Victoria Falls.
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Overview

Victoria Falls is a town in the western portion of Zimbabwe, across the border from Livingstone, Zambia, and near Botswana. The town lies immediately next to the falls, and they are the major attraction, but this popular tourist destination offers both adventure seekers and sightseers plenty of opportunities for a longer stay.

Understand

No doubt about it, Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning "The Smoke That Thunders") – but more commonly known as Victoria Falls – is one of the most amazing sights in the world. The Falls are twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and several times longer. Although not the highest, widest or greatest volume of water, they have the largest sheet of water for any fall in the world, and are a sight not to be missed.

History It took thousands of years of erosion for Victoria Falls to appear as and where it does now. Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the smoke that thunders” only became known to the western world as Victoria Falls after David Livingstone first set eyes on this astonishing natural wonder in 1855, a heartbeat ago in geological time. During the Jurassic Period (150-200 million years ago) volcanic activity resulted in thick basalt deposits covering large parts of Southern Africa. As the lava cooled and solidified, cracks appeared in the hard basalt crust, which were filled with softer clay and lime. About 2 million years ago, the land between Zimbabwe and the Kalahari Desert was lifted by the same series of earth movements that caused the Great African Rift Valley to the north. This blocked the flow of what was then the upper Limpopo River, which began to fill up a vast inland sea called Lake Makgadikgadi in the region of modern Botswana. This began to overflow in a new course over Zimbabwe's basalt plateau about 20,000 years ago. Erosion by the mighty Zambezi River cut through the softer materials in the hard basalt, forming the first of a series of waterfalls. Over the last 20,000 years, the falls have receded 8 km upstream, as the Zambezi carved its way through seven linked gorges. This geological history can be seen in the dark basalt in the sheer rocky walls of gorges below the Falls. It is guessed that the Devil's Cataract, which is the lowest point of Victoria Falls, will eventually become the start of the next gorge as the river continues to cut its way back upstream.

Essentially the river falls into a section of gorge along its northern side forming a waterfall a mile long. You view the falls head on from across the gorge.

Victoria Falls comprises eight ravines and several islands that house four endangered and migratory bird species, including the taita falcon and black eagle. Meanwhile, Victoria Falls’ stunning spray mist which can be seen as far as 50km is a result of its lively ecosystem. The newest waterfall can be found in Zimbabwe at The Devil’s Cataract. In an aerial view of Victoria Falls, there is a great chance that there will be more waterfalls in the future.

Don't forget, you will need to decide whether you are getting a single or multiple entry visa when you first apply for it.

The park is open year-round, but you will get a much different experience depending on the season in which you visit.

In the rainy season (November to March), the water volume will be higher, and the Falls will be more dramatic. You are guaranteed to get wet if you cross the bridge or walk along the trails winding near the Falls. On the other hand, it is precisely because the volume of water is so high that your viewing of the actual Falls will be obscured—by all the water! In the dry season, (April to October), the water volume will be lower, and by October Victoria Falls might just be a trickle. You will get a clearer view of the rocky ledge beneath the Falls, which is pretty spectacular, but the Falls might be somewhat underwhelming.

Get in

According to seat61.com, the overnight train from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls is running once a week as of 2026. National Railway of Zimbabwe still uses British 1950s coaches for this line. There is no running water or toilet paper. There are electric lights and shaver sockets but not plug sockets. During the first few hours after departing Victoria Falls you may see some wildlife. Departure from Bulawayo is at 19:00 on Friday, arriving in Victoria on Saturday around 10:00 to 11:00. The train from Victoria Falls departs at 19:00 on Sunday, arriving in Bulawayo at 10am on Monday. Book your ticket on day of travel. The ticket office at Vic Falls is open M-F from 07:00-10:00 and 14:30-18:45, and Sa-Su 09:00-10:00 and 16:30-18:45. is on Mallet Dr, next to the Victoria Falls Hotel. It offers a left luggage service.

Trains from Zambia across the spectacular Zambezi Bridge have been suspended for a few years; however, catching a train to Livingstone and then continuing by taxi is a possibility.

By car The roads within Zimbabwe are relatively good. The most direct way to Victoria Falls overland is from Bulawayo. There is a good road network from the South African border at Beit Bridge right through to the Falls.

It's possible to drive in through Livingstone. Very annoying is the time consuming and disorganised procedure of obtaining a 'temporary import permit' for the car at the Zambian border posts. Once at the Zimbabwe border post, the whole procedure is to be repeated, though it is a bit faster but also expensive.

Coming from Namibia or Botswana, the best road is from Kasane in Botswana using the Kazungula border post which is about 70km from Victoria Falls.

By bus Buses operated by Intercape ply the route between Windhoek in Namibia to Livingstone in Zambia three times a week. Notice that the bus stops on the Zambian side: You have to cross the border to Zimbabwe by foot or pick a taxi after crossing the Livingstone border post.

