Visiting Victoria Falls? Here’s 10 Things To Do

You’ve probably seen those jaw-dropping photos of Victoria Falls, but standing at the edge of “The Smoke That Thunders” is something else entirely. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or ready to splurge, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers experiences that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left. From heart-pounding adventures to peaceful wildlife encounters, there’s more to this natural wonder than most visitors realize—and some of the best activities won’t break the bank.

Walk the Rainforest Trails on the Zimbabwean Side

When you’re exploring Victoria Falls, the rainforest trails on the Zimbabwean side offer the most extensive views of this natural wonder. You’ll walk a well-paved path through spray-fed rainforest with over 15 viewpoints, each showcasing different sections of the falls.

The $50 entry fee includes access to spectacular vantage points like Viewpoint 8-9 for Main Falls and Viewpoint 14 at Rainbow Falls, the deepest section at 108 meters. During high water season, expect monsoon-like conditions – tours typically provide raincoats.

Visit between June-August for ideal conditions with better visibility and lower spray levels. The 2-2.5 hour guided walks include park fees and transfers, making them excellent value. You can also spot the historic Victoria Falls Bridge from the rainforest trail, which stands 128 meters above the Zambezi River.

Book morning tours for dramatic spray plumes, though you’ll get soaked regardless of timing.

Take the Flight of Angels Helicopter Ride

While viewing Victoria Falls from ground level is spectacular, nothing compares to the Flight of Angels helicopter ride for experiencing the full scale of this natural wonder. Named after David Livingstone’s description of angels viewing the Falls, these 12-15 minute flights offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the 1,700-meter curtain of thundering water.

You’ll fly over Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge, and the Zambezi River in reliable Bell helicopters with bubble windows for unobstructed photography. The helicopters are maintained to high industry standards and certified by Bell Textron through accredited centers. Standard flights cost around $195, while longer 20-25 minute options ($277-$345) include wildlife viewing over Zambezi National Park where you might spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Daily flights include hotel transfers, and children under three fly free on your lap. Bring cash for park fees and your camera for this UNESCO World Heritage Site experience.

Bungee Jump From Victoria Falls Bridge

On the lookout for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Victoria Falls? You’ll want to bungee jump from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.

At 111 meters high, it’s one of the world’s tallest commercial bungee jumps, offering four seconds of pure free-fall over the spectacular Batoka Gorge.

The jump operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM year-round, with a lunch break between 1-2 PM.

You’ll need your passport since the bridge spans Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Weight limits range from 40-140 kg, and you must be at least 14 years old.

Safety’s excellent – over 300,000 jumps completed with a near-perfect record.

Budget around $160 for solo jumps or $280-320 for tandem.

The 20-minute walk from town’s manageable, though transfers are available for a small fee.

After your jump, you’ll be retrieved by staff via rope descent or occasionally from a boat positioned below in the gorge.

Swim in Devil’s Pool at Livingstone Island

For the ultimate natural pool experience, you’ll want to swim in Devil’s Pool at Livingstone Island – a heart-stopping infinity pool perched right at the edge of Victoria Falls. This bucket-list adventure is only available mid-August through December when water levels drop enough for safe swimming.

You’ll need to book through Tongabezi Lodge or Green Safaris, as independent access isn’t allowed. Tours cost around $165-200 and include boat transport, certified guides, and gourmet meals on the island.

You must be a confident swimmer since you’ll cross shoulder-deep currents for 5-10 minutes to reach the pool.

The rock lip naturally protects swimmers from going over the edge, but you’ll still feel the adrenaline rush. Victoria Falls is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, making this swimming experience truly extraordinary. Book early – only five tours run daily during peak season.

White-Water Raft the Zambezi Rapids

Full-day trips (7:30 AM to 3 PM) cover rapids 1-19 with all gear, expert guides, and meals included.

Multi-day expeditions (2-6 days) let you camp on pristine river beaches under star-filled skies.

Professional guides with swift-water rescue training navigate the technical challenges safely. All guides are insured up to $2 million USD and follow industry best practices for your protection.

Expect a workout—you’ll climb out of the gorge equivalent to ascending a 70-story building.

Water levels change seasonally, affecting rapid difficulty and starting points, making each trip unique.

Cross Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambian Side

After experiencing the Zambezi’s rushing rapids, you’ll want to head to the Zambian side for one of Victoria Falls’ best-kept secrets—the narrow Knife Edge Bridge. This 40-meter pedestrian crossing, built in 1968, connects mainland to a rocky headland offering spectacular views of the Eastern Cataract and Main Falls.

