The Smoke That Thunders. That’s the local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, given to these magnificent waterfalls designated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It’s a fitting title for one of the most epic and powerful places I’ve ever seen. The chills I got as I walked through the mist and laid eyes on it for the first time is a moment I won’t forget. From the sounds of the water crashing down, the sensation of the mist soaking your skin, and of course, the bucket list sight itself, Victoria Falls is a sensory overload in the best way.

With a length of 1,708 meters and a height of 108 meters, Victoria Falls, by some cherry-picked measures, is among the largest waterfalls in the world. It might not be the longest, and it is far from the tallest, but if you measure by volume, it is one of, if not the largest waterfall in the world. I’ve never been one for the statistics. If it looks good, it looks good, and Victoria Falls is pretty damn impressive. It was undoubtedly a highlight of my lengthy African backpacking trip, and a place everyone should try and see before they die.

Here is everything you need to know before taking on Victoria Falls. From how to get there to its best viewpoints and where to stay when visiting, you name it, I got you covered.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.

---

Table of Contents

• Getting to Victoria Falls
• When is the Best Time to Visit?
• Zimbabwe vs. Zambia: Which Side To See It From
• Where To Stay When Visiting Victoria Falls
• Activities and Best Things To Do At Victoria Falls
• Buy Me A Beer!

---

How To Get To Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls straddles the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. To reach Victoria Falls as quickly as possible, fly to Livingstone in Zambia or to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The flights to Zimbabwe tend to be cheaper but Zambia is the more affordable country.

Livingstone is the second-largest city in Zambia, and thus has plenty of connections by land and by air. One can take a bus or train to Livingstone from Lusaka or elsewhere in Zambia. Alternatively, shared taxis are available from the borders with Botswana or Zimbabwe. The bus from Lusaka cost me about $15, although prices vary based on the company. Some are much nicer than others, so expect to pay anywhere between $10 to $25 for the 8-hour bus ride depending on the level of luxury.

The Zambia Railways train from Lusaka to Livingstone exists but the timing doesn’t work that well. It departs Lusaka’s train station early in the morning and doesn’t arrive in Livingstone until past midnight. I would take the train only if you do the route from Livingstone to Lusaka. The schedule makes more sense. It becomes an overnight sleeper train departing Livingstone at 8 PM and arriving in Lusaka the following afternoon.

Many people also opt to stay in the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. It is an over-priced resort town but overall, pretty nice. The town mainly consists of restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries, and a surprising number of breweries. I liked the town but everything was at least 5 times more expensive for the same thing across the border in Zambia. The only exception, for some reason, was that most tours were cheaper on the Zimbabwean side.

It is also possible to visit Victoria Falls on a day trip from Botswana. Many lodges and travel agencies in Kasane or Kazungula will offer day tours or transfers to the falls.

Travel Insurance for Victoria Falls

Oh, and before you go, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance while adventuring across the world. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $56 a month. Their coverage includes Zambia and Zimbabwe among the 190+ countries that they cover.

When is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?

There are a few things to consider when timing your visit to Victoria Falls. If you want to see Mosi-oa-Tunya at its most thunderous, then plan your visit for just after the rainy season when the falls are at their strongest. It is your best chance to have sunny weather and clear skies while simultaneously seeing the waterfalls at full force. During the dry season, the waterfalls are naught but a trickle in many parts of the 1.7 kilometer long canyon. I’ve heard it is still spectacular to see, but I’m happy I went when I did.

Keep in mind that the availability of activities can vary depending on the season. For example, the famous Devil’s Pool is not accessible during the high water season.

Victoria Falls: The Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?

I visited Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you have the time and budget, I’d recommend the same. Let’s compare the two.

The entrance ticket on the Zambian side costs $20. The park is much smaller than the Zimbabwean side but offers some things that the Zimbabwean side can’t. On the Zambian side, one can hike down to the Zambezi River via a short, steep trail to the Boiling Pot. There is a hanging bridge with a stunning view of the falls and the steep drop down into the canyon. You’ll also find a section of trail running alongside the river before the falls drop, displaying the stark contrast of its calm stillness before the Zambezi violently plummets down.

