9 of the Best Things to Do at Victoria Falls, Zambia

When it comes to the best things to do at Victoria Falls, Zambia there are so many!

Victoria Falls is hands-down one of the most mind-blowing natural wonders out there, and guess what?

Livingstone, on the Zambian side of the falls, is the perfect base from which to explore and soak in this epic spectacle. From here, there are boundless activities available, offering lots of different ways to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of this majestic spectacle.

Read on to get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

About Victoria Falls

This breathtaking waterfall is a natural cascade of almost unbelievable scale!

An immense curtain of falling water approximately 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) wide and 355 feet (108 meters) tall, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the world!

The Falls are formed as the Zambezi River crashes over a wide basalt cliff, transforming the current from a peaceful flow to a ferocious torrent. When the Zambezi River is at its highest, 10 million litres of water rush over the edge of the cliff each second, falling an epic 355 feet into the roaring chasm below.

Though David Livingstone named the Falls after Queen Victoria, this amazing spectacle was originally called ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ - ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ - by the local Kololo tribe. This was due to the immense curtain of spray sent into the air by the tumbling force of the falls and the thundering noise caused by the rushing cascade!

Natural Border of Two Countries 

The majestic Zambezi River creates a natural boundary between Zambia (to the north) and Zimbabwe (to the south). As such, you can witness the grandeur of Victoria Falls from either country.

The town of Livingstone, serves as the entry point to the Falls on the Zambian side, while access can also be obtained from the confusingly named town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Livingstone at Victoria Falls, Zambia

The town of Livingstone, named after the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone, is located just a few kilometres from the Victoria Falls waterfall. 

It was once the capital of Zambia but has now become a quieter town, most known and visited as a gateway to Victoria Falls, Zambia. 

Its proximity to the Zambezi River, and the spectacular Victoria Falls, has transformed Livingstone into a base for global travellers who wish to explore this nearby Wonder of the World, along with the beautiful surrounding areas and wildlife of Zambia.

Things to Do in Livingstone, Victoria Falls 

By basing yourself in Livingstone, you’ll get to enjoy many fantastic things to do at Victoria Falls.

From white-water rafting and swimming in Devil's Pool to bungee jumping, ziplining, helicopter tours, microlight flights, and sunset boat cruises, there are so many exciting adventures to enjoy here!

So whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply someone looking to soak in one of nature's top wonders, here are 9 of the best things to do in Livingstone, Victoria Falls. 

#1 Take a Guided Tour of Victoria Falls

One to go right at the top of your activity list is taking a guided tour of Victoria Falls.

Under the expert care of a local guide, you can witness the Falls’ awe-inspiring beauty from various viewpoints, walk along the local trails and marvel at the sheer power of the cascading water from all sorts of close-up angles.

And if you’re visiting around the full moon, why not enquire about a lunar visit to the Falls - this is a nocturnal experience you won’t want to miss!

#2 Swim in Devil’s Pool, Zambia

For the adventurous at heart, a dip in Devil's Pool is a must-do at Victoria Falls.

During the dry season, when water levels are low, you can swim in this natural infinity pool at the very edge of the waterfall, offering a thrilling and unique perspective as the water cascades just meters away!

Experienced guides bring you across the rocks and into the pool on the Zambia side of the river, from where you can then swim right up to the edge, peering over to see the cascading sheet of water falling several hundred feet to the Zambezi below.

If your stomach is fluttering at the thought of doing this, it's for good reason! This is definitely not your everyday travel activity!

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is accessible only from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.

#3 Venture to Livingstone Island, Zambia

Livingstone Island, situated on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, is perched right at the edge of the waterfall itself.

Like Devil’s Pool, it’s only accessible during the dry season (typically from around mid-August to mid-January), when the water levels are low enough to allow safe visits.

