Victoria Falls in brief
The falls are on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. They are a World Heritage Site shared by both countries, inscribed in 1989, and the listing covers 6,860 hectares. The operator of the Victoria Falls airport gives the width as 1,708 m and the height as 108 m.
Each country has its own base. Victoria Falls Town is in Zimbabwe, Livingstone is in Zambia, and they are not the same town. The Victoria Falls Bridge links the two countries. This guide explains both sides, the main activities and the practical details. It is an independent site, not run by a park authority, a tourism board or a tour company. Prices are in US dollars, as listed in 2026, and they change.
Two sides, two entrances
You pay at each side separately. There is no joint ticket for both.
| Zimbabwe side | Zambia side | |
|---|---|---|
| Base town | Victoria Falls Town | Livingstone |
| Airport | Victoria Falls (VFA), 21 km south-east of the town | Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula (LVI) at Livingstone |
| Falls entry, international adult | $58 (2026) | $20 (listed in 2026) |
| Hours | 06:00–18:00 daily, as listed | 06:00–18:00 daily, as listed |
| Moonlight visit | $116, on set nights | $30 Lunar tour, on set nights |
| Walks | The rainforest path with several viewpoints | Paths to the falls, including the Knife-Edge Bridge |
Details are on the pages for the Zimbabwe side and the Zambia side.
Our picks: flights over the falls
Two helicopter flights from Victoria Falls and Livingstone, and a day tour that includes a flight.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Falls day tour with helicopter flight and lunch
Hotel transfer, local guide, a 13 to 15 minute helicopter flight, a guided walk at the falls and a one-course lunch. The Victoria Falls tax ($58) and helicopter tax ($37) per person are extra, as are drinks and tips.
Check availability →
Helicopter flight over the falls from Livingstone
The flight and the transfer from your accommodation in Livingstone are included. A $6 aviation fee per person and a fuel surcharge are extra: $9 for 15 minutes, $16.55 for 30 minutes.
Check availability →
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls with hotel pickup
Hotel transfer in Victoria Falls and headsets are included. Park fees and a fuel surcharge are paid at check-in: $37 for 12 minutes, $50 for 25 minutes.
Check availability →Victoria Falls tours and day trips
Helicopter flights, sunset cruises, Devil's Pool, rafting and Chobe safaris, with live prices and availability.
Plan your trip
Start with the list of things to do, then pick the pages you need.
Things to do in Victoria Falls
Fifteen experiences, from the rainforest path to a Chobe day trip.
Victoria Falls tours compared
Guided visits, flights, cruises and safaris, with what each one includes.
Flight of Angels
Helicopter and microlight flights, with base prices and fees listed separately.
The Zimbabwe side
The rainforest path, entry fees and viewpoints.
The Zambia side
Paths to the falls, the Knife-Edge Bridge and the park.
Livingstone
The Zambian town, its museum and the airport.
Devil's Pool
Livingstone Island tours, the season and the safety rules.
Zambezi rafting
Low and high water seasons, prices and fitness.
Sunset cruise
Boats on the upper Zambezi, prices and wildlife.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Bungee, swing, slide and the history tour.
Chobe day trip
A day in Botswana with a boat trip and a game drive.
Best time to visit
Water levels by month, weather and moonlight visits.
Travel tips
KAZA Univisa, money, health and safety.
Where to stay
Victoria Falls Town, the Zambian hotel zone or the river.
Good to know
Where older guides and old habits are out of date.
The rainforest costs $58, not $50
Older guides quote $50. A report from March 2026 gives $58 for international adults and $116 for the moonlight visit. Regional and local rates are lower.
Zimbabwe side →No joint ticket
The two sides have separate entrances. Crossing the border costs time and paperwork on top of the entry fee, so most visitors choose one side per day.
The bridge →The KAZA Univisa is not a visa for every KAZA country
It costs $50, allows up to 30 days within 12 months and covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus day trips to Botswana via Kazungula. Nationalities are listed by the Zambian immigration authority.
Travel tips →Devil's Pool has a season
The operator says it usually runs from late August to late December and depends on the water level. It does not stay open until January.
Devil's Pool →Flight prices have two parts
The short helicopter flight is listed at $173 plus $37 in government fees and fuel surcharge, so $210 in total. The surcharge is not the KAZA Univisa.
Flight of Angels →Visas differ by side
The Zambian embassy lists German, Austrian and Swiss citizens as visa-free. The German Foreign Office says Germans need a visa for Zimbabwe, listed at $30 for 30 days in October 2026. Check the rules with the embassy before you travel.
Entry rules →When the falls look their best
The water level changes through the year. As a rule of thumb, the flow is highest around March and April and lowest from October to early December. High water means more spray, and the view can be limited. Low water is the main season for Devil's Pool and for rafting, from late August to December. On 14 October 2026 the Zambezi River Authority measured 328 m³/s at its Nana's Farm station, compared with 247 m³/s on the same day a year earlier.
The page on the best time to visit shows the water by month, the climate in Livingstone and the nights for the moonlight rainbow.
Victoria Falls: frequently asked questions
Which side of Victoria Falls is better?
Neither is better in every case. The Zimbabwe side has the rainforest path with a series of viewpoints. The Zambia side has paths to viewpoints of the falls, including the Knife-Edge Bridge. Many visitors see both on different days. Read the pages on the Zimbabwe side and the Zambia side.
Can I visit both sides in one day?
It is possible, but each side has its own entrance and its own fee, and the border crossing takes time. Bring your passport and do not rely on a fixed border opening time, because published hours differ. Most people plan one side per day.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your passport. Germans, Austrians and Swiss citizens are on the Zambian embassy's visa-free list (2025). For Zimbabwe, the German Foreign Office lists a visa at $30 for 30 days. The KAZA Univisa costs $50 and covers both countries. Check the current rules with the embassy before you go.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you want. The flow is high in the first half of the year and low from October. Devil's Pool is usually open from late August to late December. See the best time page for a month by month table.
Is there a malaria risk?
The German Foreign Office lists a high malaria risk around Victoria Falls and the Zambezi valley all year. Mosquito protection is important, and a doctor can advise you on prophylaxis before you travel.
Is visit-victoriafalls.com an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to Zimbabwe Parks, the Zambian national parks authority, the tourism authorities of either country or any tour operator.