FAQ
The top questions about Victoria Falls activities, tours, safaris and the falls answered
Where is Victoria Falls located?
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River on the international border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. The waterfall sits between the city of Livingstone in Zambia and the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
The falls form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site officially known as Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls. Visitors can view the waterfall from both countries, with each side offering different viewpoints and experiences. The Zambian side lies within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, while the Zimbabwean side lies within Victoria Falls National Park.
Victoria Falls is in both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The waterfall spans the entire width of the Zambezi River and forms part of the international border between the two countries. Visitors can access the falls from Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe. Many travelers visit both sides during a single trip using the KAZA UniVisa.
Approximately 75% of the waterfall frontage and viewpoints are located on the Zimbabwean side, while Zambia offers closer seasonal experiences such as Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool.
How big is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is approximately 1,708 metres (5,604 feet) wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Its extraordinary combination of width and height creates what UNESCO describes as the world's greatest sheet of falling water. During peak flood season, hundreds of millions of litres of water plunge into the gorge every minute.
Unlike Niagara Falls or Iguazu Falls, Victoria Falls forms a nearly continuous curtain of water stretching across the Zambezi River. [whc.unesco.org],
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to experience. Every time has it's own pros and cons and makes it an unique experience:
January to April
The waterfall reaches its highest volume after the rainy season. This is when Victoria Falls is at its most powerful and spectacular. Spray rises high into the air, and visibility can sometimes be reduced because of the immense amount of water. You will get wet.
Weather: January - February: hot and frequent showers. March - April: little rain and less humid
May to August
Many travel experts consider this the ideal balance. Water levels remain impressive while visibility improves significantly.
Weather: May - June: dry and mild. July-August: dry and warm.
September to December
The dry season provides the clearest views of the rock formations and enables activities such as Devil's Pool. Water volume is much lower, especially on the Zambian side.
Weather: September - October: hot and dry. November - December: Hot, first rains to rainy
Expert note: There is no single "best" time. Adventure travelers often prefer September-November, while photographers and first-time visitors often prefer March-July. All seasons offer unique sights and experiences. Go and see!
Victoria Falls | Mosi-oa-Tunya
How high is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls reaches a maximum height of approximately 108 metres (354 feet).
The height varies across different sections of the falls because the basalt gorge below is not perfectly uniform. Rainbow Falls is generally considered the tallest section.
This immense drop, combined with its width, makes Victoria Falls the world's greatest sheet of falling water.
What is Victoria Falls famous for?
Victoria Falls is famous for being one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls and one of Africa's most iconic natural attractions.
It is best known for:
The world's largest sheet of falling water.
The enormous spray plume visible for many kilometres.
The local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "The Smoke That Thunders."
Adventure activities such as white-water rafting, helicopter flights and Devil's Pool.
Its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The beautiful nature and safari options nearby at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you could even spot the endangered White Rhino.
The waterfall attracts visitors from every continent and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Why is Victoria Falls called Mosi-oa-Tunya?
Mosi-oa-Tunya means "The Smoke That Thunders" in the Lozi language.
The name refers to the towering cloud of spray rising from the falls and the thunderous sound created by millions of liters of water crashing into the gorge below. Local communities used this name long before explorer David Livingstone arrived in 1855.
Today, both names are officially recognized:
Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya
UNESCO uses the combined title "Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls."
Can you visit Victoria Falls from Zambia?
Yes.
Victoria Falls can be visited directly from Livingstone, Zambia. The Zambian side is located within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and offers several famous attractions:
Knife Edge Bridge
Boiling Pot hike
Livingstone Island
Devil's Pool or Angel's pool
Eastern Cataract viewpoints
White Rhino walking safari or Game Drive
Upper Zambezi river cruises
The Zambian experience is generally more immersive and allows visitors to get closer to the water during certain seasons.
Can you visit Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe?
Yes.
The Zimbabwean side offers the most comprehensive panoramic views of Victoria Falls. A network of viewing points stretches along the rainforest opposite the falls, providing excellent visibility throughout most of the year.
Many first-time visitors choose Zimbabwe for photography because approximately three-quarters of the waterfall's frontage can be viewed from this side.