During this time, Livingstone Island can be accessed by boat from the mainland and a guided trip to this remarkable (and seemingly gravity-defying!) place is often paired with a swim in Devil’s Pool (though swimming is 100% optional if you’re not feeling brave enough for it!)

Knowledgeable guides lead visitors around the island, giving fascinating accounts of the history, geology, and ecology of the area. 

Enjoy hearing the amazing stories and legends associated with Victoria Falls, and then enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views or a gourmet meal that’s been specially prepared for you. 

#4 Bungee Jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge

For the raging adrenaline junkies out there, jumping headfirst into a rainbow care of one of the world’s biggest bungee jumps, from the iconic Victoria Fall Bridge, is probably hard to beat!

And what a view on the way down!

Other options for thrill seekers include the Bridge Swing, which also launches from the same iconic bridge, and the Victoria Falls Zipline, which takes you gliding across the incredibly beautiful Batoka Gorge. 

#5 Go White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

For those who prefer water-based thrills to dizzy heights, Livingstone at Victoria Falls is also renowned for its exhilarating white-water rafting experiences.

Downstream of the Falls, on the Zambezi River, is a long stretch of deep, zigzagging channels gouged out of the surrounding rocks.

As the incredible volume of water rushes through these winding channels, it creates a series of incredible rapids - perfect conditions for an exhilarating day of world-class white-water rafting!

The great thing about rafting at Victoria Falls is that you can choose your level of intensity, as your guide will ask if you want to ‘flip’ or not, and then choose a path down the river accordingly.

And even though some stretches of the high-octane route are classed a Grade 5 (expect lots of flips!), there are also several stretches of peaceful, calm water where you can swim and let your adrenaline levels settle for a while!

#6 Zambezi River Canoeing & Kayaking Trips

Another way to explore the beautiful Zambezi River, at a rather more leisurely pace, is by canoe or kayak.

Taking a guided trip through some of the calmer stretches and more gentle rapids upstream of the Falls, will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings at a graceful, gliding pace.

No doubt that this is one of the best things to do in Livingstone, Victoria Falls, especially for those who wish to see this incredible waterfall from the river.

#7 Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

Another way to enjoy the stunning views from the water (and one that we thoroughly recommend you do!) is to take a peaceful sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.

Enjoy some sundowners while spotting the local wildlife living along the riverbanks and witness a glorious African sunset as you glide along.

We can’t think of many things better!

#8 Microlight or Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls

One of the most extraordinary ways to fully grasp the sheer magnitude and grandeur of Victoria Falls is by taking to the sky.

From the vantage point of a microlight or helicopter flight, you can really behold this epic natural wonder and its awe-inspiring surroundings all at once!

Soar high above the Falls and be treated to an unmatched bird's-eye view, which reveals the true scale and breathtaking beauty of the landscape below.

As you travel through the air, keep a keen eye out for any wildlife sightings from this unique perspective and get ready to take your photography game to the next level!

After all, a flight over Victoria Falls will give you a key chance to snap some jaw-dropping photographs that truly capture the sheer scale and magnificence of this place.

Prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable adventure; surely one of the best things to do at Victoria Falls. 

#9 Walking Safaris & Game Drives

Though exploring Victoria Falls and the surrounding river is at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Livingstone in Zambia, there are also some incredible land-based explorations to be had too!

The remarkable Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park sits just outside Livingstone and surrounds the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, boasting a remarkable array of wildlife and captivating landscapes.

Here you can take an immersive walking safari or an enthralling game drive, with the chance to encounter an impressive number of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and elephant, which all graze this land. However, the park’s most famous residents have to be the highly endangered white rhinoceros.

On a walking safari through the park, you’ll have a rare and intimate opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and the chance to witness them up close is an experience likely to leave you in awe of the conservation efforts dedicated to preservation.

If you’re eager to see the incredible wonder that is Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe, our team of African Travel Experts can give you loads of valuable advice to help you get the most out of your trip.

Contact our knowledgeable team today for help planning this trip of a lifetime…