Discover the Top 20 ULTIMATE Things to do in Victoria Falls: A Must-Visit Destination in Africa
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Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a breathtaking destination hat promises adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Nestled on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this awe-inspiring waterfall draws travelers from around the globe, eager to witness its thundering cascades and explore the vibrant surrounding area. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, Victoria Falls offers something for everyone.
Keep reading to uncover the top 20 unforgettable experiences to have in Victoria Falls, ensuring you make the most of your visit to the iconic landmark. From heart-pounding wildlife safaris to serene river cruises and local cultural encounters, prepare to be captivated by the wonders of Vic Falls and discover why this destination NEEDS to be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Where is Victoria Falls?
The Falls itself are located on the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. The falls lie approximately midway along the river’s course and are situated within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. The nearest towns to the falls are Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, both of which serve as gateways for travelers visiting this natural wonder.
Choosing between staying in Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, depends on your preferences and travel priorities. Both have an international airport, making either a convenient choice for international travelers. Livingstone offers a wide variety of activities like visiting the Livingstone Museum, taking a river cruise, and exploring the Zambezi National Park, while Zimbabwe is more known for adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and helicopter rides.
You will get a good view of the falls from either side, but Victoria Falls is generally considered the better side for viewing the falls year-round, especially during the dry season when more of the falls are visible. As far as local experience, Livingstone is known for a laid-back atmosphere with a sense of historical charm, while Victoria Falls has a more tourist-centric vibe with numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping options.
In summary, if you prefer a quieter, more historical experience with good access to activities on the Zambian side, stay in Livingstone. If you’re looking for a more vibrant hub with the best views of the falls and numerous adventure activities, you will probably be happier staying in Victoria Falls.
Is Victoria Falls Worth Visiting?
You will not regret your decision to visit Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, offering breathtaking views and a dramatic display of nature’s power. You will find countless opportunities for bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and more. If you are looking for wildlife encounters, you will find safari tours in nearby national parks, such as Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana.
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, offering distinct experiences depending on the season. The wet season provides a fuller, more powerful falls, while the dry season offers clearer views and access to the more unique spots like Devil’s Pool. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you are bound to have an incredible experience.
Getting to Victoria Falls
The city of Victoria Falls is located about a 30-minute drive away from the airport. Looking to have your transportation arranged in advance? Eliminate the stress of looking for a taxi fresh off your long flight by booking your transfer here. It is the same price you will be offered by the taxi stands at the airport (about $30 for two people) and you will have a professional driver and guide to personally meet you when you get off the plane. This shuttle also includes a bottle of water for you to enjoy during your journey.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel - While Victoria Falls is considered one of the more expensive areas in eastern Africa, there are some great mid-range accommodation options like the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel. Located in the heart of Victoria Falls town, this is the ideal base for exploring the renowned Victoria Falls and the surrounding attractions. The hotel is just a short walk from the falls themselves, as well as various souvenir shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, providing convenience and accessibility for travelers.
The hotel features a range of comfortable and well-appointed rooms, designed to cater to different types of travelers from solo adventurers to families. Some rooms offer private balconies with views of the lush gardens or the Zambezi River, all at an affordable price. The on-site restaurant, Simujinga, serves a variety of delicious local and international dishes, with both buffet and a la carte options. Guests can also enjoy drinks and light snacks at the Panorama Deck, offering stunning views of the falls’ spray and the surrounding landscape.
Victoria Falls Safari Club - A luxurious retreat situated within the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, this prestigious location just four kilometers from the falls. Nestled on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, the Safari Club offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and easy access to the falls and nearby attractions. The Safari Club offers exclusive and luxurious accommodations designed to provide a serene and intimate experience. The suites offer additional space and amenities, such as a separate lounge area and Nespresso coffee machines.
The exclusive Club Lounge serves breakfast, light lunches, and afternoon tea. Guests can also enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers in the evenings. The private infinity pool offers a tranquil setting to relax and unwind while enjoying views of the watering hole frequented by wildlife. You will also have access to the award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at the Safari Lodge, as well as the Buffalo Bar to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a view of the sunset and the watering hole.
The Safari Club is known for its exceptional service, with a dedicated team of staff providing personalized attention to each guest. The concierge can arrange a variety of activities, including a guided tour of the falls, game drives, river cruises, and more. While it is more expensive that a majority of the accommodations we promote, the Victoria Falls Safari Club is an amazing change to splurge on a truly unique experience.
