Victoria Falls

The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to experience:

• February to May (High Water Season)

  • The falls are at their peak flow after the rainy season.
  • The most powerful and dramatic views with huge mist clouds rising into the sky.
  • Downsides: The mist can be so intense that it obscures views of the falls in some areas. Some activities like white-water rafting may be limited due to high water levels.

• June to August (Moderate Flow, Dry Season Begins)

  • Water levels start to drop, making the falls more visible while still remaining impressive.
  • The weather is cool and dry, ideal for game viewing in national parks like Hwange and Chobe.
  • Most activities, including rafting and bungee jumping, are fully operational.

• September to November (Low Water Season)

  • Water levels are at their lowest, revealing more of the rock formations behind the falls.
  • This is the best time to swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool right at the edge of the falls.
  • The downsides: The Zambian side of the falls may completely dry up, leaving only the Zimbabwean side with flowing water.

• December to January (Rising Water Levels, Green Season)

  • The rains start again, filling up the river and making the landscape lush and green.
  • It’s a good time for photography and spotting baby animals in nearby parks.
  • The falls begin to regain their power, but the mist is not as overwhelming as in peak flood season.

Best Overall Recommendation:
If you want the full “Victoria Falls experience”, visiting between May and August offers a balance of high water flow and clear visibility.

Your visa requirements depend on your nationality and whether you plan to visit Zimbabwe, Zambia, or both.

• KAZA Univisa (Recommended for Multi-Country Visitors)

  • Costs $50 USD and allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
  • Also covers day trips to Botswana (such as Chobe National Park).
  • Available for eligible nationalities at major entry points.

• Single-Entry Visas

  • Zimbabwe Visa: Costs $30 USD for most nationalities.
  • Zambia Visa: Costs $25-50 USD, depending on nationality.
  • Available on arrival or can be obtained online.

• Visa-Free Entry

  • Some nationalities, including South Africans and some SADC countries, do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe or Zambia.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting both sides of the falls, get the KAZA Univisa to avoid paying multiple visa fees.

Victoria Falls is known as the “Adventure Capital of Africa,” offering both adrenaline-fueled and relaxed activities:

🌊 Water-Based Activities:

• Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi River – Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with drinks and wildlife sightings.
• White-Water Rafting – The Zambezi River offers some of the best rapids in the world.
• Devil’s Pool (Seasonal: Aug–Jan) – Swim on the very edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.

✈️ Aerial Adventures:

• Helicopter Flights (“Flight of Angels”) – Get a breathtaking aerial view of the falls.
• Microlight Flights – An open-air experience for thrill-seekers (only available on the Zambian side).

🎢 Extreme Adventures:

• Bungee Jumping (111m Drop!) – From the Victoria Falls Bridge.
• Gorge Swing & Ziplining – Swing across the Batoka Gorge for a huge adrenaline rush.

🦁 Wildlife & Safari Experiences:

• Game Drives – Explore Zambezi National Park, Hwange National Park, or Chobe (Botswana) for incredible wildlife.
• Walking with Rhinos – A unique up-close rhino encounter in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Activities:

• Boma Dinner & Drum Show – Experience African cuisine and traditional entertainment.
• Village Tours – Visit local communities and learn about their way of life.

💡 Pro Tip: Book popular activities in advance, especially during peak season!

Yes, Victoria Falls is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Africa. However, here are a few key safety tips:

🚶 General Safety Tips:

• Avoid walking alone at night – There are wild animals, including elephants and baboons, that roam near town.
• Watch out for street vendors – Some can be persistent, but a polite “No, thank you” is enough.
• Use reputable tour operators – This ensures you have properly trained guides for activities.

🦁 Wildlife Safety:

• Do not approach wild animals – Even if they seem tame, hippos, elephants, and baboons can be dangerous.
• Follow park ranger instructions when on safari or walking in natural areas.

💳 Money & Scams:

• Use official money exchange services to avoid being scammed.
• Be cautious of ATM fraud—use ATMs in banks or hotels.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need help, local police and tourist security officers are present in town.

Zimbabwe and Zambia use different currencies, but US dollars are widely accepted.

💵 Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe Side)

• The US dollar (USD) is the main currency accepted.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
• The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is also used locally, but it’s unstable, so most businesses prefer USD.

💰 Zambia (Livingstone, Zambia Side)

• The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
• Many tourist spots accept USD, but change is often given in Kwacha.

🏧 ATMs & Cash Tips:

• There are ATMs in Victoria Falls town, but they often run out of USD.
• Bring small US dollar bills for taxis, tips, and small purchases.

💡 Pro Tip: Some places may not accept old or damaged USD notes, so ensure your bills are in good condition.