Planning a trip to Victoria Falls requires a little more effort than just booking a flight and going! So to help you out I created this guide with everything you need to know to ensure you have the best vacation possible.
Before we even get started with planning where to stay and what to do, make sure that you have figured out your visa as this is essential to visiting.
Depending on if you’re flying in and out of Zambia or Zimbabwe, there are a few different visa options for you. The easiest way to decide which is the best visa for you is to figure out what activities you plan on doing and how many times you will need to cross the border.
If you plan on crossing the border many times during your visit, it’s easiest to get the KAZA visa which allows you to enter both Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you would like during a 30-day period as well as the ability to enter Bosnia one time.
Alternatively, if you are flying into Zimbabwe and only plan on crossing to Zambia one time, you can apply for the double entry Zimbabwe visa.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls
Which side of Victoria Falls to stay on? The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is known for better views of the falls and many people tend to opt for staying on the Zimbabwe side.
However, a lot of activities are located on the Zambian side, so honestly it’s really up to you as everything is nearby.
Victoria Falls Hotels in Zambia
Royal Livingstone
This beautiful 5-star resort has views of Victoria Falls from the swimming pool and zebras grazing in the gardens, what more could you ask for in a luxury getaway in Zambia?
The spacious rooms come with all the best amenities while the onsite restaurant is happy to cater to any dietary preferences. Plus, the spa and wellness center is ready to cure all your aches and stress for the perfect vacation.
Avani Resort
Another great choice with free entrance to Victoria Falls is the colorful 4-star Avani Resort. The gorgeous decor perfectly blends traditional patterns with modern elements in earthy tones to create a calming African atmosphere.
When you’re not exploring the falls, you can look forward to the large outdoor pool, relaxing spa and wellness center, and delicious food provided.
Victoria Falls Hotels in Zimbabwe
Elephant Camp
Located inside of Victora Falls National Park and boasting an incredible view of the Fall’s spray, it’s hard to beat Elephant Camp if you are looking for the best place to stay in the Zimbabwe size of Victoria Falls.
This all-inclusive resort provides luxurious suites in a safari-style environment with private viewing decks, plunge pools, and outdoor showers. The cost of staying here not only covers your accommodation, food, drinks, and transfers but also a large range of activities available exclusively to guests.
Shearwater’s Explorers Village
Located just 200m from the local Elephant’s Walk artist village and only 20 mins walk from Victoria Falls, Shearwater’s Explorers Village has the perfect location for travelers who like to get out and explore their surroundings.
Onsite, the resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, plus a great spa and wellness center to help you relax. Perfect for anyone looking for a boutique hotel with a modern touch, the rooms here will have you feeling at home in seconds.
Things to Do Near Victoria Falls
1. Walk Around the Falls (Both sides)
Of course, the first thing you need to do to experience the power of Victoria Falls is to walk around the rim and take as many photos as possible.
On the Zimbabwe side, a designated walking path takes you to 16 breathtaking viewpoints looking over Victoria Falls.
From Zambia you can also walk along paved walkways right up to the edge, getting really close to the falls. There’s also an amazing bridge that lets you stand 100 meters (328 ft) above the gorge, alternatively, walk down to the Boiling Pot at the base of the waterfall.
Whichever side you walk on, be prepared to get wet! The mist falling from Victoria Falls creates the sensation of rain 24/7, so come prepared with a good rain jacket and slip-proof shoes.
If you want to learn even more about the waterfalls or be taken straight to the best spots, you can also join a guided tour that will take you to both sides.
Recommended Tours:
Victoria Falls Guided Tour on Both Sides
Victoria Falls: Private Guided Tour of the Falls
2. Take a Helicopter Ride or Microflight (Both sides)
To really appreciate the sheer force of Victoria Falls, the best way to see it is from the sky!
No matter which side you are staying on, you can catch a helicopter or micro flight that circles above Victoria Falls and the surrounding national park for a unique view.
Helicopter rides can last anywhere from a quick 15-minute trip to a full-day tour with all the bells and whistles making it fit into most budgets.
Recommended Tours:
Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight from Zambia
Scenic Day Tour, Lunch, and Helicopter Flight from Zimbabwe
3. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise (Both sides)
The beautiful Zambezi River is what supplies Victoria Falls with its water and also forms the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
That means that regardless of which side you stay on, you can easily take a relaxing cruise at sunset to experience the incredible nature of the region.
Sunset is a great time to experience the river as animal activity peaks, giving you the chance to see crocodiles, birds, hippos, elephants, and of course an unforgettable African sunset.
Recommended Tours:
Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
4. Experience Devil’s Pool (Zambia)
If you’ve seen pictures of people lying over the edge of Victoria Falls, then you’ve already seen the famous Devil’s Pool.
Located on the Zambian side near Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool is only open when there are low water levels in the dry season. The dry season generally occurs between mid-August and mid-January and during this time you can swim right to the edge of this natural infinity pool.
