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Planning a trip to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog!
Deciding what to do in this breathtaking destination can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene experiences, Victoria Falls offers something for everyone. After doing everything here, from white-water rafting down the mighty Zambezi River to soaring above the falls in a helicopter, we’ve put together this guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
Whether you’re looking to come face-to-face with incredible wildlife or enjoy a dinner cruise, we’re here to help you create lasting memories in one of the world’s natural wonders. S,o without further ado, let’s dive into the 10 best things to do in Victoria Falls!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this helicopter flight over Victoria Falls! Seeing the falls from above is an unparalleled experience, and this tour is surprisingly affordable – it’s a win-win!
Check out the 1,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Victoria Falls
- 1. White water raft down the Zambezi River
- 2. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River
- 3. See the falls from above on a helicopter flight
- 4. Visit both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls
- 5. Take a day trip to Chobe National Park
- 6. Relax on a Zambezi River sunset cruise
- 7. Zipline over the Zambezi gorge
- 8. Enjoy a show by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company
- 9. Visit the Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island
- 10. See Victoria Falls’ best sights on a private tour
- Where to Stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Victoria Falls
1. White water raft down the Zambezi River
- Duration: 3 – 6 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Paddling over Class IV and V rapids, taking in the beauty of the dramatic river gorge, options for beginners to advanced rafters
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, all rafting gear, local guide, light refreshments, lunch, open bar afterward, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Rafting down the Zambezi River is hands down one of the most thrilling adventures that we have ever had. We loved every second of this rafting tour, and we’re clearly not the only ones, judging by all of the glowing reviews – which you can read here!
There are two rafting options to choose from with this tour: the 6-hour high water stretch covering 18 km (11 miles) for intermediate and advanced rafters or the 3-hour stretch for beginners. We went for the advanced option as we’ve done a lot of rafting before, but either way, you’re in for jaw-dropping views of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding wilderness.
The guides are fantastic – knowledgeable, funny, and safety-focused. Our guide, Steve, expertly navigated through the rapids, and the safety team was always nearby in their kayaks, ready to assist.
The twists and turns of the river, combined with the towering walls of the gorge and the thunderous roar of the rapids, created a surreal atmosphere. There was just something so magical about paddling through one of Africa’s most iconic and powerful rivers, surrounded by dramatic scenery.
After the final rapid, the real challenge began: the steep hike out of the gorge. It was tough but rewarding, especially knowing there was an open bar and a delicious barbecue lunch waiting for us at the top.
This tour is a must-do for any thrill-seeker! But it’s likely to sell out, so don’t hesitate to book.
Grab your spot on this tour here with FREE cancellation!
2. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Close-up views of Victoria Falls, dining on Zambezi-style cuisine, enjoying sunset on the water, unlimited drinks, spotting wildlife while cruising through Zambezi National Park
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride, 4-course dinner, open bar, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 475+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
This dinner cruise on the Zambezi River was nothing short of magical. It was an incredible blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality.
The scenery was breathtaking right from the very start. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the golden light reflected on the water, and the mist from Victoria Falls added an ethereal touch. The river was super tranquil, but there were several doses of excitement as we spotted hippos surfacing, crocodiles lounging on the banks, and elephants grazing nearby. Words can’t describe how amazing it was!
And as if that weren’t enough, the service on board was absolutely impeccable. The staff were attentive and friendly and made sure that we always had a drink in hand. The meal itself was a 4-course gourmet feast prepared by an executive chef, and it definitely rivaled fine dining on land! We loved being able to taste authentic Zambezi dishes, and the wine and cocktail pairings made it even better.
The ambiance on board was incredible too. The entire evening was filled with laughter and great conversation, and the staff took fantastic care of us. We didn’t want the experience to end, but we feel so grateful that we were able to enjoy this dinner cruise. We will definitely do it again!
Read the 400+ 5-star reviews and book this Zambezi dinner cruise here!
