Victoria Falls, From the Zambian Side

The Zambezi falls more than a hundred metres into a basalt gorge along a curtain well over a kilometre wide. The border between Zambia and Zimbabwe runs down the middle of the river — but the town that grew up around the falls, and the experiences that make a visit unforgettable, are on the Zambian side.

Why stay on the Zambian side

• Livingstone — a historic, relaxed town with its own international airport, minutes from the falls.
• Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool — reached only from Zambia: stand on the lip of the falls and, when the water is low, swim in a natural rock pool at the very edge.
• The upper Zambezi — above the falls the river is wide, calm and dotted with islands. The best river lodges sit along the Zambian bank, far from the bustle of town.
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park — a small park on the Zambian bank where you can track white rhino on foot with armed rangers.

The Zimbabwean side has more viewpoints facing the main falls, and is worth a visit. It is an easy crossing over the Victoria Falls Bridge — eligible travelers can use the KAZA UniVisa to cross freely between the two countries. We simply recommend basing yourself in Zambia and visiting Zimbabwe for the day, rather than the other way round.

What to do

• Walk the falls in Mosi-oa-Tunya, including the Knife-Edge Bridge facing the Eastern Cataract and the Boiling Pot trail down into the gorge.
• Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool — guided boat trips to the island in the middle of the falls; the pool itself is only open when the river is low.
• White-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge below the falls — among the most famous commercial rafting in the world, best at low water.
• Sunset cruises and canoeing on the upper Zambezi, with hippos, elephants and superb birdlife.
• Rhino walks in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
• Flights over the falls by microlight or helicopter — the only way to see the whole gorge system at once.
• Bungee, swing and zipline from and around the Victoria Falls Bridge.

When to go

The falls change completely through the year. From about March to May, after the rains, the flow is at its peak: thundering water and a spray cloud you can see for miles — spectacular, though the spray can hide the view and soak you on the walkways. From about August to December the water drops: the rock face and gorge are revealed, Devil’s Pool opens and rafting is at its best. June and July are a fine balance between the two. Read our month-by-month guide.

Where to stay

For most travelers we recommend a lodge on the upper Zambezi rather than in town: quiet, wild and set right on the river, with boat trips, canoeing and walks from the door, while the falls are an easy transfer away. Royal Chundu, upstream on the Zambian bank, is our first choice — intimate, beautifully run and one of the finest river lodges in southern Africa. Ask us for options at every budget.

Combining Victoria Falls with a safari

Livingstone is the natural start or finish for a Zambian safari. Light aircraft and scheduled flights connect it with Lusaka, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, and Botswana’s Chobe National Park is a short drive away. Two or three nights is ideal.

Frequently asked questions