Victoria Falls is one of those places that defies description. Known to the local Tonga people as Mosi-oa-Tunya — "The Smoke that Thunders" — this is the world's largest curtain of falling water: 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres tall, sending a column of spray over 500 metres into the air that can be seen from 50 kilometres away.
Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But what makes it truly special as a destination is that it's not just a waterfall — it's an adventure playground, a wildlife gateway, and one of Africa's most exciting safari hubs, with Chobe National Park just 80 km away and Zimbabwe's magnificent Hwange National Park only two hours' drive.
As a Johannesburg-based operator, Bakubung Safaris has been sending clients to Victoria Falls for years — and the gasps never get old. This guide covers everything you need to plan your 2026 Victoria Falls trip.
Why Visit Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls combines natural wonder, adrenaline, and safari in one unforgettable destination:
- The world's largest waterfall — Twice the height of Niagara and over 1.7 km wide; the sheer scale is overwhelming
- Adventure capital of Africa — Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip-lining, gorge swings, helicopter flights, and microlight flights
- Safari gateway — Chobe (Botswana) is a 2-hour drive; Hwange (Zimbabwe) is 2.5 hours; cross-border day trips are easy
- Zambezi River experiences — Sunset cruises with hippos and elephants, canoeing above the falls, island picnics
- Year-round destination — The falls are spectacular in every season, with different character from full flood to dry season
- Two countries, one destination — Visit both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides for completely different perspectives
- Accessible from South Africa — Direct flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) take just 1.5 hours
Experiencing the Falls
The Zimbabwe Side — The Best Views
The Zimbabwe side offers the most comprehensive views of the falls. The Victoria Falls Rainforest Trail runs along the gorge rim opposite the falls, with 16 viewpoints connected by paths through lush tropical forest. During high water (March–July), you'll be completely drenched by the spray — it's like standing in a tropical downpour with a thundering curtain of white water in front of you.
Highlights: Danger Point (closest viewpoint), the Main Falls, Cataract View, Livingstone Statue, the Chain Walk to the Boiling Pot at the river's base.
Entry fee: US$50 per person (approximately R900).
The Zambia Side — Up Close and Personal
The Zambia side offers a more intimate experience. You can walk right to the Knife Edge Bridge overlooking the Eastern Cataract, and during the dry season (September–December) you can swim in Devil's Pool — a natural rock pool at the very edge of the falls where the water drops 108 metres just centimetres from your toes. It's one of the most exhilarating experiences in Africa.
Highlights: Knife Edge Bridge, Devil's Pool (seasonal, US$100 pp), Boiling Pot walk, Livingstone Island picnic.
Entry fee: US$20 per person (approximately R360).
KAZA UniVisa — Visit Both Sides
The KAZA UniVisa (US$50) allows South African passport holders to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia on a single visa, making cross-border day trips effortless. We include this in all our packages.
Top Activities at Victoria Falls
1. Helicopter Flight — "The Flight of Angels"
The most popular activity at Victoria Falls, and for good reason. A 13-minute helicopter flight takes you directly over the falls, giving you a bird's-eye view of the full 1.7 km curtain, the zigzag gorges below, and the Zambezi River stretching to the horizon. During high water, the spray creates permanent rainbows from above.
Price: US$175–350 pp (13–25 minute options) | When: Year-round
2. Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Drift along the Zambezi River above the falls as the sun sets, with hippos surfacing, elephants drinking on the banks, and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. It's magical, relaxed, and includes drinks and snacks.
Price: US$55–80 pp | When: Year-round (best May–November for wildlife)
3. White-Water Rafting the Zambezi
The Zambezi below the falls has some of the best commercially raftable white water on Earth — Grade 3–5 rapids with names like "The Washing Machine", "Overland Truck Eater", and "Oblivion". Full-day trips run 23 rapids through the spectacular Batoka Gorge.
