Planning a trip to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Victoria Falls is a bucket-list destination that will leave you absolutely breathless. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya—which translates to “The Smoke That Thunders”—this massive sheet of falling water is a true force of nature.
1. Is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
Victoria Falls sits directly on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia in Southern Africa. The Zambezi River acts as the boundary line between the two nations. Each side has its own gateway town. On the Zimbabwean side, you have the town of Victoria Falls, which is built right next to the park entrance. On the Zambian side, the nearby hub is the historic town of Livingstone. You can actually cross between the two countries via the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, but you will need to pass through immigration on both sides.2. Which side of Victoria Falls has the best views?
While both countries offer beautiful vantage points, Zimbabwe is widely considered the best side for viewing the falls. Approximately $75\%$ of the waterfall is visible from the Zimbabwean side. The Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe features a beautifully maintained rainforest path with $16$ out of the $20$ total viewpoints. This allows you to walk parallel to the massive curtain of water and experience its true scale. Furthermore, during the late dry season, the Zambian side of the falls can dry up completely, leaving you looking at a bare rock face. The Zimbabwean side flows all year round.3. What is the best month to visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience:- High Water Season (February to May): This is right after the summer rains. The falls are at their most powerful, throwing up a colossal mist that can be seen from miles away. Be prepared to get completely drenched!
- Dry/Low Water Season (August to December): The water level drops significantly. This is the prime time for white-water rafting on the Zambezi and for visiting the famous Devil’s Pool (accessible from the Zambian side).
- Safari Season (July to October): The dry winter months are perfect if you want to combine your trip with wildlife viewing in nearby Zambezi National Park or Hwange National Park, as animals gather around the remaining water sources.
4. How wide and tall is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls is classified as the largest curtain of falling water in the world. It measures approximately $1,708\text{ meters}$ ($5,604\text{ feet}$) in width and drops to a depth of $108\text{ meters}$ ($354\text{ feet}$). During the peak flood season, more than $500\text{ million}$ liters of water plunge over the edge every single minute, creating a roar that can be heard up to $40\text{ kilometers}$ away.5. Do I need a visa to visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe?
Yes, most international travelers require a tourist visa to enter Zimbabwe. If you plan to cross back and forth between Zimbabwe and Zambia to see both sides of the falls, you should look into the KAZA UniVisa. This special joint visa costs $\$50\text{ USD}$ and allows you multiple entries into both countries for up to $30$ days. If you are staying primarily on the Zimbabwean side, a standard tourist visa is required. To avoid chaotic border queues and ensure your paperwork is entirely correct before you fly, it is highly recommended to apply for your visa online in advance.6. Why should you use our Zimbabwe tourist visa services?
Getting your travel documents sorted out shouldn’t be the most stressful part of your holiday. We make the entire visa application process incredibly straightforward, fast, and secure. Here is why travelers trust us:- Reliable Travel Visa Services: Our global, highly-rated approach has successfully assisted thousands of travelers in securing their Zimbabwean visas without any hassle.
- Round-the-Clock Assistance: Got a question at midnight? Reach out to us 24/7. Our visa experts will respond with clear solutions within 72 hours.
- Experienced Visa Consultants: Don’t risk having your entry denied. Receive expert guidance from professionals who thoroughly check your paperwork to guarantee acceptance.
- Efficient Visa Application Process: Skip the complicated government portals. You can apply for your official visa in just a few minutes using our highly simplified online form.
7. How much does it cost to enter Victoria Falls National Park?
As of recent updates, the entry fee for international (non-SADC) tourists on the Zimbabwean side is $\$50\text{ USD}$ per person. For regional SADC visitors, the fee is $\$30\text{ USD}$, and for Zimbabwean locals, it is $\$7\text{ USD}$ (equivalent). You can pay via credit card or cash. Keep your ticket safe, as it allows you one-time entry for the day to complete the rainforest walking trail.8. Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?
Yes, Victoria Falls is exceptionally safe for international travelers. The town relies heavily on tourism, and there is a dedicated tourist police force to ensure safety. Walking around the town during the day is very safe. However, you should exercise standard travel precautions:- Avoid walking in unlit areas at night; use registered taxis instead.
- Be cautious of wild animals. Victoria Falls is surrounded by national parks, so it is not uncommon to see elephants or baboons walking near the edges of town. Keep a safe distance.
9. How do you deal with baboons and monkeys?
The baboons and monkeys around the national park and local hotel grounds are highly intelligent, incredibly bold, and notorious thieves. They will snatch food right out of your hand, unzip backpacks, or even walk through open hotel balcony doors to raid mini-bars.- Keep your hotel doors and windows locked at all times.
- Never display food or carry loose plastic grocery bags near them.
- If a baboon approaches you, do not run or try to fight back. Back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact.
10. What should I pack for a trip to Victoria Falls?
Packing the right gear can make or break your trip. Make sure to bring:- A high-quality waterproof poncho or jacket: The spray from the falls is like standing in a torrential rainstorm, especially between February and June.
- Waterproof bags/dry bags: To protect your phones, cameras, and passports.
- Sturdy walking shoes: The rainforest paths can get very wet and slippery.
- Insect repellent & sunscreen: The African sun is intense, and you are in a high-humidity area.
- Crisp US Dollar cash bills: See below for why this is crucial.
11. What currency should I bring to Zimbabwe?
The primary currency used for tourism in Victoria Falls is the US Dollar ($\text{USD}$). Crucial Tip: You must bring pristine, undamaged, newer USD cash bills (printed after 2013). Local businesses, banks, and parks will reject bills that have tiny tears, folds, heavy creases, or ink marks. While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and major activity operators, cash is essential for national park fees, tips, local craft markets, and small cafes. Do not rely on local ATMs, as they frequently run out of cash.12. Is malaria a risk at Victoria Falls?
Yes, Victoria Falls is located in a high-risk malaria zone. Because of the constant moisture and proximity to the Zambezi River, mosquitoes are highly active, particularly during and immediately after the rainy season (November to April). It is highly recommended to speak to your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip to get prescribed malaria prophylaxis. Additionally, wear long-sleeved clothing during dawn and dusk, and use an insect repellent containing DEET.13. Can you drink the tap water in Victoria Falls?
The municipal tap water in Victoria Falls town is generally treated and technically safe for locals. However, to prevent any minor stomach bugs from ruining your trip, it is highly recommended that tourists stick to bottled mineral water or use a water purification bottle. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water daily.14. How do you protect your phone and camera from the waterfall spray?
The mist created by Victoria Falls behaves like heavy rain and rises hundreds of meters into the air. It can easily water-damage your electronic devices.- Invest in a cheap, clear waterproof phone pouch before you arrive.
- If using a professional DSLR camera, use a waterproof sleeve and keep a dry microfiber cloth handy to wipe down the lens between shots.
- Consider using a waterproof action camera (like a GoPro) for capturing video right at the viewpoints.