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Victoria Falls is a waterfall in Africa, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is classified as the largest waterfall in the world (though it is neither the tallest nor the widest, combined it has the largest area of falling water in the world). The waterfall lies on the Zambezi river and there are a number of hotels within close walking distance.

Getting to Victoria Falls is easy from either the Zimbabwe side or the Zambia side. From Zambia you enter from the town of Livingstone and from the Zimbabwe side you cross from Victoria Falls town. You can get a direct flight to Victoria Falls airport from many locations. We flew from the UK to Johannesburg and then on to the Victoria Falls airport. From the airport it’s then a short 20 minute transfer to the Falls hotels, meaning we entered from the Zimbabwean side.

I’m not sure either side is any better than the other; Zimbabwe gives some better viewing points, but Zambia puts you right there up close and personal to really feel the falls. You can visit from both sides in a day, just make sure you get a multi country visa and then cross the bridge connecting the two countries, heading through passport control in the middle.

We chose to stay at the aptly named Victoria Falls Hotel. It was a hotel with the ‘wow’ factor as from all windows and the gardens you could see the mist of the Falls in the distance. The gardens of the hotel were nicely done, and we could often see the wildlife right up close – from baboons trying to steal the cake at lunch to warthogs in the gardens!

Exploring the Victoria Falls area is amazing. Photos can never do it justice as it’s not just about what you see – it’s the noise, the water on your face and the feeling of being so close to something so powerful.

We chose to do it by foot, boat and helicopter. If you’re more adventurous you could also choose to bungee jump, zip line and swim!!!! If you’re looking to swim in the Falls then I recommend visiting in the dry season (November) so the Devil’s Pool at the top is accessible (from the Zambia side only). I would never have dared do this, so instead here are my slightly less adventurous top 3 experiences at Victoria Falls:

1. Walking along the bank of the Falls

We walked along the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, following the Zambezi River walk. At various points there are lovely views across to the Falls and the bridge.

To walk across the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, you have to access from the main road. This was a surreal experience as all along the road were classic British cars with British number plates for sale – I assume a relic from colonial times.

Once at the bridge, you can walk to the point where Zambia and Zimbabwe meet and have a foot in each country! To cross, you need to go through passport control and walk (or take a tram) the full length of the bridge. Beware if you walk, there are a lot of people trying to sell you things!

2. Boat trip on the Zambezi River

The Victoria Falls span almost a mile along the Zambezi River. Across the river you can see the most beautiful sunsets, and there’s nowhere better to view them from than a boat with a glass of wine in hand!

3. Helicopter ride over the Falls

A flight over the Falls really lets you take in the epic and vast nature of this natural wonder. We booked a helicopter with Shearwater, and the views were special. The flight lasted around 45 minutes and was a once in a lifetime experience. The photos really can’t do the experience justice.

However you choose to visit Victoria Falls, it really is a special place and a bucket list item. I hope you found this post helpful if you are planning a trip; thank you for reading!