Price: US$150–180 pp (full day) | When: Best August–December (low water = more rapids)
4. Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee Jump
Leap 111 metres from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge — the same bridge visible from the falls themselves — with the Zambezi churning in the gorge below. It's one of the world's most spectacular bungee locations.
Price: US$160 pp | When: Year-round
5. Devil's Pool — The Edge of the World
Swim in a natural rock pool at the very lip of the falls on the Zambia side. You'll be guided across the rocks to a pool where only a small rock wall separates you from a 108-metre drop. Absolutely not for the faint-hearted.
Price: US$100 pp (includes Livingstone Island tour and brunch) | When: August–December only (low water)
6. Chobe Day Trip
Victoria Falls is just 80 km from Botswana's Chobe National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds. A day trip includes a morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River, with border transfers handled. It's the perfect safari add-on.
Price: US$180–250 pp | When: Year-round (best May–October)
7. Hwange National Park Safari
Zimbabwe's largest park (14,651 km²) is just 2.5 hours from Victoria Falls. Hwange is famous for its enormous elephant population (45,000+), painted wild dogs, and classic Big Five safari in a less-visited, more authentic setting than East Africa.
Price: From R14,999 pp for 2-night extension | When: Year-round (best May–October)
When Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?
| Season | Months | The Falls | Activities | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Water/Flood | March–May | Full thundering curtain; maximum spray; incredibly dramatic | Some viewpoints obscured by spray; no Devil's Pool; rafting limited | Warm, end of rains |
| Receding Water | June–August | Still powerful; all viewpoints accessible; spray manageable | All activities available; best overall balance | Cool/dry; perfect temperatures |
| Low Water | September–December | Rock face visible; falls split into separate cataracts; unique beauty | Devil's Pool open; best rafting; gorge swing; all activities | Hot; building to rains |
| Rising Water | January–February | Water building; lush green surrounds | Most activities available; fewer tourists | Hot; afternoon thunderstorms |
Our recommendation: June–August is the sweet spot — the falls are powerful and photogenic, all activities are available, and the weather is cool and dry. For Devil's Pool and the best rafting, visit September–November. For the full thundering spectacle at maximum flow, March–April is jaw-dropping.
How Much Does a Victoria Falls Trip Cost?
Victoria Falls is excellent value for a world-class destination. Bakubung Safaris offers packages from quick getaways to extended safari combinations:
| Experience | Duration | Price (pp) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vic Falls Getaway | 3 days / 2 nights | R14,999 | Return flights from JHB, hotel, falls entry (both sides), sunset cruise, airport transfers |
| Vic Falls Adventure | 4 days / 3 nights | R22,999 | Flights, hotel, falls entry, helicopter flight, sunset cruise, bungee OR rafting, KAZA visa |
| Vic Falls + Chobe Combo | 5 days / 4 nights | R34,999 | Flights, falls experience, Chobe day trip (game drive + boat cruise), sunset cruise, all transfers |
| Vic Falls + Hwange Safari | 7 days / 6 nights | R49,999 | Flights, falls + adventure activities, 3-night Hwange Big Five safari, all-inclusive |
| Ultimate Zimbabwe & Botswana | 10 days / 9 nights | R79,999 | Victoria Falls + Hwange + Chobe + Okavango Delta, internal flights, luxury lodges, all-inclusive |
All prices in South African Rand per person sharing. Includes return flights from Johannesburg. Get a free quote →
Getting There
From Johannesburg
Direct flights from OR Tambo International to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) on the Zimbabwe side take just 1.5 hours (Airlink, Fastjet, and SAA operate daily). Flights to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport (LVI) on the Zambia side (Livingstone) are also available, though slightly longer.
Victoria Falls town is just 20 minutes from the airport, and most hotels offer free airport transfers.
From Chobe / Botswana
The Kazungula border crossing between Botswana and Zimbabwe is just 80 km from Victoria Falls — about a 1.5-hour drive. Many travellers combine Chobe and Victoria Falls in one seamless trip.