3. See the falls from above on a helicopter flight
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: 8 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Aerial views of Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River, seeing wildlife in Zambezi National Park, bubble windows to ensure you can see everything
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned helicopter ride, professional pilot
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
This helicopter flight over Victoria Falls is hands down the BEST thing to do while visiting this incredible destination. I mean, if you think the falls are spectacular from the ground, just wait until you see them from up in the sky. It left us speechless, and we’re clearly not the only ones – you can read over a thousand 5-star reviews here!
The best part of this tour is that it’s a quick experience that’s easy to fit into any itinerary, but it allows you to see everything: Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi River. So, if you do only one thing in Victoria Falls, we suggest that you make it this helicopter tour.
The helicopter’s bubble windows made it easy to take in every angle of this natural wonder. Watching the water crash into the gorge and create rainbows was nothing short of magical. The pilot ensured that we orbited multiple times so that we got to see as much as possible. Then, beyond the falls, we soared over the Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River and even spotted wildlife roaming through Zambezi National Park – how cool is that?
A helicopter ride is always an exciting experience, but when you combine it with bird’s eye views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it becomes an experience you’ll never forget. This is one of the best helicopter rides we have ever enjoyed, and we consider it an unmissable activity when visiting Victoria Falls!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
4. Visit both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls
- Duration: 6 – 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls, visiting the top viewpoints on each side, souvenir shopping at a local market
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, raincoats, local guides, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Exploring Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides on this full-day tour is the ultimate way to fully experience this iconic wonder. We were super impressed by just how comprehensive the tour was since we got to enjoy views from every angle and didn’t miss a thing. It was also seamlessly organized from start to finish, so it made exploring the falls super easy.
The day began with a prompt hotel pickup, and after a short drive, we were greeted by our friendly, knowledgeable guide. We walked along the Zimbabwean side of the falls first and marveled at the breathtaking viewpoints. The spray coming off of the water was nice and refreshing, too!
Crossing the border into Zambia was hassle-free thanks to our guide, who handled everything for us. On this side, we got even closer to the falls and got to cross the iconic Knife Edge Bridge, which you might say is the ultimate vantage point! Our guide also shared a lot of details about the history, geology, and cultural significance of the falls, so it was an educational experience as well as an awe-inspiring one.
We then visited a local market for souvenirs, which added a nice cultural touch to the day. And although it was warm, the guides made sure that we stayed hydrated and comfortable throughout.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Victoria Falls and its surroundings. It’s thorough and well-organized, and we really can’t fault it!
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
5. Take a day trip to Chobe National Park
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Traveling through the rugged countryside, visiting Chobe National Park, spotting the Big Five, boat cruise on the Chobe River, lunch in the park
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, game drive in Chobe National Park, boat cruise, professional guides, lunch, mineral water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
When in Victoria Falls, this day trip to Chobe National Park is an absolute must. The park is just over an hour’s drive from the Zimbabwean side of the falls, and it offers an unparalleled opportunity to see Africa’s majestic wildlife up close – especially the elephants, which the park is renowned for!
The day began a short journey to the Botswana border. Crossing into Chobe was super straightforward, thanks to our guides, and once we were in the park, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking.
Our experience began with a land safari, where we saw a herd of elephants up close. Their sheer size and grace left us in awe! Lots of giraffes, antelopes, buffalo, and even a pride of lions made appearances, too, which was so exciting. Meanwhile, our guide’s knowledge of their behavior and the surrounding habitat added even more depth to the experience.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we then embarked on a wildlife cruise along the Chobe River. This gave us a completely different perspective on the park, and floating past hippos and crocodiles was surreal. Best of all, we saw elephants swimming across the river just meters away from our boat – how incredible is that?
Chobe National Park is an amazing place, and this tour offers the perfect blend of land and water safaris, allowing us to see the park’s wildlife in every possible setting. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Secure your spot now and get FREE cancellation before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Relax on a Zambezi River sunset cruise
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Watching the sunset on the Zambezi River, spotting wildlife along the water’s edge, seeing birds fly over at sunset, sipping cocktails and enjoying hors d’oeuvres on board
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, 2-hour boat cruise, cocktails, snacks, friendly crew
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Couples visiting Victoria Falls should not miss this romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. From the moment we boarded the luxurious boat, we were greeted with warm smiles from the friendly crew and some very refreshing cocktails.