Expert note: Zambia offers closer experiences, while Zimbabwe offers broader views. Most travel specialists recommend seeing both sides if possible.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zambia or Zimbabwe?
There is no universally better side. The answer depends on your travel goals. Both are stunning and unique.
Choose Zimbabwe if you want:
The best panoramic views.
Consistent water flow.
The classic postcard photographs.
Extensive viewing paths.
Choose Zambia if you want:
Closer encounters with the waterfall.
Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool.
Livingstone Island.
White Rhino Walking Safari or Game Drive.
Easier access from Livingstone.
Upper Zambezi River Cruises.
Best option
Visit both sides.
Most experienced travelers, tour operators, and destination experts agree that combining Zambia and Zimbabwe provides the most complete Victoria Falls experience.
Is Victoria Falls worth visiting?
Yes, most definitively! Victoria Falls is widely considered one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world and is a bucket-list destination for travelers visiting Africa.
Visitors choose Victoria Falls because it combines:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Exceptional natural beauty
Wildlife viewing
Adventure activities
Luxury and budget accommodation
Easy access to safaris in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia
Unlike many famous waterfalls, Victoria Falls offers much more than sightseeing. Visitors can combine waterfall experiences, river cruises, safaris, helicopter flights, walking safaris, game drives and cultural exploration within a single trip.
What activities can you do at Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is one of Africa's leading adventure and nature destinations, offering activities for thrill-seekers, families, photographers, safari enthusiasts, and luxury travelers alike.
The most popular activities include:
Visiting Victoria Falls viewpoints
Walking safaris near the rare White Rhino population.
Helicopter flights ("Flight of Angels")
Microlight flights
Sunset cruises, breakfast cruises, lunch cruises or dinner cruises on the Zambezi River
White-water rafting
River safaris on the Upper Zambezi River
Bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge
Zip line at the Victoria Falls Bridge
Gorge Swing from Victoria Falls Bridge
Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool swimming
Livingstone Island tours
Wildlife safaris
Rhino tracking in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Chobe National Park day trips
Canoe safaris
Cultural village tours
Rhino Game Drive
Hwange National Park day trips
Canoe safari
Birding
Quad biking tour
and many more...
The area around Livingstone is often called the adventure capital of Zambia because of the wide range of land, water, and aerial experiences available year-round.
We offer (almost) everything! Have a look here.
How much does it cost to visit Victoria Falls?
The cost varies depending on nationality, season, and activities chosen.
Typical visitor expenses include:
Victoria Falls entrance ticket
Accommodation
Transport
Activities
Food and drinks
Visa fees (if applicable)
Budget travelers may spend approximately US$75-150 per person per day, while luxury travelers can easily spend US$500-1,000+ per day depending on accommodation, activities and excursions. A big percentage of the park fees go to preservation projects, which means you contribute to preserve all the natural beauty here as well.
Important: Entrance fees and visa fees change periodically. Look at the Ministry of Tourism website for the actual prices: National Parks – Department of National Parks & Wildlife.
If you book via our website, all the taxes and park fees are included.
How many days do you need at Victoria Falls?
Most visitors need 2 to 4 days to experience Victoria Falls properly.
1 Day
Limited time, allows you to comfortably:
Visit one side of the Victoria Falls
Do an activity or safari
2 Days
Allows time for:
Viewing the falls (both sides)
One or two activities or safaris
3 Days
Ideal for most travelers. Includes:
Viewing the falls (both sides)
A couple of activities or safaris
Local sightseeing or relaxation
4+ Days
Perfect for those wishing to combine:
Viewing the falls (both sides)
Multiple activities or safaris
Local sightseeing or relaxation
Maybe even a day trip to Chobe National Park?
Most tourism experts recommend three days as the ideal stay length, but of course it's all about what YOU want to do! You can easily fill up a week.
Expert note: look at the activity list of everything you can do. Consider the temperatures and your personal desire for relaxation versus the wish to do activities.
Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?
Victoria Falls is generally considered one of Africa's safest tourism destinations and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
However, visitors should follow standard travel precautions:
Stay within marked viewing areas.
Follow guide instructions.
Secure valuables.
Respect wildlife.
Avoid approaching animals on foot without guides.
