Victoria Falls

Introduction

Vic Falls

© Luis M

The Victoria Falls are undoubtedly one of Africa’s major attractions. They are located in southern Africa, between Zambia and Zimbabwe. At a height of over 100 metres and a width of about 1,700 metres, the Victoria Falls are the largest sheet of water falling in the world. Located within the boundaries of Mosi-oa-Tunya NP in Zambia and Victoria Falls NP in Zimbabwe, the falls are one of the most impressive landmarks of Africa and travellers from around the world are highly attracted by the opportunities near the falls. Hiking, wildlife viewing, bungeejumping, cruising, whit water rafting the Zambezi river and a helicopter ride to have a bird's eye view of the falls, all are very popular. As the falls are mainly located in Zambia, the best panoramic view is from Zimbabwe, viewing the falls head on. Even better would be the view from the air. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. If you visit the falls during or just after the rainy season, when the water levels are high, make sure you wrap all your belongings into a plastic bag, or leave it at the hostel - it will all get wet, and umbrellas and raincoats help very little!

Opening Hours

The Rainforest entrance on the Zimbabwe side is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Cost

Entrance to the Falls from the Zambian side costs US$10 and around 2,000 kwatcha for Zambian residents. Bring your residency permit for the discount. There are no student discounts. Entrance to the Falls from the Zimbabwe side costs US$30 (2011).

Getting There

The Victoria Falls can be reached by plane from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lusaka, Harare and several other places. You can also travel by train from Lusaka in Zambia or Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, or by bus from Lusaka, Harare, Bulawayo and from Kasane, Botswana (no public transport, you have to arrange private transfers for around US$50).

The Victoria Falls are easily reached from the town of Livingstone on the Zambian side, and the aptly named Victoria Falls Town from the Zimbabwean side. From Zimbabwe you can simply walk to the entrance; the town has been purpose-built for visitors. From Livingstone, the Victoria Falls are about 10 kilometres from the town, and it is not recommended that you walk, as muggings have happened along this road. At the very least, you'll get a lot of hassle from the touts. Minibuses from town depart to the falls and back when they are full, and fixed-priced shared taxis await at the gates. Regular payment is 5,000 kwatcha. At the entrance you'll find a large crafts market with very persistant vendors!

Sleep

Budget

At Victoria Falls town and surroundings in Zimbabwe you can the ones below. You can also try Livingstone's accommodation options.

Mid-Range

Zambia

• Chanters Lodge
• Green Tree Lodge
• Ngolide Lodge
• Zig Zag Lodge

Zimbabwe

• Gerties Lodge
• Amadeus Garden Guesthouse
• Ultimate Lodge
• Villa Victoria

Upscale

Zambia

• Thorn Tree Lodge
• Zambezi Sun International Hotel - closest to the falls
• The Royal Livingstone Hotel
• David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

Zimbabwe

• Ilala Lodge
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
• Victoria Falls Hotel
• Stanley and Livingstone Hotel

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)