From Kruger / South Africa by Road
It's possible to drive from Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls via the Beitbridge border (approximately 12 hours). We recommend flying unless you're doing a multi-day road trip through Zimbabwe.
Where to Stay
Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)
The Zimbabwe side has the best selection of accommodation, from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses:
- Luxury: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, The Elephant Camp (Zambezi views, from R5,000/night)
- Mid-range: Ilala Lodge (closest hotel to the falls, walking distance), Shearwater Explorers Village
- Budget: Victoria Falls Backpackers, N1 Hotel
Livingstone (Zambia)
The Zambia side is slightly more spread out but offers excellent options:
- Luxury: Royal Livingstone by Anantara (right on the Zambezi, five minutes from the falls)
- Mid-range: Avani Victoria Falls Resort, David Livingstone Safari Lodge
Planning Tips for Your 2026 Victoria Falls Trip
- Visit both sides — The Zimbabwe and Zambia sides offer completely different perspectives; the KAZA UniVisa (US$50) makes cross-border trips effortless
- Pack a rain jacket — During high water (March–July), the spray from the falls is torrential; you WILL get soaked on the Zimbabwe Rainforest Trail
- Bring a waterproof phone case — Essential for photos near the falls during high water
- Book the helicopter early — The "Flight of Angels" is the most popular activity and fills up fast, especially during peak season
- Add a Chobe day trip — It's only 80 km away and the Chobe elephant herds are extraordinary
- Allow at least 3 days — Two days for the falls and activities, one for a Chobe or Hwange extension. Four to five days is ideal
- Combine with a safari — Victoria Falls pairs perfectly with Botswana, Hwange, or even a South Africa safari for the ultimate trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria Falls worth visiting? Absolutely — it's one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. The scale, the sound, the spray, the rainbows — nothing prepares you for seeing it in person. Most visitors say it exceeded their expectations.
Zimbabwe or Zambia side — which is better? Both! Zimbabwe offers the best panoramic views (you face the falls head-on). Zambia offers a more intimate experience and Devil's Pool. We always recommend visiting both sides with a KAZA UniVisa.
Is Victoria Falls safe? Yes. Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) are established, safe tourism hubs. The adventure activities are run by reputable operators with excellent safety records. Normal travel precautions apply.
When does the falls dry up? The falls never fully dry up, but during the low water season (October–December), sections of the rock face become visible, especially on the Zambia side. The Zimbabwe side retains water flow year-round. Low water season has its own dramatic beauty and unlocks Devil's Pool.
Can I visit Victoria Falls as a day trip from Chobe? Yes! It's a popular day trip from Kasane (Botswana). We arrange border transfers and falls entry for clients staying in Chobe.
What's the best Victoria Falls trip for first-timers? Our 4-day Vic Falls Adventure (R22,999 pp) is the most popular — falls entry on both sides, helicopter flight, sunset cruise, and a choice of bungee or rafting. Add a Chobe day trip for the ultimate 5-day package.
Do South Africans need a visa? South African passport holders get a free visa on arrival for Zimbabwe (90 days). For Zambia, the KAZA UniVisa (US$50) covers both countries. We handle all visa logistics in our packages.
Ready to Experience Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is Africa's most exhilarating destination — a place where the Earth literally splits open and the Zambezi plunges into a chasm so deep the spray creates its own weather system. Stand on the edge, feel the thunder in your chest, watch rainbows dance in the spray, and understand why the Tonga called it Mosi-oa-Tunya. Then jump off a bridge, raft Grade 5 rapids, and toast the sunset with hippos on the Zambezi. This is Africa at full volume.
Let Bakubung Safaris craft your perfect Victoria Falls itinerary — from quick getaways to extended safari combinations with Chobe and Hwange. Start planning your 2026 Victoria Falls trip today →
Explore more African safari destinations: South Africa | Botswana | Tanzania | Kenya | Namibia | Best African Safari Tours. Based in Johannesburg, Bakubung Safaris & Tours has been crafting unforgettable African adventures for over 8 years.