Shoestrings Backpackers Hostel - A popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and vibrant accommodation option. Its central location provides easy access to the town’s amenities, including shops, restaurants, and adventure tour operators, making it an ideal base for exploring the falls and its surroundings. The range of affordable accommodation options includes dormitory-style rooms and private en-suite rooms. The dorms are clean and cozy, with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Private rooms offer added comfort and privacy, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a bit more space.
The hostel features inviting communal areas where guests can relax and socialize, including a spacious lounge, a bar area, and a communal kitchen for self-catering. Shoestrings also boasts a lush garden area with seating and hammocks, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals at an affordable price, while the bar offers a range of beverages, including local beers and cocktails. You will find a fantastic value to fit the budget-conscious travelers needs without sacrificing a clean and inviting accommodation.
With comfortable lodgings as your base in this gateway to Victoria Falls, you’re now ready to explore all that this remarkable destination has to offer.
Top 20 Things to Do in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour
As you soar above this natural wonder with this helicopter tour, you’ll witness the majestic cascades of water plunging into the Zambezi River below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of mist of rainbows. The aerial view allows you to appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of the falls, as well as the surrounding lush landscape and wildlife. It’s an exhilarating adventure that provides unforgettable memories and stunning photo opportunities.
Our driver picked us up from our hotel promptly and drove us to the helipad where we checked in and were taken to our helicopter almost right away. We were introduced to our pilot, Benji, and given a short safety briefing before launching into the skies. We opted for the 12-13 minute ride due to our budget, and we found that was the perfect amount of time. The tour company also offers and 24-25 minute version that allows for longer to look at the falls and more of the national park, but I feel that we got a good experience with the shorter flight. We were given headsets so we could communicate with each other, and Benji did a great job of giving a brief history of the falls and explained exactly what turns we were making to get the best views. I have no regrets over choosing this activity in Vic Falls!
Visit the Falls from the Zimbabwe Side
Another way to experience Vic Falls is by getting up close and personal in the park. From the town in Zimbabwe, you can easily arrange a taxi or shuttle to the entrance of the falls. The entrance fee on the Zimbabwe side is $50 USD per person, and gives you access to the entire UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is massive, and you will want to allow yourself a few hours to properly enjoy the entire experience. There is more to see and walk around on the Zimbabwe side, but you can get different, unique views from the Zambia side as well.
Visit the Falls from the Zambia Side
Yes, the experience from the Zambia side is entirely different than the Zimbabwe side, and yes, it is entirely worth it to see both. Similar to the Zimbabwe side, you can arrange a taxi from Livingstone to the entrance of the falls. The Zambia side is cheaper than the Zimbabwe side at $20 USD per person. If you’re short on time and want to see both sides in the same day, consider this combo tour that will allow you to experience the best of both worlds in one.
Take a Day Trip to Chobe National Park
Located in Botswana, just a short drive from Vic Falls, CHobe National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscape. For a head-first dive into wildlife and game drives, check out this all-inclusive day trip to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls Falls. We began our adventure with an early morning pickup from our accommodation and headed towards the Zimbabwe-Botswana border. The border crossing was seamless, we got our passports stamped and were on our way towards the park. Including the time stopped at the border, it probably took two hours to get to the entrance of Chobe.
From there, we moved from our air-conditioned van to an open-air 4x4 safari vehicle to begin our morning game drive. Right from the start, we saw tons of wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, impalas, lions, so many different types of birds. This was the first activity we did on our Africa trip, and it set the bar extremely high. We stopped for lunch at a resort. The food was served buffet-style, and was actually quite decent compared to other included meals I have had on similar guided tours. There was a wide variety of chicken, beef, veggie, rice, and curry dishes to choose from, along with an extensive salad bar and desserts.
After lunch, we boarded a small boat to begin our boat safari. Even though we thoroughly enjoyed the game drive, the boat safari was the highlight of the day. We were able to get meters away from more elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and cape buffalo (which is one of Africa’s Big 5). By the time we ended the river cruise, it was 3:30pm and we headed back to Zimbabwe. The border crossing was again smooth, and we were back in Vic Falls around 5:30pm.
Enjoy the View at the Lookout Cafe
If you are not staying at a resort with views of the falls, you will definitely want to take in a sunset from the Lookout Cafe. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can comfortably enjoy a meal or a drink with stunning views of the Victoria Falls bridge for a comfortable and memorable dining experience. The cafe serves a variety of food from peri peri chicken and crocodile kebabs, to vegan and vegetarian options like cauliflower ravioli and tofu rice paper wraps. The cafe is operated by Wild Horizons, a tour company offering a variety of high-adrenaline activities like zip-lining, whitewater rafter, and biking through the gorge.
