The natural splendour of the Victoria Falls never fails to entrance me. This formidable highlight of southern Africa is one of the wonders of the natural world and is easily accessible from many neighbouring countries – which makes it a great add-on to itineraries in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. Read my guide below to find out my recommended luxury accommodations near the Victoria Falls, when to visit, how to get there, and my favourite experiences.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE VICTORIA FALLS?
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The water levels at Victoria Falls change dramatically over the course of the year, and that has a direct impact on both the views and the activities available. From February to May, the Zambezi is usually at its fullest. This is when the falls are at their most powerful, with vast plumes of spray and an immense volume of water crashing over the edge. The atmosphere is thrilling, but the mist can at times obscure the view. From September to December, water levels are at their lowest. The views tend to be clearer, more of the rock formations are visible, and certain experiences, such as Devil’s Pool, become possible. The rainy season runs from November to March, bringing greener landscapes but also a greater chance of showers.
For most travellers, I advise visiting Victoria Falls between May and September. At this time, there is usually still enough water in the falls to appreciate their scale and drama, but with far less rain and more comfortable conditions for sightseeing and activities.
HOW DO YOU GET TO THE VICTORIA FALLS?
Victoria Falls does not usually receive direct intercontinental flights, so most journeys involve a connection. The most common route is via South Africa, with regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Nelspruit. This tends to work particularly well for travellers coming from the UK and the US, given strong long-haul access into Johannesburg and Cape Town. For travellers arriving from Europe, the Middle East or Asia, Addis Ababa and Nairobi can also be very convenient connection points, thanks to broad regional networks. Victoria Falls also works well as part of a broader southern Africa itinerary, with road transfers possible from Zambia via Livingstone and from Botswana via Kasane or Kazungula. This makes it particularly easy to combine with your safari in Botswana or Zambia.
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE VICTORIA FALLS?
Walk the falls
A walking tour is the essential starting point, and allows you to slow the pace and really soak up the vistas. If staying at a safari-style property, this can be arranged with a guide. If you're staying in town, it is equally possible to visit independently – though we can easily arrange a private guide should you wish. There is a fantastic network of meandering trails and bridges which are great for seeing the falls from many different angles, and a private guide can show you the best routes to take while sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Helicopter tours
A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, often known as the Flight of the Angels, is a thrilling experience that offers a completely different perspective of the falls. Shared flights usually start from around $200 per person for around 12 minutes, and it is one of the best ways to understand the full sweep of the falls and the Zambezi gorge. I enjoyed a spectacular helicopter flight during my most recent visit to the falls and would recommend it to everyone! If you are interested in taking a helicopter flight during your visit to the Victoria Falls, I can recommend the best way to fit it into your itinerary as part of a tailor-made tour.
Ra-Ikane river cruises
A sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane is one of the more atmospheric ways to spend an evening around the Victoria Falls. Many lodges offer river cruises, and opting for a sunset departure is especially memorable as you sip sundowners beneath fiery skies. I always look forward to river-based experiences here as they offer a gentler contrast to the drama of the falls themselves.
Safaris
Many people don’t realise that there is far more to Victoria Falls region than just the waterfalls themselves – it can go hand in hand with a luxury safari. To take advantage of this opportunity, I recommend staying in Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, where daily game drives and boat safaris form a memorable part of the experience. This makes Victoria Falls a very relaxed introduction to safari, particularly if you’re continuing to Botswana or Zambia. Zambezi National Park is brimming with big game, and you can expect to see the region's healthy population of elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo. If you're lucky, you may also see its more elusive big cats, including lion, cheetah and leopard.
Adrenaline-fuelled adventures
There is no shortage of high-energy adventure activities surrounding the Victoria Falls. Some of these include white-water rafting along the Zambezi's lively rapids, ziplining through the treetops, and canopy tours which provide astonishing vistas of the region. These are ideal if you want to balance scenic sightseeing with something more adventurous. We are very strict about the operators we work with in the region, and I can advise on how to best fit adventure activities around the other things you would like to see and do in Victoria Falls.
