Planning a trip to Victoria Falls and wondering what to do in Victoria Falls? From standing in the spray of the mighty Victoria Falls to taking a helicopter flight over the Zambezi River, going on safari, enjoying a sunset cruise, and experiencing traditional Zimbabwean culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to do in Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is much more than a waterfall. The destination offers adventure, wildlife, nature, culture and relaxation, making it an excellent destination for couples, families, solo travellers and adventure seekers.
The Victoria Falls themselves stretch for approximately 1,708 metres and drop about 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge. The waterfall and surrounding area are also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. Visit Victoria Falls
Of course, one of the first activities to do in Victoria Falls is visiting the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” the Falls are one of Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions.
The Zimbabwean side provides access to a series of viewpoints where you can experience the enormous scale of the waterfall, hear the thunderous sound of the water and feel the spray rising from the gorge.
Victoria Falls National Park protects the rainforest and viewpoints around the waterfall. The park covers approximately 23.4 square kilometres.
How long should you spend at Victoria Falls?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to properly explore the viewpoints without rushing.
During the high-water season, the spray can be extremely heavy, while during the lower-water season, some areas offer clearer views of the Falls and gorge.
2. Take a Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls
One of the most spectacular ways to see Victoria Falls is from above.
A helicopter flight gives you a completely different perspective of the waterfall, Zambezi River and surrounding landscape.
From the air, you can appreciate the enormous scale of the Falls and see how the Zambezi River cuts through the landscape before entering the Batoka Gorge.
A helicopter flight is particularly popular with visitors celebrating a special occasion or travellers who want to photograph Victoria Falls from above.
If you only have limited time in Victoria Falls, this can be one of the most memorable activities to add to your itinerary.
3. Enjoy a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the more relaxed things to do in Victoria Falls.
Instead of spending the entire day on adventure activities, take a few hours to enjoy the river and watch the sun go down over the African landscape.
Depending on conditions, you may see:
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Elephants
- Antelope
- Birds
- Other wildlife along the river
The sunset is usually the highlight, particularly when the sky changes colour over the Zambezi.
A sunset cruise is a good option for couples, families and travellers who prefer a slower-paced experience.
4. Go on a Victoria Falls Game Drive
You do not have to travel deep into Zimbabwe to experience African wildlife.
The area around Victoria Falls offers opportunities for game drives where you can search for animals in their natural environment.
Depending on the location and season, wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of antelope and bird species.
For visitors who want a more extensive safari experience, consider adding Hwange National Park or Chobe National Park to your Victoria Falls itinerary.
5. Take a Chobe National Park Day Trip
If you are looking for a safari experience during your Victoria Falls holiday, a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls is one of the most popular options.
Chobe National Park is located in Botswana, relatively close to Victoria Falls, making it possible to visit Botswana and return to Victoria Falls on the same day.
A typical Chobe day trip combines:
- A morning game drive
- A buffet lunch
- An afternoon boat cruise
- Transfers between Victoria Falls and Botswana
Chobe is particularly famous for its large elephant population and offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife from both land and water.
This is also an excellent option for travellers who want to experience three countries — Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia — during the same holiday.
6. Experience Devil’s Pool
Devil’s Pool is one of the most famous adventure experiences associated with Victoria Falls.
The natural rock pool is located on the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, near Livingstone Island.
During suitable water conditions, visitors can swim in the pool close to the edge of the Falls.
However, Devil’s Pool is seasonal. It is not open for swimming throughout the year, and access depends on river conditions and safety assessments.
If Devil’s Pool is on your bucket list, check current operating conditions before planning your trip. Official tourism information also warns that entering the pool is prohibited during high-water conditions.
7. Go White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
For adventure lovers, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River is one of the most exciting things to do in Victoria Falls.
The rafting route takes you through the dramatic Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls, where you encounter a series of rapids.
This is a physically demanding activity and is not suitable for everyone.
Rafting is generally seasonal, with operating conditions depending on the water level and river conditions.
If you are looking for adrenaline rather than relaxation, this should be high on your list.
8. Try Victoria Falls Bungee Jumping
Want an extreme adventure?
Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the destination’s most famous adrenaline activities.
The jump takes place above the Zambezi River and offers dramatic views of the surrounding gorge.
The Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia and is itself an attraction worth seeing.
If you are not brave enough to jump, simply standing on or viewing the bridge can still provide spectacular photographs.
9. Experience the Batoka Gorge
The Batoka Gorge is one of the dramatic natural landscapes around Victoria Falls.
The gorge was carved by the Zambezi River below the Falls and provides the setting for several adventure activities.
Depending on the activity and season, visitors can experience the gorge through:
- White-water rafting
- Gorge swings
- Ziplining and canopy activities
- Scenic viewpoints
- Hiking and adventure excursions
The gorge is particularly impressive when viewed from above.
10. Enjoy the Boma Dinner and Drum Show
After a busy day exploring Victoria Falls, enjoy an evening of traditional food, music and entertainment.
The Boma Dinner and Drum Show is designed around Zimbabwean culture and cuisine and includes traditional performances and interactive drumming.
It is a good choice for travellers who want to experience more than wildlife and adventure.
The local tourism industry lists the Boma Dinner and Drum Show among the major experiences available in Victoria Falls.
11. Visit a Local Village
A village tour provides an opportunity to learn more about everyday life and local traditions around Victoria Falls.
Depending on the experience you choose, you may learn about:
Victoria Falls is surrounded by wildlife areas, and elephant experiences are available through various tourism operators.
These experiences can allow visitors to learn about elephants, their behaviour and conservation.
When choosing an elephant experience, it is worth researching the operator carefully and choosing an experience that places animal welfare and responsible tourism first.
12. Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge
The historic Victoria Falls Bridge spans the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Even if you are not interested in bungee jumping, the bridge is worth visiting for its views of the gorge and surrounding landscape.
It is also an important part of the history and transport connection between the two countries.
13. Explore Local Arts and Crafts
Victoria Falls has several places where visitors can browse locally produced arts and crafts.
You can find items such as:
- Wood carvings
- Stone sculptures
- Paintings
- Jewellery
- Textiles
- Handmade souvenirs
Buying locally produced crafts can be a good way to take home a meaningful souvenir while supporting local artists and businesses.
14. Try Traditional Zimbabwean Food
Food is an important part of experiencing Zimbabwe.
During your stay, consider trying traditional dishes such as:
- Sadza
- Nyama
- Bream
- Mopane worms
- Local vegetables
- Traditional snacks
Victoria Falls also has restaurants offering international cuisine, so visitors can choose between traditional Zimbabwean dishes and familiar international options.
15. Go Fishing on the Zambezi River
The Zambezi is known for fishing, particularly for tigerfish and this is one of the best activities to do in victoria falls.
Fishing trips can be arranged for visitors interested in spending time on the river away from the main tourist activities.
Fishing conditions vary depending on the season and river conditions, so it is best to arrange the trip with an experienced local operator.
16. Take a Day Trip to Livingstone, Zambia
Because Victoria Falls lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is possible to combine your visit with a trip to Livingstone.
Depending on your nationality, visa requirements and travel arrangements, you may be able to cross the border and explore the Zambian side of the Falls.
The Zambian side offers a different perspective of Victoria Falls and provides access to experiences such as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool when conditions permit.
Important: Check current visa and border requirements before travelling between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
17. Combine Victoria Falls With Hwange National Park
If you have several days available, combining Victoria Falls with Hwange National Park is an excellent way to experience both one of Africa’s great natural attractions and a major Zimbabwean wildlife destination.
A typical itinerary could include:
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls
Day 2: Victoria Falls guided tour and sunset cruise
Day 3: Adventure activity or helicopter flight
Day 4: Travel to Hwange National Park
Day 5: Full-day safari
Day 6: mornng game drive and return to Victoria Falls or continue your journey
This combination is particularly suitable for travellers who want both waterfalls and safari. You can also a similar package here (7 days Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari package)
Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls for Different Travellers
Not sure which activities are right for you?
For adventure lovers
Choose:
- White-water rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Gorge activities
- Canopy tours
- Helicopter flights
For couples
Consider:
- Sunset cruise
- Helicopter flight
- Victoria Falls tour
- Boma Dinner
- Private safari
- Zambezi River experience
For families
Good options include:
- Victoria Falls guided tour
- River cruise
- Game drive
- Cultural experiences
- Arts and crafts
Always check age and safety requirements before booking adventure activities.
