One of the most iconic natural Wonders of the world is the Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya translating into ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Whilst exploring this unique land back in 1852 and 1856, Dr. David Livingstone named the falls after the reigning British monarch at the time; Queen Victoria.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the largest curtain of falling water in the world, it’s over 1708 m wide and up to 500 million liters of water cascades over the basalt rocks per minute at certain times of the year. There are 8 spectacular gorges that the water flows over and there are several islands in the core zone that serve as breeding sites for endangered and migratory bird species.
The Falls is spread across two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe and there are a variety of activities that revolve around the falls from helicopter rides to white water rafting. We’ve included a list of popular activities below and the best times of the year to go.
Activities
• Victoria Falls Tour (Zambia & Zimbabwe)
• Livingstone Tour
• Sunset River Cruises
• Canoeing Safaris
• River Boat Safari
• The Elephant Café
• The Floating Restaurant
• Helicopter Flight
• Micro Light Flight
• White Water Rafting
• Jet Boat Ride
• Tandem Skydiving at Victoria Falls
• Abseiling & Gorge Swing
• Vic Falls Bungee jump
• High-Tea on Livingstone Island
• Livingstone Express
• Tram Bridge Tour
When to go
December - March
Better known as the ‘Emerald Season’ these are the rainy months and also the height of summer. The mighty Zambezi River will slowly start rising from January and the falls itself will begin to pick up in power. Dramatic thunderstorms are present some afternoons. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching well over 30 °C in the daytime. The white-water rafting season usually closes around February in due to high water levels and the famous Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool in Zambia often closes in January/February due to the dangerously high water levels.
April – June
The Falls is at its fullest at this time of the year. This is also the only time of year that the Lunar Rainbow can be viewed at its best. The spectacle lasts from sunset to sunrise and is one of Africa's best kept secrets. During these months the Zambezi is in flood and the Falls are at their most magnificent in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, however visibility on foot from some of the lookouts can be limited by the abundance of spray and mist. Temperatures during the day are warm at 25-30 °C. This is also the best time for a helicopter flight over the falls.
July – August
These months bring the peak season at the falls, with lower water levels and less spray allowing for excellent visibility of the mighty falls. Activities such as Livingstone Island, rafting and devil’s pools open again as soon as the water drops. Although this is peak wintertime, you can expect warm and sunny days 20-28 °C, but it’s best to bring warm layers for the cool evening temperatures.
September – November
These months mark the end of the dry season and this is when the falls are at their lowest, drying up to reveal the intricate rock formations, however, there is still excellent visibility from the Zimbabwe side. This time of year is perfect for white-water river rafting and the Livingstone Island. The weather is very hot, averaging at around 35-40 °C.
Our favourite lodges
Matetsi River lodge
Accommodation; Private 4-bedroom villa, family suites with 2 bedrooms, regular suites. All have private plunge pools.
Room type; Villa: Double beds. Family suites & regular suites; double or twin (customers can choose). Air conditioned. Wifi.
Bathrooms; Toilet, double wash basin, indoor & outdoor shower. Exceptions; two rooms in private villa have no bath tub or outdoor shower, 2nd room in family suite has no outdoor shower and only one wash basin.
Location; Matetsi private game reserve, 40km upstream from Victoria Falls. One hour transfer to airport.
Meals; Plated, delicious local cuisine.
Lodge facilities; Two bars, multiple bomas, restaurant with wine cellar. Private dining possible.
Activities; Victoria Falls visits, scenic helicopter flights, …
Price Range; 750-1000$ pppn.
Stanley & Livingstone
Accommodation; Private suites set in a lush garden.
Room type; Double or twin bed setup (customers can choose). Air conditioned. Wifi. Adjoining rooms for families.
Bathrooms; Toilet, double wash basin, walk-in shower. Some also have a bath.
Location; 10 minutes from Victoria Falls, 20 minutes from the airport.
Meals; A la carte menus with European and African-fusion dishes. Delicious and exotic.
Lodge facilities; Lounge & bar, restaurant with wine cellar. Garden swimming pool.
Activities; Victoria Falls visits, scenic helicopter flights, …
Price Range; 400-500$ pppn.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Accommodation; Multiple room- and suite types. Some have interleaving doors for families or groups.
Room type; Double or twin bed setup (customers can choose). Some suite types have got a balcony or separate lounge area. Air conditioned. Wifi.
Bathrooms; Regular rooms have a bathroom with toilet, single wash basin and bath/shower combination. Other room types have idem but double wash basins. Wing rooms have a separate shower.
Location; Very close to the falls (view on the railroad bridge that crosses the gorge right next to the false.
Meals; A la Buffet style and à la carte choices.
Lodge facilities; Spa, bar, gym, pool, restaurant.
Activities; Victoria Falls visits, scenic helicopter flights, massages, tennis court.
Price Range; 200-1250$ pppn.
Ilala Lodge
Accommodation; Multiple room- and suite types. All rooms have a private patio or a seating area on the lawn, facing the Falls.
Room type; Double or twin bed setup (customers can choose). Air conditioned. Fan. Wifi.
Bathrooms; Toilet, double wash basin, walk-in shower. Some also have a bath. Executive suites have a separate bath.
Location; at the "doorstep" of the falls; the first lodge on the road that leads to the park entrance.
Meals; A la carte menus with European and African-fusion dishes. Delicious and exotic.
Lodge facilities; Bar & restaurant, spa & pool.
Activities; Victoria Falls visits, scenic helicopter flights, guided walks, massages.
Price Range; 200-400$ pppn.
Elephant Camp
Accommodation; Regular suite (2 pax) and two family suites (max 4 pax).
Room type; Double or twin bed setup (customers can choose). Air conditioned. Fan. Private plunge pool.
Bathrooms; Toilet, double wash basin, indoor- & outdoor shower. Bath with a view.
Location; Close to one of the river bends below the falls. About 8km from town, 10km from Victoria Falls park entrance.
Meals; Buffet and à la carte options.
Lodge facilities; Bar & restaurant, library, pool, spa.
Activities; Victoria Falls visits, scenic helicopter flights, guided walks, massages.