Explore the town and local culture
The town of Victoria Falls has a range of shops and restaurants to visit. It is also a great hub for many of the region's cultural insights, including fascinating museums, vibrant market visits, and village tours where you can witness the local way of life. I suggest booking some of these experiences ahead if you’re looking to round out your stay beyond the headline activities.
BEST LUXURY LODGES NEAR THE VICTORIA FALLS?
MATETSI VICTORIA FALLS – Best for top-end luxury
Photo courtesy of Matetsi Victoria Falls
The stylish Matetsi Victoria Falls is one of the most polished luxury lodges surrounding the Victoria Falls. It offers exceptional experiences from exclusive boat cruises along the Zambezi River to intimate game drives in the bush. You’ll be accompanied on both by a personal guide and tracker, whose wildlife knowledge and expertise are unrivalled. Furthermore, the lodge’s luxury suites overlook a private stretch of the river and are ideal for privacy and serenity.
VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE – Best for privacy and romance
If you’re visiting the Victoria Falls on a luxury honeymoon, for a special occasion, or you are simply looking for one of the most romantic places to stay in the region, the Malachite Suites at Victoria Falls River Lodge are my top recommendation. This intimate, Art Deco-style lodge has just eight suites set along the Zambezi, each with a large private deck, plunge pool, day bed, double outdoor showers and an outdoor bath overlooking the river. Set within Zambezi National Park, it also includes the added benefit of safari activities such as game drives and boat safaris alongside your time at the falls. I thought the food at the lodge was also exceptional on my recent visit, and – in a setting like this – you have all the ingredients for a romantic dinner like no other!
PALM RIVER HOTEL – Best for easy access to town
Just 10 minutes from the centre of Victoria Falls town, Palm River is my suggestion for those who want easy access to restaurants, shops and activities. I find it particularly peaceful as it is in a privileged location a little further away from the disruption of helicopter flights and other visitors. The hotel's design takes inspiration from the Victoria Falls Bridge, with accommodation spread across beautifully maintained gardens on the banks of the Zambezi. Palm River features an inviting swimming pool, a spa, riverside dining and a wonderful collection of spacious rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces.
CAN I COMBINE VICTORIA FALLS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES?
Victoria Falls is one of the most versatile additions to a southern Africa itinerary. Thanks to straightforward access from neighbouring countries, it works equally well as a dramatic beginning or a memorable final flourish. My suggested combinations are:
- Botswana – with some of the best game viewing on the continent, Botswana is perfect for a safari-focused journey with Victoria Falls at the start or end. Our Botswana & Victoria Falls itinerary combines a safari in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park with the Victoria Falls as a spectacular final act.
- Zambia – in this highly underrated destination for a luxury safari, the Victoria Falls make a great addition to a broader Zambezi-based itinerary. Our In the Footsteps of Kings itinerary, for example, finishes with a visit to the Victoria Falls, following opportunities for big cat sightings in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and the wildebeest migration at the Liuwa Plain.
- Namibia – famed for its enchanting landscapes, Namibia is an excellent choice for those seeking a contrast between the desert and the river. Our 14-day Victoria Falls, Botswana & Namibia suggested itinerary strikes the perfect balance between the Victoria Falls, Namibia’s hypnotic fire-red deserts, and Botswana’s wildlife-rich Okavango Delta.
- South Africa – for a stress-free city, safari and falls combination, South Africa is undoubtedly the best option. We can easily add a visit to Victoria Falls at the beginning or end of our Essential South Africa suggested itinerary, for example. You'll be able to contrast the mighty falls with its safari adventures in Greater Kruger and wine tastings in Franschhoek as part of a memorable private tour.
Planning a journey to Victoria Falls?
Whether you want a few nights by the river or a broader itinerary through southern Africa, I can help shape the perfect itinerary for you. Contact me on +44 (0)1242 787 812 to plan your visit.