Buses operated by Intercape sometimes have a route between Bulawayo and Vic Falls. Intercape has the largest intercity route network in Southern Africa.

There are two new buslines going from Vic falls to Harare via Bulawayo Extra city and Bravo tours.

Get around

If you stay in the swanky hotels downtown, or even some of the budget accommodation options just outside the downtown area, walking is manageable. Most of the places are no more than 3 km away from Victoria Falls.

Some of the hotels in Victoria Falls are not really in Vic Falls, but most of these have their own transfer services.

See

The obvious thing to see is of course the Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) and Shungu Namutitima (Boiling Water) in Lozi and Tonga languages respectively. Considered one of the seven natural wonder of the world. Watch and listen to the roar of 1088m³/second of water plunge into a 100m gorge below. The fall is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia (the Zambian side is covered in the article for Livingstone). Both sides preserve the natural rainforest which is present because of the continuous spray from the falls.

Victoria Falls National Park. The main viewing area for the falls on the Zimbabwean side. Follow the winding path through the rainforest for several viewing angles of the falls as well as a statue of David Livingstone. Apart from the falls itself, visitors might see elephants.

Boiling Pot. Where the water goes after the falls. It can be seen beneath the Bridge or can be reached via a steep footpath within the park on the Zambian side, it is about 150 metres (500 ft) across. Its surface is smooth at low water, but at high water it is marked by enormous, slow swirls and heavy boiling turbulence. Objects and humans that are swept over the falls, including the occasional hippopotamus or crocodile, are frequently found swirling about here or washed up at the north-east end of the Second Gorge. This is where the bodies of Mrs Moss and Mr Orchard, mutilated by crocodiles, were found in 1910 after two canoes were capsized by a hippo at Long Island above the falls.

Devil's Pool. Swim right up to the edge at the top of the Falls in a safe natural pool. You can look over the edge, and the guidges will take plenty of photos of you. Does not include visa or transfer. You could even walk it, but it's a long walk.

Victoria Falls Bridge. Built in 1905 at the behest of Cecil Rhodes to carry the unfinished Cape to Cairo railway is an impressive steel arch which gives a glimpse of the falls from its centre. There are guided tours of the lower structure.

Jafuta Heritage Center. Small museum focused on cultural heritage of Shona, Ndebele, Tonga and Lozi people.

The Big Tree. An ancient baobab tree estimated to be 2000 years old situated just out of town. It is possibly the oldest and biggest baobab in Zimbabwe. Get a cab there as the bush is full of wild animals.

Do

Prices for activities vary. As of July 2019 the company Wild Horizons appears to be the cheapest, but you will get cheaper prices by not going direct. Wild Horizons website Bungee jumping, swing and zip wires rides take place from the bridge and the surrounding gorge. Visit the grand Victoria Falls Hotel for a magnificent view of the bridge. This first-class hotel has survived the country's woes, though it has lost its shine. The public areas and corridors are a museum of antique art, maps and photographs making it a kind of museum. You can eat there, including Afternoon Tea (see below). An antique steam locomotive shunts railway carriages on to the bridge at sunset to enable fine dining with a view of the falls. The British Empire era railway station is also worth a look, it has one train a day in each direction. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has its Buffalo Bar which is quite simply the best spot to enjoy sundowners in Victoria falls. It is on a hill looking west towards a waterhole in the bush about 200 m away. At sunset see elephants and buffalo come to drink along with a wide range of smaller mammals and birds. Possibly the world's largest flying bird the, marabou stork also frequents the hole. Around noon the hotel also feeds leftover meat to the vultures, and hyenas sometimes turn up. Be prepared for the African bush squirrels to suddenly appear under your table. The hotel has an hourly free shuttle bus to town. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and The Kingdom Hotel both have a casino on site. There are bush walking safaris and a horse-back safari offered by a variety of tour operators in town. The Kaza Univisa will allow you to return to Zimbabwe, but you will need to visit Zambia first as it is only available at the Zambian border. Zambezi River above the falls, which is beautiful and full of wildlife. Best seen on a cruise, especially at sunset.

Buy

Victoria Falls is not cheap, especially if you want to do any activities.

As of April 2023, Zimbabwean ATMs dispense US dollars, the de facto currency of the country. In Zambia, you can withdraw kwacha and change to US dollars.

You will need cash for things like accommodation, and visas. Outside Victoria Falls, foreign credit cards are rarely accepted.

There is substantial opportunity to shop in Victoria Falls, and you can find a good deal. The curio markets are just behind the post office and has dozens of tourist shops from which you may select wood and stone carvings, jewellery, t-shirts, curios, books, postcards, artwork, etc. (For fun, see if you can find the shop with the pictures of US Senator Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, from their visit.)

