Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, drops the Zambezi River across a mile-wide basalt lip on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can view it from national parks on either side, and the two experiences are quite different depending on the season.
Victoria Falls National Park has a rainforest path with around 16 viewpoints along the length of the falls, giving the widest overall panoramas.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Knife-Edge Bridge put you closer to the gorge. In low water you can walk to the lip and, with an operator, swim at Devil's Pool.
The Victoria Falls Bridge between the two countries carries a bungee jump, a zip line and a guided bridge walk, and is a viewpoint in itself.
Each national park charges its own entry fee, paid in US dollars, and the Zimbabwe and Zambia fees differ. Devil's Pool only runs in the low-water season, roughly August to January, through licensed operators. A KAZA visa often covers both countries. Confirm fees and conditions with the park authorities.
In high water, February to May, the spray can hide the falls but the power is overwhelming. Low water, September to December, gives clearer views and access to Devil's Pool.
The Zimbabwe side has the broad views; the Zambia side has the close, visceral angles and the pool. Many visitors cross the bridge and see both.
White-water rafting, helicopter flights, the bungee and Devil's Pool are all run by established operators. Book through them or your lodge, not touts at the gate.
Which side is better?
Zimbabwe for the wide, front-on views of most of the falls; Zambia for close-up angles and, in low water, Devil's Pool. Both are worthwhile.
How much is entry?
Each park sets its own non-resident fee in US dollars, and they are not the same. Check the current Zimbabwe and Zambia park fees before you go.
When is the best time to visit?
For the clearest views and pool access, the low-water months of roughly September to December. For maximum flow and spray, around March to May.
Do I need a visa for both countries?
Often the KAZA UniVisa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe together. Check your nationality's eligibility before travelling.
Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders, is a waterfall on the Zambezi River where it drops into a series of gorges on the Zambia to Zimbabwe border. It is roughly 1,700 metres wide and just over 100 metres high, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is viewed from Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, with the Victoria Falls Bridge and the towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone serving as bases for activities.
This page is an independent guide for visitors. It is not affiliated with the Zimbabwe or Zambia park authorities or any operator.
