South of the Zambezi River, the Zimbabwean side boasts 75% of the total waterfall, offering spectacular views from a network of 16 different viewpoints. The year-round flow and iconic vistas such as Rainbow Falls, alongside well laid out rainforest paths allow for some incredible photo opportunities.

Best Time to Visit?

High-water is between February and July and provides enormous walls of spray alongside the thundering sound for which its name is derived. At its highest volume in April, the mist can be quite obscuring for photographs, and you can get very wet. However, this is also one of the only times you can witness the phenomenon of a lunar rainbow (moonbow).

Low-water occurs between August and January and makes for the clearest photo opportunities, with the exposed rocky cliffs being more visible and mist far less dense. This period is also the best for the adventurous amongst you, with activities such as white-water rafting on the Zambezi River operating.

Where to Stay?

Located within a 10 minute walk of the popular Victoria Falls Town, this side of the falls is perfect for accessing a plethora of restaurants, shops and hotels. A great base for reaching both the falls and the town is the Ilala Lodge, styled with traditional African motifs and surrounded by manicured gardens, you get both tranquillity and convenience. Alternatively, for those after a stay more on the wild side, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located on the border of the Zambezi National Park and overlooks a thriving waterhole.

The Zambian side of the falls offers spectacular riverside views and easy access to the diverse wildlife of Mosi-oi-Tunya National Park. Whilst it may have fewer viewpoints, you will be rewarded with wonderful vistas of the length of the falls and the landmark site of Victoria Falls Bridge.

Best Time to Visit?

High-water is between February and July and like the Zimbabwean side, the sheer volume of water and mist can make for obscured viewing of the falls, especially from viewpoints such as The Knife-Edge Bridge. Due to the lower trails and proximity to the falls, you can get extremely wet. This period is however one of the best times for a helicopter flight over the falls, as a bird’s eye view will give you the full scale of this natural wonder.

Low-water occurs between August and January which for the Zambian side provides ideal conditions for visitors wanting the iconic water’s edge picture at the Devil’s Pool. However, from October to November, the water can completely dry up on this side.

Where to Stay?

Located by the Mosi-oi-Tunya National Park, this side of the falls offers peaceful lodge stays tucked away on the upper riverbanks of the Zambezi River. Epitomising luxury, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is nestled on the river’s edge and offers direct, easy access to the falls via a private entryway. On the other hand, Avani Victoria Falls Resort is designed in a more traditional style but is the closest property to the falls main entrance. Either way, due to the shared unfenced grounds with the national park, you can expect to see wildlife such as zebra wondering through both properties.