For generations, locals have called Victoria Falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), a name that fits: before you even glimpse the falls you often see towering mist and hear a deep, resonant roar. In peak season that roar carries for miles, a low vibration like a giant drum. Straddling the Zambia–Zimbabwe border, the Zambezi River widens dramatically and spills over in a colossal curtain of water. With flows sometimes measured at about 110 million gallons per minute, the falls throw a rainbow-sprayed mist high into the air, drenching the surrounding cliffs and visitors who stand close enough. It’s common to find yourself mesmerized — and unexpectedly soaked — while watching this immense natural spectacle.
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s premier attractions and is often combined with safaris in Botswana, Zambia or South Africa. The best time to experience its full power is from February through May, after the summer monsoon season, when the volume of water is at its greatest. While a brief visit will give you a powerful glimpse, travelers who linger can enjoy the region’s reputation as an adventure hub. Guided hikes follow paths to multiple viewpoints, and the falls can also be approached by canoe, luxury cruise boat, white-water raft or by swimming at Devil’s Pool. This natural pool sits at the very lip of the falls, only separated from the cascading water by a narrow rock barrier, offering a dramatic view straight over the abyss. For an aerial perspective that avoids the spray, opt for a helicopter flight that showcases the full scale of the gorge and the river below.
PHOTO: © LUCA ROGGERO | DREAMSTIME.COM
One memorable place to stay is the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. Although built in recent decades, the property evokes the grace of an earlier era, its architecture and atmosphere reflecting a refined colonial charm. Situated across manicured gardens just a short walk from the falls, the 5-star hotel offers direct walk-in/walk-out access to the riverfront and is the only hotel on the Zambia side with that convenience. Guest rooms occupy small, split-level buildings facing the Zambezi; it’s not unusual to see wildlife such as zebras grazing nearby. The Sundeck provides sweeping river views and is an ideal spot for a classic gin and tonic while watching activity along the water. For a dramatic arrival, the hotel can arrange a speedboat transfer down the river: as you approach, the roar of the falls intensifies, and staff traditionally welcome guests at the dock with songs and cocktails. Resident storytellers help bring the local culture to life with anecdotes and regional history.
I visited Victoria Falls with Abercrombie & Kent as part of a transformative 10-day itinerary through Botswana and Zambia. Led by experienced guides, the trip combined the falls with the Okavango Delta — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and wildlife-packed Chobe National Park. Accommodations such as the Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma lodge offer elevated, treehouse-style rooms and true safari immersion; on one morning I stepped outside at dawn to find elephants grazing just beyond my door. Abercrombie & Kent also includes Victoria Falls on itineraries that pair the site with South Africa’s highlights, including Kruger National Park and Cape Town, creating seamless multi-country journeys that bring together dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife encounters.
INFO TO GO
The closest airports to Victoria Falls are Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Airport in Zambia. From Kasane Airport in Botswana, it’s about an hour’s drive to the falls, requiring a border crossing. Many tour operators, including Abercrombie & Kent, provide private transfers from major African airports depending on the chosen itinerary.