At a mile and a half, Victoria Falls is the widest waterfall in all of Africa. Victoria Falls National Park is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is a highlight of your trip for both countries. Where the river Zambezi makes its one hundred meter drop, there is plenty to do and experience. Explore Africa collects all useful information from swimming on the edge to an overnight stay with a view.

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

The huge waterfall marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Zimbabwean side of the waterfall is the side where the water comes down. On the other side of Victoria Falls, a path runs the entire across width of the falls. The nearest town is aptly named Victoria Falls. The Zambian side of the tourist attraction is the side of the waterfall itself. It is possible to go rafting and canoeing on the Zambezi. You can also see the water falling along the edge. The nearest town on this side is Livingstone. Overall, the view is better from the Zimbabwean side, but they don’t have the Devil’s Pool.

Devil’s Pool: For the adrenaline junkies

It sounds absurd, but it really is possible: swimming on the edge of Victoria Falls in the Devil’s Pool. This pool on the edge of the hundred-foot waterfall is not for the faint of heart. The Pool is literally on the edge. Devil’s Pool is therefore also called the most dangerous pool in the world. No one has ever tumbled over the edge, but the current is very strong. Visiting the pool is also only possible when the water level is low in the months of September to December.

Devil’s Pool is only accessible by booking an excursion. Please note that the pool is on the Zambian side of the falls. Being in Zimbabwe means you need to apply for a visa to cross the border. The pool itself can be reached from Livingston Island, an island in the middle of the Zambezi about one hundred and fifty meters from the waterfall. From here you walk with the guide through the river to the pool. Water shoes are highly recommended, because there are many stones on the river bed. An excursion costs about a hundred euros, depending on the time. Around lunchtime it is more expensive, because it includes food.

Bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge

Is swimming on the edge of Africa’s largest waterfall not exciting enough for you? Don’t worry: luckily it is also possible to bungee jump into the gorge. With the elastic cord tied to your legs, you jump a full 111 meters from Victoria Falls Bridge down towards the Zambezi. With a view of the falling water of the river, you dive down just as hard and then go up together with the mist rising from the waterfalls. Bungee jumping is only possible at the Shearwater company and costs about one hundred and fifty euros.

Instead of going straight down, there is also a gorge swing through the Victoria Falls canyon. Still quite a free fall of about seventy meters, but instead of going up, you swing further outwards alongside the waterfall. A swing can be arranged at Wild Horizons. Not a fan of free falls, but still want to hurl past the waterfall? Then there is the somewhat more relaxed yet breathtaking zip line. With this 425 meter long line, you whizz between the gorge and over the waterfall with a top speed of around 100 kilometers per hour. This trip can also be booked at Wild Horizons.

Hotels at Victoria Falls

After such an exciting day, it is wonderful to relax in a comfortable bed. There are two towns surrounding Victoria Falls: on the Zimbabwean side it is Victoria Falls, on the Zambian side Livingstone.

Staying in Livingstone

The colonial-built Royal Livingstone hotel is a wonderful base on this side of the falls. Rooms vary from small to extremely luxurious. The hotel is located on the Zambezi with a veranda on the bank from which you can even see the waterfall mist. In terms of lodges, the Stanley Safari Lodges stands out. This accommodation is located just outside the town on a pristine hill. This gives you a beautiful view of the entire area and again the rising mist of Victoria Falls.

Staying in Victoria Falls

The Lokuthula Lodge with its beautiful overlook balcony is definitely a must. The thatched lodge is nestled among verdant gardens and trees just outside Victoria Falls, near the award-winning Boma restaurant. A slightly more back-to-basic lodge is The Elephant Camp, located about a fifteen minutes’ drive from the large waterfall. Luxurious tents are set up at height among the trees for overnight stays with a unique view of the gorge of the Victoria Falls.