David Livingstone described it as "the most wonderful sight I had witnessed in Africa" when he became the first European to see Victoria Falls in 1855. He named it after Queen Victoria. The local Kololo people call it Mosi-oa-Tunya — "The Smoke That Thunders" — which is both more evocative and more accurate.

The Falls: The Basic Facts

Victoria Falls forms the border between Zimbabwe (Livingstone/Victoria Falls) and Zambia (Livingstone town). The Zambezi River plunges 108 metres into the Batoka Gorge through a basalt cliff that stretches 1,708 metres end to end. At peak flow (February-May), over 550 million litres of water per minute pour over the edge, creating a permanent mist plume visible 50km away.

Zimbabwe or Zambia — Which Side?

You can visit from either side, and many visitors do both (a day trip across the border is straightforward). The key differences:

  • Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls town): Better views of the Main Falls, the iconic Livingstone Island (accessible in low water season), Victoria Falls Bridge. More developed tourism infrastructure. Home to the celebrated Lookout Café with falls views.
  • Zambia (Livingstone): Access to the Devil's Pool (swimming at the edge of the falls in low-water season), better access for white-water rafting put-in, generally fewer tourists. Often slightly cheaper.

Activities at Victoria Falls

White-Water Rafting

The Batoka Gorge below the falls contains some of the most extreme commercially operated white water in the world — Grade 5 rapids (the highest commercially run grade). Full-day trips run the gorge from the base of the falls. High-water season (February-June) closes some rapids; low water (July-January) opens the full run.

Bungee Jumping

The Victoria Falls Bridge carries the bungee jump — 111 metres above the Zambezi River, from the exact border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The jump was the second commercial bungee jump ever operated, and it remains one of the most spectacular jump sites in the world.

Helicopter Flights

The "Flight of Angels" is a 15-minute helicopter circuit over the falls. It provides the perspective the ground viewing cannot — the full width of the falls, the gorge system carved by previous waterfall positions, and the spray cloud rising into the sky. Worth every cent for first-time visitors.

Sunset Cruise

The upper Zambezi (above the falls) is hippo and crocodile territory — and elephant country along the banks. Sunset boat cruises are a Masonda favourite: sundowners in hand, hippo pods surfacing 10 metres away, elephant wading in the shallows.

Devil's Pool (Zambia side)

In the dry season (September-December), a natural rock barrier at the lip of the main falls creates a pool where visitors can swim to the very edge. Not for the faint-hearted — a thin lip of rock is the only thing between you and a 108-metre drop. Guides are with you at all times.

Best Time to Visit

High water (February-June): The falls are at their most powerful — almost too powerful, as the spray can soak you to the skin within seconds and visibility of the falls themselves can be limited. The sound is extraordinary. June is often the best balance.

Low water (September-December): The falls are much reduced on the Zimbabwe side, but you gain access to Devil's Pool and can actually see the rock formations. The gorge is also fully open for rafting.

Masonda's Zimbabwe safari includes 3 nights at Victoria Falls with all major activities plus game drives in Hwange, Matopo Hills and the Great Zimbabwe ruins.