Victoria Falls: The Ultimate Travel Guide—Your Top 30 Questions Answered

Victoria Falls sits on the Zambezi River, marking the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. The nearest towns are Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia). Both settlements offer excellent access to the falls.

The falls are traditionally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which means “The Smoke That Thunders” in the local Tonga language. This name entirely captures the towering mist and mighty roar of the waterfall.

Scottish explorer David Livingstone named the falls in 1855 after Queen Victoria of Britain. However, the site had been known as Mosi-oa-Tunya long before his arrival.

Victoria Falls holds the title for the largest sheet of falling water in the world, stretching 1,708 meters (1.06 miles) wide and plunging 108 meters (354 feet) deep. At peak flow, more than 500 million liters (132.1 million gallons) of water cascade over the edge every minute!

Yes! Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have captured images of Victoria Falls. The sheer volume of mist rising from the gorge makes it visible from space.

It depends on what you’d like to experience. February to May offers the most dramatic views, as the waterfall is at its fullest. August to November is drier, revealing rock formations and creating a unique experience at Devil’s Pool.

Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe) and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (Zambia) are the two main entry points. Both are well connected by regional flights, and many lodges offer airport transfers.

Most visitors need a visa, but the KAZA Uni-Visa allows entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia with a single permit, making cross-border travel easy.

Yes, Victoria Falls is a well-established tourist destination. However, it’s imperative to stay within designated viewing areas and be mindful of wildlife when exploring nearby parks.

Yes, the area is malaria-prone, so visitors are advised to take antimalarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.

Victoria Falls offers something for every traveler. Thrill-seekers can try bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or microlight flights. If a relaxed experience is more your thing, you can enjoy sunset cruises, nature walks, and safari drives in Zambezi National Park.

Yes, but only at Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the waterfall’s edge. Devil’s Pool is usually open between mid-August and mid-January, depending on the Zambezi River’s water levels.

During peak flow, the falls can reach 110 decibels—about as loud as a jet engine or rock concert! The sound can be heard from over 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.

Absolutely! The Zambezi National Park and surrounding areas are home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, giraffes, and over 400 bird species.

The air is fresh and misty, carrying an earthy, rain-like scent mixed with the warmth of the surrounding tropical vegetation.

Zimbabwe primarily uses the US Dollar, while Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having small cash denominations is useful for tipping and local markets.

– A waterproof jacket or poncho (the mist can drench you).
– Comfortable walking shoes for exploring trails.
– Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses (the sun can be intense).
– Insect repellent (especially in the evening).
– A waterproof bag for electronics and valuables.

Yes, 10-15% tipping is common in restaurants, and guides or hotel staff appreciate gratuities for good service.

English is widely spoken, along with local languages like Tonga, Lozi, and Ndebele.

The region is rich in Tonga and Lozi traditions, with traditional music, dance, and storytelling playing a central role in local life.

Millions of years of erosion and volcanic activity shaped the zigzagging gorges of the Zambezi River, with the waterfall gradually shifting backward over time.

You’ll find elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, big cats, and abundant birdlife.

It’s the mist and roaring sound created by the Victoria Falls due to the immense volume of water crashing into the gorge below. 

Some sections, particularly on the Zambian side, may dry up during the late dry season (October to November), but the main falls always have flowing water.

A microlight flight offers an incredible, unobstructed aerial view, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the falls.

For a luxury safari experience, Tsowa Safari Island offers an exclusive riverside retreat just a short distance from the falls.

Yes! The Victoria Falls International Festival of the Arts (VFIFA) is a five-day music and arts festival in the beautiful town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The festival features music, dance, theatre, poetry, sip and paint, art exhibitions and much more.

Yes! With a KAZA Uni-Visa, you can cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and experience both Zimbabwean and Zambian viewpoints.

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River offers stunning views, great wildlife sightings, and a relaxing way to take in the scenery.

Yes, without a doubt! Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, thrilling activities, or unique wildlife, Victoria Falls is an unforgettable destination.