Things to Do in Victoria Falls for All Ages (Zambia + Zimbabwe)

Planning a trip to Victoria Falls requires a little more effort than just booking a flight and going! So to help you out I created this guide with everything you need to know to ensure you have the best vacation possible.

Before we even get started with planning where to stay and what to do, make sure that you have figured out your visa as this is essential to visiting.

Depending on if you’re flying in and out of Zambia or Zimbabwe, there are a few different visa options for you. The easiest way to decide which is the best visa for you is to figure out what activities you plan on doing and how many times you will need to cross the border.

If you plan on crossing the border many times during your visit, it’s easiest to get the KAZA visa which allows you to enter both Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you would like during a 30-day period as well as the ability to enter Bosnia one time.

Alternatively, if you are flying into Zimbabwe and only plan on crossing to Zambia one time, you can apply for the double entry Zimbabwe visa.

Where to Stay in Victoria Falls

Which side of Victoria Falls to stay on? The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is known for better views of the falls and many people tend to opt for staying on the Zimbabwe side.

However, a lot of activities are located on the Zambian side, so honestly it’s really up to you as everything is nearby.

Victoria Falls Hotels in Zambia

Royal Livingstone

This beautiful 5-star resort has views of Victoria Falls from the swimming pool and zebras grazing in the gardens, what more could you ask for in a luxury getaway in Zambia?

The spacious rooms come with all the best amenities while the onsite restaurant is happy to cater to any dietary preferences. Plus, the spa and wellness center is ready to cure all your aches and stress for the perfect vacation.

Avani Resort

Another great choice with free entrance to Victoria Falls is the colorful 4-star Avani Resort. The gorgeous decor perfectly blends traditional patterns with modern elements in earthy tones to create a calming African atmosphere.

When you’re not exploring the falls, you can look forward to the large outdoor pool, relaxing spa and wellness center, and delicious food provided.

Victoria Falls Hotels in Zimbabwe

Elephant Camp

Located inside of Victora Falls National Park and boasting an incredible view of the Fall’s spray, it’s hard to beat Elephant Camp if you are looking for the best place to stay in the Zimbabwe size of Victoria Falls.

This all-inclusive resort provides luxurious suites in a safari-style environment with private viewing decks, plunge pools, and outdoor showers. The cost of staying here not only covers your accommodation, food, drinks, and transfers but also a large range of activities available exclusively to guests.

Shearwater’s Explorers Village

Located just 200m from the local Elephant’s Walk artist village and only 20 mins walk from Victoria Falls, Shearwater’s Explorers Village has the perfect location for travelers who like to get out and explore their surroundings.

Onsite, the resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, plus a great spa and wellness center to help you relax. Perfect for anyone looking for a boutique hotel with a modern touch, the rooms here will have you feeling at home in seconds.

Things to Do Near Victoria Falls

1. Walk Around the Falls (Both sides)

Of course, the first thing you need to do to experience the power of Victoria Falls is to walk around the rim and take as many photos as possible.

On the Zimbabwe side, a designated walking path takes you to 16 breathtaking viewpoints looking over Victoria Falls.

From Zambia you can also walk along paved walkways right up to the edge, getting really close to the falls. There’s also an amazing bridge that lets you stand 100 meters (328 ft) above the gorge, alternatively, walk down to the Boiling Pot at the base of the waterfall.

Whichever side you walk on, be prepared to get wet! The mist falling from Victoria Falls creates the sensation of rain 24/7, so come prepared with a good rain jacket and slip-proof shoes.

If you want to learn even more about the waterfalls or be taken straight to the best spots, you can also join a guided tour that will take you to both sides.

2. Take a Helicopter Ride or Microflight (Both sides)

To really appreciate the sheer force of Victoria Falls, the best way to see it is from the sky!

No matter which side you are staying on, you can catch a helicopter or micro flight that circles above Victoria Falls and the surrounding national park for a unique view.

Helicopter rides can last anywhere from a quick 15-minute trip to a full-day tour with all the bells and whistles making it fit into most budgets.

3. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise (Both sides)

The beautiful Zambezi River is what supplies Victoria Falls with its water and also forms the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

That means that regardless of which side you stay on, you can easily take a relaxing cruise at sunset to experience the incredible nature of the region.

Sunset is a great time to experience the river as animal activity peaks, giving you the chance to see crocodiles, birds, hippos, elephants, and of course an unforgettable African sunset.

Recommended Tours:
Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River
Zambezi Sunset Cruise

4. Experience Devil’s Pool (Zambia)

If you’ve seen pictures of people lying over the edge of Victoria Falls, then you’ve already seen the famous Devil’s Pool.

Located on the Zambian side near Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool is only open when there are low water levels in the dry season. The dry season generally occurs between mid-August and mid-January and during this time you can swim right to the edge of this natural infinity pool.

5. Visit The Elephant Cafe (Zambia)

A trip to the Elephant Cafe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t pass up while visiting Zambia.

The experience starts with a jet boat ride through the national park which includes the possibility of rapids, hippos, and crocodiles.

But the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve arrived at the cafe, here you will meet a herd of rescued elephants up close and personal before heading to the cafe for a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi River.

6. Try the Gorge Swing (Zimbabwe)

To get your adrenaline pumping even more in this incredible place, why not throw yourself off a bridge (safely of course)!

In Zimbabwe, you can experience a giant Gorge Swing with 70m of pure free fall, 150m above the Batoka Gorge.

This activity is not for the faint-hearted as you will then pendulum swing for around another 95m before being pulled back up to where you jumped from.