Is Victoria Falls Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do

Is Victoria Falls worth visiting? If you are trying to decide whether to add it to your trip, the short answer is yes, absolutely.

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. But it is not just about the falls.

The wildlife, activities, food, and overall experience of being in that part of Africa make it a destination hard to match.

I spent time here both as a volunteer working with children on the Zambia side and as a tourist exploring both sides. In this article, I will share the best things to do in Victoria Falls based on our experiences.

1. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the main reason most people come here. About 75% of the falls can be seen from the Zimbabwe side, so if the falls are your main focus, that is where you want to be.

Before David Livingstone discovered and named the falls after Queen Victoria, the local people called it Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means Smoke That Thunders. Once you see it, you understand why.

To visit from the Zimbabwe side, you need to buy an entry ticket at the gate of Victoria Falls National Park, near the Zimbabwe border.

I recommend staying in one of the hotels in Victoria Falls Town, close to the border. We stayed at the N1 Hotel, and it was about a 10-minute walk to the park.

You can explore on your own or book a guided tour with hotel pickup. If you want to see the falls from above, you can combine the walking tour with a helicopter ride.

The falls can also be visited from the Zambia side, but this is worth doing only during the high-water season. During the dry season, there is very little water visible in Zambia. Guided tours are available from both sides.

For the most powerful view of the falls, visit during the high water season from November to May. Bring a raincoat and a waterproof cover for your camera.

We visited during the dry season in October and still saw impressive water and even got a light shower in some areas. Some sections were completely dry, which gave us a view of the rocky valley below, which has its own kind of beauty.

You will need around 3 hours to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the views.

2. Safari Game Drive

Zambia and Zimbabwe are not the top safari destinations in Africa, but if you have never been on a safari and would like to experience it, the Zambezi National Park is a good option.

Just keep in mind that the dry season is not the best time, as many animals hide in the bush. The best time for a game drive here is between May and September.

We booked a full-day safari and were picked up early in the morning by our guide. In the morning, our car broke down inside the park, so we ended up having breakfast with coffee next to the Zambezi River while they sorted out another vehicle.

We drove the whole day and saw zebras, giraffes, elephants, and a crocodile. We also had lunch by the river and enjoyed the day.

➡️Book your Game Drive in Zambezi National Park HERE

3. Zambezi River Cruise

One of the best ways to spend an evening in Victoria Falls is a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. You get picked up from your hotel and taken to the departure point.

We watched hippos and crocodiles in the water while enjoying music, drinks, and food on board. At one point, we saw elephants crossing the river and swimming, which was my first time seeing that. I really recommend this for a relaxing evening.

➡️Book the Zambezi River Cruise HERE

4. Rhino Walk

On the Zambia side, we did a Rhino Walk, which was an experience I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did.

A guide took us into the park, where three armed rangers walked us out to find the rhinos. We walked in rows and had to watch the ground for black mambas.

When we finally reached them, there was a group of rhinos relaxing in the sunshine. Being that close to such large wild animals was unlike anything else we did on the trip. If you have time, I recommend it.

5. Meeting lions and cheetahs

This was one of the best experiences we had on the Zambian side. We were picked up from our lodge in Livingstone and taken to meet both lions and cheetahs. You can choose one or both.

After a safety briefing, we met two young lions, a brother and a sister. I was stroking one of them and talking to him, and he looked like he really enjoyed it. Then we went for a walk with them.

After that, we met two cheetahs, took pictures, and went for another walk. If you love animals, this is something you will not want to miss.

On our way back to the lodge, we came across giraffes eating from trees in the middle of the road and had to wait for them to finish before we could drive on. A perfect end to the day.

6. Swimming in Devil’s Pool

On our last day, we booked a tour to Devil’s Pool, and it turned out to be the highlight of the trip. I cannot recommend this enough.

Devil’s Pool is located on the Zambian side of the falls, accessed from Livingstone Island. It is a natural pool at the very edge of the falls, protected by a rock ledge that stops you from going over.

You can sit or lie at the lip of the falls with the water dropping away below you. Just think about that for a moment.

We were picked up and taken to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, a stunning 5-star luxury hotel inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and from there took a boat along the Zambezi to Livingstone Island.

