Planning Your Perfect Victoria Falls Holiday

Planning Your Perfect Victoria Falls Holiday

One of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls truly are a remarkable sight. Not only does it provide spectacular views but the thunderous sound of up to half a million cubic metres of water a minute plunging over the edge and the soaking spray, makes it a once in a life time experience. To help you plan the perfect Victoria Falls holiday, we've compiled a short guide that includes advice on when is the best time to go, where you should stay and what you should do while you are there.

When is the best time to go?

The Victoria Falls are a fantastic year-round destination. The best time to visit is between April and June when there is high water flow and the plumes of spray are stunning, however it really depends more on what you want to do. If you are interested in trying activities like white water rafting or combining your visit with a safari in Botswana then we would recommend visiting the falls between July and September when the water level drops and the reduced spray gives you excellent visibility of the falls.

Which side should I visit?

Whether you stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe, we’d recommend seeing both sides of the falls. This is now even easier thanks to the reintroduction of the KAZA Univisa; a single visa that covers Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, if you’re short on time and want that classic view of the main falls then visit Zimbabwe where around two thirds of the falls lie. The falls also flow all year round on the Zimbabwean side of the falls and there are generally better options for shopping and eating out.

Where should I stay?

There are a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets available on both sides of the falls. If you are staying on the Zimbabwean side then there are few better places to stay than the Victoria Falls Hotel. This five star property nicknamed “the grand old lady” is still going strong after 100 plus years and combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. If you are staying on the Zambian side of the falls and you need to stick to a budget then the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort is a good choice. The hotel is a five minute walk from the falls and is extremely family friendly. However, if budget is not an issue then we recommend staying at the five star Royal Livingstone Hotel, which recently went through a multi-million pound upgrade and enjoys fantastic views of the falls. If you don’t want to be surrounded by hordes of tourists then Tongabezi Lodge is a great option. This romantic hideaway is located on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream of Victoria Falls and is the perfect place to celebrate the ultimate wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary.

What should I combine my visit to the Victoria Falls with?

The Victoria Falls are so incredibly accessible that there are plenty of destinations that you can combine them with. For example, why not combine them with a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park or Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. If you want to travel further afield then Kenya could be an option, as Kenya Airways now flies from Livingstone to Nairobi. Finally, why not consider combining them with Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route? There are flights six times a week from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, which makes this a very easy option.

What should I do while I’m there?

The Victoria Falls are a fabulous playground for thrill seekers, as well as lovers of beauty, tranquillity and relaxing pursuits. If you’re an adventure junkie, why not give bungee jumping or white water rafting a try. However, if you’d prefer to sit back and let someone else do all the work for you then a helicopter ride over the falls or a sunset cruise along the Zambezi river are both great options. For the ultimate unique experience, we recommend visiting the Zambian side of the falls from September to January to enjoy Devil’s Pool, a rock pool that has formed on the very edge of the falls. It’s a truly exhilarating experience that will be etched in your memory forever.