The biggest safety risks are often natural rather than criminal, including slippery walkways, strong river currents, and encounters with wild animals.
Most tourism operators maintain high safety standards for activities such as rafting, ziplining, and helicopter flights.
All our partners work with high safety standards, good quality materials and knowledgeable guides.
How long does it take to see Victoria Falls?
Most visitors spend between 2,5 and 5 hours exploring the main viewpoints of Victoria Falls per side.
A typical visit includes:
Walking the rainforest trails
Viewing multiple lookout points
Taking photographs
Enjoying the scenery and wildlife
Visitors who wish to hike to the Boiling Pot, visit Livingstone Island, or participate in guided tours should allow additional time.
Recommended time
Allow at least half a day to experience Victoria Falls comfortably. Many travelers return more than once because the waterfall looks different throughout the day and under changing light conditions.
If you want to see both sides, it will take you a full day or two half days.
Is Victoria Falls a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes.
Victoria Falls, officially listed as Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1989 because of its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance.
UNESCO describes the site as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, noting:
The immense width of the falls
The dramatic basalt gorges
The visible spray and mist
The surrounding rainforest ecosystem
The protected UNESCO property includes areas within both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Can I see both sides of Victoria Falls in one day?
Yes, it is possible to visit both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of Victoria Falls in a single day. Most people do it in one day or spread it over two days. Consider the following:
The time of year and weather conditions
How much you like to walk around
How much time you estimate to spent making photos
Your general fitness levels
Border crossing can take some time, depending on times and days
The time you want to start the day
If you want to combine it with a safari, activity or boat cruise
Make sure you bring enough water and bring cover for the sun and/or water/rain.
Can Victoria Falls dry up?
No.
Victoria Falls does not normally dry up completely, but water levels can vary dramatically throughout the year.
During the dry season, particularly around October and November, some sections of the falls may reduce significantly, especially on the Zambian side. At these times, exposed rock formations become visible.
Some media reports have suggested that Victoria Falls is "drying up." In reality, experts generally describe these events as periods of unusually low water flow rather than complete disappearance of the waterfall. Seasonal variation has always been part of the Zambezi River system, although climate variability may influence future flow patterns.
What river feeds Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is formed by the Zambezi River, the fourth-longest river in Africa.
The river flows through six countries before eventually reaching the Indian Ocean. At Victoria Falls, the Zambezi plunges over a basalt cliff and enters a series of dramatic gorges.
The river is central to the region's:
Wildlife
Tourism
Local communities
Hydropower generation
Conservation efforts
Without the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls would not exist.
How much water goes over Victoria Falls?
The volume of water flowing over Victoria Falls varies enormously depending on the season.
Victoria Falls water flow averages 1,088 cubic meters per second. The volume peaks above 3,000 cubic meters per second in March and April during the flood season, and drops to 300 cubic meters per second in November and December during the dry season.
Seasonal Victoria Falls Water Flow
Average Flow: 1,088 m³/sec (38,400 cu ft/s)
High Flow (March/April): Up to 3,000 m³/sec (500M–625M liters per minute)
Low Flow (November/December): Drops to 300 m³/sec (~10M liters per minute)
Different organizations may quote slightly different flow figures because measurements vary by location, season, and methodology. The overall conclusion remains the same: Victoria Falls is among the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls on Earth.
Can you see Victoria Falls from space?
Yes. During periods of high water flow, the spray rising from Victoria Falls can be seen from space. The immense volume of water crashing into the Batoka Gorge creates a plume of mist that can rise hundreds of meters into the air and be visible from many kilometers away. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have photographed the falls and the surrounding mist cloud. Sources describing Victoria Falls' exceptional scale and visible spray support this claim.
Why Is It Visible?
Victoria Falls is over 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) wide and generates enormous amounts of spray during peak flow seasons. UNESCO describes the mist as visible from more than 20 kilometers away on the ground.
Key Takeaway
Victoria Falls is one of the few natural landmarks in Africa whose spray plume can sometimes be identified from space during peak water-flow periods.
What does Mosi-oa-Tunya mean?
Mosi-oa-Tunya means "The Smoke That Thunders."
