your distance and never feed them
Victoria Falls: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Victoria Falls?
Most visitors who want to see both sides get the KAZA UniVisa (US$50), which covers Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is available on arrival at the main airports and land borders.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better?
Neither is better overall. Zimbabwe gives the widest, most reliable views; Zambia gives close access and activities like Devil’s Pool and the Knife-Edge Bridge. Many travellers do both.
What is the best month to visit Victoria Falls?
February to May for the most powerful flow, and August to December for clearer views, Devil’s Pool and river activities. June and July offer a good balance.
How many days do I need at Victoria Falls?
Two to three nights lets you see both sides, add an activity or two and fit in a Chobe day trip. One full day is enough to see the Falls from one side.
Is Victoria Falls safe?
Yes. Both sides are considered safe for tourists, especially when you use licensed guides and operators.
Can I visit Victoria Falls on a day trip from Botswana or South Africa?
It is possible, but it makes for a long day. Most travellers get far more from at least one night in Livingstone or Victoria Falls town.
Is Victoria Falls good for families with children?
Yes. The viewpoints, sunset cruises and rhino tracking suit families, but some adventure activities, like bungee jumping and Devil’s Pool, have age or height limits.
Explore more of the region
Plan your trip around Victoria Falls
A romantic getaway, an adventure-filled week or the start of a bigger safari: tell us your dates and interests, and we will plan it from arrival to departure.