Victoria Falls Activities
Due to its location on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and its close proximity to Botswana, Victoria Falls is probably one of our most popular destinations.
The largest sheet of falling water in the world
The adrenalin activity center of southern Africa
Stretching over 1,700 meters across at full flood
The best one-day white water rafting in the world
Best Time to Go
Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – and we could not think of a better name for it. You can hear the rumble of the Falls from up to 40 kilometers away and you can see the spray, which gets up to about half a kilometer high, from a distance of almost 50km – it truly is an incredible experience!
Victoria Falls is an extremely popular destination due to the amazing amount of activities on offer, making it suitable for every type of traveler. From helicopter and microlight flights over the Falls’ spray to getting right into the thick of the action on a raft, here are our top experiences:
Helicopter or Microlight Flights Over Victoria Falls
To fly over Victoria Falls in a helicopter or microlight is one utterly unforgettable experience. The view you get of the spray, the Falls, and the surrounding area is unparalleled, and this short 15- or 30-minute thrill ride should certainly be considered for anyone visiting.
There are two types of helicopter flights available. The first, called the Flight of Angels, lasts just under 15 minutes and takes off on the Zimbabwean side at Elephant Hills, situated about 4km upstream from the Falls. It loops the Falls several times – and the pilot banks the helicopter to allow amazing views into all those chasms not visible from the ground! The second flight is longer, just under half an hour. It too performs the Flight of Angels, then moves upstream to take in the Zambezi river and adjacent national park, so you’ll see some wildlife from the air.
For microlight flights, there are the same two options as the helicopter flight. However, these flights accommodate just one traveler, plus the pilot of course, and take off from the Zambian side of the Falls. As microlights are completely open air, a flight over the Falls in this aircraft offers a completely different experience – travelers are able to fly lower over the Falls than the helicopters, to really get a sense of the power behind the spray.
White Water Rafting at Victoria Falls
The Terminator… The Washing Machine… Stairway to Heaven… Judgement Day… Devil’s Toilet Bowl… Oblivion – merely the names of the rapids are enough to set your pulse racing, so imagine how exhilarating it is to encounter them on a raft! Of all the adrenaline-packed activities available at Vic Falls, white water rafting was the first, attracting intrepid adventurers from all corners of the Earth. And to this day, many reckon it is the best activity, beating gorge swings, zip lines, even bungee jumping! The rafting available is entirely dependent on the year’s rainfall, but low water trips typically run from August to late December and high water trips happen from January to July, with the exception of April, when it’s just too dangerous! The low water trips are longer, plus they are more exciting! But the highs contain plenty of thrills too.
Where to stay at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls itself is the area’s obvious attraction, although we use a number of lodges located away from the Falls themselves. These properties offer trips to the Falls, but they’re also destinations in their own right. For travelers who simply wish to view the attraction and then move on to the area’s safari parks, we recommend lodges and hotels close to the Falls, such as The Royal Livingstone.
Set farther away, up- and downstream from the waterfall (but still within reach), are a number of smaller lodges, similar in style to safari camps. These camps feel a world away from the tourist hotspot of Victoria Falls. Sindabezi Island Lodge is another one of our favorite properties offering this kind of accommodation. We also recommend lodges and activities available on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls.
Related Trips
Related Lodges
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Waterberry Lodge
From $660 – $660 ppWaterberry is a Classic level lodge in the Victoria Falls region, and it receives consistently fantastic feedback. It is owner-run and also has one of the loveliest settings of any Victoria Falls property on either side of the river. The site includes The…
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The Royal Livingstone
From $500 – $590 ppThe polar opposite of the small safari camps we sell, The Royal Livingstone provides a contrasting accommodation option before or after your time in the bush! It’s also a very good standalone choice for travelers seeking sheer luxury. The Royal Livingstone…
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Tongabezi
From $810 – $1,060 ppTongabezi is the perfect luxury hideaway, yet it’s close enough to Victoria Falls for travelers to enjoy a wide range of activities at the world’s largest waterfall. The accommodation includes options for honeymooners and families. Privately owned and run,…
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Sindabezi
From $650 – $830 ppSister lodge to nearby Tongabezi , Sindabezi offers adventurous, funky-styled accommodation at a good price. It is more like a bushcamp than a hotel.
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Chundukwa River Lodge
From $690 – $690 ppWe reckon Chundukwa River Lodge is something pretty special! If you are looking for a peaceful base camp from which to explore the Falls, and especially if you like the idea of going on horseback safari, this little property is highly recommended for you. The…
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The River Farmhouse
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsBoth chic and homely, the farmhouse features splashes of color amid a neutral palette and some lovely wildlife pictures on the walls. Fabulous for a group of friends or a family, it sleeps a minimum of four and a maximum of eight persons, and its facilities…
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Wilderness Toka Leya
From $1,140 – $1,140 ppWilderness Toka Leya provides the perfect, classy oasis away from the bigger hotels, just upstream from Victoria Falls, in a prime, secluded spot on the banks of the River Zambezi. Being located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park also means you can enjoy game…
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Royal Chundu River Lodge
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsRoyal Chundu River Lodge is highly luxurious, quirky and independently owned. Along with its sister property Island Lodge – a smaller option located on an island in the Zambezi River – it offers a remote stay whilst still being able to easily access the…
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Sanctuary Sussi Chuma
From $1,170 – $1,170 ppNamed after David Livingstone's friends Sussi and Chuma, this Sanctuary lodge is located in a stunning position along the Zambezi. It is a boutique property with luxurious tree-house bedrooms and is the only lodge in the area able to offer guided walking…
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Islands Of Siankaba
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsThis lodge suits guests that are looking to get away from the crowds and want simply to relax before or after their safari. We would always suggest spending three nights here, so you can really get to enjoy what the lodge has to offer.
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Tangala House
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsTangala House is the private house of Ben Parker, who is one of the founders of Tongabezi. It sits on the banks of the Zambezi River and is an ideal luxurious family home, equipped with a swimming pool, four bedrooms and views towards the water. The house is…
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The David Livingstone Safari Lodge And Spa
From $310 – $310 ppThe David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa is a classic hotel-style lodge on the Zambezi River within easy reach of Victoria Falls. A well-priced, 4-star option, it offers a wide range of conveniences, including family-friendly accommodation, a dedicated spa,…
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Royal Chundu Island Lodge
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsAs its name indicates, Royal Chundu Island Lodge is owned and operated by Royal Chundu. It’s one of two properties in the company portfolio, the other being River Lodge . Royal Chundu invests considerably in the local community, and its projects to date…