This traditional name describes the spectacular sight and sound of Victoria Falls. The "smoke" refers to the towering mist rising from the gorge, while the "thunder" refers to the roar of water crashing below. The name was used by local communities long before explorer David Livingstone named the waterfall Victoria Falls in 1855.
Why Is the Name Important?
Today, UNESCO officially recognizes both names:
Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is formally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls.
Key Takeaway
Mosi-oa-Tunya reflects the indigenous heritage of the falls and perfectly captures the dramatic mist and sound that make Victoria Falls famous worldwide.
How Were Victoria Falls Formed?
Victoria Falls was formed over millions of years as the Zambezi River gradually eroded a series of cracks and fault lines in a vast basalt plateau. The process created the spectacular waterfall and dramatic gorge system that visitors see today. Victoria Falls is not only one of the world's greatest natural wonders but also one of Africa's most fascinating geological landmarks.
The Geological Origin of Victoria Falls
Long before Victoria Falls existed, molten lava covered much of the region, creating a large basalt rock plateau. Over time, natural fractures developed in the basalt due to geological processes.
As the powerful Zambezi River flowed across the plateau, it began eroding these weaker cracks. Over thousands and eventually millions of years, the river carved deeper and deeper into the rock, causing sections of the waterfall to collapse and retreat upstream.
This continuous erosion created the series of zigzag gorges found downstream from Victoria Falls today. Each gorge marks an earlier position of the waterfall.
Why Are There So Many Gorges Below the Falls?
One of the most unique features of Victoria Falls is the chain of narrow gorges immediately below the waterfall.
Geologists believe that as erosion continued, the waterfall repeatedly cut through a fault line, creating a new gorge and shifting its position farther upstream. This process happened multiple times, forming the dramatic Batoka Gorge system that stretches downstream from the present falls.
Today, visitors can clearly see these ancient gorges during helicopter flights, scenic viewpoints, and bridge tours.
Is Victoria Falls Still Changing?
Yes.
Victoria Falls is a living geological feature that continues to evolve. Every year, the Zambezi River erodes small amounts of rock from the edge of the falls and within the gorges below.
Although these changes happen very slowly, scientists expect Victoria Falls to continue migrating upstream over thousands of years, just as it has done throughout its history.
What Makes Victoria Falls Geologically Unique?
Victoria Falls is considered unique because of:
Its location on the mighty Zambezi River
The basalt plateau through which it was carved
The series of connected gorges below the falls
Its status as the world's largest sheet of falling water
Ongoing geological and erosion processes that continue today
UNESCO recognizes Victoria Falls not only for its beauty but also for its outstanding geological and geomorphological significance.
Key Takeaway
Victoria Falls was created when the Zambezi River slowly carved through cracks in a basalt plateau over millions of years. As the waterfall retreated upstream, it formed the spectacular series of gorges visible today, making Mosi-oa-Tunya one of the most impressive geological wonders on Earth.
Are there crocodiles near Victoria Falls?
Yes. Nile crocodiles live throughout the Zambezi River ecosystem, including areas near Victoria Falls and within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Should Visitors Be Concerned?
Crocodiles are a natural part of the river environment. Reputable tour operators and guides carefully manage activities to minimize risk.
Visitors should:
Never swim outside designated areas.
Follow all guide instructions.
Avoid approaching riverbanks alone.
Respect wildlife at all times.
Crocodiles live in the Zambezi River, but guided tourism activities maintain strong safety procedures and should always be followed. Activities such as Devil's Pool are operated only in carefully selected locations and under professional supervision.
What should I pack for Victoria Falls?
Packing for Victoria Falls depends on the season and planned activities.
Essential Items
Passport and travel documents
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sun protection
Insect repellent
Camera or smartphone
Water
During High-Water Season
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof bag
Quick-dry clothing
The spray from Victoria Falls can be intense and visitors often get soaked at popular viewpoints.
For Adventure Activities, consider:
Secure footwear
Swimwear
Sunglasses strap
Dry bags
Suggestion: pack for both sunshine and spray. Even on a warm day, you can become completely drenched while exploring Victoria Falls during peak water flow.
We can help you out here! Take a look at our Victoria Falls activities, our safaris, our Custom Made Adventures, or our all-inclusive package deals:
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Page last updated: 10-08-2026
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