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collinskalonga May 6, 2025 
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions and a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Southern Africa. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Falls combine breathtaking scenery, adventure activities, wildlife experiences and unforgettable Zambezi River adventures.
If you are planning Victoria Falls tours in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know, including the best time to visit, Zambia versus Zimbabwe, top Victoria Falls activities, estimated costs, a 3-day itinerary, Devil’s Pool, Chobe safaris and how to combine your trip with a wider Southern Africa safari.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is formed where the Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.
The Falls stretch for approximately 1,708 metres and reach heights of up to 108 metres, creating one of the most dramatic natural spectacles in Africa.
But a Victoria Falls holiday is about more than seeing the waterfall.
Visitors can combine the Falls with:
This combination makes Victoria Falls tours particularly attractive for travelers who want to experience several sides of Africa in one trip.
Because Victoria Falls lies between Zambia and Zimbabwe, travelers often ask which side is better.
The answer depends on what you want to experience.
The Zambian side is accessed through Livingstone, making it an excellent base for travelers who want to combine Victoria Falls with Zambian safari destinations.
Zambia offers close-up experiences of the Falls, including the Knife-Edge Bridge and Boiling Pot. During suitable low-water conditions, travelers can also experience Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool.
The Zambia side is particularly attractive for travelers interested in:
The Zimbabwean side provides extensive panoramic views across the main Falls and is ideal for travelers wanting classic views and photography.
The rainforest trail provides access to several viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and power of the Falls.
Victoria Falls town is also a convenient base with hotels, restaurants, activities and tour operators within easy reach.
The Zimbabwe side is particularly suitable for:
Yes. Visiting both sides provides the most complete Victoria Falls Zambia and Zimbabwe experience.
The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries, although travelers must meet the applicable border and immigration requirements.
If your itinerary allows two or three full days, we recommend experiencing both sides rather than choosing only one.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on whether you want maximum water flow, clearer views, adventure activities or Devil’s Pool.
The Zambezi River generally reaches high water levels between February and May.
April is often one of the most spectacular periods because of the powerful flow and enormous clouds of spray rising above the Falls.
The experience can be intense. Viewpoints may become extremely wet and some sections of the Falls can be partially obscured by mist during periods of exceptionally high flow.
This season is ideal if your priority is:
Carry a waterproof jacket and protect cameras and phones with a dry bag.
As water levels decrease, more of the underlying rock formations become visible and some viewpoints provide clearer photographs.
This is also the season when activities such as white-water rafting and Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls may become available, depending on river conditions and safety assessments.
September to November can be particularly attractive for travelers interested in clearer Falls views and seasonal Devil’s Pool experiences.
June and July offer a useful balance between water flow and visibility.
These months can work particularly well for travelers combining Victoria Falls with safaris in Zambia, Zimbabwe or Botswana.
| Travel period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| February–May | High water and dramatic spray |
| April | Often spectacular peak-flow conditions |
| June–July | Strong flow and improving visibility |
| August–December | Clearer views and adventure activities |
| September–November | Popular period for Devil’s Pool, subject to conditions |
A Victoria Falls holiday can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want.
Walking through the rainforest viewpoints is the essential Victoria Falls experience.
From the viewing trails, you can experience different sections of the Falls and appreciate the scale of the Zambezi River as it disappears into the gorge.
Livingstone Island sits near the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.
During the appropriate low-water season, visitors may be able to enter Devil’s Pool, a naturally formed rock pool close to the edge of the Falls.
Availability depends on river levels and safety conditions, so Devil’s Pool should always be booked for an appropriate season and confirmed before travel.
A sunset cruise on the Zambezi is one of the most relaxing activities to add to your Victoria Falls itinerary.
The river upstream from the Falls provides opportunities to see:
A sunset cruise is particularly popular with couples, families and travelers looking for a slower experience after a day of sightseeing.
A helicopter flight provides a spectacular aerial perspective of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and surrounding gorge.
The experience, often marketed as the Flight of Angels, is an excellent option for photographers and travelers wanting to appreciate the enormous scale of the Falls.
Adventure travelers can add activities such as:
Availability varies by season and river conditions.
A 3-day Victoria Falls itinerary is enough for many first-time visitors to experience the Falls, enjoy the Zambezi and add several activities.
Start your trip with a visit to the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls.
Explore the rainforest trail and viewpoints before taking time to relax in Victoria Falls town.
In the afternoon or evening, enjoy a Zambezi River sunset cruise, with opportunities to see wildlife along the river.
Spend the evening enjoying dinner in Victoria Falls.
Cross into Zambia and explore the Livingstone side of Victoria Falls.
Visit the Knife-Edge Bridge and surrounding viewpoints before adding a Livingstone Island or Devil’s Pool experience if conditions permit.
Adventure seekers can choose an additional activity such as rafting, ziplining or bungee jumping.
Stay overnight in Livingstone or Victoria Falls depending on your itinerary.