Eat at the Three Monkeys
There really are not many options for quick and casual dining in the heart of Victoria Falls town. You will also need to expect to pay American prices on food, as it is a tourist-centric area. One of the unique highlights is Three Monkeys, known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic menu. This popular spot offers a diverse range of dishes, from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers to fresh salads and hearty steaks. The restaurant itself is set around an old train car, contributing to the cozy atmosphere. Reservations are accepted, but not required unless you have a large group.
Take a Ride on the Gorge Swing
If you still haven’t had your fill of adrenaline with the whitewater rafting, helicopter tour, and bungee jumping, there are still countless exhilarating adventures that offer thrill-seekers a heart-pounding experience in one of the most stunning natural settings on the planet. Freefall from a 230 feet drop before going into a 312-foot pendulum swing on the Victoria Falls Gorge Swing. Located over the Batoka Gorge, just downstream from the falls, you will be securely harnessed before you leap off the edge of a cliff, plummeting towards the Zambezi River below. You will then be safely caught by the ropes, with the opportunity to swing out over the breathtaking chasm.
Safety is a top priority, with professional guides ensuring all equipment is secure and participants are well-prepared for the jump. This tour also includes roundtrip transfer from your accommodation in Vic Falls, making the Gorge Swing a must-do for adventure enthusiasts looking to add a memorable and daring highlight to their visit.
Explore Livingstone
Even if you are planning to stay on the Zimbabwe side, it is worth a trip to go explore the historical city of Livingstone, located directly on the other side of the Zambian border. David Livingstone was the first European to cross the African continent from west to east in 1855 when he discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The town was established in 1905 and was named after Livingstone in his honor. Discover more of the history, culture, and natural heritage of Zambia through browsing a variety of exhibits at the Livingstone museum. You can also learn about the life and explorations of the famous Scottish missionary and explorer through the David Livingstone Gallery. Visit the Maramba Market or Makuni Village to buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs, and learn about local customs and see the artisans at work.
Souvenir Shop at Elephant’s Walk
No trip to Vic Falls is complete without a stroll through Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village, located in the heart of downtown. It offers a unique experience where you can find a wide range of locally made crafts and artworks. Find the perfect handcrafted item, like intricate carvings, beaded jewelry, and textiles. Many of these items are made by local artisans, making them unique and authentic pieces to bring home. The village also hosts several art galleries that showcase the work of local artists. You can find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other art forms that reflect the rich culture and wildlife of Zimbabwe.
Take a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
For a truly unforgettable and relaxing experience to end your day in Vic Falls, look no further than this incredible sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As the sun sets, the Zambezi River is bathed in golden light, creating a breathtaking landscape. Enjoy a few drinks and dinner as you spot hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife in the surrounding waters. Gaze out at the horizon, dotted with the silhouettes of different African trees and distant hills. You will find the sunset cruise is conducted on comfortable, well-equipped boats with spacious decks and outdoor/indoor seating. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and geography.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Another activity popular with thrillseekers is this half-day Zambezi whitewater rafting trip! Prepare yourself to conquer a series of Class 2-5 rapids, including the Stairway to Heaven, the Overland Truck Easter, and the Washing Machine, among many others. The Zambezi River consists of 25 rapids, and you will experience 21 of them over approximately 6 hours, followed by a relaxing lunch by the river. Professional guides will assist you with safety precautions to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Listen to Live Music at The River Brewing Company
Another one of the more popular dining options in Victoria Falls, The River Brewing Company is the perfect place to stop for a few pints and a meal after a long day exploring the falls. Choose from a variety of their craft beers or non-alcoholic craft sodas. The drink menu also features a variety of cocktails (and cocktail shakes!). The food menu features standard bar food, including tacos, wings, burgers, and wraps. Check out their calendar online for their updated lineup of performers!
Bungee Jump at Vic Falls
Calling all adventurers! You will not want to miss this adrenaline-inducing bungee jump at the famous Victoria Falls bridge! One of the most exhilarating and iconic adventure activities available in the region, you will jump nearly 364 meters down into the Batoka Gorge below. The bungee operation is run by experienced professionals who prioritize your safety above all, and you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing prior to your activity.
