Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this awe-inspiring waterfall is fed by the mighty Zambezi River and surrounded by lush national parks, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and heritage. Two towns—Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia—serve as vibrant gateways to this world-class destination.
Victoria Falls National Park: Two Perspectives, One Icon
Both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer national park access to Victoria Falls, each with unique views and experiences.
Zimbabwe Side: Dramatic Curtain of Water
On the Zimbabwean side, panoramic viewpoints allow visitors to take in the full width of the Falls. Most of the viewing points offer striking visibility year-round. However, visitors should note the park’s single-entry ticket policy, meaning once you exit, you must pay again to re-enter. This side is ideal for photographers and those seeking sweeping views of the entire curtain of water, especially during peak flow between March and May.
Zambia Side: Intimate Encounters
In Zambia, the park grants access to Knife-Edge Bridge and, in the dry season, Devil’s Pool. While the views aren’t as panoramic, they offer a more up-close, visceral experience, especially when walking alongside gorges and through misty rainforest paths. This side also gives access to seasonal vantage points and adventures. The ticket allows a same-day lunar rainbow tour during full moon periods, adding excellent value for timing-conscious travelers.
Border Crossings and Visas: Seamless Travel with the KAZA UniVisa
Exploring both sides of Victoria Falls is highly encouraged, and the KAZA UniVisa makes this incredibly easy. At a cost of US$55, the visa allows unlimited travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, provided you don’t exit to a third country. This is a smart option for tourists wishing to cross the border frequently to experience different perspectives and activities.
The visa is obtainable at major entry points including Victoria Falls and Livingstone airports. If not using the UniVisa, single-entry visas typically range from US$30 to US$65, depending on nationality. It’s essential to carry US dollars in cash for border transactions, as card facilities are not always available and visa payments are rarely accepted in local currencies.
When to Visit: Timing Your Experience
Victoria Falls offers different experiences throughout the year, influenced by the seasonal fluctuations of the Zambezi River.
High Water Season (January to June): During this time, the Falls are at their most powerful. Mist from the pounding water can obscure views, but the spectacle is nothing short of epic. Activities like Devil’s Pool are closed during this period due to high flow rates.
Low Water Season (July to November): As the water levels drop, more geological features become visible. This is the only time Devil’s Pool is accessible. White water rafting is also best between August and December.
Peak Tourism Season (June to August): This is the ideal middle ground—water levels are still dramatic, and views are relatively clear. Expect larger crowds and higher demand for accommodation.
Where to Stay: Options for Every Style of Travel
Both towns offer a wide range of accommodation from five-star hotels to backpacker lodges and rustic campsites. Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town has an established tourism infrastructure with numerous high-end hotels offering luxurious amenities and direct views of the Falls. Zambia’s Livingstone offers both luxury resorts and budget-friendly accommodation, many with immersive access to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Camping is a popular choice for overlanders and self-drive tourists. Both countries offer well-equipped backpacker camps with shared facilities, as well as more remote and basic national park campsites that appeal to nature lovers seeking solitude and wilderness.
Food & Flavour: Culinary Discoveries in the Falls Region
Dining in Victoria Falls and Livingstone is about much more than just the food—it’s about the experience.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): The dining scene includes everything from gourmet experiences at the Livingstone Room to local immersion at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, complete with traditional cuisine and live music. Casual eateries like The Lookout Café combine great food with panoramic views of the gorge, while places like Three Monkeys and Zambezi House provide laid-back menus with international appeal.
Livingstone (Zambia): Livingstone offers both local and international flavours. The Waterfront Restaurant and the Bridge Café provide scenic riverside meals, while The Royal Livingstone Express offers a gourmet dining experience aboard a classic steam train. Local joints like Kubu Café or Kuomboka Restaurant allow visitors to taste authentic Zambian dishes. For a once-in-a-lifetime meal, The Elephant Café—accessible only by boat—combines fine dining with wildlife encounters.
Top Activities: Adventure, Nature & Culture
- The Victoria Falls region is rightly known as the adventure capital of Africa. Activities range from serene to adrenaline-fueled.
- White Water Rafting: The Zambezi River is famed for its ferocious Grade 5 rapids. Rafting trips are season-dependent, with low-water months offering the most thrilling rides.
- Devil’s Pool: Accessible only from the Zambian side during the dry season, this natural infinity pool allows daring visitors to swim right up to the edge of the Falls.
- Helicopter Rides: The “Flight of Angels” provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire Falls and surrounding parklands—an unforgettable visual experience.
- Sunset Cruises: Sailing on the Zambezi River at sunset combines relaxation with wildlife spotting, often featuring hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks.
