Plan trips like this one. Open by request.Request access
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Destinations / Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)

The smoke that thunders and adrenaline on the Zambezi

natureadventurecouplesfamilies
Plan your trip to Victoria FallsSee the top 10
English, Ndebele, ShonaLanguage
USDCurrency
3 daysIdeal stay
$180-320Typical day

Victoria Falls is a small town in Zimbabwe beside one of the world's largest waterfalls. Rainforest trails face the curtain of water, and bungee jumps, rafting and safaris keep visitors busy. Zambia's Livingstone sits across the bridge.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. The rainforest trail runs along the gorge opposite the falls, with viewpoints through constant spray. It is the main way to see the falls from Zimbabwe.

    2 to 3 hoursTime needed
    about $58Cost
    noBook ahead

    International visitors pay 58 USD at the main gate (2026); moonlight viewing is extra.

    Tip. Expect to get soaked in high water; rent a raincoat and protect your phone.
    See on the map

  2. The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the Zambezi gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It hosts bungee jumping and a bridge tour.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Tours charge.

    Tip. Bring your passport, as you exit Zimbabwe to walk onto it.
    See on the map

  3. Chobe National Park in Botswana is known for huge herds of elephants along the Chobe River. Boat and game drives run from Kasane.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $150-200Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tour price.

    Tip. Day trips include border crossings; about 1.5 hours by road.
    See on the map

  4. Sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi pass hippos, crocodiles and elephants. Drinks and snacks are usually included.

    2.5 hoursTime needed
    about $60-90Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    Cruise price.

    Tip. Book a smaller boat for a calmer trip.
    See on the map

  5. Devil's Pool is a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls on the Zambian side. Swimming is possible only in low water.

    3 hoursTime needed
    about $100-160Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tour price.

    Tip. Usually open about August to January; book through the authorized operator.
    See on the map

  6. The Zambezi below the falls has some of the world's best white water rafting. Rapids are big and the gorge is steep.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $120-180Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. The best season is low water, roughly August to December.
    See on the map

  7. Helicopter flights give a view of the full curtain of falls and the zigzag gorges. Flights are short.

    15 minutesTime needed
    about $150-200Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Per person.

    Tip. Book ahead in peak season.
    See on the map

  8. The Lookout Cafe sits on the gorge edge with views of the bridge. It also runs a zip line and swing.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free entry.

    Tip. Go for lunch with a view.
    See on the map

  9. Zambezi National Park lies along the river upstream of town. It offers game drives and walks.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $20-30Cost
    noBook ahead

    Entry.

    Tip. Go with a guide and leave early.
    See on the map

  10. The Big Tree is a giant baobab near the river, a local landmark. It is a quick stop.

    30 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Combine with a river drive.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access
Make it yours

Turn Victoria Falls into your plan

Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.

Plan day by dayAdd any place here to a day of your trip, with times and costs.
Bookings from emailForward flight and hotel confirmations. They land in your trip.
Weather for your datesForecast and usual weather for your exact days, in your units.
Share with your peopleInvite family or friends, split costs, keep one plan.
Request access
Hodolog is open by request for now. Each request is reviewed.
Short on time?

Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Victoria Falls in three days

Add Chobe and rafting.

  1. Victoria Falls Rainforest2 to 3 hours · about $58
  2. Victoria Falls Bridge1 hour
  3. Zambezi sunset cruise2.5 hours · about $60-90
  4. Chobe National ParkFull day · about $150-200
  5. Devil's Pool3 hours · about $100-160
  6. White water raftingFull day · about $120-180
  7. Helicopter flight15 minutes · about $150-200
  8. Lookout Cafe1 hour · Free
  9. Zambezi National ParkHalf a day · about $20-30
  10. Big Tree30 minutes · Free
Beyond the city

Day trips

Hwange National Park

Big elephant herds.

112 mi · Car about 2.5 hours

Livingstone Museum

Zambian history.

7 mi · Taxi across the border

Zambezi Gorge and Batoka viewpoints

Cliffs and quiet viewpoints away from the crowds.

3 mi · Short drive

Livingstone, Zambia

See the Zambia side and Livingstone museums.

6 mi · Taxi across the border, about 30 minutes

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: February to May for full flow, August to December for rafting. Water peaks after the rains.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.5JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

87°F
Typical daily high
Average77°F
Rain5.5 in
About17 rainy days
Sun strength6.1 kWh/m²

Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Jan

Victoria Falls Carnival

Usually late December to early January (check dates)

Music and parties around the New Year.

Year

Full moon walks

Monthly in the dry season (when rain allows)

Lunar rainbows over the falls on evenings near the full moon.

Year

Victoria Falls Marathon

Usually around mid year (check dates)

A race through town and the national park, subject to date confirmation.

Going on specific dates? A Hodolog trip shows the forecast and the usual weather for your exact days. Request access
Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

The US State Department rates Zimbabwe at Level 2 (increased caution); the town is calm, but wildlife roam the streets at night.

3/5
Walkability

The town center to the falls is walkable by day.

1/5
Public transport

No public transit for visitors; use taxis and transfers.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123456

1. Town center

$$

Best for: budget

Near the falls.

2. Zambezi riverside

$$$

Best for: couples

Lodges.

3. Livingstone, Zambia

$$$$

Best for: luxury

Riverside resorts.

4. Victoria Falls town

$$

Best for: first-timers, budget travellers

Walkable to restaurants, markets and the falls entrance.

5. Along the Zambezi

$$$

Best for: couples, luxury

River lodges with sunset views and safaris.

6. Near the Spray Rainforest

$$

Best for: walkers

Close to the falls gates for early or late visits.

Getting there and around

Main airportVictoria Falls International Airport (VFA), 12 mi from the center
To the centerA transfer or taxi takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs about 15 to 40 USD.
Around townWalk in town by day and use taxis and tour transfers.
Ride appsLocal taxis, Bolt (limited)
Taste it

What to eat

Sadza

Maize staple.

Mopane worms

Fried caterpillars.

Bream

River fish.

Braai

Barbecued meats, a social meal across the region.

Grilled bream

River fish, simple and fresh.

Good to know

PlugsType D and G, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTip 10 percent.
PaymentsCarry US dollars in small notes; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, and the local ZiG currency is not practical for visitors.
EtiquetteGreet people warmly before asking. Ask before photographing people, and do not photograph the border or police.
  • US dollars are the main currency for visitors; bring small notes.
  • The KAZA visa allows visits to Zambia and Botswana on some nationalities.
  • The falls are fullest roughly March to May, with heavy spray.
  • Wildlife roams the town at night; do not walk after dark.
  • Falls entry for international visitors is reported at about 58 USD including VAT; check the latest rate.
  • Activity prices often exclude separate park or conservation fees, which can be 12 to 18 USD extra.
  • The falls are full in March to May, but the spray can hide the view; bring a rain poncho.
  • Baboons and monkeys may grab bags and food.

A short history

Local people called the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders. David Livingstone reached them in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria. The railway bridge opened in 1905. UNESCO listed the falls in 1989.

Found your base? Add it to a trip with Hodolog.
Request access

Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Victoria Falls