The atmosphere on the upper deck was magical. It was super spacious, so we never felt crowded, and it was well-kitted out with chic, comfortable furniture. We truly were traveling in style!
The golden glow from the setting sun reflected on the river as we sailed along. Better yet, we spotted elephants drinking from the river and a few crocodiles lounging on the banks. Meanwhile, flocks of birds swooped overhead, adding even more beauty to the serene surroundings.
The attentive staff ensured that we were well-plied with cocktails and treated us to a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres. It felt so intimate and special, especially as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple. We felt so pampered!
If you’re in Victoria Falls celebrating your honeymoon, an anniversary, or another special occasion, this sunset cruise is the perfect way to celebrate. But equally, it’s really a must-do for anyone who appreciates wildlife and beautiful scenery or even just great drinks!
Check availability and book this sunset river cruise here!
7. Zipline over the Zambezi gorge
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Aerial views of Victoria Falls, flying down nine zipline cables, seeing the Victoria Falls bridge and the Zambezi rapids, feeling the spray of the falls, rope bridge and nature trail adventure
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park fee, zipline access, all safety gear, professional guides
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This Victoria Falls canopy tour is an unforgettable way to experience the majestic falls from a whole new perspective. It features nine ziplines, each of which offers breathtaking views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River rapids. We could even feel the misty spray coming off of the waterfalls as we zoomed along!
We loved the adrenaline rush of the zipline itself, but the sheer natural beauty that surrounded us made it ten times better. We also appreciated the fact that the tour was fast-paced, with very little waiting around.
I think the highlight of the experience was ziplining over the Zambezi Gorge with the Victoria Falls Bridge in front of us. Seeing the huge drop and swirling rapids below definitely had my stomach doing backflips and my heart beating that much faster!
In addition to the ziplines, we got to venture across rope bridges and along scenic nature trails, so we saw a lot of amazing scenery. The guides were friendly and encouraging throughout and shared lots of interesting information about the local ecosystem.
For adventure seekers visiting Victoria Falls, this zipline tour is an absolute must-do. It’s such an exciting way to see the falls from a different perspective, and it’s easily one of the best zipline courses that we’ve ever done and likely will ever do!
Check out all the positive reviews and book this tour here!
8. Enjoy a show by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 8 pm
- Highlights: Mesmerizing puppetry and cultural dances, intimate open-air theatre, stunning music and visuals, feel-good message of love and community
- Inclusions: Show ticket
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The Spirit of Africa show by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company is an absolutely mesmerizing experience, and we’re so glad we had the chance to witness it during our time in Victoria Falls. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in African culture, and we’re not the only ones who think so – read the glowing reviews here!
The show is a beautiful blend of puppetry, music, and dance that brings the story of Bomabi and his elephant friend, Ndlovu, to life. At the start of the show, Bomabi is cast out from the Kimba tribe and then embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
The puppetry in the show is exceptional, and we couldn’t believe how lifelike the elephant and crocodile puppets were. Meanwhile, the music and dance performances were very powerful, and local talent shone through in every single aspect of the production.
We were also deeply moved by the themes of love and belonging woven into the story. It was clear to see how dedicated the actors were – they really put their heart and soul into the performance. After the show, we even had an opportunity to take photos with the cast, which added a personal touch to this already amazing experience.
We would highly recommend this performance to anyone visiting Victoria Falls. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the soul of Zimbabwe in a beautiful and intimate way. We would definitely go again if we had the chance!
You can check availability and book your tickets for the show here!
9. Visit the Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting Livingstone Island, swimming in the Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls, spotting wildlife on the drive to and from the island, cooked bush breakfast or high tea (depending on timings)
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride to Livingstone Island, experienced guides, guided swimming in Devil’s Pool, tour of Livingstone Island, meal
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
This Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island tour was unforgettable! I mean, it’s not every day that you get to swim in a natural pool perched on the very edge of Victoria Falls, is it?
