What to do and Where to Stay at Victoria Falls (Zambia side)

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The Victoria Falls are considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Known as Mosi Oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders), the waters of the Zambezi drop over 100 feet into a steep gorge, flowing fast enough to sweep an elephant over the edge. The falls are flanked by the twin towns of Victoria Falls (usually visited as part of a safari in Zimbabwe or when the water’s low- just ask us, we know a number of fantastic lodges there) and Livingstone (usually visited as part of a safari in Zambia). Along the banks of the river are a cluster of lovely luxury lodges, gazing out over the water and hippos yawning in the setting sun.

Visiting the Victoria Falls themselves usually only takes around half an hour. We’d definitely advise you to take up the offer of a poncho from one of the hawkers as it can be very wet, but it’s worth it for the rainbows created by the same spray that’s soaking you through.

Afterwards, there are a number of wonderful activities you can do from sedate riverboat cruises and trips to Livingstone Island in the middle of the falls, to the adrenaline thrill of microlight and helicopter flights over the spray, and white water-rafting. If you’re feeling particularly brave and travelling when the water’s low, you can even swim in the Devil’s pool, right on the edge of the falls.