Once on the platform, the jump itself will be a heart-pounding moment of adrenaline before you leap off the bridge. The sensation of falling combined with the stunning visuals of the gorge make for an unforgettable experience. After the initial free fall, the bungee cord stretches and recoils, creating a series of rebounds before coming to a gradual stop. You will then be lowered into a recovery boat on the river, or pulled back up to the bridge depending on the setup. Completing a bungee jump off the Victoria Falls bridge is a significant achievement and bucket-list item for many travelers. Make sure you are next!
Walk Over the Victoria Falls Bridge
Apart from jumping off of it, you can also take a leisurely walk over the Victoria Falls bridge without the sensation of free falling. The bridge was designed so travelers can experience the spray of the falls from a safe distance. It also connects the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, so be prepared to pay a fee if you wish to cross. If you want to walk over the famous bridge, explore the falls, souvenir shop, and enjoy the sunset cruise all in one seamless experience, check out this Victoria Falls full day guided experience and leave all the hassle to your guides.
Visit Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary
After you have experienced these giants from the comfort of a safari vehicle in one of the nearby national parks, it is time to make your way to the Wild Horizons Elephant Encounter to unobtrusively interact with the elephants. This sanctuary was founded with an eco-conscious mindset along with the principle of conservation. You will have the opportunity to learn about how the elephants live naturally in the wild, and how each of the elephants present came to be in the care of the sanctuary. You can book this excursion and enquire about pricing/availability here, by contacting Wild Horizons directly. This is not a commissionable link, just a helpful link to get you in contact with the right people if you wish to have this experience!
Hike to Devil’s Pool
If you are visiting Vic Falls during mid-August to mid-January, you have the opportunity to swim in the famous Devil’s Pool. The pool is closed during the rainy season due to high water levels and strong currents, making swimming unsafe. Located adjacent to Livingstone Island situated at the edge of Victoria Falls, you will be able to enjoy the exhilarating swim to the edge of the falls midway across the mile-wide waterfall. Swim up to the natural ledge that keeps visitors safe right at the edge of the waterfall with this small group tour to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool from Victoria Falls!
Have a Drink at Victoria Falls Distillery
Right next door to Three Monkeys is the Victoria Falls Distilling Company. While not a true ‘distillery’ (they don’t actually distill their own spirits, and the menu consists heavily of gin), the interior of the bar is nice and the drinks were reasonably priced and unique. I had two gin & tonics, each with different types of gin and unique garnishes. Our bartender told us they are working on a project to make their own gin, so hopefully that comes sometime in the near future! Either way, it was the perfect stop for an after dinner drink before ending a night in Vic Falls.
Go on a Game Drive in Zambezi National Park
There are so many national parks to choose in and around Vic Falls for your safari. For an option close by, check out Zambezi National Park, just a few kilometers from either Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia. Choose from an AM or PM game drive with Wild River Safaris based on your points of interest. You will enjoy roundtrip transfers from your hotel in Victoria Falls and then drive through the park on an open air vehicle for prime wildlife viewing. Your tour further includes either a light breakfast with tea and coffee (AM tour) or snacks and alcoholic beverages (PM tour) for your enjoyment. You will have the chance to see lions, zebras, elephants, buffalo, and more with a game drive in Zambezi National Park.
Ride the Victoria Falls Steam Train
If you have extended time to spend in Vic Falls, there are so many luxurious and memorable experiences you can have, like this authentic steam train dinner. After being picked up from your hotel in Victoria Falls, prepare to embark on the Loco 512 Steam Train and board your air-conditioned carriage. You will enjoy a welcome drink and light snacks as you pass by the Victoria Falls Bridge and feel the spray of the falls while aboard. You will then continue on to Jafuta Siding to view local wildlife and enjoy the Zimbabwean landscapes. A 4-course gourmet dinner will be served beginning at 8:00pm before heading back to the Victoria Falls Train Station.
Victoria Falls is more than just a waterfall; it's a destination brimming with thrilling adventures, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences. From the exhilarating rush of white-water rafting and bungee jumping to the serene beauty of sunset cruises and wildlife safaris, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments awaiting you. Whether you’re marveling at the sheer power of the falls, exploring the lush rainforest, or immersing yourself in the local culture, each experience adds a unique layer to your visit.
As you plan your trip, let this guide to the top 20 things to experience in Victoria Falls serve as your roadmap to adventure and discovery. Each activity and sight promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for one of the world's most incredible natural wonders. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to be amazed by all that Victoria Falls has to offer. Your ultimate African adventure awaits!