Start the morning with a Victoria Falls helicopter tour for an aerial view of the Falls.
Alternatively, travelers can use the morning for a cultural experience or relaxed river activity.
If you have sufficient time, another excellent option is a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.
You can then depart or continue to a longer Southern Africa safari.
The cost of a Victoria Falls tour depends on your accommodation category, activities, transportation, season and whether you visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As a general 2026 planning guide:
These are indicative planning figures rather than fixed package prices.
Accommodation, private transfers, helicopter flights, premium cruises and safari extensions can significantly increase the total cost.
For an accurate quotation, travelers should provide their dates, number of people, preferred accommodation and activities.
Travelers visiting both sides of Victoria Falls may benefit from the KAZA UniVisa, where eligible.
The visa is designed to simplify travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and can also cover certain short visits to Botswana under the applicable rules.
Because immigration requirements can change, travelers should verify the latest requirements before departure.
One of the best ways to extend a Victoria Falls holiday is with a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.
Located in Botswana, Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and exceptional river-based wildlife viewing.
A typical Chobe safari combines:
For travelers with limited time, a Chobe day trip offers an efficient way to add a Botswana safari to a Victoria Falls itinerary.
For those with more time, an overnight or multi-day Chobe safari provides a deeper wildlife experience.
The Zambezi River is an important part of the Victoria Falls experience.
A sunset cruise provides a relaxing way to experience the river away from the crowds around the Falls while looking for wildlife along the banks.
For travelers seeking a more extended water-based adventure, longer Zambezi experiences can also be incorporated into a Southern Africa itinerary.
Victoria Falls is an excellent gateway to a wider Southern Africa safari.
Travelers can combine their Victoria Falls tour with some of the region’s most famous wildlife destinations.
South Luangwa is renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing, walking safaris and diverse habitats.
Lower Zambezi combines wildlife viewing with the Zambezi River, canoeing and scenic safari experiences.
Kafue is one of Zambia’s largest national parks and offers diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences away from the busier safari circuits.
Chobe is particularly famous for elephants and river-based wildlife experiences, making it an ideal extension from Victoria Falls.
The Okavango Delta offers a completely different safari environment, with waterways, islands and exceptional opportunities for mokoro and wildlife experiences.
Victoria Falls can also be combined with Zimbabwe safari destinations, allowing travelers to explore more of the country beyond the Falls.
A carefully planned itinerary can therefore combine Victoria Falls, Zambia safaris, Zimbabwe safaris and Botswana safaris into one Southern Africa adventure.
The best Victoria Falls tour package depends on your travel style and available time.
Choose a 3-day itinerary covering:
Consider:
Combine Victoria Falls with:
Consider:
Drift Africa Tours is a Zambia-based tour and travel company specializing in Victoria Falls tours, Livingstone tours, safari packages, accommodation and transfers across Zambia and Southern Africa.
From Victoria Falls and Livingstone to South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue National Park, Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, we can help create a travel experience around your interests, budget and schedule.
Our services include:
Whether you are planning a short Victoria Falls holiday, a luxury getaway, a family adventure or a multi-country African safari, Drift Africa Tours can coordinate the essential elements of your journey.
Book your 2026 Victoria Falls tour with Drift Africa Tours today.
Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation and the experiences you want to include, and we will help create your ideal itinerary.
Email: reservations@driftafricatours.com
Phone: +260 977 181 826 | +260 955 068 800
Website: driftafricatours.com
Two to three full days is enough for most first-time visitors to explore Victoria Falls, experience the Zambezi River and add one or two activities. Add another day if you want to include a Chobe safari.
Both sides offer unique experiences. Zimbabwe provides extensive panoramic views, while Zambia offers closer access to the Falls and seasonal experiences such as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool.
Yes. Travelers can visit both sides provided they meet the relevant immigration and entry requirements. Visiting both sides provides a more complete Victoria Falls experience.
April is generally one of the most impressive months for high water and dramatic spray. For clearer views and seasonal Devil’s Pool access, September to November can be more suitable.
Devil’s Pool is generally available during the lower-water period, often from around August into December. Exact opening and closing dates depend on river levels and safety conditions.
A 3-day Victoria Falls trip can range from approximately USD 600 to USD 1,500 per person depending on accommodation, activities and transportation. Luxury itineraries can cost more.
Yes. Chobe National Park is close enough to Victoria Falls and Livingstone to make a day trip practical. Travelers can combine a game drive and Chobe River cruise in a single day.
Yes. Victoria Falls can be combined with South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Park, creating a wider Zambia safari itinerary.
Yes. Travelers with more time can combine Victoria Falls and Chobe with the Okavango Delta, creating a multi-destination Botswana and Southern Africa safari.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and itinerary. Travelers visiting both Zambia and Zimbabwe may be eligible for the KAZA UniVisa. Always verify current entry requirements before traveling.
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