Victoria Falls — known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders” — is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and an unmissable addition to any Southern Africa safari.
Straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls combine effortlessly with Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe for a classic bush-and-falls journey.
Highlights of Victoria Falls
The main falls
Over a kilometer of thundering water and rising spray.
Devil’s Pool
Swim at the very edge of the falls in low-water season (Zambia).
Helicopter flights
The “Flight of Angels” over the gorge and falls.
Zambezi sunset cruise
Sundowners and wildlife on the great river above the falls.
Zambia or Zimbabwe — which side of the Falls?
Victoria Falls straddles two countries and both make a superb base. Here is how they differ, and what to combine with each.
Zimbabwe
The classic panoramic views of the main falls, a historic town, and easy access to Hwange's elephants and the wild Mana Pools.
Explore Zimbabwe → Southern AfricaZambia
Livingstone offers close-up, heart-in-mouth views and Devil's Pool at low water, plus superb walking safaris in South Luangwa.
Explore Zambia → Southern AfricaBotswana
Just up the road: pair the falls with the Okavango Delta and Chobe for the definitive Southern Africa journey.
Explore Botswana →Know before you go
The practical details we handle for you — flights, entry, health and money — summarized here so nothing surprises you. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.
Getting there from the USA
Fly via Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) — about 90 minutes from Joburg. The falls pair naturally with Botswana, Hwange or the Lower Zambezi.
Visas & entry
Zimbabwe issues US citizens a visa on arrival (~$30); Zambia is visa-free for US passport holders. The KAZA UniVisa (~$50) covers both sides of the falls.
Health
The falls region is a malaria area — prophylaxis advised. High-water spray season (Feb–May) soaks the viewpoints; a poncho is provided on tours.
Money & tipping
US dollars are widely used in Zimbabwe. Activities are usually pre-booked through us; tipping guides is at your discretion, around $10–20 per activity.
Best time to visit
Highest water — the most powerful, spectacular curtain of spray.
Low water — clearer views and the Devil’s Pool is open.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwe safari runs from Victoria Falls to Hwange’s elephants and the wild canoeing of Mana Pools.
Explore → Southern AfricaZambia
A Zambia safari means the home of the walking safari — and the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
Explore → Southern AfricaBotswana
A Botswana safari is Africa’s water wilderness — the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari.
Explore → RegionSouthern Africa
The desert, the delta and the falls — Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Explore →Victoria Falls FAQs
Getting to Zimbabwe — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Victoria Falls journey.
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