First, we took photos of the falls with a rainbow on the Zambia side. Then we put our swimming costumes on and, with guides, waded into the Zambezi River and swam to the pool.

One by one, pairs or small groups went into the pool with a guide while another guide stood at the edge taking photos with our camera.

Lying at the top of one of the world’s seven natural wonders, looking out at the water cascading below and a rainbow forming in the mist, is very hard to put into words. It was one of the most extraordinary things I have ever done.

After swimming, we gathered in a spot that felt like a natural jacuzzi, then made our way back. When we got out of the water, tea and cake were waiting for us. What an experience.

Note: Devil’s Pool can only be visited during the low water season.

➡️Book your Devil’s Pool lifetime experience HERE

7. Food in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has some good food options, and the African cuisine here is worth exploring. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try some unusual meats like crocodile, kudu, or buffalo.

In Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwe side, I recommend Three Monkeys Restaurant. It is close to the N1 Hotel where we stayed and has a lovely big terrace.

I tried three mini burgers, one of which was crocodile. The meal was delicious, though the crocodile was not really my thing.

In Livingstone Town on the Zambia side, we ate at Zambezi Cafe. We had grilled chicken and beef steak. The portions were huge, the food was really good, and the staff was friendly.

8. More activities

We did not get to do everything, but there is plenty more on offer in Victoria Falls. Other activities worth considering include the Boma Dinner and Drum Show, a historical bridge tour, a steam train tour, a lunar rainbow tour, and microlight flights.

For adrenaline seekers, there is bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, zip line, bridge slide, flying fox, gorge swing, and white water rafting. Keep in mind that water activities are not available during the high water season.

Where to Stay in Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe Side

Ilala Lodge Hotel – A beautiful luxury 4-star family-run hotel set alongside the Wildlife National Park. If you are lucky, you might spot animals roaming freely. It has two outdoor pools with a bar, which makes it a lovely place to relax after a day of activities.

Shearwater’s Explorer Village – A great choice if you are looking for affordable accommodation in a good location. It is within walking distance of both Victoria Falls and the town, which makes it very convenient.

Zambia Side

Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara – This luxury 5-star hotel sits inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, right next to the Zambezi River. Do not be surprised if you see giraffes and zebras wandering around. It is also the starting point for the Devil’s Pool tour, which is a real bonus.

Maramba River Lodge – This is where we stayed on the Zambia side, and we were happy with it. It is a nice African-style lodge with good standards at a budget-friendly price, with a short taxi ride to Livingstone Town.

How to Get from Zambia to Zimbabwe

Take a taxi from your hotel to the Zambia border. Zambian taxis are not permitted to cross the bridge into Zimbabwe, so once you reach the border, you have two options: walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which takes around 20 minutes and has great views, or take a taxi on the Zimbabwe side.

We walked and really enjoyed it. Once you arrive at the Zimbabwe border, you will need to show your visa or purchase one on arrival.

From there, take a taxi to your hotel on the Zimbabwe side. Taxis are available right at the border. If your hotel is close, like ours was, you may even be able to walk.

Is Victoria Falls Worth It?: FAQs

How many days do you need in Victoria Falls?

The more days you have, the better. You can see the falls in one day, but once you are there, you will want more time.

I would recommend a minimum of four days, but a week gives you time to do most of the activities without rushing.

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

It depends on what you want to do. If seeing the falls at their most powerful is your priority, come during the high water season. If you want to swim in Devil’s Pool or do water activities, you need the dry season.

Is Victoria Falls Dangerous?

No, Victoria Falls is one of the safer destinations in Africa. It is a popular tourist area, and safety is taken seriously. One thing to be aware of is that the whole area is a national park, and wildlife can wander into town, especially at night.

During the day, walking around Victoria Falls Town and Livingstone Town is completely fine. At night, take a taxi rather than walking.

If you want to get a feel for what it is really like, watch my Victoria Falls videos on YouTube.

You might also want to check out:

• Where To Stay In Victoria Falls: 11 Best Hotels And Lodges
• Are There Snakes In Victoria Falls? Safety Tips & What To Expect
• Victoria Falls: Zambia vs Zimbabwe – Which Side is Better?