- Cultural Tours & Craft Markets: Visits to local villages and township markets offer insight into daily life, traditions, and the artistry of Zimbabwean and Zambian communities.
Planning Practicalities: Currencies, Fuel & Transport
Currency & Payments
Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar for most transactions, while Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas in Zambia, making currency management easier for cross-border travellers. It is highly recommended to carry smaller denominations in cash, especially in Zimbabwe, where credit card systems can be unreliable. In Zambia, card payments are more widely accepted, though Kwacha transactions typically yield better exchange rates.
Fuel Costs (As of Mid-2025)
- Zimbabwe: Petrol (Blend–E20) costs US$1.54/litre; Diesel is US$1.50/litre.
- Zambia: Petrol costs approximately ZMW 28.00/litre (US$1.23), Diesel around ZMW 27.38.
Fuel in Zambia is generally cheaper than in Zimbabwe, so self-drive travellers often choose to refuel on the Zambian side before crossing. Keep in mind that fuel prices fluctuate regularly and should be checked closer to your departure.
Transport Tips
Both Victoria Falls and Livingstone are easily accessible by air, with direct flights from Johannesburg. Locally, taxis, shuttle buses, and hotel transfers are common. Shared taxis offer an economical alternative to private transfers. Some accommodations provide free drop-offs to key sites. For overlanders or those venturing to parks like Hwange or Chobe, shared overland transfers or guided tours can be arranged from Victoria Falls.
Health and Safety: Staying Smart While You Travel
Victoria Falls is considered safe for tourists, but basic precautions should be taken. Mosquito repellent is essential, and visitors are advised to sleep under mosquito nets when available. Before travelling, check with a medical professional for recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Carry sufficient cash, especially in Zimbabwe, and use hotel safes for storing valuables. Avoid displaying expensive items in public, and always be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.
Crafting the Perfect Trip
A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t just about seeing a waterfall—it’s about experiencing a dynamic intersection of natural power, cultural heritage, wildlife, and adventure. Whether you’re watching the mist rise from the gorge at dawn, dining beside elephants on the Zambezi, or plunging into rapids, this destination offers a wide array of unforgettable moments.
Take the time to plan based on your interests, be it heart-pounding adventure, immersive culture, or peaceful natural beauty. By understanding the regional logistics—border policies, currencies, fuel costs, and seasonality—you’ll ensure a smoother journey and a more enriching experience.
In Summary
- Visit both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides for a full experience of the Falls.
- Use the KAZA UniVisa (US$55) for seamless cross-border travel.
- Plan your timing around water levels for optimal activity access.
- Prepare for fuel, cash, and visa requirements in advance.
- Choose accommodation that matches your travel style—from luxury to camping.
- Explore the food scene, not just for flavour but for immersive experiences.
- Respect local cultures, and travel responsibly.
Victoria Falls and its surrounding region stand as a crown jewel in Southern Africa—an epic adventure that combines raw nature, refined hospitality, and rich cultural connections. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the smoke will thunder, the river will roar, and the magic of Mosi-oa-Tunya will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Top 5 Hotels in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
| Hotel Name | Price Range (per night) | Key Feature | Contact |
| The Victoria Falls Hotel | From US603−US660 per unit (2025) | Iconic colonial luxury, views of the gorge and bridge | Tel: +263 83 2844751 / 9, Cell: +263 772 132 174/7 |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | From US280−US420 per person (2025) | World-class service, waterhole views, game viewing opportunities | Phone: +263 13-2843-2026 |
| Ilala Lodge Hotel | From US258−US455 per person (2025) | Exquisite dining, closest hotel to the Falls | Tel: +263 (0) 832 844 737/8/9, Email: reservations@ilalalodge.co.zw |
| Palm River Hotel | From approx. US$330 per person (2025) | Riverside oasis, stunning Zambezi views, contemporary design | Email: reservations@palmriverhotel.com, Tel: +263 832844737 /8 /9 |
| Cresta Sprayview Victoria Falls | From US100−US133 per night | Well-priced, walking distance to the Falls, refreshing pool | Phone: +263 83-284-4344, Email: res.sprayview@cresta.co.zw |
Top 5 Campsites in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
| Campsite Name | Price Range (per night) | Key Feature | Contact |
| Victoria Falls Rest Camp | US16.50−US20 per person (2025) | Central location, various accommodation options, shared ablutions, restaurant, pool | Phone: +27 (0)21 855 0395 (SA number), US: 888-205-7322 |