The Zimbabwean side is significantly pricier, with the entrance costing $50. The trails running along the falls are much longer, allowing you to see about 75% of the falls. There isn’t much else that’s too exciting about the Zimbabwean side, aside from its multitude of viewpoints. I mean, it’s a world wonder, so I happily shelled out the money to spend the day hiking there. I probably walked up and down that trail four or five times just soaking it all in.

Final Verdict: Which Side is Better for Viewing Victoria Falls?

It’s hard to say, and depends on what you want out of the trip. Although smaller, I think the Zambian side has more variety of activities. The Zimbabwean side may have more viewpoints but most of them are similar. From the Zambian side, you’ll be able to get views from the river at the base of the canyon, as well as the hanging bridge which offers a killer photo opportunity.

For backpackers trying to stick to a budget, the Zambian side is the best value. For Americans, having to pay $30 to get a Zimbabwean visa makes the trip to the Zimbabwean side a whopping $80 just to see the falls. That doesn’t factor in the more expensive accommodation and restaurants on the Zimbabwean side either. Despite being smaller, saving $60 by just visiting the Zambian side is a factor that can’t be overlooked.

My final verdict would be to visit both, but if you are short on time or money, then visiting the Zambian side will more than suffice.

Where To Stay When Visiting Victoria Falls

I am a backpacker on a budget, so I mostly stayed at low-cost hostels on my trip. There are dozens of incredible lodges but those cost a pretty penny and I could only admire them from afar. Africa can be an expensive continent to travel in. Staying at hostels is a great way to keep costs low. Luckily, the two hostels I stayed at were both incredible and provided great value for your money.

Livingstone, Zambia – JollyBoys Backpackers

JollyBoys Backpackers is a Livingstone staple. It’s popular among travelers and locals alike during the evenings, making for a good social atmosphere. The rooms are tucked away pretty far from the bar, so it’s still quiet in case you’re looking to get some sleep or need an early start for a safari adventure. There is a pool, a restaurant, a bar, many common areas, and an activity center to help you book any tours. It’s a perfect home base for exploring the area and coming home to a fun, but relaxed atmosphere.

One of the best parts of JollyBoys is their free shuttle to Victoria Falls and the Zimbabwe border every morning at 10 AM. It makes visiting the waterfalls easy, although you’ll have to make your own way back. There are private taxis and shared taxis that wait outside the entrance, so it’s not hard to find a ride.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Shoestrings Backpackers

Like JollyBoys, Shoestrings Backpackers has large common areas, a pool, a restaurant and bar, and a travel agency to help you book any activities. It’s a short walk from the main town center, if Victoria Falls can even be called a town. The dorms were cozy, although the six-bed dorm was claustrophobically small. I’d recommend booking the 10-bed even though the 6-bed is the same price. Shoestrings is a party hostel during the weekends, though. Keep in mind that they’ll be bumping music until the early morning, so if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, avoid Shoestrings on the weekends.

Kasane, Botswana – Elephant Trail Backpackers

If you do decide to visit Victoria Falls as a day trip from Botswana, Elephant Trail Backpackers offers day trips and transfers to the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. Just be sure to bring everything you’ll need for the border crossing. Zimbabwe requires a visa on arrival for U.S. citizens and a fee to be paid in U.S. dollars. 

Activities and Best Things to do at Victoria Falls

One of the most pleasantly surprising things about my visit to Victoria Falls was that it was far from a one-stop destination. There were many ways to experience this world wonder. Beyond Victoria Falls, there was much to do in the region. Here are some of the best things to do in Victoria Falls and its surrounding area.

Helicopter Ride Over Victoria Falls

The most expensive way to see Victoria Falls is by seeing it from the skies. Expect to pay around $120 for a 15-minute ride. It is cheaper to book it from the Zimbabwean side, one of the few things that is cheaper to do in Zimbabwe. You might need to haggle a bit. The starting price is usually between $150 to $180, but stand firm and drive the price down as low as you can. The falls are breathtaking as they are, but seeing this world wonder from the skies is an unforgettable experience.