Recommended Tours:
From Victoria Falls: Livingstone Island Tour & Devils Pool
Small-Group Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island Tour
5. Visit The Elephant Cafe (Zambia)
A trip to the Elephant Cafe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t pass up while visiting Zambia.
The experience starts with a jet boat ride through the national park which includes the possibility of rapids, hippos, and crocodiles.
But the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve arrived at the cafe, here you will meet a herd of rescued elephants up close and personal before heading to the cafe for a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi River.
6. Try the Gorge Swing (Zimbabwe)
To get your adrenaline pumping even more in this incredible place, why not throw yourself off a bridge (safely of course)!
In Zimbabwe, you can experience a giant Gorge Swing with 70m of pure free fall, 150m above the Batoka Gorge.
This activity is not for the faint-hearted as you will then pendulum swing for around another 95m before being pulled back up to where you jumped from.
Recommended Tours:
Gorge Swing with Hotel Pickup
7. Go White Water Rafting (Both sides)
In a place surrounded by so much raging water, it’s no surprise that white water rafting is another popular adventure sport on offer on both sides.
There are many tours to choose from with half and full-day trips available for all skill levels.
After a safety and instructional briefing, your crew will don your safety gear and hit the water where you will have to work together to paddle through grade 3-5 rapids for a thrilling day out.
Recommended Tours:
Zambezi River: Full Day Whitewater Rafting Experience
From Livingstone & Victoria Falls: Zambezi Half-Day Rafting
8. Ride the Bushtracks Express (Zimbabwe)
Step back in time with a ride on the historic Bushtracks Express steam train in Victoria Falls. This luxurious ride includes a 5-course meal during your trip to Victoria Falls Bridge during sunset.
The tour is around 4 hours long and crosses the border to reach the bridge, so don’t forget your passport!
9. Take a Horseback Riding Safari (Zambia)
To get even closer to nature, take a horseriding safari through the Zambian National Park with well-trained horses and a knowledgeable guide.
During the 4-hour tour along the banks of Victoria Falls, you have the chance to see elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more, much closer than you would in a regular jeep safari.
All the necessary equipment will be provided and you don’t need to have any experience with horses to enjoy this trip.
Recommended Tour:
Victoria Falls National Park: Horseback Safari
10. Explore Chobe National Park on a Day Trip (Botswana)
Located just next door to Victoria Falls in Bosnia is the incredible Chobe National Park, a popular day trip from both Zimbabwe and Zambia that boasts one of the biggest concentrations of game in Africa.
During a day trip, you will get to experience the wildlife from both the water and land as you take a cruise on the Chobe River before transferring to a game drive vehicle.
Chobe River is famed for its abundance of elephants and lions while the rest of the park also allows you to spot buffalo, antelope, and more.
Recommended Tours:
Chobe National Park: Day Trip with River Cruise
Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Things to Do in Victoria Falls with Kids
Before taking my toddler and preschooler to Victoria Falls I couldn’t find any information on whether it’s something kids-friendly. I found some posts from parents claiming that even walking around the falls is dangerous and a nightmare with a toddler and that there will be nothing for my kids to do.
It’s safe to say that all these comments were total bullshit because Victoria Falls is amazing with kids, but you just don’t see many kids there.
We stayed at the Avani Resort in Livingstone, a sister of the luxury Royal Livingstone and sharing various facilities. It was incredible and 100% family-friendly.
Kids had a pool with various shallow spots to enjoy. Not to mention, what kind of child wouldn’t want to swim in a pool surrounded by zebras?
There were zebras, giraffes, baboons, and impalas walking around the property freely. You didn’t even need to take a game drive to see any animals, as they were coming right to our door.
What Can Kids Do at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls was just a few steps away and we had access to hiking paths for free. There were wooden barriers everywhere and honestly, even my 2 year old was able to see that there was a cliff passed the barriers and only came closer when holding my hand. It was a very child-friendly experience if you ask me.
Our hotel also had a kids club with babysitting options for babies as well. Kids had a blast and we were able to do an experience that they weren’t allowed one, like for instance the Devil’s Pool.
We opted for an afternoon boat safari instead of a sunset cruise. We were told that quite often it ends up being a private experience because everyone chooses a sunset option. It did end up being the only ones and saw a ton of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds. Kids were amazed!
We did a cultural night with Boma dinner, and while the kids weren’t too fond of the food they enjoyed the dancing, music, face painting and listening to local stories. Kids were also free of charge, which was nice.
Officially, my kids were too small for a horse riding safari so my husband and I did it on our own time, but later we were told that our 4-year old could have come too since he was already horseriding for a year.
The only thing I was slightly bummed about was the Elephant Cafe. They don’t allow kids under 4 and under 10 years old kids aren’t able to do an interaction. Which is strange, but this is why we didn’t do it.
Luckily enough, we had an elephant come almost right to our table
Overall, Victoria Falls is a great place to travel with kids.