Victoria Falls
Waterfall Impressive waterfall on the Zambezi River
On the Zambezi River border, Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) produces cloud-driven spray across a broad gorge. Visitors view falls from Zimbabwe and Zambia lookout points, and book helicopter flights, river cruises and rafting downstream.
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Victoria Falls is a large waterfall on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, famed for its sheet of falling water and spray. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya and are among the largest single curtain waterfalls in the world.
The waterfall system spans a broad chasm with closely spaced cataracts and viewpoints on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides offering different perspectives. Visitors use formal trails and viewpoints through the spray-fed rainforest to access vantage points such as Main Falls and Devil’s Cataract.
Seasonality strongly affects appearance - late rainy season produces maximum flow and spectacular spray, while the dry season exposes rock formations and allows closer access in some places, including the seasonal Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side. Adventure activities such as boat trips on the Zambezi and gorge walks are offered below the falls.
Named Victoria Falls by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, the falls have long been known to local peoples and became internationally famous after European exploration in the 19th century. The area has been developed for tourism and conservation over the 20th century, with national parks on both sides of the border.
The falls lie on the Zambezi River at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, adjacent to the towns of Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), within protected parkland on both banks.
- Best season: Best viewing conditions vary by season - peak volume is around late rainy season (Feb-Apr), while clearer views of rock features and trails are common in the drier months.
- Local name: Local name is "Mosi-oa-Tunya" meaning "The Smoke That Thunders," reflecting the spray and thunder of the falls felt from many viewpoints.
What to See #
- Zambezi Gorge: A narrow, forested gorge below the falls where the Zambezi continues downstream; several viewpoints and walking trails are arranged along this stretch.
- Victoria Falls Rainforest: A strip of rainforest maintained by spray from the falls that contains multiple mapped viewpoints and walking routes for close observation.
- Devil's Pool (seasonal): Seasonal natural pool formed at the lip of the falls accessible during the dry season on the Zambian side under controlled conditions.
How to Get to Victoria Falls #
Fly or drive to the town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side or to Livingstone on the Zambian side, then transfer to the falls. Scheduled flights serve Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and Livingstone Airport (LVI); from either airport arrange a taxi or prebooked transfer to Victoria Falls town and the national park. Once in town the main viewpoints and the park are within a short walk or a few minutes’ drive from most hotels.
Tips for Visiting Victoria Falls #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon: the falls are busiest at midday, and the soft light plus thinner crowds at dawn or dusk give the best photos and clearer views through the mist.
- Choose the Zimbabwe side for the longest continuous viewpoints along the rainforest trail; if you want Devil's Pool or a close-up above the falls, plan a separate visit from Livingstone (Zambia) and book that excursion in advance.
- To see different perspectives and escape the main lookout crowds, follow the downstream rainforest footpaths toward the Eastern Cataract and smaller viewpoints - they offer quieter vistas and different photo angles, especially in the dry season when spray is reduced.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls #
Visit Victoria Falls in the dry season (May-October) for the clearest views and best access, or in the high-water window (Mar-May) to see the falls at maximum flow.
Weather & Climate near Victoria Falls #
Victoria Falls's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Moderate rainfall (608 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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