We went for the earliest time slot, which meant a peaceful morning boat ride out to Livingstone Island. We had lovely views of the Zambezi River on the way, then when we arrived on the island we were given a fascinating tour of the area. Plus, our guides cooked us a yummy bush breakfast, so we were well set up for the adventure ahead. However, if you do this tour at a later time of day, you’ll get lunch or afternoon tea instead.
We loved learning about the history and importance of Livingstone Island, but the real highlight was the Devil’s Pool! Our friendly guides helped us walk out to the pool, and once we immersed ourselves, we were suddenly swimming right on the edge of Victoria Falls with nothing but a natural ledge to keep us safe. It was exhilarating, and the view from the pool was beyond comparison.
Honestly, you can’t miss the chance to swim in the Devil’s Pool while you’re in Victoria Falls. It’s the ultimate viewpoint, not to mention the most incredible photo opportunity you’ll probably ever have. It’s a no-brainer in our book!
You can book your spot on this epic tour here with FREE cancellation!
10. See Victoria Falls’ best sights on a private tour
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Guided tour of Victoria Falls, visiting the Victoria Falls Bridge, seeing the Big Tree, exploring a local craft market, sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, cultural dinner show with traditional Matebele dancers
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transport, private guide, boat cruise, dinner, cultural show, snacks
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
This full-day Victoria Falls tour is the perfect option for anyone looking to make the most out of their visit to this incredible destination, especially if you’re short on time. It’s a private tour that offers a jam-packed itinerary and showcases the best of Victoria Falls in just one day.
We kicked things off with a guided tour of the falls themselves, where we got to marvel at their sheer power and beauty. Then, we enjoyed epic views from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which links Zimbabwe and Zambia. It offers the ultimate vantage point over the water!
I also loved visiting the Big Tree. It’s gigantic and a whopping 2,000 years old! After snapping photos with the ancient tree, we continued onto the African crafts market, where we found beautiful souvenirs and had fun practicing our haggling skills with the local vendors. Then, we wound down with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, complete with refreshing drinks and exciting wildlife sightings.
As if all of that weren’t enough, the tour wrapped up with an incredible dinner and dance show. We loved trying local dishes and dancing along to traditional drumming performances. We even got to try our hand at a bit of drumming ourselves, which was so much fun! This tour put huge smiles on our faces and offered the perfect snapshot of Victoria Falls in just one day.
Secure your spot on this tour here and pay nothing until 2 days beforehand!
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Victoria Falls, you need somewhere perfect to stay! There are a lot of good options that are centrally located to the falls, national park, and near the city. I’ve found three excellent hotels for luxury, mid-range, or budget travelers to make your planning easier.
Luxury – $$
Shongwe Lookout is one of the most popular hotels for the luxury traveler! Located just 2 miles from the national park, this is the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. The rooms are large and upscale, with large beds, soaking tubs, and well designed. The pool is also a huge selling point, and you can enjoy the onsite restaurant and bar.
Prices start at $275 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For those looking for a moderately priced hotel, The Victoria Falls Deluxe Suites is my top pick! This hotel is located 3 miles (4.8 km) from Victoria Falls and offers 5-star accommodation without breaking the bank. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, offering double, queen, or king beds – all with a balcony!
Rooms start at $120 USD per night. Check availability and book this hotel on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls is a very popular hostel, just 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from Victoria Falls. There is a range of rooms depending on your budget, but everyone has access to the pool and restaurant. You can rent a canvas tent for $50 USD per night or a dorm room starting at $18 USD per night, including a shared bathroom. Private rooms are available for $60 – $75 USD.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Victoria Falls here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Victoria Falls is truly unlike any place I’ve ever visited! The falls themselves were remarkable, but I was happy to find that there were even more epic things to do – as you can see from this list! No matter what you end up adding to your itinerary, I know you’ll have a memorable time here.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel blogs! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few suggested posts that will help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
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