Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, the seventh wonder of the world, is located across the Falls from Livingstone, its sister town in Zambia. Activities abound and range from super active – bungee jumping, canoeing, whitewater rafting, to the more serene – river safaris, fishing and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River. A microlight or helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls gives a birds eye view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We particularly enjoy the lively town of Victoria Falls as it is walkable and has a variety of restaurants, shops and markets to self-explore.
There are numerous accommodation options in Victoria Falls, with something to fit any budget and travel style. Some of our favorites are the Victoria Falls Hotel (for its proximity to the Falls and its sense of history – definitely stop by for tea even if you don’t stay there), Ilala Lodge (great value with in-town location) and for those wanting a safari vibe, Victoria Falls River Lodge is a nice option, while Mpala Jena ticks the box for most luxury.
A visit to Victoria Falls for 1-3 nights is a common add-on to a southern Africa itinerary. It is logistically easy to link to from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, and is easy driving distance from Hwange National Park or Chobe National Park. It can also be combined with East Africa via a direct flight to/from Kenya.
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but note that the water levels in the Zambezi vary seasonally and from year to year. The water levels can impact some activities, such as Livingstone Island’s swim in Devil’s Pool, which is only available on the Zambian side when water levels are low, between roughly late August and early January each year.