You’ll find the bridge near the Zambian border post, about 11 kilometers from Livingstone via Mosi-oa-Tunya Road. It’s easily accessible whether you’re staying in Zambia or crossing from Zimbabwe.

The bridge provides unmatched horizontal views of the Boiling Pot and Batoka Gorge, especially impressive during rainy season when water flow peaks. Nearby, the historic Victoria Falls Bridge stands as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, recognized for its remarkable engineering achievement since 1905.

At just 1.3 meters wide, you’ll need to watch your footing, but the panoramic vistas and photo opportunities make it worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers seeking unique perspectives.

Go on a Sunset Cruise to Spot Hippos and Crocs

While you’re exploring Victoria Falls’ dramatic viewpoints on foot, don’t miss the chance to see the region’s incredible wildlife from the water itself. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River offer guaranteed hippo sightings and frequent crocodile encounters during golden hour.

These 2-hour trips run from 4-6 PM on a 6km stretch above the Falls, where you’ll spot elephants drinking at the riverbank and abundant birdlife like African fish eagles. For a more exclusive experience, jet boats can navigate shallow waters and get within 600 meters of Victoria Falls itself.

Standard cruises are budget-friendly and include drinks and snacks, with luxury options ranging $60-150 per person. Most operators provide hotel pickup from Victoria Falls town.

Pack a light jacket for chilly evenings, plus camera, binoculars, and insect repellent. Expect an additional $10 park fee not included in cruise prices.

Experience a Game Drive in Hwange National Park

Just two hours from Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park delivers Zimbabwe’s premier Big Five safari experience across 14,600 square kilometers of unfenced wilderness.

You’ll spot massive elephant herds numbering in the hundreds, plus lions, leopards, buffalo, and if you’re lucky, rare black rhinos. The park’s also home to endangered African painted dogs and incredible birdlife. During your visit, you can explore the Painted Dogs Conservation center, which focuses on protecting these species native to Africa and exclusive to Zimbabwe.

Game drives last 2.5-3 hours in open 4×4 vehicles with expert guides who’ll share wildlife knowledge and conservation insights. Start early morning or late afternoon for best animal sightings—they congregate at waterholes during dry periods.

Full-day safaris include multiple drives and lunch at Hwange Safari Lodge, while half-day options focus on key wildlife zones. Expect around US$15 park entrance fees plus tour costs.

Ride the Historic Bamba Tram Through Zambezi National Park

Step aboard the vintage Bamba Tram for a unique 1.5-hour safari experience that combines wildlife viewing with spectacular Falls scenery at just $50 per adult.

You’ll journey through Zambezi National Park’s open-sided tram, spotting elephants, buffalo, and waterbuck along the Masuwe River.

The route takes you to Victoria Falls Bridge, where you can disembark for photos and witness the Falls’ spray from the historic bridge. During the bridge stop, you’ll enjoy Amarula coffee and biscotti while taking in the panoramic views.

Choose between 6:00 AM sunrise tours or 8:30 AM departures.

Kids aged 4-11 pay half price, while children under 3 ride free.

The tram departs near Victoria Falls Railway Station with hotel transfers available.

You’ll enjoy guided commentary about the railway’s colonial history and access to the Victoria Falls Bridge Museum during stops.

Visit the Elephant Sanctuary at Wild Horizons

After exploring Victoria Falls from the historic railway bridge, you can get up close with the region’s most magnificent land mammals at Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary. Located just 15 minutes from Victoria Falls, this ethical rescue center has rehabilitated orphaned African elephants since 1992.

Your experience begins with an educational presentation about elephant conservation, followed by feeding and observing these gentle giants in their natural behavior. You’ll watch them dust bathe and socialize while learning about their complex social structures from knowledgeable guides. The sanctuary’s commitment to humane handling techniques using positive reinforcement ensures ethical interactions that prioritize both visitor safety and animal welfare.

The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare, with some elephants successfully released into Hwange National Park after rehabilitation.

Transportation via safari ATV adds adventure to your visit, and the experience concludes with refreshments overlooking the scenic Masuwe River.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible adventures waiting at Victoria Falls without breaking the bank. Pack comfortable walking shoes, bring a waterproof camera, and book activities in advance for better deals. Don’t forget to compare prices between the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides – you’ll often find cheaper options. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or soaking in natural beauty, these experiences will give you memories that’ll last a lifetime. Start planning your epic Victoria Falls adventure today.