Traders in the sculpture markets are prepared to barter trade: hats, your shoes, T-shirts, pens, batteries are in demand. But think twice before you reduce people to the level of beggars.

Stanbic Bank. mastercard visa card atm.

Nedbank. mastercard and visa card atm.

Eat

The centre has a few coffee shops, sandwich shops, and fast food options. For a few US dollars, you can feed an entire family.

All of the hotels have restaurants, and it is common to sample a new one each night. The Ilala Lodge has a nice a la carte restaurant (a bit overpriced for the portions served; and the In-da-Belly Restaurant located in the camp site is a nice place to have simple meal and hang out at the pool and meet overland travellers from around the world.

There are Pick N Pay and OK supermarkets in town. Pick n Pay accept credit cards. Drinks and take-away food, snacks, camping supplies, are available.

The Boma Makuwa-Kuwa at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Livingstone Room at the Victoria Falls Hotel Jungle Junction at the Victoria Falls Hotel Garden of Eat'n - Great pizzas, breakfast and meals at Shoestring Backpackers Lodge The restaurant at the Camp Site serves crocodile burgers and Warthog steak! Rainforest Cafe in the Victoria Falls National Park. Monkeys will try to snatch your food if you are not paying attention to it!

Victoria Falls Hotel. You can have lunch on Stanley's Terrace overlooking the bridge. They say "minimum two people" but don't enforce it. Stanley's Bar is by the terrace. Credit cards accepted.

Lookout Café. Splendid location overlooking the canyon below the falls including the bridge. The menu also includes regional specialties such as antelope and crocodile. It is not safe to walk in this area after sunset: use a car when going there for dinner. The access track forks from the main road to the bridge right before the falls car park.

Drink

Victoria Falls is not known anymore for its tremendous nightlife. There are a few small bars near the town centre, but they are not well-lit. It might be fun to stop in, but be careful.

The River Brewing Co serves its own beer.

Alternatively, all the hotels feature huge, well-stocked bars. However, the prices will be higher, and you might not feel that you are in Africa anymore.

Sleep

There are many types of accommodation in Victoria Falls. You can certainly find what you are looking for. Some of the accommodation options are not really in Victoria Falls so be careful, if booking in advance.

Victoria Falls Rest Camp.. Camping and dorm beds.

Victoria Falls Backpackers. Camping and dorm beds. Small swimming pool. Intermittent electricity. 30 minutes walk from town.

Shoestring Backpackers. Camping and dorm beds. It has a small swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar that's also popular with locals. Fun place with a DJ on Saturday nights so the noise level is high on weekends.

Adventure Lodge. Camping, swimming pool.

Shearwater Explorers Village. Camping, serviced dome tents, chalets. Swimming pool.

Amadeus Garden. Owner managed lodging B&B style two kilometers from the Victoria Falls. Eleven en-suite rooms, pool and cool garden to relax.

Teak Lodge located within the residential area of Vic Falls less than three kilometers to the Victoria Falls. The Kingdom Hotel Victoria Falls. This resort is constructed in Disney-esque jungle style. Family rooms available.

Lorries B and B. Most rooms are ensuite. Meals are affordable. Lovely pool and garden with a nice sports bar.

Pennywise Cottages. A cozy, family-run B&B/lodge in a quiet neighbourhood. A 20-min walk or a 5-min taxi ride away from town and the falls. The owner will book you taxis and tours etc. with no commission.

Azambezi River Lodge. A full-featured resort a few kilometers away from the central town. Located right next to the Zambezi river, it's also a departure point for river cruises. Shuttle service available to the falls.

Ilala Lodge. Quiet elegance with a beautiful colonial veranda for dining. A bit closer to town.

The Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904, this is one of the most romantic hotels in Africa with a faded grand old feeling to it. The Queen Mother herself stayed here when she visited. Views from the manicured lawns out to the railway bridge with the mist from the falls in the distance is surreal.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Close to the falls, it offers safari-themed elegance, a great casino and an excellent, reasonably-priced, buffet dinner.

Farther afield Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge sits on a riverside fringe of the mighty Zambezi River where Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia converge. Located 80 km west of Victoria Falls, access is by transfer from Victoria Falls, Livingstone or Kasane. Imbabala offers not only the chance to unwind but also some of the most amazing game viewing and bird watching in the region, in the seclusion of a private National Parks concession. The 12,000 ha concession has 14 km of private Zambezi river frontage and borders the Chobe Forest Reserve, which is renowned for its massive Elephant population. Herds of up to 1500 elephants have been seen on the floodplains below the Lodge.

Services

You can get a haircut at the Victoria Falls Hotel salon, but it's not good. For other hair salons, turn off the main road by the Shearwater Cafe.