For wildlife lovers
Consider:
- Chobe National Park
- Hwange National Park
- Zambezi National Park
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Zambezi River cruises
For first-time visitors
If this is your first trip, I recommend prioritising:
- Victoria Falls guided tour
- Zambezi sunset cruise
- Game drive or safari
- Cultural experience
- One adventure activity
How Many Days Do You Need in Victoria Falls?
For most travellers, 3 to 4 days in Victoria Falls provides enough time to experience the main attractions without rushing.
A possible 3-day itinerary could look like this:
Day 1 – Victoria Falls
- Arrive in Victoria Falls
- Check into your accommodation
- Visit Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a sunset cruise
Day 2 – Adventure and Wildlife
- Morning game drive or adventure activity
- Afternoon at leisure
- Boma Dinner and Drum Show
Day 3 – Chobe or Adventure Day
Choose between:
- Chobe National Park day trip
- Helicopter flight
- White-water rafting
- Canopy tour
- Other adventure activities
If you have five or more days, consider adding Hwange National Park or spending additional time exploring the surrounding area.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.
If your priority is seeing the Falls at their most powerful, the high-water period can provide an incredible spectacle with large volumes of spray.
If you want clearer views and easier access to certain adventure activities, other times of the year may be more suitable.
This is particularly important for activities such as Devil’s Pool and white-water rafting, which are affected by river conditions.
There is therefore no single “best” month for everyone. The ideal time depends on whether your priority is the Falls, wildlife, adventure or photography.
Is Victoria Falls Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — but the answer depends on what you want from your African holiday.
If you are interested in nature, adventure, wildlife and culture, Victoria Falls offers an unusually wide range of experiences in one destination.
You can stand beside one of the world’s most famous waterfalls in the morning, go on a safari in the afternoon and enjoy a sunset cruise in the evening.
You can also easily extend your trip to Botswana, Zambia or Hwange National Park.
That combination is what makes Victoria Falls such a strong destination for a multi-country Southern African holiday.
Book Your Victoria Falls Activities
With so many things to do in Victoria Falls, planning your itinerary can sometimes feel overwhelming.
At African Fairytale Tours & Safaris, we help travellers organise Victoria Falls activities, transfers, safaris and multi-day packages.
Whether you want to visit Victoria Falls, take a Zambezi River sunset cruise, experience Chobe National Park, visit Hwange National Park, enjoy a helicopter flight or combine several activities into one itinerary, we can help you plan your trip.
Contact African Fairytale Tours & Safaris to start planning your Victoria Falls adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Victoria Falls
What are the best things to do in Victoria Falls?
The best things to do in Victoria Falls include visiting the Falls, taking a guided tour, enjoying a Zambezi River sunset cruise, going on safari, taking a helicopter flight, experiencing local culture and trying adventure activities such as rafting and bungee jumping.
How many days do you need in Victoria Falls?
Three to four days is a good amount of time for most first-time visitors. This allows you to see Victoria Falls and enjoy several activities without rushing.
Is Victoria Falls worth visiting?
Yes. Victoria Falls combines a spectacular natural attraction with wildlife, adventure activities, river experiences and cultural experiences.
Can you visit Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia?
Yes. Victoria Falls is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Travellers can potentially visit both sides, subject to border and visa requirements.
Can you visit Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls?
Yes. Chobe National Park in Botswana is close enough to Victoria Falls to make a day trip possible. Many day trips combine a game drive, lunch and a Zambezi River boat cruise.
What should I do in Victoria Falls if I only have one day?
If you only have one day, prioritise a guided Victoria Falls tour and then choose one additional experience such as a sunset cruise, game drive or helicopter flight.
Final Thoughts
There are far more things to do in Victoria Falls than simply visiting the waterfall.
From the thunderous Victoria Falls and peaceful Zambezi sunset cruises to Chobe safaris, helicopter flights, cultural experiences and adrenaline-filled adventures, Victoria Falls offers something for almost every type of traveller.
The key is to plan your itinerary around the experiences that interest you most and allow enough time to enjoy them without rushing.
Ready to explore Victoria Falls? Start planning your trip with African Fairytale Tours & Safaris.