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Victoria Falls Tour - Zambia

Learn about the Victoria Falls and everything that surrounds this great world wonder in a guided tour of the falls on the Zambian side

Zambia tour of the Victoria Falls

Knife Edge. Victoria Falls Tour - Zambia

The Victoria Falls are the largest waterfall in the world, and are shared between two countries Zimbabwe and Zambia and the views are quite different from both sides. On the Zambian side of the falls, the tour is shorter as only 25% of the Falls are viewable from Zambia, but it is still very much worth the visit as the perspectives and the overall experience are quite different to Zimbabwe.

A view of the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side of the border

A view of the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side

Unlike on the Zimbabwe side, the entrance to the Falls in Zambia is actually 11kms from Livingstone town. So there's no walking to get to the rainforest unless you are staying at Avani or the Royal Livingstone Hotel. From and to anywhere else requires a transfer, or booking a guided tour which includes your return transfer. Read more about the Victoria Falls Entrance.

Guided tours are available 7 days a week and last about 1.5 to 2 hours. The times of the tours are not set so you can request a suitable time when you make your booking. Morning tours will generally give you better rainbows but sunsets from the Zambian side are also spectacular.

On a guided Victoria Falls tour, you will learn how this magnificent world wonder was formed. You will also learn about the people who lived here over a century ago, and those that came to discover its existence and shared it with the world.

Map of the viewpoints in the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Zambia

Various viewpoints of the Victoria Falls in the Zambia section

The entrance into the park is through the gate, where you will need to pay a fee to enter the Falls - US$20 (half price for children 6 to 16 years old). This goes for all non-Zambians, whether you are an overseas visitor or SADC resident. Zambians are required to provide proof of citizenship for a local price.

Once you have entered the rainforest, you will find a selection of clearly marked pathways taking you to different sections of the Victoria Falls, including viewpoints of the Victoria Falls Bridge behind and Zambezi River below. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife Edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. From this bridge, you can see the full view of the Eastern Cataract, except during the peak flow months when the spray obliterates the view completely.

Knife Edge bridge on the Zambia side of the Victoria Falls

Knife Edge bridge

The Boiling Pot trail takes you on a steep descent into the Boiling Pot, and another path takes you upstream close to the edge of the Falls, looking onto the Zambezi River before it plummets over the edge and into the gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree.

The Boiling Pot below the Victoria Falls - Zambezi River

View of the Boiling Pot and the Victoria Falls Bridge (photo: Rick McCharles on Flickr)

Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences and views of the falls. During the high water months of January to July the spray from the falls is tremendous and a complete drenching is guaranteed. The absolute peak flood season is around March, April and May when the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory.

Because the gorge is narrow and the paths are so close to the Falls, the incredible volumes of spray can obliterate the view. Along the Knife Edge bridge and beyond, water can run down the walkway, so you need to be careful walking across this section. It is advisable during these months to combine a Victoria Falls tour with either in a helicopter ride or a microlight flight.

Knife's Edge Bridge - Victoria Falls, Zambia

Knife's Edge Bridge in thick spray

At it's lowest, around late September, October, November and December the falls in Zambia become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places no water falls at all, this is when a dry rock face appears. During this time, it is best to view the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side which still has a decent flow of water even in the dry season. See more about the tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls during the dry season

The Victoria Falls during the dry season

Lunar Victoria Falls Tours

Victoria Falls is one of the few places on this planet that one can witness a lunar rainbow. And the best views of a lunar rainbow are actually on the Zambia side, along the Eastern Cataract. Of-course, this depends on what time of the year it is. The best time of the year is when the Victoria Falls are not at their lowest, because there isn't much going on - there's hardly any water on the Zambia side. At this time, the park will actually be closed for lunar tours. June, July and August are the optimal times. Find our more on Victoria Falls Lunar Rainbows and tours.

Lunar rainbow on the Zambia side of the Victoria Falls

Lunar tour of Victoria Falls - Zambia

What You Will Need to Bring

• Camera with water-proof cover
• National park fees unless you are staying at Avani or the Royal Livingstone Hotel
• You may bring your own raincoat, but you can also hire one on site
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable non-slip shoes
• Warm clothing in winter

Children

• Children 3 to 11 years of age pay 50% of the adult rate for a guided Victoria Falls Tour, and 50% of the National Parks fees. Children below the age of 3 get into the park free of charge.
• For park entrance fees, all children between 6 and 16 years old pay 50% of the adult fee, and children under 6 enter free of charge.



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Brilliant service and so helpful
by Sally (Blisworth, U.K.)
I stumbled across Victoria Fall Guide by accident, but I am so glad I did. Tony and Boo were so helpful, advising us on the best activities for us as I have mobility issues, and arranging our itinerary and booking everything. I had no worries about using them, or sending a very large payment to someone I didn’t know. Everything they booked for us was so well organised, pick ups on time, knowledgeable and friendly guides, clean transport. We did the walking tour of the falls, the sunset dinner cruise, full day at Chobe, the team, lion encounter and the helicopter and every single one was faultless. We were also due to do the lunar rainbow but unfortunately it was cancelled, however boo arranged the refund immediately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone. We are so grateful to them for making our special holiday even more so.

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