Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, straddles the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Spanning 1,708 meters wide and dropping 108 meters, it creates a breathtaking mist and thunderous roar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers stunning viewpoints, adventure activities, and wildlife encounters, making it a top African travel destination.

Highlights

Victoria Falls is a must-see natural wonder, offering awe-inspiring views and diverse activities. The falls stretch 1,708 meters across the Zambezi River, with a 108-meter drop. The mist created by the falls is so powerful that it can be seen from miles away, earning it the local name “The Smoke That Thunders.” Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from several lookout points, including Knife Edge Bridge. Adventure seekers can try bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or a swim in the Devil’s Pool at the falls’ edge. The surrounding rainforest provides a unique ecosystem with rich birdlife. Victoria Falls also offers a range of wildlife safaris in nearby national parks like Mosi-oa-Tunya. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s an unforgettable destination for stunning visuals and thrilling experiences.

Getting there

Victoria Falls is accessible via the nearest airports in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe) is approximately 18 kilometers from the falls, with direct flights from major cities like Johannesburg and Harare. The Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Zambia) is about 20 kilometers away and has connections to Lusaka and Johannesburg. Travelers can also access the falls by road from nearby towns like Livingstone (Zambia), just 10 minutes away, or from Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe). Many tourists combine their visit to the falls with a safari in the region or a trip to Chobe National Park. Border crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia are easy, allowing travelers to explore both sides of the falls. Guided tours and transfers are widely available.

What You Need To Know

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is best visited from May to October for optimal viewing. Activities include bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and scenic flights. Both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer viewpoints, with visa options for cross-border visits. Malaria precautions are recommended, and park fees apply for entry.

Victoria Falls key facts

Victoria Falls, located on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, spans 1,708 meters wide and drops 108 meters. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” it offers activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and swimming in Devil’s Pool. The best time to visit is May–October, with nearby attractions like Mosi-oa-Tunya and Chobe National Park.

Location

Zambia-Zimbabwe border

Width

1,708 meters

Height

108 meters

Local Name

"The Smoke That Thunders"

Activities

Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, Devil’s Pool swim

Best time to visit

May–October

Nearby Attractions

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Chobe National Park

Victoria Falls Weather

Best time to go

May - Oct

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the dry season, from May to October, when the water flow is lower, providing clearer views and ideal conditions for activities like bungee jumping and Devil’s Pool. For a full, dramatic waterfall experience, visit during the wet season, from November to April.

January
27°c
February
27°c
March
26°c
April
25°c
May
23°c
June
21°c
July
21°c
August
24°c
September
27°c
October
29°c
November
28°c
December
29°c

Wildlife

Victoria Falls is surrounded by rich wildlife, with Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offering sightings of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. The Zambezi River is home to crocodiles and hippos. Birdwatchers can spot species like the African fish eagle, kingfishers, and hornbills, making it a prime wildlife destination.

Elephant

Abundant

Buffalo

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Crocodile

Abundant

Hippo

Abundant

Eagle

Occasional

kingfishers

Abundant

Hornbills

Abundant

Suggested Tours For Zimbabwe

From the roaring spectacle of Victoria Falls to the remote beauty of Mana Pools and the rich wildlife of Hwange, Zimbabwe promises extraordinary experiences. Our sample itineraries offer a glimpse into what your adventure could look like, but each trip is designed specifically to match your interests and travel style.

Related Zimbabwe Destinations

Zimbabwe is a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, home to iconic destinations like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools. From thrilling safaris to majestic waterfalls and ancient ruins, Zimbabwe offers diverse adventures, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Victoria Falls

An African Safari For Those

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, straddles the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Spanning 1,708 meters wide and dropping 108 meters, it creates a breathtaking mist and thunderous roar.

Hwange National Park

An African Safari For Those

Hwange National Park, located in western Zimbabwe, covers 14,651 km² and is famous for its large elephant population, estimated at over 40,000. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and over 400 bird species.

Mana Pools National Park

An African Safari For Those

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Zimbabwe, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the Zambezi River’s scenic beauty.

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem

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