Fasten your seat belts — this is a long, photo-filled account, but well worth it. Visiting Victoria Falls was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had since arriving in Africa.
After a night in Gauteng, my fiancé and I flew to Victoria Falls. The falls are immense: roughly 355 feet high and far wider than many famous cascades, forming the largest sheet of falling water on the Zambezi River, which marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. David Livingstone, the first European credited with viewing the falls, named them for Queen Victoria, though the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya — “the smoke that thunders” — captures their power perfectly. The roar and spray really do feel like thunder.
Here’s a recap of our adventure.
Our flight from Gauteng was delayed slightly (a heads-up for future travelers: our flights on Air Zimbabwe both in and out were delayed). We landed in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in the late afternoon and purchased visas at the airport. Zimbabwe uses the dollar as its de facto currency, and visas must be paid in cash; an on-site ATM helped, though it dispensed large bills that were hard to break. We bought double-entry visas for $45 each because we planned to cross into Zambia. Bring cash and try to get smaller bills at a bank in town if you can.
The Victoria Falls airport is tiny; we stepped off the plane right onto the tarmac. Only two international gates handle arrivals, which gives the place a relaxed, small-scale feel.
We booked the trip through KDR Travel and Tours, who organized airport transfers and activities. We stayed at the Rainbow Hotel on the Zimbabwe side — a lovely mid-range option close to the falls. The room was comfortable and perfect for our short stay.
That afternoon we relaxed at the pool bar. Although Southern Africa is known for its wine, there are excellent local beers too — my fiancé fell for Zambezi Lager and even bought a T-shirt. The weather during our visit was sunny and warm, perfect for exploring.
That evening we had signed up for a dinner cruise on the Zambezi. A delayed shuttle nearly made us miss it; the boat had already left the dock when we arrived, but the crew turned back and picked us up — an embarrassing but memorable moment. Once aboard with a glass of wine, we relaxed and enjoyed the cruise.
The cruise delivered wildlife sightings right away: hippos surfaced nearby, and later we glimpsed elephants along the banks. The sunset was spectacular, and the warm evening made the trip especially pleasant.
We returned to the dock after dark and caught a shuttle back to the hotel. My fiancé was happy to find several sports channels on TV, and we turned in early for the big day ahead.
The next morning we crossed into Zambia. After breakfast we arranged a taxi to the border. On the Zimbabwe side our passports were stamped for exit, and we walked across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which offers an incredible view of the falls. From the bridge you could see kayakers tackling the rapids below and even bungee jumpers launching into the gorge — thrills I admired from the safety of the shore.
Crossing into Zambia, we passed Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and reached the Zambian border post, where temperature checks and single-entry visas were required (bring cash; visas were $20 each at the time). Baboons roamed the area — charming to look at, but you do need to guard your belongings since they can be bold around food and bags.
From the border we took a cab to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, a renowned property on the Zambian side. Zebras grazed on the lawn, and the setting felt both wild and elegant.
We met other travelers at the dock and took a short boat ride to Livingstone Island, the viewpoint where David Livingstone first saw the falls. From there we prepared for one of the most intense highlights of the trip: swimming in Devil’s Pool.
The guides split our group and led us across shallow but fast-moving water to the rock-edge pool formed only when river levels are right. I was nervous about fighting the current on the swim to the pool, but the guides were experienced and instructed us on technique and safety. Many sections were shallow enough to walk, and the route was carefully managed.
Standing in Devil’s Pool, at water’s edge with a sheer drop and the falls roaring beside us, was exhilarating and humbling. The view is unlike anything else — the mist, the rainbows, and that raw sense of nature’s power make the moment unforgettable.
After the swim we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast on the island and shared the experience with others in our group. On the boat ride back we spotted elephants along the riverbank — seeing these majestic animals up close remains one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We stopped for drinks on the Royal Livingstone terrace to relax and watch wildlife. The hotel grounds were lively with small monkeys that popped in to say hello, often fast and skittish but cute nonetheless.
We returned to the Zambia border for our exit stamp, then re-entered Zimbabwe. Entry back into Zimbabwe included a vaccination check (bring your yellow fever certificate and consider malaria prophylaxis before traveling).
From the border we walked toward Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. The park offers a series of viewpoints that provide powerful, sweeping perspectives of the falls. We spent hours taking photos and soaking in the scenery.
Back near the park entrance stands a statue of David Livingstone — a fitting reminder of the history and awe tied to this place.
That evening we followed a taxi driver’s recommendation and dined at Boma, a popular cultural restaurant. The experience was lively and theatrical: guests are wrapped in traditional cloth, face-painted, and introduced to local songs and drum performances. The meal included traditional dishes and an opportunity to try sorghum beer; the buffet offered a wide variety of flavors, including local staples and game meat.
On our departure day we experienced another flight delay but still made our connecting flight thanks to a well-planned buffer. Overall, this trip ranks among my favorites. Victoria Falls is an extraordinary natural wonder and offers an easy way to experience both Zimbabwe and Zambia, with wildlife viewing and adventure activities available throughout the region.
If you have the chance to go, it’s a trip worth taking. Thank you for reading — this might be my longest post yet!