| N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls | From US$136 per site (approximate) | Offers both hotel rooms and camping, central facilities, pool, restaurant | Phone: +263 134 5040, Email: rory@nanbd.co.zw |
| Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge | US10−US15 per person (camping), US$25 (dome tent) | Lively atmosphere, budget-friendly, restaurant/bar, pool, furnished tents available | Email: res@shoestringsvicfalls.com, Phone: +263 779 073 293 |
| Victoria Falls Backpackers | From US11−US15 per person | Budget-friendly, relaxed atmosphere, good for backpackers, safari tents available | Phone: +263 713 575 413, Email: info@victoriafallsbackpackers.com |
| Zambezi National Park Campsites | US10−US15 per person + US$10 per vehicle + park fees | Riverside, self-sufficient camping, no facilities, raw bush experience | Email: bookings@zimparks.org.zw, Tel: +263 24 2706077/8 |
Top 5 Hotels in Livingstone (Zambia)
| Hotel Name | Price Range (per night) | Key Feature | Contact |
| Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara | From US425−US809 per night (2025) | Luxury, direct access to Falls, zebras and giraffe graze on grounds | Email: royallivingstone@anantara.com, Phone: +260 213-321122 |
| Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort | Average Price From US$515 per night | Eco-friendly, within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, river views, modern facilities | Email: info.livingstone.zambia@radissonblu.com, Phone: +260 630 373 250 |
| Avani Victoria Falls Resort | From US200−US272 per person (2025) | Close to the Falls, year-round outdoor pool, family-friendly | Phone: +260 778 648 661/2, Email: res.livingstone@minorhotels.com |
| Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone | From US$159 per night (2025) | Modern, adjacent to shopping complex, outdoor pool, good location for town access | Tel: +260 213 324 630, Email: reservations@phlivingstone.co.zm |
| Ngoma Zanga Lodge | From US186−US187 per night | Garden setting, private balconies/patios, close to Railway Museum | Tel: (855) 334-6659 |
Top 5 Campsites in Livingstone (Zambia)
| Campsite Name | Price Range (per night) | Key Feature | Contact |
| Jollyboys Backpackers & Camp | From US$9 per person | Budget-friendly, lively atmosphere, central location, pool, travel shop for activities | Tel: +260 213 324229, Email: enquiries@backpackzambia.com |
| Maramba River Lodge | US10peradult,US5 per child | Camping with facilities, close to Victoria Falls, restaurant, bar, pool | Tel: +260 213 324189, Cell: +260 976 587511 |
| The Victoria Falls Waterfront | US15perperson,orUS45 per site | Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, power points, shared ablutions, restaurant with river view | Enquire Now option on their website (no direct phone/email for camping) |
| Baobab Camp and Cottages | From US$50 per site | Generously sized campsites with private facilities (braai, kitchen, bathroom, electricity) | No direct contact provided, contact African Reservations |
| Camp Nkwazi | US$20 per person (2023 rates) | Campsites with grass and cut into the forest, some with private ablutions | Email: hello@timbuktutravel.com, Phone: +1 (646) 542 0667 |
Adventure Awaits: Top Activities in the Victoria Falls Region
This table lists key activities available in the Victoria Falls region, including their price range per person, a key feature, and contact information, showcasing the area’s reputation as the “Adventure Capital of Africa.”
| Activity | Price Range (per person) | Key Feature | Contact |
| Victoria Falls National Park Visit (Zimbabwe & Zambia Sides) | Zimbabwe: US50(Intl),US30 (SADC) Zambia: US20(Intl),US10 (SADC) KAZA UniVisa: US$55 | Essential for experiencing the Falls from different perspectives | Park gates directly |
| White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River | From US140−US170 (Full Day), excludes US$10 park fee | World-class Grade 5 rapids, exhilarating adventure | Livingstones Adventure: reservations@livingstonesadventure.com To Do Africa: +263 (0) 77 236 6698 |
| Helicopter Tour (“Flight of Angels”) | From US150(15−min)+US25 levy; US284(25−min)+US25 levy | Panoramic aerial views of the Falls, the gorge, and surrounding national parks | Zambezi Helicopter Company: Tel: +263-83-2843569, Cell: +263 772 162 829 |
| Zambezi River Sunset Cruise | From US45−US75 per adult | Relaxing wildlife viewing, sundowners, often includes snacks and drinks | Livingstones Adventure (African Queen): [No direct contact provided] Wild Horizons: +263 83 28 42279 |
| Livingstone Island & Devil’s Pool (Zambia side, seasonal) | From US125−US200 (depending on tour type) | Swim to the edge of the Falls, unique perspective, seasonal access | Livingstone Island website [No direct contact provided] |
| The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show (Zimbabwe) | US$55 per person (excluding drinks) | Cultural buffet, traditional drumming and dancing, immersive African experience | The Boma: +263 83 2843211-20, boma@vfsl.co.zw |