Boat Ride to the Base of the Falls

Want to get up close and personal with Victoria Falls? Many people opt to hop on a boat and get mercilessly drenched by Victoria Falls’ thundering waters. It’s a unique way to see Victoria Falls and witness the full might of the Zambezi River. Adrenaline-seekers can even go white-water rafting on the Zambezi, although I’m not sure if the rafts actually go under the falls.

Enjoy the Views at Lookout Cafe

The Lookout Cafe might be the best lunch view you ever have. The restaurant is a stunning property overlooking the canyon and the Victoria Falls Bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Be warned, you will certainly be paying for the view. The food is decent but as expected, fairly overpriced and perhaps the first place in Africa where the portions weren’t overwhelmingly huge. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend coming by for a beer or a coffee and have a better and more affordable meal elsewhere.

Hiking to the Boiling Pot

This 30-minute hike down to the Zambezi River can only be done from the Zambian side. It is a short but steep walk down from the entrance, winding through jungly paths before opening up to the rocky shores of the Zambezi. It’s a beautiful spot to sit, with views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the thundering smoke of the falls. You can’t actually see Victoria Falls from here, though. If you’re up for a leg workout, I’d recommend popping down to the boiling pot. Most of the trail is paved, although some parts can get slippery.

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

One of the most popular activities is a sunset booze cruise on the Zambezi River. I don’t know how it became a booze cruise, but basically, it’s all-you-can-drink for 2-3 hours. I don’t know if they had us backpackers in mind when adding this feature because we will be getting our money’s worth.

Livingstone Railway Museum

I wouldn’t consider it a must-do if you’re short on time, but if you’ve got some time to kill and want to climb old  locomotives, have I got the thing for you. Livingstone has a Railway Museum close to the city center. The entry fee was either $15 USD or 150 kwacha, which are nowhere near each other in value, so definitely pay in Zambian kwacha. It’s a small museum and the information is fairly minimal and uninteresting. I would literally just go to look at the old trains and play on them unattended for half an hour or so. Great way to unleash your inner child. Having just spent several days on a train just to get to Zambia, my interest in trains was at an all-time-high so I loved it.

Shop at the Crafts Markets

As with most touristic places in Africa, there are crafts markets aplenty in both Livingstone and the Zimbabwean side. Livingstone’s selection was slimmer but much more budget-friendly. The prices for things in Zimbabwe was much higher, although their industry was more heavily-focused on tourism.

Bungee Jumping From Victoria Falls Bridge

If helicopter rides, white-water rafting, and being a few feet from wildlife isn’t enough adrenaline, then why not jump off a f’ing bridge? I’ve never bungee jumped, and now that my amygdala has fully-developed, I think that window has closed for me. I much prefer keeping my feet on the ground, but I did enjoy watching the bungee jumpers from a distance. I’m sure it’s one of, if not the only, place in the world where you can bungee jump in two countries at once, which makes it pretty special.

Take a Day Trip to Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to the highest concentration of elephants in the world. While you might stumble into a few in Zambia and Zimbabwe, a day trip to Chobe is a must. It’s only a few hours away from both Victoria Falls and Livingstone, and many agencies offer tours to this majestic national park. It’s home to the famed Big Five, as well as a ton of hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and much more. One can opt for a game drive, a sunset boat ride, or both.

Aside from the things I’ve mentioned, there are a few other things to do in the area. Here’s the most comprehensive list of activities I’ve found to do in the area. I didn’t even know about some of these things until I had already left, such as the Ndebele village visit and the hike through Batoka Gorge. Keep in mind that depending on water levels, not everything is available to do year-round at Victoria Falls. For example, Devil’s Pool is only possible when the falls are drier.

Overall, Victoria Falls is an excellent destination. While the Falls themselves are beyond worth the visit on their own, there is a surprising amount to do in the region. Hopefully this guide helped you figure out your plans, stick to a budget, and tick off one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders!

Buy Me A Beer!

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.